And so, does honesty actually sell? What would happen if the church offered honest advertisements?
(Mat 10:34-39) “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn “‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law– 36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’
37 “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
Na – a – ah … Not a chance … We need to sell relationships and free use of the gym instead. Now that will change the world!!
Jay,
This brings back memories. In 1984-85 my parents were house-parents and my father was the farm & ranch manager for Child Haven Children's Home there in Cullman, Al. Honesty was there policy in that neck of the woods. Even in the eighties they still had a sign at the city limits that told certain individuals not to let the "sun go down on [them – substituted for the more colorful language actually used] in Cullman, Alabama."
The sarcasm was caught and appreciated.
In love,
Steve Vlaentine
i love the ambient hawk-screeching at the end. Nice touch.
We do tend to disguise ourselves as a country-club competitor and hope people will still stick around if and when any mention of the "tough" parts of Christianity come up.
–Guy
Steve,
I was on the board at Childhaven back about that time. If you're every over this way (Tuscaloosa), I can tell you some stories …
Jay,
You will be the first one I look up, it would be a great privilege to meet you. I've got a few Alabama stories I could share as well.
Until then take care and may God give you the health and strength to continue the good work that is done here.
In love,
Steve Valentine
This is Rocco Pierce,
I am trying to get a line on Steve and Jan Valentine. I worked with them at Medina TX and Culman Alabama as fellow houseparents. I have lost track of them after leaving Childhaven and would love to reconnect.
My e-mail address is [email protected]