When Heart and Mind Do Not Match

Hey P&G readers,

I could have titled this post, “WTF!!!”, but that would be inappropriate. Recently, my husband and I visited a church in Florida. We received a mild recommendation about this church, and I broke my cardinal rule, which is “Do not attend a church that does not have a website!” Oh, how I learned this lesson.

We walked into the sanctuary, which was reminiscent of a church we attended in another area of the United States. That should have tipped me off, but no, I decided to not be swayed by my negative thoughts, as I was there to worship. The church was having a prayer emphasis, SO FAR, SO GOOD! The women presented the program were wearing long dresses with large wide-brim hats. Why I did not run for the door, when I saw this, I do not know.

The women spoke about conducting prayer seminars around the world. I was intrigued by their testimonies because I, too, want to have a stronger prayer life. Yes, I used show my legs for Jesus, so you all know I have needed to walk closer to Him.

One of the woman motions to the A/V guy to play a DVD. I am thinking, “Cool, some video clips from their trips around the world.” Umh No!! It was a DVD about animal cruelty in the United States. We were not warned. Parents were not warned to remove small, impressionable children. I had to look away for most of the video, and got up, when I could not take it anymore. Oh, oh the narrator’s voice was

Alec Baldwin. (Soul Star will cover that issue!)

The purpose of the video was to encourage people to change their dietary habits. I do not think that was the best tactic to use. No person of leadership in the church should have allowed that video to be played. My friend, Joi, a pastor’s wife, thought airing the video was unbefitting of a church aiming to add new members to the roll. She would have stopped the tape and warned people, and if some wanted to continue to view the video, then the DVD would play on or show the program at the afternoon program.

As a member of the denomination, I was turned off by these ladies, so I can imagine how the visitors felt who were not members of the church.

What I realized that day,as we were driving back to the hotel, that people’s hearts are in the right place, but their minds are not! Shock value has its place in the world, but I think it has limits when evangelizing or converting people to a religion, promoting healthier eating habits, introducing new ideas and concepts. We need have wisdom and COMMON SENSE, when we are dealing with others.

I also learned that listening to your gut is too important. That is something that we underestimate because there are people who only use their gut to make decisions, and the results are heinous and costly. Using your heart (gut) and mind are a winning combination to successful living.

Live Triumphantly,

Mix Maven AKA Apple Diva