Why Do Spiritual Teachers Stop Teaching?
Why Do Spiritual Teachers Stop Teaching?
byΒ Rev. Sheri, founder ofΒ Angel Messenger
For many years now, Angel Messenger has been a source of light to many people. As the creators of this work, my husband and I have spent countless hours tirelessly working to make this site what it is. Even though we cannot even afford health insurance for our family, we manage to pay a small staff for some extra help. Even on the days when I’m in severe pain from my current health issues that no doctor seems to be able to understand, I am working. When my grandfather died in June, and I met my biological father and his family for the first time in my life and began dealing with all the heartbreak that brought with it, I was working. I accepted my pain for what it was and kept shining what little bit of light I had left. When my mother in law died just before the holidays this past year, my husband and I forced ourselves to keep pushing forward on getting the new site together … because the old site was dying. While I sit here in pain at this very moment, I tried to respond to more hate-filled emails from our audience, and all I can think is, “Do you even care?”
I know there are people out there who do care, that have followed us for years and years and know the work we put into this site, and we are all grateful for your support. But, this really has made me think about why spiritual teachers stop teaching,why/how they just get too burnt out to do this work anymore. Why do people treat others so badly? We provide a free service to hundreds of thousands of people every month. We haven’t asked for payment for this service that is quite costly for us to provide. In fact, we work with advertisers so that our free reading services do not cost our visitors a dime.
We launched our new website on Monday, and the negative feedback we have received since then has been unbelievable … not because people have questions or can’t find something the old site had, but because of what they say and how they say it. Many of the emails I simply deleted because they honestly don’t deserve a response, but I have personally responded to several of them myself since my assistant is on vacation this week.
Here’s the most recent email (and this one is mild) …
1 hr ago
Name: (removed for privacy)
E-Mail: (removed for privacy)
Subject: The new site
Message: Hi there, just wanted to let you know that the new site design is not as user friendly as the old site. It does not have a mobile option for use on smart phones and is difficult to navigate. Also some of the text overlaps in the layout when viewed on mobile.
I’ve been coming to this site for a few years and always visit from my smart phone. It was perfect before, everything loaded easily and the descriptions for the Angel cards were available. With the new site I cannot get the extended descriptors for the cards and the navigation is terrible.
Sorry to share this but it is very disappointing. Don’t fix what’s not broken. Hopefully you can get your web designer to address these issues.
Thank you (name removed for privacy)
As I’ve said, this email was mild – actually much nicer than most of them. This individual was not hateful about her comments, though it’s obvious she misunderstands a lot. (I wish to be very clear here that this particular email I’ve shared would be considered constructive criticism compared to most of the emails we’ve received.)
Let me answer this question for mobile users …
We are aware that the mobile version of the site is not the same as the desktop version. Our old site did not have a mobile version and the new site does. Google basically requires now that websites have mobile versions, or they may in fact remove your site being in their search. So, when people search for Angel Messenger on Google, we simply would not be found. We determined that would not be helpful, so we have tried to follow Google’s rules by creating a mobile version of our new site, which is called a responsive design. Most people have seen this design before as it is being used by more and more companies. It responds to the size of your screen and gives a special “mobile version” of the site to mobile users. If some of the writing overlaps on your mobile device when you have it facing upright, try turning it sideways.
As for the extended descriptions, all you need to do is click on the name of the card. This is exactly the same as it was on the old site. The only thing we changed here was to remove the highlighted text under every card name that said, “To see more details and the extended description on any card, click on the name of the card below the picture (not the picture itself).” After 6+ years of having a highlighted reminder under every single card, I thought it didn’t seem necessary to keep it. I thought it would make the page look cleaner and that people should know how to use it by now – especially since I added those exact directions at the top of every reading page just in case new users didn’t know how it worked.
A couple people have commented that there is no navigation on the new mobile site, but it really seems that maybe these people simply do not understand how a mobile site works. Toward the top, in the light blue section with our Angel Messenger name, there is a drop down menu (three little lines) just to the right. Click on that menu and you’ll be able to access all the pages on our website. On the old site, the navigation did not work properly on mobile. You could click on the main button, but the drop down didn’t work. With over 80% of our traffic using mobile/tablet devices, we had no choice but to use a responsive design. This also means we make less money with advertising because the mobile version has very few ads as compared to what it had before.
Don’t fix what’s not broken.
I’m sorry, but how would you know if it was broken or not? In fact, the old site was seriously broken, but that’s not something most of our visitors noticed because we were basically performing routine magical juggling acts to keep that seriously broken and outdated site online. This is way more advanced than most internet users can understand, but there’s a lot that goes into creating and maintaining a website like this. It’s sort of like building a house … once upon a time, the house was a perfect new build. As time goes by, more and more people discover the house and want to visit, so you have to expand the size of the house, add more windows, buy more furniture for people to sit on. Eventually, that house is going to look more like a patchwork jigsaw puzzle than the beautiful home it once was.
To add to this, those extra add-ons are made by different companies which don’t always work well together. For example, the e-card software we were using was not working properly with the most updated version of WordPress, so we were getting errors all the time. And, you can’t just not update WordPress either. Most of the time, a WordPress update has something to do with security, and hosting companies do not appreciate it when their users have websites that are vulnerable to cyber attack.
If you don’t think a site like this gets hackers, think again. People try hacking us every day, which is why we have to pay for added security and firewalls. A website with such high traffic is a hacker’s dream. π
Criticism is one thing, but hate mail is not welcome here
Before anyone gets upset that I’m actually standing up for myself, let me give you a glimpse of what I’m seeing. Constructive criticism is one thing; that can be helpful. However, hate mail is unnecessary, and frankly it doesn’t belong here. If you literally hate our new website, you’re welcome to your opinion just as much as you’re welcome not to use this site. We are not a public owned company. We try to give our visitors a say in what we do because we enjoy collaborating with like-minded people. However, if you can only be mean, we really don’t want your energy here.
Think about what you say before you say it. People may also say the same about what I’ve written here, but I’ve thought about it, and someone needs to stand up against the nasty comments some people feel it is okay to attack other people with. How can you expect spiritual teachers to continue to do what they do and be treated so callously? How can we be a light in the world when “haters” work so hard to extinguish that light? Do people think we don’t have feelings, that we’re not human?
Some in the spiritual community might not be happy I’ve said this; there is a consensus that some like to pretend they aren’t actually human, but that’s always been part of who I am and what I stand for as a spiritual teacher who is also a human being. None of us deserve the kinds of attacks that are forced upon us – especially as we become more and more well-known. I know for a fact that many people in the public eye get attacked in similar fashion. This isn’t my first rodeo; hate mail is nothing new for me, but I’m really disgusted to get it from people who supposedly visit our site daily. If you visit this website daily, and you think it’s okay to treat people with such unkind aggressiveness, then this website isn’t for you. I mean it’s literally not working for you, and you may want to consider seeking help elsewhere.
If you’re unhappy that I’m calling out these people, I’m sorry but I’m not sorry. I may be a light worker, but I’m also a business owner and a Scorpio. Our well meaning efforts to bring light to the world through a free service does not also give people license to be jerks. I’m simply pushing back against their darkness.
The spiritual teacher in me reminds me of what Jesus went through … people throwing stones while this kind soul was dying. Well, I’m not Jesus, and I would think people would be a little better than that kind of behavior by now. Sometimes people ask me why the saints and angels seem to no longer be here, but can you really blame them? This world can be a really harsh place. If our audience is spiritually minded and they act in such a way, what does that really say about the mindset of our world? Are we really so much different now than those who threw stones at Jesus or burned witches in a “purifying fire”?
Yesterday, as we were trying to leave the house, I couldn’t hold back my tears of frustration. I was supposed to be going out to spend time with my family as it is actually spring break, but I was just heartbroken. I tried my best to let it go, let Heaven handle it. I returned to find more awful messages and even more this morning.Β I know change can take some getting used to. I can’t even tell you how many times one of the software companies I use changed something that really had be thrown for a loop, confused or frustrated. Paypal seems to change their back-end layout every year at least. WordPress is making updates all the time. It can be frustrating, but as a common sense business owner, I understand there must be a reason for the changes. Companies don’t just make changes to make things for difficult for their users. That doesn’t make any sense at all.
A lot of time, research, money and other resources went into the creation of this new website. If you need help finding something or don’t understand something, feel free to contact us. However, my assistant is off this week, and I’m not reading any more emails for the remainder of the week. I need to recharge before I have no light left.
For those out there reading this who feel my pain and have gone or are going through something similar, hang in there. Even though this is not exactly fun for me, I know it has a purpose. I’m being reminded of who I am and what I need to do. If you’re like me, maybe you’ve spent too long letting other people trample all over you. Maybe it’s time to say enough is enough. We can’t please everyone. We’re not meant to please everyone, either.
“You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you canβt please all of the people all of the time.”
If you have questions about our new site, some of them have already been in our frequently asked questions answered here.
People will say the darnedest things behind a computer/phone screen hey?! It’s cowardly and distasteful to say the least. I guess that’s the negative side of technology. I applaud you for calling them out! Spiritual teacher or not, having a back bone and standing up for what you know is morally right is necessary! I too find it ironic that they send you hate mail but yet your website and all that you stand for is Light and Love- which In turn, ultimately , if people are visiting your site, SHOULD STAND FOR THE SAME THING! It just goes to show- just because one goes to church every Sunday doesn’t make one a Christian. Just know that you have a great deal of support out here and we love what you do and are grateful for all of your hard work and heart! This issue just allows the universe to weed out the pretenders and open the door for the genuine, for your business specifically. The hate mail people are called to go elsewhere to learn different lessons and new light and love will flood in with new people. Keep up the good work!
Thank you, Shannon, for your kindness, understanding and support. I have to say that I was quite surprised to get actual hate mail from our visitors, but that in itself is maybe a lesson for me to let the universe know what I will allow for myself and this work. So many people have written in to thank me for this post, and that was even more surprising. I wasn’t sure how people would react, but it seems most people understand why we shouldn’t “allow” such negative energy. Bless you! <3
As a former IT tech the one thing you learn is that people are cruel.
I think your new site is lovely and those of us that use your site should be praising you not berating you. But their turn will come judgement day, This may very well be a lesson God wanted taught and who better to do it than you. Bless you and your family and make the Angel’s take away your pain.
Jen
Thank you, Jen. IT is a hard job. Long ago it seems now, I worked in retail management. Now, when in stores, I insist on refolding what I mess up, and I always leave a good tip for wait staff. When you’ve been there, you certainly have a different understanding than others. π Thank you for your kindness and blessings. My pain is much better this week. π
I’m enjoying your site. Old n new! Change is good. Keep the site please!!!
Thank you, MaryLynn. I’m glad you’re enjoying the site – old and new. π Change is good and sometimes very necessary. We are planning on keeping the site, just hoping to reform a few things so that it is easier to maintain. π
Hi! I just wanted to say that I really appreciate the work the you and your husband have put in to provide this service. I have paid nothing but I have been given so much. I think I visit here everyday, but I just kinda woke up to this stuff and I am overdoing a lot of spiritual stuff at the moment lol. Thank you for all that you have given. I am sure that there are more like me who have silently taken so much guidance and support from this site and your work. You have made an impact on me and I appreciate it! Major Blessings to you and all your staff
Thank you, Gary. It is easy to over do it when you “wake up”. π Just take it day by day, and follow your interests. Your soul will guide you to what you should learn. Blessings to you as well. <3
Loved your letter. What you said b is true. God bless you. It seems now a days people are so hateful. Not just to you and your site, but to everyone. I think they just need to move on. I read your site all the t ime from my cell phone. I don’t have any problems at all. I’m an old lady whom has no idea what it takes to build a site like yours, let alone understand it. Let them move on. Y ou have done a wonderful job. You are the best. Hold your head up, and do not let them get to you. Thank you for all you do, for the people who depend on your readings and cannot afford to pay. Thank you, thank you, thank you. God Bless you and your family.
Thank you, Tanis. I’m glad you are enjoying the site and grateful it is working well from your cell phone. Blessings to you and your family. <3
DEAR Rev SHERIE YOU ARE ESTEEMEED ALL OVER THE WORLD YOUR SITE IS WHAT PEOPLE LIKE ME RUN TO WHEN WE ARE WEARY. Please don’t let it get to you people are creatures of habit and now you’ve shook them out of their comfort zone by next week they’ll have forgotten .ANGEL BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY <3
Thank you, Vicki. Blessings to you and your family as well. <3
Hi I am sorry your site not been received well. For me I like it. It the first thing I do when I wake. Thank you for doing it for free. Recharge your batteries and start again next week ????maybe the people that are complaining might need to think I have out grown this site
Thank you, Mary. <3 I agree. π
I think I love this more than anything I’ve ever read on this site. You are 100% right that if people are going to send actual hate mail to an ANGEL MESSENGER website, it is definitely not the right place for them. We all know that the people that bring darkness to our lives are there to challenge us and it’s really difficult not to take that personally. I hope you are able to breathe and heal this week, and continue to bring the same love and light to this space that you always have, because it helps many of us in tremendous ways. For those who are inspired to rage by a website update, please take a moment to be grateful for this free service and reflect on the heartache your negativity is causing.
As for the mobile site, I haven’t had a chance to browse around yet but I work in the industry so I’m well aware of Google’s demands and influences on website owners and search results. You WILL be penalized by Google’s algorithm changes for not having a mobile site. What I find is that it drives me back to my desktop when I get frustrated on a mobile site. Isn’t that ironic?!
Anyway, I truly hope you know how many people you help and love this website. As for the haters? Delete!
Thank you, Noelle! <3 I'm glad you enjoyed and understood my honesty. π I agree with you on the mobile site thing, too. I always prefer to use the desktop version of any site and do not understand exactly why Google is so insistent that we all have mobile sites when in reality a lot of people actually do not like them. That is ironic, yes.
I have certainly been reminded how much the work we do here helps people. There are still a couple of straggling haters writing in ... but we no longer respond to those emails. π Sometimes we have to be willing to say bad energy is not welcome here. π
Thank you again, Noelle. Your comment was actually the first one I read after this piece was posted. I was on my phone and couldn't add a comment, but your words helped me to take that first deep breath after posting. I was worried people wouldn't get what I was saying, but your very first comment got it exactly. π
Blessings to you! <3