Just Some Thoughts

Yes, I know that it has been quite a while since I've written an entry. Most days have been fairly busy. Eben though I started this blog entry several weeks ago, I wanted to try and fish it.

For those who know me, I have been dealling with lower back and knee pain for the last year plus. Although some issues with my back seem to be improving, other things have been staying the same or getting worse. Some days I do well. Other days are much more difficult. I praise God for mow much my National Guard unit and the prison have worked with me so much. That has helped during the more painful days. Because all of my issues are related to my last deployment (service related), I have been working on VA Disability claim and getting a permanent profile with the Army. One thing after another seemed to get in the way. However, as of a week ago, things seem to now be moving forward with both. Your prayers for these things would be greatly appreciated.

A meme was shared by someone I know concerning pastors, the poor, and taxing churches. The top picture was of a 'mega church' with the phrase "If a church looks like this...;" the second picture was of a huge mansion, with the text of "And the pastor lives in this...;" and the third picture was of a woman (crying) with a sad looking girl, and the caption was "And we still have homeless families..." The last sentence in the meme had to do with 'Maybe we should tax churches.'

I have to admit, I was pretty angry when I saw that meme. I grew up a pastor's kid and have worked as a pastor on several occasions. I also have several close friends who are pastors. The fact of the matter is, very few pastors have a high income. We are both employed and self-employed, so we have to save money every month for paying taxes. For a 'full-time' pastor, one typically works 60+ hours each week because of all the planning, meetings, visitations, emergencies, etc. Most pastors are 'middle income.' Only a very small percentage make extreme amounts of money.

Such a meme is tasteless, or even down right insulting. I am saddened that people post such non-sense. Especially when you consider the fact that people like Osteen, who 'claims' to be Christian, is more of a 'touchie-feelie" self-help guru. His 'positive thinking' is only loosely based on Scripture and mostly 'feel-good' pop-psychology. Please, think about things before posting them.

Life goes on for me. I will try to post more later. May God bless you richly!