I’m not a controversial kinda girl. I hate it in fact. I don’t think I’ve ever written anything on this blog that would be polarizing and make someone mad. This is not that kind of blog…I’m writing this and if you’re reading it, then I hit publish. The chances of that are about 50/50 right now. Here’s the thing…
My heart is so breaking for the people of Haiti, I’ve been watching the news and keeping up with the efforts of Compassion International and Samaritans Purse, both of which I trust with my money. Both of which I hope to one day trust with my time. This morning though, while watching the news, ABC did a story about what Pat Robertson said concerning the devastation in Haiti…He said, that they “made a pact with the devil”. Merciful heaven, what is this man thinking? Thankfully, ABC then showed Franklin Graham, son of my most trusted high-profile Christian leader, Billy Graham. Franklin Graham said (of Pat Robertson’s statement): “He must have misspoken, …we need to get on the path of helping people right now. God loves the people of Haiti. He hasn’t turned His back on them.”
Thank you Franklin Graham. Thank you.
This is what I can’t banish from my brain…has Pat Robertson given any thought at all to the scripture…”Whosoever shall cause one of these little ones that believe on me to stumble, it were better for him if a great millstone were hanged about his neck and he were cast into the sea.” Mark 9:42
I can think of nothing more likely to cause a new believer to stumble than the thought that such human devastation was caused by a country making a “pack with the devil”. I mean God was willing to spare Sodom and Gomorrah for the sake of just 10 righteous men for the love of Pete…
There I said it. Not as forcefully or as irksome as I thought I would, but that’s the sugar coated version of how I feel.
I know times are tough for everyone right now but if you can there is a very easy way to give…simply text “disaster” to 90999 and the money will go to Compassion International…if you text “Haiti” to the same #(90999) $10.00 goes to the Red Cross. The charges will be added to your cell phone bill.
To look more closely, if you aren’t familiar with these charities…
Love to each of you …I promise …no more controversy.
Dana says
January 14, 2010 at 11:42 amCompletely agree. I don’t think he knows his bible and is just using a controversial statement to drive attention to him.
I think maybe he should take a look at Job in particular to see how suffering can be delivered even to the righteous. Or maybe Luke 13: 1-5. The rain falls on the just and the unjust.
.-= Dana´s last blog ..Of Haiti and homeschooling =-.
Vicky says
January 14, 2010 at 12:52 pmThis is not “controversy.” This is straight from your heart and I think you said it tactfully, but powerfully. Thank you for daring to say what needed to be said!
.-= Vicky´s last blog ..Black and white =-.
Shannon Wilson says
January 14, 2010 at 1:30 pmI too totally agree with you on this. Our church frequently donate to Samartians Purse and we team up them for the Operation Christmas Child program every year.
Come to think on it, didn’t Pat Robertson say that same thing about Katrina victims? Hmmmm…….
.-= Shannon Wilson´s last blog ..That would be totally awesome! =-.
Eileen says
January 14, 2010 at 2:09 pmI have always respected the Graham family. There are others that I cannot respect. There is nothing wrong with speaking your mind. I for one am glad you did.
.-= Eileen´s last blog ..Fleece Blanket =-.
LISA says
January 14, 2010 at 2:29 pmAmen sister! Pat Robertson needs to go back to his Bible and read again what is says we are to do and how we are to respond to others as Christians.
Lisa
.-= LISA´s last blog ..~NEW LOOK~ =-.
Carmen says
January 14, 2010 at 2:34 pmAmen! There is nothing wrong with speaking your mind.
.-= Carmen´s last blog ..Out in the open storage =-.
Joni Argo says
January 14, 2010 at 2:39 pmAmen Sister! I was so upset and disappointed that this “Man of God” has spewed his venom once again. AND….that he speaks on behalf of our God that loves us all and sent His son to save and restore. I have often wondered if PR has any compassion or empathy in his soul. Franklin Graham was very diplomatic in his answer this morning on ABC, so grateful to have someone speak with the voice of our loving God.
lauren says
January 14, 2010 at 3:10 pmAs you can imagine and we had many discussions about in the past, Pat Robertson is hardly a a true leader of the Christian faith in my humble opinion. His comments now just reflect how I have always felt about his brand of exclusionary christianity.
Annie says
January 14, 2010 at 3:13 pmI just wish Franklin Graham had been a bit firmer in his rebuttal of Pat Robertson’s comments.
Robin says
January 14, 2010 at 4:36 pmAnnie…I sure hear what you’re saying, but in watching it, a reporter seemed to simply relay to Franklin Graham what Pat Robertson said and I bet he just wanted to be careful. Maybe he’ll speak up more a little later. I hope so.
Jennifer M. says
January 14, 2010 at 4:20 pmI’m glad to read your “controversial” post today. I was embarrassed when I heard what he said. I can’t even begin to understand how he came up with that one.
And about that promise you made at the end….I’m not holding you to it. You never know what crazy thing Pat might say in the future.
Lou Cinda says
January 14, 2010 at 4:37 pmI totally agree with you! I don’t know what Pat Robertson is thinking or doing!!
.-= Lou Cinda´s last blog ..Another Win!! =-.
Bill (cycleguy) says
January 14, 2010 at 4:52 pmI saw the broadcast (on another blog) of this “God-speech” that PR gave and I was stunned. I sat in embarrassment for God, for Christians all over the world who are trying to make a difference, for me. I can’t imagine what that lady anchor was thinking as he spouted off his garbage. There is a little voodoo there but a good portion of the island is “Christian.” Pact with the devil my foot! Someone needs to push the mute button when he talks. Thank God for Franklin Graham. Okay rant over. I now turn it over the regularly scheduled author of this blog. 🙂 BTW: good post.
.-= Bill (cycleguy)´s last blog ..Impatience =-.
Velvet says
January 14, 2010 at 4:53 pmI was thinking… Wow!!! 2 Blog posts in 1 day!
I say never apologize for speaking your mind on your own turf.
It’s your blog, Say what you like and exactly how you feel!
Pinky says
January 14, 2010 at 4:54 pmNEVER be afraid to say what you are thinking, Robin. That statement (Pat Robertsons) was awful, like you said, “WHAT was the man thinking”?????? You didn’t start any controversy. Thank YOU for speaking from your heart! XO, Pinky
Kasey says
January 14, 2010 at 5:17 pmCouldn’t agree more!
.-= Kasey´s last blog ..Off to Haiti….. =-.
Linda @ A La Carte says
January 14, 2010 at 5:56 pmAMEN SISTER! I was appalled that Pat Robertson would say that. I am so happy that it was refuted. My prayers and donations will go to the people of Haiti!
.-= Linda @ A La Carte´s last blog ..REDNESDAY AND THE BIG 50 =-.
judy allred says
January 14, 2010 at 5:57 pmI agree totally, I hope he had just “washed his tongue and couldn’t do a thing with it” and he really did not mean it…He sometimes does more harm than good and makes it harder for the rest of us who walk in faith to be taken seriously. My God is a loving God and I know he is surrounding his children in Haiti right now. I was thinking today how patient he must be to see our blustering and foot stomping and childish traits as we try to follow him. We are all a work in progress…..
April says
January 14, 2010 at 6:12 pmLike so many “Televangelists” I believe ole Pat is using God’s name to make a name for himself.
Dad~. says
January 14, 2010 at 7:01 pmBill said, “there is a little Voodoo there”………It is the national religion in
Haiti, but should have absolutely nothing to do with Christian compassion.
If Jesus loves me…..and I know He does, He loves the Voodoo practicing
souls in Haiti!! If a Christ Follower can look at the devastating, heart
wrenching photos coming from Haiti and not be totally undone and broken
in their heart of hearts, and filled with compassionate intercession……well….
No one can speak for Pat Robertson…..we can not know his heart, but if
I could ask him one question: Did Job make a pack with the devil? Did
Daniel? Did Abraham? Did God’s chosen people? Did the U S (911)? Did
JESUS? That looks like 6 questions……I’m just sayin’!
jane carter says
January 15, 2010 at 5:16 pmAmen!!! Jesus never turned His back on those whom the rest of “society” shunned. He met them at their level of need!
.-= jane carter´s last blog ..One of the Little Perks…. =-.
Kim says
January 14, 2010 at 8:33 pmAMEN SISTA! Well said, I totally agree! Pat Roberston is a nut case! I just had this conversation with my best friend this morning and we felt the SAME way! We both said “If we didn’t have little kids, we would join the Red Cross and leave tomorrow to help!”
Blessings,
Kim
Julie Garmon says
January 14, 2010 at 8:42 pmAgree! Agree! Agree!
Michelle says
January 14, 2010 at 9:47 pmI can not even believe he would utter those words in the face of such destruction.
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Sometimes I hate my job. =-.
Jeannie says
January 14, 2010 at 10:28 pmGreat post although I admit we dont have cable or anything so I am not sure what was said exactly to verify myself for an opinion but like a previous poster commented We dont know where his heart was nor do we know what the Lord is convicting him on… Remember folks the Devil can misconstrude even those we hold in high regard among the Christian community… I just know we have to pray that the Lord will continue to allow folks bring the light of Jesus to those who are lost until HE RETURNs
.-= Jeannie´s last blog ..Once Upon A Domestic Dream: Chapter 2 =-.
St. Michael's Wife says
January 14, 2010 at 11:45 pmI agree with every comment that’s been left so far! Thank God — literally — for Christians who will speak up in the face of such foolishness from the mouths of those Pat Robertsons who so falsely represent followers of Jesus. Blessings , my sister!
Clutching you to my big ol’ spiritual bosom!
Pamm
.-= St. Michael’s Wife´s last blog ..Moving Back Home =-.
valerie says
January 15, 2010 at 12:24 amAmen. Very good post.
.-= valerie´s last blog ..What Ya Doin Granny? =-.
sherri says
January 15, 2010 at 1:41 amI was very troubled when I heard his comments…not remotely close to what Jesus says.
I also have a few more links to share on a post I did, if you don’t mind the link.
Click on my name and it should bring up the post.
.-= sherri´s last blog ..Hope for Haiti =-.
Jeannie says
January 15, 2010 at 2:36 amI am back, and although I know it is not to be controversial regarding Pat Robertson but if you go to CBN Directly you can watch the whole episode to where he speaks about Haiti and the story behind what he said regarding the Pact with the Devil and I have say I have a feeling alot of news affliates did alot of editing of what he truly was saying, I know its not to be controversial on your wonderful blog but I wanted to point it out that you can watch the episode in its entire length at the Shows website… I know it has helped me to discern what I hear and what I read… but in all YES we must PRAY for all over there that they may see the FACE OF CHRIST…
.-= Jeannie´s last blog ..Once Upon A Domestic Dream: Chapter 2 =-.
Robin says
January 15, 2010 at 11:32 amThanks Jeannie. I’ll check it out.
Robin says
January 15, 2010 at 11:50 amJeannie thanks for the head’s up. I did read exactly what he said and the press release that CBN issued today. It helped but not much, his words to me, strongly implied that the pact w/ the devil was the reason the people of Haiti were in such turmoil. He’s been in a leadership position for so long I would hope he’d more wisely choose his words. He definitely gave a young believer room for stumbling. I’m sure I have and will again use my mouth to hurt people so I can’t in any way judge him. I don’t know his motives or his heart after all…but I do question the wisdom of CBN. I think it may be time for Mr. Robertson to retire.
This article was insightful : http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MTliN2Y1YzU4NjUwMDkwZTZjYjFhZDM3NGNkZDk4MmI=
Jean Fischer says
January 15, 2010 at 10:51 amI so agree with you. When I heard his statement, the first thought that crossed my mind was that it would turn people away from instead of draw people in to the body of Christ. Thank you for saying it so well, and God bless the people of Haiti.
.-= Jean Fischer´s last blog ..First Communion on the Moon =-.
Annie says
January 16, 2010 at 7:17 amThe press release of CBN re Pat Robertson’s cruel and inaccurate statement didn’t go nearly far enough and surely Pat Robertson should be making a personal televised apology not leaving it to CBN’s spokesperson. . After all Pat Robertson claimed that this “pact with the devil” was a TRUE story (I’ve watched the video clip several times). He also said that it took place at the time of Napoleon 3rd (1808-1873) when in fact the slave rebellion was in the 1790’s at the time of his uncle Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821). It seems that Pat Robertson’s arithmatic may be as poor as his history and theology as the legend stated that the curse would last for 200 years . If Pat Robertson really believes the story, the curse should be over by now. I know that Pat is an old man but he has been making these horrible, very public, remarks for many years.