I have some friends I need prayers for.<P>David and his wife.<P>David has made a big mistake. And I do mean a BIG mistake. Yesterday he was arrested for "breaking into" unlocked cars at the YMCA where he works out. He is being held in jail until he can be arraigned on charges of stealing money and credit cards from these cars. It seems they have videotape of this. They are actually looking into at least 10 such incidents. <P>His wife has taken the children and gone to her parents home in order to protect their 5- and 2-year olds. It seems that she and her parents forgot to call David's family and tell them about this so his family found out about this on the news in their home state - many miles from where the incidents took place.<P>Now, unfortunately, I work with this man. He is in a postion of much influence in our community. <P>David has fallen pray to humanity - to temptation - to the evil powers in the world and within himself. <P>It's a tragedy for the community where the incidents took place and to the greater metropolitan area around it. It's a monumental tragedy to this family which is loved by many. It's a tragedy to people David will never meet because David is a minister.<P>People forget that ministers are human too. They may have greater knowledge about Biblical, theological, and religious matters. They may know better where to find information. They may be able to read Greek and Hebrew and to understand the meanings of passages and the contextual settings of scripture, but they are probably hunted even more aggressively by Satan. <P>David is not just any minister. I am part of his church family - he is the pulpit minister at the church where I have worshipped for years. He is my friend. He is my coworker.<P>So far today I have dealt with newspapers, attorneys volunteering help, high school friends who are David's peers, leaders in our congregation, fellow members, avoided a television station, not to mention the other people who have called with questions on the situation. And I actually know nothing other than what I've seen on television. And the television stations are dragging everything up. <P>David could have had everything. He had a recording contract with a major label. He's had hit songs. He could have had everything. <P>And he may have lost it all due to greed.<P>You just never know the torment some people are living in. You never know what they are dealing with. <P>But please pray for David. And for his wife. And their children. And for my church family. David's family. Because we just can't believe it.<BR><p>[This message has been edited by cinderella (edited July 10, 2001).]

Sending prayers to you. I agree, you never know what other people are dealing with, what haunts them, disturbs them ,but like I have said before on this forum as well... we are all human, we all make mistakes, we all deserve forgiveness , we all do things that could be wrong in other's eyes. To be understanding and forgiving at least brings some peace to ourselves and those around us.<P>I'm sorry for your friend and his family. It definetly seems hard to understand, but there's a reason for everything if we look hard enough.<P>Hugs, Dana<BR>

Now, that <B>is</B> sad. People tend to get a little too much from this type of thing. My oldest son comes to mind. He would see this as yet another reason not to live in the Word. Its a shame, because its all the more reason <B>to</B> do so.<P>I will pray for you first, I think. You need some peace, and strength to get through this trial. I sense you are wanting to help him. That will take strength and grace. Prayers are on the way.<P>Next, I will pray for those who would judge him beyond his weakness. They lack compassion, and forgiveness. Pity.<P>Finally, I will pray for his wife, and family...then him. His was weak, that is true. I, too am weak. I sin as well. Despair comes to me. I get angry, and proud at times. That is when I seek out my Lord to guide me, and calm me. He never fails me, even in my darkest hours.<P>Take care, you have much healing to do. God bless you and keep you. -Mike

Your most royal highness, <P>I'm so sorry that this has not been a regal day for you. I just wanted you to know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers--at least every time I look at the Ambassador--and I continue to pray for you today. <P>I'm also sorry to hear about your friends Dave and his wife and family. This HAS to be horrible for his family, because they are the innocent victims of his poor choice. I'm not sure if it will make any difference, but maybe you can remind them that there are folks out here who understand. Whether he was a minister or not, Dave is a human and as such, he is bound to make mistakes and sin. It's just a shame that this happens to be such a widely broadcast sin! But nonetheless, he made a mistake and now has the opportunity to repent and repair. Please tell them I'll be praying for them. <P>{{{{{cinderella}}}}}<P><BR>CJ <P>------------------<BR>Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

David is out of jail. He has a hearing July 23. <P>And the phones were busy yesterday. They've been quieter today. Of all the telephone calls which were not from the media, only one person has been ugly about this. We've had people from out of town call. People from different religious groups. <P>And everyone has the same message. "We're praying for him and we're praying for your leaders and we're praying for the church family there." Some people have, literally, been in tears. One person - a young woman who uses a walker because she has cerebral palsy - came to the church because she was so upset.<P>Everyone is flesh and blood and everyone has temptations.

Prayers going...<P>...and I have to say... since I was once a church secretary... that people do forget that ministers are just human too...but also, that we, as followers of these men... tend to elevate them, and they, being human, disappoint us. It's never a good idea to elevate men.<P>Yet, we expect more from these people in spiritual authority, don't we?<P>The minister in my case was abusive. Because of him, I have trouble with ministers who are men. My current minister is a woman.<P>This makes me sooooooooooooooo sad.<P>David's poor, poor family....

Such great timing. I am not challenged in this position and have started looking for another job. All I need is my place of employment dragged across the television, radio, newspaper. Now, a national tabloid has called.<P>It's another Tylenol day.

Such great timing. I am not challenged in this position and have started looking for another job. All I need is my place of employment dragged across the television, radio, newspaper. Now, a national tabloid has called.<P>It's another Tylenol day.<P>What amazes me is that I've been through something like this before. In a government setting. Office manager was confiscating federal checks. A young woman in the office was cashing them for him and keeping part of the money. And I banked at the branch where the transactions were taking place. So I know the Secret service had a file on me years ago. What are the chances this would happen twice? <P>Pass the Tylenol and the chocolate.<BR>

Pass that big bottle of wine or big bottle of Tylenol.<P>Or the massive tray of high-quality chocolate.<P>The detectives are at the office with their search warrant. <P>And we've gotten very leary of answering the phone or the doorbell.<P>Is there a coccoon nearby?<P>Or maybe a forgotten fall-out shelter? Any place to hide?<P>Maybe the new job could materialize this afternoon?<P>This stinks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<BR>

EEEEWWWWEEEE - The whole thing, just terrible!!<P>Just know you're being heard today, Cinderella!!<P>I personally HATE this kind of stuff... it makes me so mad because of what I went through with the icky church, the abusive minister... such a whirlwind of emotion: yes, he is human, and "how dare you!" because people have enough trouble turning to God without worrying that clergymen are sinful humans... you know, that old "churches are filled with hypocrites" therory...<P>...and remember, I was a church secretary for two years... and the church burned down... and there were questions about insurance, etc... and that's part of the abusive aspect... I lied... for him... for the minister... <P>I understand all the emotion behind the words on this page.

They're asking for payroll records. Expense reports. Printing out everything on his computer. <P>Yuck. <P>Satan must be loving this.<P>But, amazingly, almost all the telephone calls have been extremely supportive. Of him, our leaders, and the congregation's attitude.<P>I'm looking forward to the weekend!!

First, your royal highness, in the midst of this madness and pain, don't forget that you are a royal princess and deserving of pampering, respect, and royal treatment. You may be very worried about your minister, his family, and the stress of this all, but remember to do what you need to do FOR YOU. The Royal Ambassador reminds me of this every day!!<P>Second, I am so sorry to hear of how this has been for you. Unfortunately, you are one of the innocent victims whose lives are affected when one human being makes a poor choice and gives in to what they know is wrong. I realize he is just a human, and that he made a mistake, but I'm sure he was not thinking of how his wife would be hounded, how his children would be teased and bullied, or how his poor secretary would be traumatized. You deserve a POUND of chocolate for your upstanding behavior in an AWFUL situation, and a dozen roses to boot!<P>{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{cinderella}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}<P><BR>CJ<P>------------------<BR>Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

Yeah, and my best friend was ugly about it when I tried to tell her about my pain. We had been on AIM and she said "it would be different if he was some black dude from east Nashville but when it's one of your own.......... I have not sympathy. Gotta go. Gotta get back to work" And she signed off. <P>I guess she's just my friend because she can kick me around.<P>Time for cry #3 for the morning and I've been at the office less than 90 minutes. Maybe it's a good thing that I didn't wear makeup this morning.

((((((((((((((((((((((cinderella))))))))))))))))))))))))<P>Just words of love and encouragement for you today. Please remember that this too shall pass and that there is a jesterly hick from out there in Kansas that's sending thoughts and prayers your way.<P>------------------<BR>Love, Bill<P>-There are none so blind as those who refuse to see!-<BR>-Stand up and do the right thing, even if your standing alone.-

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Cinderella}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}<P>I'm sorry you are having another Tylenol day. Speaking as a friend who often comforts and sits with the hurting, I bet your friend loves you and didn't mean to kick ya--maybe she just doesn't have the strength to be helpful right now. Hey, who in the heck couldn't love a princess?<P>Here's a giggle to help brighten your day:<P>THINGS YOU'D LOVE TO SAY OUT LOUD AT WORK <BR> <BR>1. I can see your point, but I still think you're full of sh_ _ <P>2. I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce. <BR> <BR>3. How about never? Is never good for you? <P>4. I see you've set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public. <BR> <BR>5. I'm really easy to get along with once you people learn to see it my way. <BR> <BR>6. I'll try being nicer if you'll try being smarter. <BR> <BR>7. I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message. <BR> <BR>8. I don't work here. I'm a consultant. <BR> <BR>9. It sounds like English, but I can't understand a word you're saying. <BR> <BR>10. Ahhh...I see the screw-up fairy has visited us again... <P>11. I like you. You remind me of when I was young and stupid. <BR> <BR>12. You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers. <BR> <BR>13. I have plenty of talent and vision; I just don't give a damn. <BR> <BR>14. I'm already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth. <BR> <BR>15. I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you. <BR> <BR>16. Thank you. We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view. <BR> <BR>17. The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist. <BR> <BR>18. Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental. <BR> <BR>19. What am I? Flypaper for freaks!? <BR> <BR>20. I'm not being rude. You're just insignificant. <BR> <BR>21. It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off. <BR> <BR>22. Yes, I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial. <BR> <BR>23. And your crybaby whiny-assed opinion would be...? <BR> <BR>24. Do I look like a people person? <BR> <BR>25. This isn't an office. It's Hell with fluorescent lighting. <BR> <BR>26. I started out with nothing & still have most of it left. <BR> <BR>27. Sarcasm is just one more service we offer. <BR> <BR>28. If I throw a stick, will you leave? <BR> <BR>29. Errors have been made. Others will be blamed. <BR> <BR>30. Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed. <BR> <BR>31. I'm trying to imagine you with a personality. <BR> <BR>32. A cubicle is just a padded cell without a door. <BR> <BR>33. Can I trade this job for what's behind door #1? <BR> <BR>34. Too many freaks, not enough circuses. <BR> <BR>35. Nice perfume. Must you marinate in it? <BR> <BR>36. Chaos, panic, & disorder -- my work here is done. <BR> <BR>37. How do I set a laser printer to stun? <BR> <BR>38. I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted pay checks <P><BR>See? We all love our jobs, Jane Elise. {{{{{cinderella}}}}}<P>CJ<P>------------------<BR>Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

Dollars to donuts your friend has been abused in a church -- either directly or indirectly.<P>I had a similiar response when I read your post, because of the abuse I suffered. But I can still support YOU, because YOU are an innocent VICTIM of the situation.<P>Take good care of you!!!

Talked to David briefly. He sounds better. <P>You know, this is going to last a long, long time. Will be months before it all goes away. If it ever goes away. <P>CJ - thanks for the list. I have emailed it through the office. Oh, many is the time I've wanted to say some of those things.<P>Thanks for the hugs. YOu may continue to send those, as well as chocolate, flowers, jewelry, cologne, candles, and other love offerings. E-mail me for the mailing address. <P>Life really stinks sometimes. I'm just glad I know that this is not my mess. And I'm so grateful the phones are quieter. But I've had four little cries today. It must be hormones. And nearly hung up on one person who sort of weirded out. Then I got smart and asked him if he wanted the voice mail of the person he had initially called. But he went away instead.<P>Bill, thanks for the hugs and prayers. Say some prayers for David and family, Lori and Louise (the other women in the office), Ken (who has to walk into this mess Sunday with a sermon ready), our leadership and members. I think everyone is shellshocked.<P>Kind of like grief - shock, numbness, pain, denial, anger, and they repeat.

I just wanted to apologize to you, cinderella. Obviously you needed love and hugs, not condemnation. I wasn't meaning to bring my baggage into this, but I did. Forgive me.<P>Take good care, and HUGS, Sheryl

Last night there was a special meeting at which the chief topic was this current ordeal. And, although I missed it (taking child to camp and returning - a 3 hr. drive each way) I hear it was very good and attended by many members of the community. Not to mention the media.<P>I was very grateful to hear that, in following successful models, this family will be receiving personal and financial counseling. <P>I am so grateful for this past weekend. I really needed the rest and to be away from the office. My mom has been worried about me and wanted me to come over Friday night. But I had serious plans. I ate comfort food. And took a long bubble bath by candlelight and talked on the phone to my main squeeze.<P>I can learn. I can take care of myself (at least sometimes).