We recieved a letter this week from someone who drove by our church facility on a Sunday and didn't like something they saw. Their letter was a reprimand to us for 'violating the Sabbath'. They quoted scriptures, said they were disappointed with us, and urged us to set a better example because we are a church.
The letter, of course, was unsigned and didn't have a return address. Of course.
I'm ok with people having different opinions and strong convictions. I'm ok with people who not only feel the need to live out their opinions and strong convictions and also tell others about them. This person felt strong enough to write the letter, put it an envelope, address it and mail it (hopefully not on the Sabbath, however, for then she'd be violating what she was judging us for!). Good for her (how do I know it's a her- the handwriting- duh!). But to do all that anonymously? Seriously? I am sure that person feels that they've taken a stand or followed through on something, but to do it without signing it or addressing it lessens that stand. There's no opportunity for dialogue, to see things from one another's perspectives, or to ask her how we could be a better church for her and the neighborhood.
Just a legalistic stand without a name or a face . . .
Didn't like cars in the lot? Didn't like people carrying their children out of or into church? Didn't like someone mowing who probably works all week at another job and is only able to do so on the Sabbath? Playing corn hole beanbags since the tossing is work, but ignore the laughter that comes with it? Eating dessert since it does take effort to raise the fork to your mouth?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous writers don't deserve a second thought. Period. Man up or don't comment or write letters. Wow, I must be grumpy today.