We never are sure exactly when the next “reality check” will occur in our lives. For certain, some of the more subtle ones, I believe we all miss. Why would I say that? Well, for years, I ignored, rationalized, overlooked and just plain denied certain reality checks in my life. For many, you know I am referring to life inside the Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) in Spindale, NC. I spent sixteen years under the influence of the doctrines, practices and teachings of Jane Whaley. Yes, the first ten years, I physically lived in Greenville, SC as a member of another church. But, who could deny the slow, methodical, ever-growing influence that Jane had over life in Greenville. The results speak for themselves. In 2002, the Greenville church merged into WOFF.
Looking back, there were situations that should have served as reality checks- which I religiously rationalized and/or ignored. For me, that was part of the slow process that culminated with the move to Spindale, NC. Not everyone will have the same experiences or even view these situations as reality checks for their life. Let me list a few of mine. First, there was the whole “You have to go to Spindale to be in the Move of God” mantra. I had fallen for that one in years past in other churches and the results had been abysmal, also. But, I wanted to be with the “people of God”, doing the “will of God” and thus, I went to Spindale. Was “God” not able to reach His people in Greenville? Well, as the years passed and God’s will became evident only through Jane Whaley; where did/does she live? Can you see that I did not allow my reality to be checked, or compared to reasonable common sense; it was only fashioned and molded to fit another’s purpose.