I just have to wonder when it became okay to try to break a person's spirit in American society today? When did it become an excepted practice to "make examples" out of people? After some experiences over the last several days I'm deeply concerned that this seems to be a standard practice in business today but I see it in other places too. While it is important to make sure people understand what's acceptable and excepted there is a long way to trying to break a person down in front of others to set the example. This is not respect, this is not love. This is not a good way to teach anything. This goes against every aspect of the Divine that is in every living, breathing thing. This world is already hard enough to live in and then we intentional inflict more harm. The other thing that worries me is that often times people watch this sort of thing happen and don't speak truth to the power. Instead of hiding in cubicles, pretending not to hear and see why not say this isn't right? Why not stand with a person instead of sending emails or letting the gossip spread? I pray that I have learned my lesson and pray that society will change and encourage spirit instead of trying to break it.
As a minister I have the honor of performing rites and ceremonies for people at a variety of stages of life: baptisms, blessings, marriages, funerals, etc. I usually enjoy planning and leading these events. But lately I've had a rash of folks shocked that as a minister, I would have a fee to do some of these services. So lets talk about why I have fees. To start with, if you are a member of my congregation you do get my services as a part of my contract with the congregation as long as they are spelled out in the contract. Generally if you're a member of the congregation I serve, it is expected that I will preform baptisms, blessings, funerals, weddings, etc for you because I want to remind you of God's continuous blessing in your life and especially at important moments in your life. However some folks are shocked that there would be an honorarium suggested for the minister. The reality is that these blessings, weddings, funerals, etc. are extra work in our wee...
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