Connections: Darlene's Story: Reading The Journal is an education

By Darlene Warren

BIG SANDY, Texas - "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." By most people's standards this passage from the Bible wouldn't be considered one of God's great pep talks for mankind. He may just as well have said, "You blew it, sucker, and, boy, are you going to pay." Which brings me straight to today's subject: working for The Journal, and, more specifically, Connections.

Really important issues

What a great job! I've had a variety of jobs over the years, but few have challenged me the way this one does. I find myself growing intellectually by the minute (and, believe me, that's a chore in itself). I often wonder where I would be today if I didn't have access to the stimuli associated with being in contact with the brethren from all the different Churches of God, and working with The Journal makes it all possible.

I get to deal with the really important issues of the day, real mystery-of-the-ages questions. How many Gods are there? Did Jesus preexist? Should women play a role in church services? How often does Mr. Armstrong roll over in his grave?

The stimulation continues without lapse, day after invigorating day. I find myself meditating on things I haven't thought about in years orómore often than notóhave never thought about. That's why it is so important to read this humble publication every month. Do you know that if it weren't for the information I get out of The Journal I would still think that voyeurism somehow pertained to the American space program? I'm constantly amazed at what you can learn from these pages.

Thank you both

I'm a firm believer in the importance of enjoying your work. The greatest part of my job is being able to get to know so many different people from around the world without having to leave my home.

Of course, I sure wouldn't mind getting out once in a while and meeting people in person. On the other hand, I'm not naive enough to believe those same people would like to meet me. With every issue of Connections I try to share my newfound knowledge with my readership via this column. And let me say I appreciate both of you very much.

To the reader I offended, let me commend you for your astuteness (I guess I am pretty worldly at that) and apologize for the offense.

And, for my other loyal reader, what can I say? Thanks, sis. You're always there when I need you.

More really important issues

We've addressed so many subjects over the few years The Journal has been in existence that it's virtually impossible for anyone to complain about a lack of diverse views shared within its pages.

Can two walk together and not be agreed? I'm not sure about that, but they can certainly read The Journal and not be in agreement.

Should women wear makeup? Does wearing high heels make you a lower-class citizen? Is the women's lib (lip) movement really destroying the church? Will Dean Neal eventually make peace with the ministry? Look for the answers to these questions in future issues.

The funny cide of prophecy

Church of God people have always had a fascination with prophetic events described in the Bible. I mean, who wouldn't? A quick reading in the book of Revelation depicting the four horsemen could send chills up the spines of even the most hardened nonbelievers.

Church of God people have studied these scriptures for years and tried to devise their own ways of escaping the impending disastrous times to come. And who can blame them? We have to keep trying to figure things out; it's in our nature.

Will we be spared the horror to come? Should we prepare a place of safety for ourselves, or does that show a lack of faith? Does Funny Cide have what it takes to win the Belmont Stakes and therefore be the first horse in 25 years to capture the Triple Crown? (Excuse me, that part about the horsemen made me lose my concentration.)

The point is, it's all in The Journal. You don't have to agree with everything, and sometimes what you read may upset you for a while, but that's okay. Sometimes it's good to get upset.

Speaking of upsets, go Funny Cide!