Posted on 12/23/2005 4:39:24 AM PST by truthandlife
Victoria Osteen, the wife of Lakewood Church pastor Joel Osteen, said an incident that delayed a Continental Airlines flight for two hours earlier this week was "a minor misunderstanding."
Osteen posted a "Letter from Victoria" on the church's official Web site Wednesday, saying the Monday incident resulted from her choice "to remove myself from the situation."
Osteen left the plane, Continental Flight 1602, with her husband and their two children. The family took another flight to Vail, Colo., where they are taking a ski vacation.
A church spokesman said the family left the plane voluntarily.
However, FBI Special Agent Luz Garcia has said that the Osteens were asked to leave the jetliner after "an altercation."
Garcia also said that Victoria Osteen "failed to comply" with instructions from a flight attendant.
The FBI said the airline contacted the agency about the incident. The agency decided not to investigate.
Continental Airlines spokeswoman Julie King declined any further comment about the incident Thursday.
"There have been various accounts of an incident that occurred on one of our flights, and I have issued earlier statements about that," King said. "We can confirm that there are no remaining issues between Continental and those passengers. ... Both parties feel no further comment is necessary."
King declined to comment on Victoria Osteen's explanation of the incident.
In her letter, which can be read at at www.lakewood.cc, Osteen stated:
"Regardless of how some have portrayed the situation, please know that it was truly a minor misunderstanding and did not escalate into what you saw or read in the news. Contrary to those reports, it was my choice to remove myself from the situation. Nonetheless, it was a most unfortunate event and I truly regret that it happened."
Osteen's letter continued, "The last thing I would ever want to do is let any of you down. And I promise you that I did not act in any way that would cast a bad light on you, my family, Lakewood Church or our Lord Jesus Christ. I value the position that God has placed me in and I can assure you that I will always walk in love and integrity. While I am not perfect, I will always seek to be a peacemaker and seek the high road."
The incident apparently stemmed from a spilled liquid on Osteen's seat in the first class section of the airplane. A church spokesman said the spill was not cleaned up to Osteen's satisfaction, and the family left the plane voluntarily.
Joel Osteen is a nationally known author of self-help books, including the best-selling Your Best Life Now. He became pastor of Lakewood Church in 1999. The church, in the former Compaq Center, is one of the nation's largest with more than 30,000 weekly participants in church services.
She sounds like a nitwit.
Having a best selling book likely provides much of his wealth.
God created people like the Osteens for his own comedic enjoyment.
ping!
"Gimme a break! I can't believe you said that!"
Give me a break....this woman delayed a plane for 2 hours!! Any moron who doesn't care for other people's time needs to be kicked out. The fact that she is the pampered and spoilt wife of a prominent preacher does not make her infalliable. Do you think ALL preachers and televangelists are incapable of stupid actions?
Let me repeat the same insult you threw at "sgtbono2002." Stop acting like a stupid Dimocrat.
On a more charitable note, Merry Christmas.
In this post-9/11 world, you raise hell on an airplane full of people, you're just liable to make the news. And if your husband appears on Larry King every quarter to advertise a new book, your profile will be even higher.
It appears that Virginia Osteen had a vapor-lock-of-the-brain moment, temporarily forgetting who she was married to. It happens.
Or--other "Christians."
The media and these "Christians" makes some wonder if they are not in collusion? Nonetheless, those church-goers can sure come up with scripture in a blink of and eye.
Actually, the truth is they were on their way to the Miniature Spoon Museum in Branson, Missouri; but good ol' Joel (with magical powers we cannot fathom) just WILLED them to go to Aspen!
Why does he fly first class? I thought he could just think positively and get a 1st class upgrade? Works every time?
excuse me? To what are you referring to?
You have documentary evidence of that? He is a fairly successful author.
Joel is seated in the temple area (so to speak) and enjoys a monopoly.
His books are usually kept in the church book store and members are encouraged from the pulpit and other's to buy the books. You can't suceed without them.
If joel really had the truth that helped christian's suceed at hliness or entering heaven, it would seem that by Christ's highest commandment, he would give the books away.
"Freely you have received, freely you should give."
That statement is mighty telling. Just what "position" does she think that she has with God?
motivational positive thinking meets big tent Christian preacher...sorta
i don't fault them for flying first class, I'm 6'5" and I do to when I can
and one can get reduced FC fares btw
class envy from FReepers is always fun to watch
but, I confess to not being crazy about the Osteens
and flight attendants are known to be cranky...too old or too homo.
"During this season, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, Joel and I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. May peace and happiness embrace all of us and may 2006 be your best year ever.
Victoria
"
I think she left out these paragraphs:
"We're really enjoying out lavish skiing vacation in Colorado. Vail is wonderful in the winter, especially if you're staying in a $2000 per night condo right next to the lifts.
I'm taking advanced ski lessons from the most wonderful instructor, Clint. He's so strong and young. The lessons are very stimulating. Joel seems to be enjoying his lessons, too. Cyndee, his instruction, is also young, but an expert at what she does.
Thanks to all of you for all your donations. This skiing trip will stimulate us both, so we'll be back in the New Year with renewed vigor to resume our ministry. It was your dollars that made this possible."
Y' know what's scary? She looks like Hillary. Crop the hair short, and she looks like Hillary. Maybe she has the same personality...
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