Idol Chatter

Is Bynum Just Biding Time?

Thursday April 24, 2008

Categories: Celebrities

juanita.jpgLast August, Pentecostal televangelist, author, singer, and actress Juanita Bynum was the victim of domestic violence at the hands of her then husband, Bishop Thomas Weeks. The two had been separated since June but were allegedly coming together to reconcile at the Renaissance Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. Unfortunately, things turned out badly and Weeks stormed out of the hotel with Bynum following after him. Weeks then proceeded to strangle, body slam, stomp, kick, and threaten Bynum's life until a hotel employee pulled him off of her.

Once news of this attack broke, Bynum thrust herself into the spotlight. It seemed as if she didn't even take time to heal as much as she took time to score interviews, magazine covers, and news stories within the weeks and months following the incident. She made sure that the world knew she was a woman scorned but that she would be more than a conqueror. She went from a fairytale wedding to a nightmare split and now Bynum is letting the circus of coverage continue as she prepares to air her business in a two-part series on "Divorce Court" which begins today.

Upon finding out that she was appearing on "Divorce Court" to speak about her marriage and about domestic violence, I was stunned. I said to myself, "What good can come of this?" Yes, this could be considered a ministry to battered woman but there seems to be something disingenuous about the way she is approaching this "ministry." Her marriage was a covenant made before God. And the dissolution thereof—though made very public—should be a private matter. This is not to say that she can never come and share the testimony of how she got over, but ever since this experience with domestic violence she has been relentless in plastering her face everywhere without a break. I fear that she hasn't even taken a break to get a true healing for her soul.

But the bigger question is, "Of all forums where she could discuss the effects of her experience with domestic violence, why "Divorce Court?" How is going on national television to discuss the Weeks' egregious error going to help her to move past this? Yes, Bishop Weeks was wrong and he admitted his guilt and will face the consequences. But at what point will Bynum step out of the spotlight to deal with herself? Something just doesn't seem right or maybe I don't have a proper understanding of how one ministers through pain.

At the end of the day I guess its fine that this is above my carnal understanding because scripture says that God's ways are above my ways. But lest I forget to mention, she'll be sharing the spotlight with Gary Coleman. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

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Comments
dee
May 8, 2008 5:19 PM

The law is for the lawless, that is what my bible reads. We are suppose to take the elders or any court matter before to the church / bishop and handle it privately. And than if the Elders can not do anything, that is when it becomes public. Making this an even more public example is not helping the bring anyone to Christ. I actually believe it is more of a hinderance. At the end of the day, ALL of our actions must please God and bring others to Christ. do you really believe that her actions will fulfill that job? i beg to differ. Let God be true and every man/woman a liar. I feel like Juanita loves the screen and likes the attention (and money). I really pray that whatever happens, that someone receives the real meaning of Christ in all of this and NOT a reproach upon the ministry of CHRIST.

PM from jamaica
May 10, 2008 10:14 AM

I personally believe Christians are supposed to be respresentatives of our Lord Jesus Christ; no matter the circumstance, we must ask ourselves the question: What would Jesus do? Junita, et al need to ask themselves this question.

It is very sad, though, when supposedly annointed people of God cannot sit down, discuss, pray, fast and work through their differences. How can these same people be expected to help those who look up to them.

This tells us we are really in the closing moments of the church age. It's time to LOOK UP!!!!

Sandra Preston
May 27, 2008 4:51 PM

I think it is very sad that Prophtess Bynum thought it was necessary to aired their private business on a public show as Divorce Court. I really am confused to what type of healing, unity, and peace this will bring to them or the faith community. I am not suggesting that we should conceal this most terrible crime and the abuser should be accountable and punished. I am saying why not take spiritual matters before spiritual leaders especially been ambassadors of Christ.

Catrina Smith
July 20, 2008 10:57 PM

AS CHILDREN OF GOD WE WOULD HOPE THAT WE DIDN'T HAVE TO GO THROUGH SOMETHING LIKE THIS BUT THE REALISTIC PART OF THIS IS SHE IS HUMAN JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. YOU CAN SAY SHE IS WRONG FOR GOING ON DIVORCE COURT BUT WHEN YOU HAVE ANY TYPE OF TITLE THE MEDIA IS IN YOUR BUSSINESS 24/7 AND YOU CAN'T STOP THEM. IF HE OR ANYONE ELSE FOR THAT MATTER DIDN'T WANT IT TO BE TOLD THEN WE ALL HAVE TO GO BACK TO THAT DAY AND SAY DONT JUMP ON HER IN PUBLIC OR AT ALL FOR THAT MATTER. PEOPLE WILL BE IN OUR BUSSINESS AND WE DON'T EVEN HAVE A TITLE. THEY HAVE NO PRIVATCY. I DON'T THINK IT'S ABOUT ATTENTION, THE WORD SAY WE OVERCOME BY OUR TESTAMONY. THE MEDIA IS GOING TO TALK ABOUT IT WEATHER SHE DOES IT ON TV OR NOT, SO SHE SHOULD GO AHEAD AND TELL HER SIDE ON WHAT SHE THINK WENT WRONG. WHAT THE DEVIL MENT FOR BAD GOD IS GOING TO MAKE FOR THEIR GOOD. WE'RE ALL BORN INTO SIN, YES WE ARE ALL CHILDREN OF GOD BUT WE ARE ALSO FLESH. THAT'S WHY GOD SAID FLESH MUST DIE!!!!!

Catrina Smith
July 20, 2008 11:28 PM

TO GOD BE THE GLORY, PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER, NOT JUDGE.

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