http://www.andreamacvicar.org/index.cfm?i=1190&mid=25&blogid=7763 I receive emails and also questions from friends and those I meet in the market place. Since I write articles, with a blog I can comment with shorter reactions to ideas, and issues, and you can reply or comment about an issue, spiritual, cultural, and/or anything you'd like to post for a conversation-blog starter. A blog will give you a place to vent (civilly, of course) to a wider audience. AdvancedMinistry Hi Andrea, Did you ever research the black people. Where they came from. Was it the tribe of Dan that were black and what did they do to get judgement to be slaves here in America. Just wondering as a lot was talked about at the Call about how the blacks were treated. Kathy I don't know what was said, but I assume the issue is one of black slavery? Historically slavery is not a color issue, but one of bondage, war, economics, and force (power) of one person over another. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. Same family, same color, but the cause was jealousy. Sin has no color. All the 12 tribes sinned and all fell under judgment. Scientifically it's the amount of melanin in the skin that creates color because the closer humans over the centuries lived nearer the equator, the darker the skin (more melanin). The Queen of Sheba was "black." Actually Jews carry a lot of darkness in their skin. African (black) slavery in America came by way of Rome/England and the economics of traders going to tribal chiefs with money, gifts, etc. The chiefs of those tribes sold their own people to the traders. Blacks selling blacks. http://www.andreamacvicar.org/index.cfm?i=1190&mid=25&blogid=7763&comments=29353 29353 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:49:00 +0000 These questions came from a neighbor during a conversation about God. Why didn’t God destroy Satan the moment he rebelled? Why does God allow the suffering of His children to go on? If He is all powerful, why do bad people seem to have it better off (better life) than good people do (those that believe in Him and try to do their best to help others)? Since this is a blog and these are age-old questions, perhaps some of you might have possible replies to these questions. I have a few, but I’d like to hear from you. So put in a few minutes and share, please.  http://www.andreamacvicar.org/index.cfm?i=1190&mid=25&blogid=7763&comments=28061 28061 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:01:00 +0000 Just in case you might think this blog is “sour grapes,” I’d like to share I’m a survivor of breast cancer. About a year ago I was diagnosed with HER2, a more uncommon type than estrogen-based cancer. I was on chemo for awhile, and am still on IVs— drugs to prevent the return of my genetic based breast cancer. In March of this year I had a radical hysterectomy for estrogen-based cancer. So, believe me, I empathize with women who are suffering and have suffered with cancer. So here’s my take on the pink issue, the continual media blitz, fund raising push for awareness. I AM aware. But, I also would like to know how the billions (trillions?) of dollars are being spent to “find a cure.” Where do all the dollars raised go? Radiation alone pulls in a approximately 200 billion dollars a year. Simply, that money goes for machines and personnel. How much of that money is designated for cancer, since radiation is also used for other diseases? If breast cancer is “cured” what would happen to all those employed: doctor specialists, chemo-drug producers, attending personnel, specially designated hospitals, research departments, fund raising businesses, and merchandising (give 5% to research if you buy a T-shirt)? Cancer is big business. Sounds crass, but it’s true. If a “cure” is found, the domino effect, not only on the medical profession, but on our economy as well would definitely be felt on Wall Street. So, how about shifting awareness to accountability?  Let’s change the color from a weak, soft-colored pink, to a raging, hard-colored magenta. How about a magenta October? A month long push for those who are in the “cure” businesses to accountability? What do you think?      http://www.andreamacvicar.org/index.cfm?i=1190&mid=25&blogid=7763&comments=27534 27534 Sat, 1 Oct 2011 16:41:00 +0000 What’s your fine line? The one you won’t cross on point of principle? Recently, I attended a special function which included the giving of a gift. Happily, I was willing to spend some money on purchasing what the recipient had requested. However, before leaving the celebration, I was asked to join a raffle. It wasn’t the amount of money I was asked to contribute that put me off, but the invitation to participate in funding a further gift for the person after I had already given one. The inducement for entering the raffle was the promised outcome of a gift should I give the right information on guessing something about the person for whom the accumulated money was to be given. I chose not to enter the raffle. Was I being picky? Was I too sensitive? Please share under what circumstance you did (or would) say “no”? When would you not cross your interior line? http://www.andreamacvicar.org/index.cfm?i=1190&mid=25&blogid=7763&comments=27383 27383 Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:22:00 +0000