From: Candace L. Brinkley [candybrinkley@juno.com]
Sent: Monday, May 29, 2000 5:44 AM
To: native-believers@egroups.com
Subject: [Native-Believers] Regalia
Dear Jose and Mary, May I add one more note to the discussion regarding the Native leaders' wearing of their regalia in church or wherever they minister? I have been studying the book of Exodus, and in chapter 28, the Lord gives Moses explicit instructions for the making of the garments to be worn by Aaron and his sons, as priests of the Tabernacle. These garments were for their consecration as priests and were to give them "dignity and honor" (v.2). This reminded me of Jose's vision of the warrior who lost his spiritual power when his regalia was removed. It seems as if the Native minister's regalia is his priestly garment, consecrating him to God's service, and demonstrating in the natural the dignity and honor that the Lord Himself bestows on His servants, the priests. It is no coincidence that, through the years, special clothing (robes, stoles, etc.) has been associated with the priestly office, and although the clothing does not "make" the priest, certainly it adds authority to his role and his service. This special clothing also is beautiful, reflecting the beauty and majesty of the Lord God, Creator of beauty and the only One who can truly bestow dignity and honor and authority on any one of His servants, whatever their race or background. And, as Jose says, if the enemy is coming against Native cultural expression and the wearing of regalia in worship, then there must be special God-given spiritual power which can be released in the consecration of these to the Lord Jesus Christ. The purpose of ministry is not to show off the grandeur of the regalia or to focus undue attention on the wearer of the regalia; ministry is a conduit of God's Holy Spirit power to touch the lives of others. My heart has been touched deeply by the beauty of the regalia worn by the Native Christian leaders whom I have been blessed to see at Native Christian conferences; my soul has been freed of old hurts and bondages by dancing to the music of Native musicians; my spirit has been encouraged and inspired by playing a Native drum in worship to the Lord God Almighty. My mind has been freed to learn of the Lord in new ways and to search my roots to discover the truth of who I am. Perhaps the Lord wants to grant an extra measure of dignity and honor to His First Nations ministers of the gospel by dressing them in their priestly garments, their regalia, to restore that which has been stolen from them for so many years. It is a time of restoration, of Jubilee. Many blessings and much joy to you all. Candace Brinkley ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.

==========Native Believers=========== http://thefirstnationscentral.homestead.com/nativebeliever.html To subscribe: native-believers-subscribe@egroups.com To unsubscribe: native-believers-unsubscribe@egroups.com To post to this group: native-believers@egroups.com Too many emails? native-believers-digest@egroups.com Native Believers helps in networking and communication among Native American believers in Jesus. Announce an event, resource, etc. related to Native Believers. Native American believers and those who love them (non-Natives) are encouraged to join and participate. ===========================================