I, in no way am trying to be argumentative with anyone; just stating what I believe.
I believe we have a God who is powerful enough to deliver a person from whatever addiction they have, and remove all desire of that addiction from them.
I know cigarettes are not comparable to some other drugs (and I am not condemning anyone who smokes), but my husband had a 3-4 pack a day cigarette habit for many years; and after commiting his life to Christ and being personally bothered by his continuing nicotine habit, he had a conversation and a prayer with our pastor and has not smoked since, and that has been at least 18 years ago. That is an example of the miraculous deliverance I am talking about, and it is my personal belief that God can do the same for any addiction.JMHO
Linda
Archive » Michael English interview
by willie99 » Mon Apr 13, 2009 pm30 5:21 pm
QUOTE (Silver Hair Fans @ Apr 13 2009, 01:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Rog & I have included him in our prayers and pray that he is able to come to a peace with his past. I know God has forgiven him if he has truly repented...as he does for all of us..... since we are all "Sinners saved By Grace"...sin is sin..and God stands ready to forgive a sinner's prayer....But then God wipes the slate clean...and so should we...what is past is past...and I hope he can move on. I'm sure there will be times and places where, if the Holy Spirit leads, and there is someone present that needs to hear his story, God will bring that about. If someone needs to hear the message in his book I hope it makes it's way into the hands of those people. Larry Gatlin has written such a book telling of his "Rocky Past" and it has helped many people who have read his book.
Time will tell and I hope ME can continue on his path and gain strength from God and those around him. Only God truly knows the heart of any of us, and that is all that really matters. These are just my thoughts and I pray that God will direct him as he travels life's paths.
Time will tell and I hope ME can continue on his path and gain strength from God and those around him. Only God truly knows the heart of any of us, and that is all that really matters. These are just my thoughts and I pray that God will direct him as he travels life's paths.
Thanks for the thoughtful comments. I particularly appreciate the comments about Larry Gatlin -- there is a time and a place for testimonies about one's troubled past, and Larry seems to strike the right balance. He doesn't make a big issue about it everywhere he goes, and he is careful not to romanticize his past, when he does speak about it.
Contrast with Michael's interview about being back with the GVB -- even in this brief interview, Michael talks about waking up in a pool of "himself" -- I really don't think we needed to hear that in an interview about the new GVB.
Yes, Michael has suffered intense scrutiny -- a ridiculous amount of scrutiny early on in his career, regarding his infidelity, which helped contribute to his descent into drug addiction.
But the thing about drug addiction is that it has a hold on you for life. Yes, a drug addict can find deliverance, and some addicts may even find some freedom from the physical addiction. But the tendency to slip will always be there, and this has to be acknowledged by the addict in order for him or her to deal with it in a mature way. It's 'one day at a time' -- there are no magic words that make it all go away. Yes, we can be forgiven, but we still have to live with the consequences of our actions.
The GVB is not a church, it is a singing group -- but it is also a ministry to a lot of people, and I just think there should be a high standard of behavior. Michael has admitted to chronic drug abuse, along with a number of other significant, serious problems and misdeeds. Writing a book about it and admitting it repeatedly may be admirable, but it doesn't change anything. Michael deserves all the love, support, and acceptance in the world, but it's my opinion that he does not belong in the GVB lineup, for a number of reasons, including avoiding a trigger -- you can't constantly talk about your past without reflecting on it, and addictive drugs have a grip on you once you partake of them.
- willie99
by Linda-BhamPhan » Mon Apr 13, 2009 pm30 4:34 pm
QUOTE (Silver Hair Fans @ Apr 13 2009, 11:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Rog & I have included him in our prayers and pray that he is able to come to a peace with his past. I know God has forgiven him if he has truly repented...as he does for all of us..... since we are all "Sinners saved By Grace"...sin is sin..and God stands ready to forgive a sinner's prayer....But then God wipes the slate clean...and so should we...what is past is past...and I hope he can move on. I'm sure there will be times and places where, if the Holy Spirit leads, and there is someone present that needs to hear his story, God will bring that about. If someone needs to hear the message in his book I hope it makes it's way into the hands of those people. Larry Gatlin has written such a book telling of his "Rocky Past" and it has helped many people who have read his book.
Time will tell and I hope ME can continue on his path and gain strength from God and those around him. Only God truly knows the heart of any of us, and that is all that really matters. These are just my thoughts and I pray that God will direct him as he travels life's paths.
Time will tell and I hope ME can continue on his path and gain strength from God and those around him. Only God truly knows the heart of any of us, and that is all that really matters. These are just my thoughts and I pray that God will direct him as he travels life's paths.
QUOTE (Kellie T. @ Apr 13 2009, 12:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am just really thankful that our God will forgive us when we mess up. I pray that I never have to suffer the scrutiny that he and so many others have had to face.
I agree with you, Joanne and Kellie.
Everyone has a right to their opinion, so this is mine for what it's worth.
I don't claim to know anything about ME other than what I've read and seen. I have never met him; but seeing him on the Reunion DVD and in this interview, I personally think Michael gets overwhelmed emotionally because God has done such a miraculous work in his life, and because he is so grateful for God's mercy and restoration. We all, including every member of the GVB, need God's mercy in our lives on a daily basis. All the members of the GVB (no matter how much we love them) are human, and I think each one of them at one time or another, may unknowingly offend someone by doing, or not doing, saying, or not saying, something they should. It has to be extremely difficult to be in the public eye and have every move you make scrutinized. I know it goes with the territory; I just think we need to give them the benefit of the doubt, unless any one of them habitually act in a way that is not Christ-like; and if that were ever the case, I feel sure word would get back to "headquarters", and it would be handled in the appropriate manner.JMHO
I pray for each one of them, that God will use their individual gifts to reach those God places in their path.
Linda
- Linda-BhamPhan
by Pattie » Mon Apr 13, 2009 pm30 1:56 pm
QUOTE (Kellie T. @ Apr 13 2009, 12:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have not yet had a chance to watch the interview. I look forward to seeing it when I have a chance, and I thank JayTee for posting it.
I am a fan of Michael's, so for me to try and comment on anything else that has been said here will just look foolish, and like I am trying to further his cause. I am just really thankful that our God will forgive us when we mess up. I pray that I never have to suffer the scrutiny that he and so many others have had to face.
I am a fan of Michael's, so for me to try and comment on anything else that has been said here will just look foolish, and like I am trying to further his cause. I am just really thankful that our God will forgive us when we mess up. I pray that I never have to suffer the scrutiny that he and so many others have had to face.
Thank you Kellie for putting into words what I was thinking. Amen!!
- Pattie
by Kellie T. » Mon Apr 13, 2009 pm30 1:44 pm
I have not yet had a chance to watch the interview. I look forward to seeing it when I have a chance, and I thank JayTee for posting it.
I am a fan of Michael's, so for me to try and comment on anything else that has been said here will just look foolish, and like I am trying to further his cause. I am just really thankful that our God will forgive us when we mess up. I pray that I never have to suffer the scrutiny that he and so many others have had to face.
I am a fan of Michael's, so for me to try and comment on anything else that has been said here will just look foolish, and like I am trying to further his cause. I am just really thankful that our God will forgive us when we mess up. I pray that I never have to suffer the scrutiny that he and so many others have had to face.
- Kellie T.
by Silver Hair Fans » Mon Apr 13, 2009 pm30 12:31 pm
QUOTE (Janette @ Apr 13 2009, 12:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Willie...I have a lot of the same thoughts as you...funny JoAnne and I were just talking about ME this morning...I don't know the man, never heard him sing until recently....What I know of him I've learned here on the board...I did buy his book and just can't get into it...I'll keep trying...I have NO idea where my feelings have come from...but just something about him seems fake....I am trying to keep an open mind....but his lack of a "thank you" to someone for working their tail off at his product table didn't help any.....I truly hope he is sincere in his apologies...for his sake and those who have given him a second chance...Just my thoughts...
Rog & I have included him in our prayers and pray that he is able to come to a peace with his past. I know God has forgiven him if he has truly repented...as he does for all of us..... since we are all "Sinners saved By Grace"...sin is sin..and God stands ready to forgive a sinner's prayer....But then God wipes the slate clean...and so should we...what is past is past...and I hope he can move on. I'm sure there will be times and places where, if the Holy Spirit leads, and there is someone present that needs to hear his story, God will bring that about. If someone needs to hear the message in his book I hope it makes it's way into the hands of those people. Larry Gatlin has written such a book telling of his "Rocky Past" and it has helped many people who have read his book.
Time will tell and I hope ME can continue on his path and gain strength from God and those around him. Only God truly knows the heart of any of us, and that is all that really matters. These are just my thoughts and I pray that God will direct him as he travels life's paths.
- Silver Hair Fans
by maddie » Mon Apr 13, 2009 pm30 12:17 pm
Great interview for sure and what a testimony! I have to admit that I really don't like the way he's been doing his hair, here lately. Shallow, I know but the cat's out of the bag now. Other than that, I think Michael's pretty awesome
- maddie
by Janette » Mon Apr 13, 2009 pm30 12:10 pm
Willie...I have some of the same thoughts as you (but definitely not the one about thinking dp made a bad move going with the gvb). ...funny JoAnne and I were just talking about ME this morning...I don't know the man, never heard him sing until recently....What I know of him I've learned here on the board...I did buy his book and just can't get into it...I'll keep trying...I have NO idea where my feelings have come from...but just something about him seems fake....I am trying to keep an open mind....but his lack of a "thank you" to someone for working their tail off at his product table didn't help any.....I truly hope he is sincere in his apologies...for his sake and those who have given him a second chance...Just my thoughts...
- Janette
by willie99 » Mon Apr 13, 2009 am30 11:21 am
Thanks for posting the link, Jay Tee.
Very interesting reading Lauri's thoughts. I've never met Michael face to face, but I know a lot of people like him, who have battled addictions (some quite successful, famous). I admire Michael for facing all his problems and making another go at being a Christian artist, but I'm afraid I don't buy a lot of what he has to say.
There's no question that Michael is a talented artist -- I still love his early work, even if he was exercising certain "tricks of the trade" at the time. I think he's the kind of guy whose charm gets him far, and whose story is compelling.
However, I would admire Michael a whole lot more if he chose to work in a local church, at a drug rehabilitation center, or in another more humble arena than center stage. Fame can be addictive, and perhaps Michael is being coached more closely by Bill Gaither and others who have his better interests at heart in order to avoid mistakes of the past, but it's a little scary to watch this, knowing Michael's weaknesses.
Michael's breakdown during the latest Gaither Homecoming video was very touching, and absolutely riveting to watch, but perhaps it was a sign that Michael is not ready for this stuff again. Obviously, time will tell. As much as I wish the best for anyone who is battling drug addiction, I think there is a trust with the public that is broken when a Christian artist takes that path, and although God can deliver a drug addict, you don't then entrust that person with a title and platform like the GVB, just because he repents publicly (and repeatedly) and writes a best-seller about his experiences. Nobody is perfect, but I think for a group like GVB to retain its integrity, there shouldn't be former drug addicts among its current members.
Having Michael sing the prodigal son verses every performance is a mistake -- sorry, Bill -- unseemly. Looks like he is milking that whole repentance thing for an emotional payoff, exactly like Michael talks about as being a trick of the trade. I'm sorry, the whole thing smacks of hucksterism (even if that isn't what's going on), and it turns me off of the GVB. I am so glad DP has his solo career -- it seems like the GVB is a step backward, career-wise for DP. David just seems better than all that, to me.
These are just my thoughts -- I'd be interested to hear those who disagree or have another point of view.
Very interesting reading Lauri's thoughts. I've never met Michael face to face, but I know a lot of people like him, who have battled addictions (some quite successful, famous). I admire Michael for facing all his problems and making another go at being a Christian artist, but I'm afraid I don't buy a lot of what he has to say.
There's no question that Michael is a talented artist -- I still love his early work, even if he was exercising certain "tricks of the trade" at the time. I think he's the kind of guy whose charm gets him far, and whose story is compelling.
However, I would admire Michael a whole lot more if he chose to work in a local church, at a drug rehabilitation center, or in another more humble arena than center stage. Fame can be addictive, and perhaps Michael is being coached more closely by Bill Gaither and others who have his better interests at heart in order to avoid mistakes of the past, but it's a little scary to watch this, knowing Michael's weaknesses.
Michael's breakdown during the latest Gaither Homecoming video was very touching, and absolutely riveting to watch, but perhaps it was a sign that Michael is not ready for this stuff again. Obviously, time will tell. As much as I wish the best for anyone who is battling drug addiction, I think there is a trust with the public that is broken when a Christian artist takes that path, and although God can deliver a drug addict, you don't then entrust that person with a title and platform like the GVB, just because he repents publicly (and repeatedly) and writes a best-seller about his experiences. Nobody is perfect, but I think for a group like GVB to retain its integrity, there shouldn't be former drug addicts among its current members.
Having Michael sing the prodigal son verses every performance is a mistake -- sorry, Bill -- unseemly. Looks like he is milking that whole repentance thing for an emotional payoff, exactly like Michael talks about as being a trick of the trade. I'm sorry, the whole thing smacks of hucksterism (even if that isn't what's going on), and it turns me off of the GVB. I am so glad DP has his solo career -- it seems like the GVB is a step backward, career-wise for DP. David just seems better than all that, to me.
These are just my thoughts -- I'd be interested to hear those who disagree or have another point of view.
- willie99