Word from "Little Bird"

[Edith K. Thurmond]

Yesterday, a "Little Bird" called and told me that one of our friends will be awarded an honorary doctorate at the Nazarene university where "Little Bird" frequents. The intended receipient is a wonderful person and is worthy of this honorary recognition. Since "Little Bird" is known to post on Naznet, perhaps a 'weigh-in' will come. If he makes the announcement, perhaps we can then call him "Big Bird."

God's blessings to our deserving friend,

[Joanne Vergin]

I've wondered where Little bird has been.

[Hal Paul]

Yesterday, a "Little Bird" called and told me that one of our friends will be awarded an honorary doctorate at the Nazarene university where "Little Bird" frequents. The intended receipient is a wonderful person and is worthy of this honorary recognition. Since "Little Bird" is known to post on Naznet, perhaps a 'weigh-in' will come. If he makes the announcement, perhaps we can then call him "Big Bird."

God's blessings to our deserving friend,

No offense, but I'm thinking that if the information hasn't been made public, Little Bird should have kept his mouth shut and it shouldn't be a topic of discussion on NazNet.

[Betty Bolerjack]

No offense, but I'm thinking that if the information hasn't been made public, Little Bird should have kept his mouth shut and it shouldn't be a topic of discussion on NazNet.

Hmmm... I hear an announcement was made. That sounds pretty public to me.

[Marsha Gupton]

So who is it and what school????? I can't stand being in suspense.

[Jim Franklin]

Relief at last Marsha, it is not me and I do prefer suspenders to belts.

So Betty, bring us the news.

[Billy Cox]

So who is it and what school????? I can't stand being in suspense.

Yeah! Besides being an ordained elder over the age of 35, having an honorary doctorate is one of the key qualifications to be a GS. :basic05

[Hal Paul]

Hmmm... I hear an announcement was made. That sounds pretty public to me.

If the announcement was made, why the mystery in this thread and where's the press release?

If the information is in the public domain, then the thread should have been titled "Congratulations Nazarene person" and the post should have said xNU announces it is awarding an Honorary Doctorate of Xyz to Nazarene person in recognition of his/her contrubutions in something really imortant in the work of the church/school/state/nation/world.

Since the people in the know seem to be from the OKC/Bethany area or otherwise afiliated with SNU, my guess is the word is low hanging fruit on the Nazarene grapevine in that area, and the school in question is SNU. "Little Bird" is probably a member of the faculty or a trustee of the school.

[Gary Swartzlander]

There have been alot of strange threads on Naznet over the years. This one ranks right up there. :basic05

[Judy Hamilton]

There have been alot of strange threads on Naznet over the years. This one ranks right up there. :basic05

Gary, this thread comes as no surprise

Edith seems to enjoy a corner on secrecy and holds this position in esteem.
Sorta like when we were children, "I know something you don't know"

whoever this person is, whose name is withheld,for whatever reason, ..deserves the applause
and (unless names are forthcoming) will not
realize naznet notoriety

anyway whoever you are..congratulations:)

Judy

[Paul Whitaker]

Yeah! Besides being an ordained elder over the age of 35, having an honorary doctorate is one of the key qualifications to be a GS. :basic05

Also puts one in a strong position to be DS.

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

For some reason, I am not excited or anxious to know the "who" of the matter.
I announced something once that someone called long distance and told me, and the person involes son, got on to me for what I told. I had no idea it was a secret considering the hundreds of people involved at the place where it happened.
You have to be very cautious on here, or someone will try quite hard to "jump down you throat."

[Hal Paul]

Also puts one in a strong position to be DS.

Isn't an HD one of the perqs of being DS?

[Anita F. Henck]

Isn't an HD one of the perqs of being DS?

Not for the DSs who have earned their doctorates.

I have to admit, I've found it interesting over the years that a denomination that so values higher education -- to the point of having 10 US institutions of higher education and 50+ worldwide -- gives away honorary degrees as frequently as it does. We seem conflicted about the value of earning one's educational credentials. And, I've never known anyone else to call themself "Dr." with an honorary degree ... except in the church. Our presidents, senators, and public figures often get honorary degrees. But, we don't call the president Dr. Bush, nor do we call our senators "Dr.".

In fact, the only person who has ever corrected me for not using their doctoral title was a Nazarene DS who had an honorary doctorate. Considering that I've worked with literally thousands of people with earned doctorates (for better or worse, nearly 30 years in higher education will do that to you), it's ironic that someone who hadn't earned the title demanded that it be used and no one else ever has.

Hmmmmm....

[Jim Franklin]

There are still some DSs who have the earned title of Reverend. They, in themselves, are a special group.

[Betty Bolerjack]

Edith doesn't have access to a computer all of the time right now and "Little Bird" was supposed to put in an appearance. It seems he has been delayed for reasons unknown. The info I have comes to me 2nd or 3rd hand so I don't feel it is my place to post it. I can tell you that the school is not SNU. Edith has connections in many places. Hopefully, Little Bird will fly in here soon to clear up the mystery. :basic05

[Paul Whitaker]

Not for the DSs who have earned their doctorates.

I have to admit, I've found it interesting over the years that a denomination that so values higher education -- to the point of having 10 US institutions of higher education and 50+ worldwide -- gives away honorary degrees as frequently as it does. We seem conflicted about the value of earning one's educational credentials. And, I've never known anyone else to call themself "Dr." with an honorary degree ... except in the church. Our presidents, senators, and public figures often get honorary degrees. But, we don't call the president Dr. Bush, nor do we call our senators "Dr.".

In fact, the only person who has ever corrected me for not using their doctoral title was a Nazarene DS who had an honorary doctorate. Considering that I've worked with literally thousands of people with earned doctorates (for better or worse, nearly 30 years in higher education will do that to you), it's ironic that someone who hadn't earned the title demanded that it be used and no one else ever has.

Hmmmmm....

One of my profs at OSU was talking with me. The phone rang,

my prof answered, "Suzanne".

The person on the other end said, "Well this is DR. Smith"

My prof replied,"In that case - this is Dr. Jones". (Names changed to protect the innocent and guilty)
****
Many outstanding people have honorary doctorates. I really can't think of one who use the term Dr. or addressed as Dr.

I do know of one very fine Christian, Reverend who was given an honorary doctor by one of our universities. He has not allowed anyone to call him Dr. If we use any title we would say Rev. - not Dr.

In South Africa MDs are called Dr. But a specialist surgeon is called Mr.;)

[David Pettigrew]

I've read and re-read Edith's post, and for the life of me can't imagine what was controversial about it. I think it was meant in the spirit of fun.

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

I've read and re-read Edith's post, and for the life of me can't imagine what was controversial about it. I think it was meant in the spirit of fun.


Me too.

[Hal Paul]

Not for the DSs who have earned their doctorates.

I commented to Londa after making my last post that the exception for DS receiving HDs were those who had earned degrees.

I've never known anyone else to call themself "Dr." with an honorary degree ... except in the church.

In fact, the only person who has ever corrected me for not using their doctoral title was a Nazarene DS who had an honorary doctorate. Considering that I've worked with literally thousands of people with earned doctorates (for better or worse, nearly 30 years in higher education will do that to you), it's ironic that someone who hadn't earned the title demanded that it be used and no one else ever has.

Hmmmmm....

One person I know of who frequently mentions his HD. Steven Colbert.

[Anita F. Henck]

I've read and re-read Edith's post, and for the life of me can't imagine what was controversial about it.

I assumed you might be the recipient she mentioned! After all, you'll need an honorary doctorate as an added bonus in your quest for the general superintendency! :laughing

[Hal Paul]

Edith doesn't have access to a computer all of the time right now and "Little Bird" was supposed to put in an appearance. It seems he has been delayed for reasons unknown. The info I have comes to me 2nd or 3rd hand so I don't feel it is my place to post it. I can tell you that the school is not SNU. Edith has connections in many places. Hopefully, Little Bird will fly in here soon to clear up the mystery. :basic05

Thanks for clarifying that its not SNU. I still don't understand why the post was made as a "I have a secret but I'm not going to tell you" taunt. What's the point?

[Gina Stevenson]

I commented to Londa after making my last post that the exception for DS receiving HDs were those who had earned degrees.

One person I know of who frequently mentions his HD. Steven Colbert.

OK. Who's Steven Colbert? Thanks.

[Marsha Gupton]

Well, curiosity killed the cat!!:basic05

I looked on Trevecca's website and they are giving an honorary doctorate to R.T. Kendall. Although I am not sure if he is the one Edith is speaking of.

Congratulations to the receipient of this honor though. It is a great honor.

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

Thanks for clarifying that its not SNU. I still don't understand why the post was made as a "I have a secret but I'm not going to tell you" taunt. What's the point?

The point was to be funny with just a tiny bit of mystery. You were supposed to smile and think, "What a cute way to share some good news, I wonder who it is?"

That's all I saw in the post.

[Hal Paul]

OK. Who's Steven Colbert? Thanks.

He has a show on Comedy Central called the "Colbert Report" pronounced Colber' Repor'. The show is basically a satire type spoof of conservative talk show/news pundits. He received an Honorary Doctorate in Letters from some university where he gave the commencement address. He especially likes to show off the diploma whenever he has a guest on the show who have earned doctorates, and plays up the diploma as though he is accomplished than his guests. He sometimes implies they aren't as smart as he is because it only took him one day to get his degree, and they went to school for several years to earn theirs.

[David Pettigrew]

I assumed you might be the recipient she mentioned! After all, you'll need an honorary doctorate as a added bonus in your quest for the general superintendency! :laughing

Well, I've got to get my honorary masters degree first. I've petitioned Jimmy Swaggart Online Bible College.

[Hal Paul]

The point was to be funny with just a tiny bit of mystery. You were supposed to smile and think, "What a cute way to share some good news, I wonder who it is?"

That's all I saw in the post.

Sorry, I didn't see it that way. I guess I've been around too many situations where someone started talking about something when they shouldn't have, or has withheld information that should have been shared simply to exercise power over others. To me this just looked like one of those times.

[Gina Stevenson]

He has a show on Comedy Central called the "Colbert Report" pronounced Colber' Repor'.

Right! 'knew dat! :basic05

You see, there's another Dr. Colbert [other than its appearing a French name which would, natch, be pronounced that way] ... a legit one ... that I know of. ;) We're one of those old-fashioned TV people ... no cable. :eek: :cool: ;)

*********************

Anyway, re R. T. Kendall ... hearing him on radio/TV a few times, he's quite something ... seems a deserving man. Here's a link. Didn't realize he'd written so much, tho' I am familiar w/some of his stuff.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._T._Kendall

Better yet, here's his own website: http://www.rtkendallministries.com/index.html

Here's also another link to one of his more known books:

http://www.amazon.com/Total-Forgiveness-R-T-Kendall/dp/1599791765

[David Pettigrew]

Isn't he, like, one of the leading apologists for Calvinist theology? Or do I have him confused with someone else?

[Gina Stevenson]

Isn't he, like, one of the leading apologists for Calvinist theology? Or do I have him confused with someone else?

Don't know about that; honestly, it's usually been in the area of forgiveness when I've heard him speak. 'Guess that was one of his more common areas of ministry ... facilitating forgiveness? Suppose if I'd read a bunch of his books ... heard him a lot of times ... I might know more. But he's been "right on" re much of what I've heard from him.

[Meghan Schoonover]

Sorry, I didn't see it that way. I guess I've been around too many situations where someone started talking about something when they shouldn't have, or has withheld information that should have been shared simply to exercise power over others. To me this just looked like one of those times.

Are you a younger brother? ;)

[Hal Paul]

Are you a younger brother? ;)

No. I'm the eldest. I don't recall that game being played in my family when I was a kid, of course my brother may remember differently.:o

While I do recall some similar school yard antics from my childhood, my particular annoyance is with several adults, most in church and professional settings, that I've known in recent years who've been fond of "I have a secret" games. The OP seemed to contain the elements of those conversations.

[Dennis M. Scott]

My congratulations to the eventual recipient.

It has for some time seemed a little trendy in some circles to poke fun at such recipients. We've all known persons with titles, "earned" or "unearned", who didn't have the skill to inhale and exhale sequentially, let alone be of benefit to society.

Let's face it: life doesn't overdue it when it comes to affirmation. We could probably stand a little more in many places.

A friend to me said, "When they told me they wanted to give me a doctorate, what was I supposed to say, 'No'? It may have been the most embarrasing moment of my life." Another friend did say no, twice, to two Nazarene institutions.

So it is at best an awkward situation, when it is only meant to be affirmation and recognition.

Whoever the recipient is, somewhere somebody thinks you have done something worthwhile. They're probably right, and some of us thank you for it.

[Marsha Gupton]

I wonder if its Tom Cook???:q)

[Billy Cox]

And, I've never known anyone else to call themself "Dr." with an honorary degree ... except in the church.

I worked for four years at Nazarene Headquarters and during that time I observed that those with doctorates (earned or otherwise) did not demand to be addressed as 'Dr.', but their underlings acted as 'title Nazis' to make sure that nobody dissed their director or GS.

One of the rumors that floated around HQ was that if someone was hired to a director position (usually a pastor) without a doctorate, that their friend(s) on the BGS would lobby for a Nazarene school to grant an honorary degree to dispel the new director's shame. :basic03

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

Edith was a room mate in college with the wife of a man that is a Naznetter. I think they stay in touch, and have over the years. So it could be the person someone mentioned and he does frequent TNU quite a lot--considering that he has three daughters living in Nashville.
Do you know, of whom I speak? But, I don't know, myself who is to receive an honorary degree.

[Anita F. Henck]

Ssssssssssssssoooooooooooooo ... will we EVER hear who the honorary degree recipient is?

Enquiring minds want to know!

:)

[Judy Hamilton]

Ssssssssssssssoooooooooooooo ... will we EVER hear who the honorary degree recipient is?

Enquiring minds want to know!

:)
"Litte Bird's" informant is having computer problems Anita..or is just a bit shy
and does not seem to want to talk

[Brian Blankenship]

It seems to me Edith is getting alot of flack for congratulating someone. on this honorary doctorate. This thing about her being secretive is ridiculous. Why do you think this is so strange. It seems there's not much secretive about it, and its not really strange, not when you look at some of the things on naznet.

Why do some people use this as an opportunity to take potshots at somebody that is trying to be nice. It seems that is not what this forum is for. Brian.

[Hal Paul]

It seems to me Edith is getting alot of flack for congratulating someone. on this honorary doctorate. This thing about her being secretive is ridiculous. Why do you think this is so strange. It seems there's not much secretive about it, and its not really strange, not when you look at some of the things on naznet.

Why do some people use this as an opportunity to take potshots at somebody that is trying to be nice. It seems that is not what this forum is for. Brian.

I think I am probably the one that did most of the "pot shooting" at least I started it. I thought I had apologized and explained why I perceived the OP the way I did, and why in my mind it initially didn't appear to be something nice. I understand most other folks on the forum saw it differently and I was probably wrong, so again I am sorry.

[Edith K. Thurmond]

I think it was meant in the spirit of fun.

It was with the purpose to congratulate a worthy person!

My computer crashed and the precious few minutes on a borrowed computer have been used for necessary items only related to e-mail and business. Sorry to take so long getting back to this thread. Little Bird and family are extremely busy too.

:thanks)

[Edith K. Thurmond]

My congratulations to the eventual recipient.

.....Let's face it: life doesn't overdue it when it comes to affirmation. We could probably stand a little more in many places.

.....Whoever the recipient is, somewhere somebody thinks you have done something worthwhile. They're probably right, and some of us thank you for it.

Dennis and the others who wish to do so, join me in giving congratulations to the Reverend Orville W. Jenkins, Jr. for having this honor given to him for his five decades of service to his church, communities, and people in general. Those who know this humble man are thankful for his life and service and the Board of Trustees of Trevecca Nazarene University will be awarding this honorary degree upon him in the next few weeks. An official bio will probably appear on the TNU website in the near future. The announcement had been made last week and congratulations also go to his wife, Nancy, and all their children.

Blessings to everyone,

[Edith K. Thurmond]

Ssssssssssssssoooooooooooooo ... will we EVER hear who the honorary degree recipient is?

Enquiring minds want to know!

:)

Inquiring minds now know! :)

Blessings,

[Marsha Gupton]

Well, curiosity got the better of me and I emailed who I think "little bird or big bird" is and was told this yesterday but wasn't sure if this was the person or not. Plus I didn't want to highjack the thread. When I asked "big bird" if he was the recipient, he almost fainted. He said that Brother McClurkan would roll over in his grave. hahahaha

Congratulations!!:)

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

I never thought it was Tom Cook, but the person Marsha mentioned being on the TNU website, is listed as someone to receive an honorary degree.
Some people have both kinds, but one I know of is Chuck Millhuff. This is sort of like a school giving physical ed. credit for someone who served in the military--not exactly the same, but in a way, it is--for experience you have attained. All of you know, it is to honor them. But, I was a little destressed for Edith's sake.

[Donna Adams]

Brian:If Edith really wanted us to know she would have not posted how she did. If she really wanted to congratulate someone, she could have and should have chosen a better way to do so.
Hal, while your apology is accepted, but I don't think it was necessary, I read the original posts as you did.
Glad it's over with now......while I recoginize the name of the recipient, I have NO clue who the man is.

[Brian Blankenship]

Brian:If Edith really wanted us to know she would have not posted how she did. If she really wanted to congratulate someone, she could have and should have chosen a better way to do so.
Hal, while your apology is accepted, but I don't think it was necessary, I read the original posts as you did.
Glad it's over with now......while I recoginize the name of the recipient, I have NO clue who the man is.

Donna, how do you know what she meant?

[Gary Swartzlander]

Donna, how do you know what she meant?

Seems the problem comes from some people being in the loop on this and some not in the loop. Those of us not in the loop based our thoughts on the original, pretty simple and vague post. Remembering that we are a broad and varied group of individuals it just didn't (and wasn't going to) click at all with some of us.

A bit more information to help us know what was meant would have been helpful. We need to remember the variance of the audience that we have here at Naznet.

[Hal Paul]

You know, I think it's time to drop this one.