I've debated on whether or not I should post this or not. Then I figured, meh, why not.
In June of 2011, I discovered that members of the Westboro Baptist Church were on Facebook, spewing their hate. After talking with Jael Phelps a little, I decided to ask her to do an interview. She agreed and even published it on her page.
If you aren't familiar with Westboro Baptist Church, they are based out of Topeka, KS, led by preacher and family patriarch Fred Phelps. They are famous for picketing the funerals of fallen soldiers, saying that they were killed by God himself for fighting for what they call a "fag nation". While they claim they are preaching the word of God, this blogger personally feels they are using various platforms to push their homophobic agenda. Google them and you'll be surprised.
Please bear with me, as this interview was a little long. I do apologize. But I figured my readers might find this interesting. If I can, I might do a few more interviews with some more members of WBC, as well as Libby Phelps and Lauren Drain, two young ladies who where kicked out of the church, as well as their families.
And now, the interview.
TMC: Why do you guys cover your hair during church?
JP: Corinthians 11:4-6 "Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered."
TMC: Do you find it hard to read what people say about you and to you?
JP: No, it doesn't bother me.
TMC: What made you decide to become a nurse, rather than study law like many of your relatives?
JP: None of my generation are lawyers. I wanted to be a nurse because I thought it could be helpful to my family, specifically my aging grandparents; my best friend at the time Lauren Drain wanted to do it & she needed help in school; it seemed to be as good a fit as any (I didn't want to go to college, but wanted to be my grandmother's chauffeur ;) - my dad talked me into going to college) & the hours are very good for someone with my lifestyle. It's turned out to be a perfect fit for me - I can't imagine doing anything else.
TMC: Is it hard for you, in your field of work, to care for patients whose lifestyle you do not agree with?
JP: No, not hard at all. I encounter people who disagree with me all the time. My patients rarely know who I am & when they figure it out somehow, it's usually not a problem because they've already met me & I've taken care of them for a little while before they make the connection, so they know me & like me.
TMC: If the church offered it's youth the chance to leave for awhile, just to make sure they were doing the right thing by staying with the church, would you do it? (Kinda of like how the Amish kids have Rumspringa.)
JP: No. We would not be a church if we did that. It wouldn't happen & even if it could - I would not go anywhere.
TMC: Have you ever wanted to experience life the way others live?
JP: No. I'm so thankful for my lot & life situation. I honestly see it from the flip side of the coin - I think people should want to have a favoured lot like mine. It is a good life & wouldn't trade it for anything. And I trust that every day will only get better and better (that's proven to be so thus far).
TMC: If, for instance, I were to invite you to live with me and my family for a week, would you do it?
JP: No, silly goose - see #5 & #6.
TMC: Do you ever have moments of empathy for families who have lost children?
JP: Empathy means: "direct identification with, understanding of, and vicarious experience of another person's situation, feelings, and motives." (dictionary.com) I guess the answer would be somewhat, yes. I see and believe that I understand the feelings that a person could have, imagining what if it was happening to me - yes, I do that. And I wonder, after going through that experience - how could you ever look at it as a blessing? You are broken - if you are a feeling human - if your child dies. To be bereaved of your child has to be the most personal and horrible thing to happen (besides maybe losing a spouse). From that moment on - what motivates people to demand it's a blessing, to worship the dead corpse of the child, and not take that as God reaching out and back-handing you in the severest way - I cannot understand that. It shows an awful, dark confusion and is exactly the opposite of how they should conduct themselves. I cannot empathize with them about that evil conduct that follows such a terrible judgment from God upon their lives.
TMC: Do you want to have children one day?
JP: I want whatever the Lord gives me. I firmly believe that you should be content with the things that you have, that you should not plan for the future or imagine things that you "want" in your life. I think that's scary & will soon turn to lusting after things - this is the pattern:
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
TMC: Do you ever have lunch dates or hang out with people who do not have the same beliefs as you do?
JP: Only if it is for the purposes of publishing this message - so that would be with reporter-types only. Otherwise, no.
TMC: Do you wish, sometimes, that you had friends outside of those within your family?
JP: I do have friends outside of those I'm related to by blood. I can name them. The only people who are truly my family doesn't have anything to do with blood relation: Matthew 12:48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? 49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
The other reason I wouldn't is because I cannot justify spending time with people who don't love & serve the Lord. I have so little time in this life anyway - why would I squander it away when I have the honor & privilege of ministering to the saints of God?? James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
