I apologize to the commenter or two who appear anxious to dance on my grave, but the rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated, to misquote Mark Twain again.
First of all, I want to say thank you to those of you who have been praying for me and for my family. I even had a phone call from a reader asking about my health, and I truly appreciate that. I also want to thank those who have warned me of some of the spammers that have been attracted to this site. I appreciate the heads-up about various inappropriate comments, and apologize for not having a quicker response to get rid of the filth.
I have taken steps to delete not only the filth I’ve found, but the persistently racist and off-topic posts that we all know have been a problem for quite some time. No hard feelings to those who have crossed the line I want to hold here, but please don’t abuse the relatively open platform I’ve provided. This blog is for one thing—to discuss the Stanton sect and the biblical, theological, and relationship issues surrounding its teachings and practices.
While I do believe strongly in free speech, this is not a free speech platform (like Parler or other such platforms). As Paul said, all things are lawful, but not all things are expedient. Similarly, not all speech, just because it may be legal and you believe it strongly, is appropriate in this forum. I certainly believe that I have the right, as the author and editor of this blog, to have the final say in what I believe is appropriate. I’ve even helped a commenter I frequently disagree with on this site to set up a platform of his own. That’s how strongly I believe in free speech.
I think I’ve provided wide latitude for the exchange of ideas, and maybe sometimes, arguably, too wide. If there are still instances of filth, racism, or other grossly off-topic comments you are concerned about, please shoot me a link in an email. I’m sure there are plenty of inappropriate comments that I’ve simply missed in the comment stream, and in no way condone. I will attempt to do more to moderate comments so that the blog doesn’t lose its effectiveness in speaking truth in love. Please forgive me when I fall short of that goal. Meanwhile, some comment functionality has been turned off or slowed down so I can get a handle on things in the limited time I have to devote to this project.
Lastly, I will be sharing a very personal story at some point, but I’m going to ask that you allow me to (prayerfully) choose the timing and the words to do that. I can’t do so yet without hurting some people I dearly love, and I do my best to make “is this loving?” the operative question in my life. But I do know that there will be a time to speak less cryptically about this in God’s time, when it’s for His glory. In the meantime, sit tight, be patient, and trust that God is good…all the time. Both in the storm, and after it passes. I’m not going anywhere, and neither should you.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. … What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:29-31.
Amen. I’m glad you are back and doing well. What you have created here on this site has helped enlightened many members to the murky truth of the groups origin, structure and methods.
Most members I believe have pure intentions, yet the leadership is bent on trying to change that. Don’t let them do this to you beloved.
Lastly, I agree with this sentiment regarding our opposition to the leadership, let’s speak truth in LOVE.
BE WELL.
Thank you. Happy to be back.
We can disagree with them or each other and still love like Jesus loved. Did Jesus agree with those he showed love to? No. He wasn’t afraid to reprove wrongdoing, but he also had the advantage of knowing the hearts of his opponents. We don’t have that luxury. So we must assume good motives, and continue to speak the truth in love.
Hi Kevin, I’m glad you are well and back posting! This website is very helpful and enlightening and I can’t thank you and God enough and I support you 100%! When I was in the group I wasn’t empowered to think for myself. It was always about what “Leadership said to do” Speaking the truth in love : for anyone reading this, would you be willing to just consider this : Be empowered to use your own mind and intuition it will truly set you free. Being empowered isn’t “satan” it’s the light inside you God gave. Don’t let “Leaderships”… Read more »
Thank you, Ms. Anonymous.
I’ve always liked this Thomas Jefferson quote:
“Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a god; because, if there be one, he must more approve the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear … I repeat that you must lay aside all prejudice on both sides, and neither believe nor reject any thing because any other person, or description of persons have rejected or believed it.”
I’m glad to see you’re back, focusing on TRUTH IN LOVE. I hope whatever challenges you were experiencing have been resolved. I look forward to seeing more focused comments…some were definitely causing a disservice to your blog and its purpose. Glad to hear from you, my friend.
Thanks, Martha. Yes, the storm has passed and God is still good. There will be a time to share it all, but that can wait for now. In the meantime, it’s good to reconnect with this project, which I consider more of a ministry. Blessings to all!