What do I owe YOU?!

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

Aunty Barb, what a timely and thought-provoking post.

Since I first read these words yesterday, I have been pondering how best to respond.

I am deeply concerned about the feelings of faceless people I may never meet. Many of them expect a certain level of posting, and I hate to disappoint them. If I shirk my duties, who will provide comic relief when the dingbat quotient gets too high to be healthy?

If my posting is misunderstood, I just tell myself that it always has been easier to get misunderstanding than Miss America.

When my posting upsets the masses, I remind myself that the masses elected Bill Clinton too.

I don't really consider posting on a message board a game, but it is a diversion. Good things happen sometimes, but it is not a ministry.

I don't make an effort to be offensive, but neither do I think I am responsible for the hand-wringing of ninnies whose feelings are always on their sleeves, whether short or long.

What do I owe?

I owe it to me and others to be myself, within the boundaries of the rules here.

And if my foot slips across the line and I get an infraction or a ban, I owe it to myself and others to take it like an adult and not whine.

Thank you for this, Elder...there is so much here I could respond to, but will just say that though you may not consider this a ministry, you do minister...at least you have to me. If that is what you meant by "good things happen sometimes," well, I would call it more than just a good thing, and for it I thank you.

[Coonskinner]

Barb, bless your heart, if we all posted like you, the collective glucose level of the forum would skyrocket.

However, it might get a little dull without the occasional donnybrook to liven it up.

We love you to death, and we need you and your influence.

But a careful balance of dingbats must also be maintained if there is to be much real excitement on any discussion board.

[Coonskinner]

Originally Posted by Barb

Thank you for this, Elder...there is so much here I could respond to, but will just say that though you may not consider this a ministry, you do minister...at least you have to me. If that is what you meant by "good things happen sometimes," well, I would call it more than just a good thing, and for it I thank you.

Barb, I was mostly joshing when I wrote that...or maybe partly joshing.

Ministry on the internet is more of a happy accident than something that can be planned for and maintained in my opinion.

Your mileage may vary.

[whollyHis]

DO you need a license to be an 'Internet Minister'???? Just wondered.

[Coonskinner]

Originally Posted by whollyHis

DO you need a license to be an 'Internet Minister'???? Just wondered.

I don't think you need a license to be a minister anywhere.

One of the biggest nagging issues that troubles me about my participation on these boards is trying not to get in a situation where I am counselling saints that I am not called to oversee.

I try to address general situations only, but have probably crossed lines inadvertently at times, and that bothers me.

I try to be careful and aware, but still may have transgressed.

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

Barb, bless your heart, if we all posted like you, the collective glucose level of the forum would skyrocket.

However, it might get a little dull without the occasional donnybrook to liven it up.

We love you to death, and we need you and your influence.

But a careful balance of dingbats must also be maintained if there is to be much real excitement on any discussion board.

I agree, CS...and I know you're right about me...sometimes I even make my own self sick from too much sugar!!

I need to tell someone off today...that'll change my image!! Where's Roxie?!

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Barb

Should I be in any way concerned about the feelings of faceless people I may never meet?!

I think we owe one another the same civility and Christian courtesy we would show if we were face to face.

Should I be allowed to post any and everything I choose because I think I can?!

No way!

IS this just a game where we feel free to come and post without a worry as to the repercussions?!

I think that due to the anonymity factor, that repercussions are lacking in most cases, so it is up to individuals to hold themselves accountable for their own words and behavior--which tends to reveal true character.

If my posting is continually misunderstood, who is responsible for the misunderstanding?!

If one or two (out of hundreds of members) misunderstand, it could be them; if you are regularly misunderstood by a large majority, then it's probably your responsibility, due to poor communication skills or throwing caution to the wind-posting-style or whatever.

If my posting continually upsets the masses, who is responsible for the upset?!

You are.

I owe you words seasoned with grace, whether I agree with you or not. The Apostle wrote, As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith (Gal. 6:10). That 'do good' means to speak good as well as do good...in other words, my actions should be a reflection of my speech.

I owe you respect. Propriety and common sense should teach me to approach any topic with respect for the reader and respect for myself. My first thought should not be the expression of my opinion as much as the expression of the holiness within me AND you. I don't care if you don't belong to my clubhouse or wear my uniform...I owe you respect.

I owe you the love of Christ, even if your actions are not likable. Surely in this life not everyone will like everything I do or say, but prayerfully all who are called by the Name of the Lord will love me with the love of Christ.

I owe you honesty in posting and conversation. If I cannot tell you the truth...if everything is undergirded by an untruth or coverup, where is my holiness displayed?! My uncut hair means nothing in the light of speaking truth and living honorably!! Truth demands that I not pretend I am something my life cannot back up.

I owe you, Apostolic Friend...I intend to pay what I owe by the help of the Almighty!!

Very nicely said!!!!

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

Barb, I was mostly joshing when I wrote that...or maybe partly joshing.

Ministry on the internet is more of a happy accident than something that can be planned for and maintained in my opinion.

Your mileage may vary.

Yes, but I was serious...

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

Barb, bless your heart, if we all posted like you, the collective glucose level of the forum would skyrocket.

However, it might get a little dull without the occasional donnybrook to liven it up.

We love you to death, and we need you and your influence.

But a careful balance of dingbats must also be maintained if there is to be much real excitement on any discussion board.

Sugarcoated and civil aren't quite the same. Interesting, provocative and controversial conversations are possible without malicious words...don't you agree? I've certainly seen you, rrford, Carp and other apt conversationalists accomplish it, on a regular basis.

I agree; it doesn't need to be sugar and spice and everything nice. We need some snails and puppy dog tails thrown in for good measure.

[Barb]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

I think we owe one another the same civility and Christian courtesy we would show if we were face to face.



No way!



I think that due to the anonymity factor, that repercussions are lacking in most cases, so it is up to individuals to hold themselves accountable for their own words and behavior--which tends to reveal true character.



If one or two (out of hundreds of members) misunderstand, it could be them; if you are regularly misunderstood by a large majority, then it's probably your responsibility, due to poor communication skills or throwing caution to the wind-posting-style or whatever.



You are.



Very nicely said!!!!

Bless your heart, Miss Bratt...