If you have been watching the news at all, surely you've heard about this crisis in Nigeria. One man and his small army has kidnapped nearly 300 girls as they were going to school, and has made a public video saying he is going to sell them as slaves, which probably means in the sex trade.
My question is this: why is this a bag deal?
Don't get me wrong. This is a big freaking deal. But why did it take nearly 300 girls kidnapped before it mattered? Shouldn't ONE girl be unacceptable? Should this be a big freaking deal everyday?
And believe me, this is an every single day issue. It happens all over the world. It happens right here in the United States. According to Unicef, it has been reported in all 50 states. Many of them are foster children.
Human trafficking can be forced labor (like migrant workers). Most often it is the sex trade. It happens like this: a fifteen year old girl goes to a typical high school party. After being roofied and raped, she is photographed and blackmailed. One girl's story, she told that she refused to go back, then her little dog disappeared. She got a call where she could hear the dog barking in the background, until she heard a gunshot. Then the caller said, "Your little brother's next." She went to a hotel room where twenty men took turns, and left her bleeding and broken in the hotel shower. When the maid came to clean, she called 911. They took her home, where her parents chastised her for running away from home.
This girl was picked up again the next night, and taken from Virginia to California, where she lived as a prostitute, locked in a fleabag motel, where she was raped daily until a police raid, when she was finally returned home.
I wept as I listened to her tell this story. What if this was your mom? You sister? Your daughter? Your niece? Your friend?
The question isn't why the case in Nigeria is a big deal. The question is why aren't the rest of them?
If you would like to help, I have recommended and will continue to recommend International Justice Mission. www.twitter.com/IJM, or www.ijm.org.
Showing posts with label Justice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Justice. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Threats from Harry Reid
Did you hear that Harry Reid is threatening people? It's true.
If you've not been watching the news, you may have missed the massive problem in Nevada, where the Federal Government walked in and seized this man's cattle off of disputed lands. The state of Nevada claims the land, and so does the federal government. So the federal government seized the cattle.
The federal government seized this guy's cattle, then sent in snipers and others which escalated tension. This led other people (my guess is Arian militia) went in, trying to get things violent, which caused the ranchers to be stuck between two groups. They ended up negotiating a peaceful settlement, getting back their cows. It seemed over.
Then Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid opened his stupid mouth.
Reid said, "We can't have an American people that violate the law and then just walk away from it. So it's not over."
He said this shortly after getting in trouble for embezzling money from his campaign to send to his relatives. How about we go after him for that?
What about people who illegally come into this country and pay no taxes? He's for amnesty. So let's go after a man for grazing cattle, but not illegals.
What about drugs? It is a federal crime to sell marijuana. But they're making medical marijuana legal in several states and the DC area. We can't have an American people that violate the law and walk away from it.
What about gun running? Let's go after Eric Holder for Fast and Furious.
Illegal IRS targeting of conservatives? We better go after the IRS for that. Also, there was a story that said that during audits, IRS agents wore Obama campaign buttons in 2012, and told people who they had to vote for.
Election fraud? Voter intimidation? Let's go after SEIU, ACORN, and the New Black Panthers. Of even the guy that they voted for.
Hm... When you put it that way, it sounds like there are a lot bigger problems than cows. Let's start with those.
If you've not been watching the news, you may have missed the massive problem in Nevada, where the Federal Government walked in and seized this man's cattle off of disputed lands. The state of Nevada claims the land, and so does the federal government. So the federal government seized the cattle.
The federal government seized this guy's cattle, then sent in snipers and others which escalated tension. This led other people (my guess is Arian militia) went in, trying to get things violent, which caused the ranchers to be stuck between two groups. They ended up negotiating a peaceful settlement, getting back their cows. It seemed over.
Then Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid opened his stupid mouth.
Reid said, "We can't have an American people that violate the law and then just walk away from it. So it's not over."
He said this shortly after getting in trouble for embezzling money from his campaign to send to his relatives. How about we go after him for that?
What about people who illegally come into this country and pay no taxes? He's for amnesty. So let's go after a man for grazing cattle, but not illegals.
What about drugs? It is a federal crime to sell marijuana. But they're making medical marijuana legal in several states and the DC area. We can't have an American people that violate the law and walk away from it.
What about gun running? Let's go after Eric Holder for Fast and Furious.
Illegal IRS targeting of conservatives? We better go after the IRS for that. Also, there was a story that said that during audits, IRS agents wore Obama campaign buttons in 2012, and told people who they had to vote for.
Election fraud? Voter intimidation? Let's go after SEIU, ACORN, and the New Black Panthers. Of even the guy that they voted for.
Hm... When you put it that way, it sounds like there are a lot bigger problems than cows. Let's start with those.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Captain America for President
*** Warning! Contains Spoilers!***
You've been warned.
Ok, so yesterday I posted my review for Captain America: The Winter Solider. Well worth reading. Today, I'm going more for the message of Captain America.
Cap learns in the beginning of the movie that Nick Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., commissioned three new helicarriers. Only these three were linked to satellites. These satellites took up information on everyone on the planet, things like spending records and who they talked to. They tracked google searches, text messages, and GPS locations. In doing so, they were able to compile information on everyone, like who they voted for, or whether or not they would lead people.
Kinda sound familiar, doesn't it? Not so fictitious, is it?
Then you have this conversation.
Fury- "We're going to start a lot of threats before they even happen."
Cap- "I thought the punishment usually came after the crime."
Cap ends up having to go on the run, hunted be the government, because he wouldn't help them propagate this kind of behavior. They declare him an enemy, and everyone is hunting him with the intent to kill.
I bet the IRS audited him for being a patriot too.
As it turns out, many of the leaders where secret working for Hydra, who was seeking to bring order to the world. People, they decided, couldn't be trusted with freedom. So they decided to push the world to chaos so that they could create order. They did things like ruined the economy, instituted socialist Health Care, and allowed terrorists to roam free, calling it things like "workplace violence" instead of terrorism.
Apparently Obama, Reid, and Pelosi are members of Hydra.
Remember those helicarriers? They were sent after people, not terrorists, but those view as true enemies of Hyrda, proponents of liberty. So they were going to do drone strikes on anyone that might become a leader of people that had values other than their own.
Remember when Obama said that conservatives, not terrorists where the greatest threat to America? Hail Hydra.
In the end, Captain America was willing to risk and even end his life in defense of freedom. And he called on others to do the same. "The cost of liberty is high, but it's a price I'm willing to pay."
Captain America is a conservative (this is something from the comics, especially seen in the Marvel Civil War). He believes in conservative values like freedom and choice. As opposed to so-called liberals, who believe in the government and have a war on liberty.
How long until Hydra comes knocking at your door? Will you fall in lock step, or pay the price?
Hail Hydra, or fight with Captain America. I know what I'd rather do.
You've been warned.
Ok, so yesterday I posted my review for Captain America: The Winter Solider. Well worth reading. Today, I'm going more for the message of Captain America.
Cap learns in the beginning of the movie that Nick Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., commissioned three new helicarriers. Only these three were linked to satellites. These satellites took up information on everyone on the planet, things like spending records and who they talked to. They tracked google searches, text messages, and GPS locations. In doing so, they were able to compile information on everyone, like who they voted for, or whether or not they would lead people.
Kinda sound familiar, doesn't it? Not so fictitious, is it?
Then you have this conversation.
Fury- "We're going to start a lot of threats before they even happen."
Cap- "I thought the punishment usually came after the crime."
Cap ends up having to go on the run, hunted be the government, because he wouldn't help them propagate this kind of behavior. They declare him an enemy, and everyone is hunting him with the intent to kill.
I bet the IRS audited him for being a patriot too.
As it turns out, many of the leaders where secret working for Hydra, who was seeking to bring order to the world. People, they decided, couldn't be trusted with freedom. So they decided to push the world to chaos so that they could create order. They did things like ruined the economy, instituted socialist Health Care, and allowed terrorists to roam free, calling it things like "workplace violence" instead of terrorism.
Apparently Obama, Reid, and Pelosi are members of Hydra.
Remember those helicarriers? They were sent after people, not terrorists, but those view as true enemies of Hyrda, proponents of liberty. So they were going to do drone strikes on anyone that might become a leader of people that had values other than their own.
Remember when Obama said that conservatives, not terrorists where the greatest threat to America? Hail Hydra.
In the end, Captain America was willing to risk and even end his life in defense of freedom. And he called on others to do the same. "The cost of liberty is high, but it's a price I'm willing to pay."
Captain America is a conservative (this is something from the comics, especially seen in the Marvel Civil War). He believes in conservative values like freedom and choice. As opposed to so-called liberals, who believe in the government and have a war on liberty.
How long until Hydra comes knocking at your door? Will you fall in lock step, or pay the price?
Hail Hydra, or fight with Captain America. I know what I'd rather do.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
From Green to Red (Special Thanks to Fox News' The Five)
Did you hear this one? Probably not. It was discovered that a hospital in the UK was shoveling children into the incinerator. This wasn't cremation. This was the incinerator used to heat the hospital.
The media isn't covering this, because they get money from groups like Planned Parenthood, and they don't want to "hurt" the business of murder. I learned about this story from my favorite new show, Fox News' The Five, which features Five opinion people from across the political spectrum, who discuss the news. They range from and advisor for Walter Mondale and Jimmy Carter, to a W. press secretary to libertarians. If you have access, watch it. It has become one of my favorite shows.
Back to the topic, a woman had a miscarriage and asked for the body of her baby, to give him/her a proper burial. She was informed that her baby would be thrown into the incinerator, "like the rest of the garbage."
I'm sorry, why is executing McVeigh or bin Laden evil, but an innocent child is garbage? Why do we wonder while childhood suicide rates are so high while telling them they are garbage, to be burned like the box your Big Mac came in. Wonderful.
This is disgusting. The hospital has vowed to stop the practice, but this is too little to late for me.
They've turned Green to Red.
In trying to save the planet and use less electricity, they decided to burn unborn children. This lady who lost her child would love nothing more than to have one, and other people kill theirs. It's not just the practice that is disgusting. It's the principle. Somewhere people decided that what has become a false, cultish belief that human beings destroy the earth by existing, is more important than humanity. They'd rather not kill a petunia, so let's kill a few million people instead.
Hey, Auschwitz must have been really green! Look at how many people they burned?
People who promote, profit from, and practice abortion have blood on their hands. The Earth was created for us. God told us to care for it. He created this wonderful thing to show us Him. Why worship the creation when we can worship the creator? This is almost as if you liked a painting so much, you killed the artist. That is insane.
So is burning innocent babies. It's insane. Detestable. An abomination. A real-life nightmare.
The media isn't covering this, because they get money from groups like Planned Parenthood, and they don't want to "hurt" the business of murder. I learned about this story from my favorite new show, Fox News' The Five, which features Five opinion people from across the political spectrum, who discuss the news. They range from and advisor for Walter Mondale and Jimmy Carter, to a W. press secretary to libertarians. If you have access, watch it. It has become one of my favorite shows.
Back to the topic, a woman had a miscarriage and asked for the body of her baby, to give him/her a proper burial. She was informed that her baby would be thrown into the incinerator, "like the rest of the garbage."
I'm sorry, why is executing McVeigh or bin Laden evil, but an innocent child is garbage? Why do we wonder while childhood suicide rates are so high while telling them they are garbage, to be burned like the box your Big Mac came in. Wonderful.
This is disgusting. The hospital has vowed to stop the practice, but this is too little to late for me.
They've turned Green to Red.
In trying to save the planet and use less electricity, they decided to burn unborn children. This lady who lost her child would love nothing more than to have one, and other people kill theirs. It's not just the practice that is disgusting. It's the principle. Somewhere people decided that what has become a false, cultish belief that human beings destroy the earth by existing, is more important than humanity. They'd rather not kill a petunia, so let's kill a few million people instead.
Hey, Auschwitz must have been really green! Look at how many people they burned?
People who promote, profit from, and practice abortion have blood on their hands. The Earth was created for us. God told us to care for it. He created this wonderful thing to show us Him. Why worship the creation when we can worship the creator? This is almost as if you liked a painting so much, you killed the artist. That is insane.
So is burning innocent babies. It's insane. Detestable. An abomination. A real-life nightmare.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Guy Brings His White Girl To Barbershop In Harlem And Gets Hated On By B...
Please watch this. This is personal to me. I've been mistreated because of my race before. Moreover, on both sides of my family, I have members that run the spectrum of race. I hate the fact that some of my cousins, before they were adopted, were told "No one wants you because your black." To me, they're just family.
I also love a quote that I heard from my dad, and I don't know who he got it from. He said, "If you don't like other races, don't go to heaven, because the Bible says there will be people of every language, ethnicity, and nation."
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Enemy of the State?
So... our country seems to have some trouble lately. With Fort Hood shootings, Sandyhook Elementary, the Boston bombings, we are under attack. There are nearly regular shootings by the mentally unstable and attacks by terrorists.
Yet, our government seems to be confused as to who the enemies of our nation are. The State Department went after our dead ambassador. The DOJ went after the media. The IRS went after conservatives. The NSA is going after everyone.
This, for some reason, is surprising. I don't know why. They've been doing it for years. We knew they were doing it. There's a movie called "Enemy of the State" staring Gene Hackman, John Voit, and Will Smith. We're living it. Political opponents are enemies, while people trying to kill us must be our victims.
That said, if you're asking me is this Snowden or whatever his name is is a hero for leaking, my answer is no. If he thought he was being brave and doing the right thing, he wouldn't have run away. He would have stood in public and taken the consequences. That's the difference between standing for a conviction and just being a turd.
In the mean time, our nation's leaders need to learn the difference between our friends and our enemies. The IRS did this political bullying because Obama has created a culture of corruption and favoritism. He's McCarthyism and Nixon all rolled in one, and no one cares. It's really sad.
Yet, our government seems to be confused as to who the enemies of our nation are. The State Department went after our dead ambassador. The DOJ went after the media. The IRS went after conservatives. The NSA is going after everyone.
This, for some reason, is surprising. I don't know why. They've been doing it for years. We knew they were doing it. There's a movie called "Enemy of the State" staring Gene Hackman, John Voit, and Will Smith. We're living it. Political opponents are enemies, while people trying to kill us must be our victims.
That said, if you're asking me is this Snowden or whatever his name is is a hero for leaking, my answer is no. If he thought he was being brave and doing the right thing, he wouldn't have run away. He would have stood in public and taken the consequences. That's the difference between standing for a conviction and just being a turd.
In the mean time, our nation's leaders need to learn the difference between our friends and our enemies. The IRS did this political bullying because Obama has created a culture of corruption and favoritism. He's McCarthyism and Nixon all rolled in one, and no one cares. It's really sad.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Cleveland hostages
On the news this morning I heard about three women that were kidnapped by a psycho, locked in his basement, and used as his own personal sex slaves. We are horrified, but this happens EVERYDAY. Ten year old girls are taken from their homes and sold as sex slaves everyday. Many are even smuggled into this country as cargo. For more information and how to help, talk a look at www.ijm.org
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Vow of the Modern Knight
The Knight
We live in a day when we are in need of knights. We need warriors who are willing to fight for things that truly matter. As a knight for today, I take this oath.
A knight does not serve himself. He serves a king. I surrender myself totally to the King of Kings. I will obey him in every area of my life. I withhold nothing from myself. I completely and totally surrender. I will obey His every command. I will go on every quest, no matter how dangerous, no matter how deadly, no matter the cost to myself.
Isaiah 6:8, Luke 9:23, 12:51, Romans 6:22-23, 12:1, Rev 19:11-16
A knight is a warrior. We live in a world at war. I pledge to fight. I pledge to defend myself from the attacks of Satan, using the armor God has given me. I will use the weapons God has given me, the sword of His Word and prayer. I will not fight alone, but with my King. I was not meant to fight alone, but alongside my fellow knights. I will lead when others will only follow. I will not get caught alone and be an easy target for the Enemy and his minions. I will fight alongside others. I will defend those who cannot defend themselves. I will join the King on His mission to storm the gates of Hell itself and set free those held captive there. I understand that this is a dangerous mission and that many have fallen in the undertaking of it. That is why I will surround myself with prayer, with the armor of the King, and with knights who do the same.
Exodus 15:3, Ephesians 6:10-18, Romans 8:37-39, Rev. 20:10
The Virtues of the Knight
The first virtue of the knight is integrity. Someone once said, “Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking.” I will strive to be a man of integrity. I will be the same man whether I am being watched or not. Whether I am with my family, with my church, with my friends, or with myself, I will do the right thing. I will live my life built on a foundation of the King of Kings and His Word. I vow have integrity in every area of my life. I will obey the King in every area of my life. No area will be off limits to Him. I will have integrity in even the small things. No exceptions, just obedience.
Matthew 7:24-27, Psalm 24:3-5, Psalm 25:21, 41:12, Proverbs 10:9, Titus 2:7-8
A knight will be a man of courage. I will not let fear hold me. I refuse to be imprisoned by its power. Fear is a great weapon of the Enemy. I will not stay a hostage of my fear. The Enemy cannot stand with the power of the King. The servants of the King are far stronger than the minions of the Enemy. The Enemy is already defeated. His tactics are of the weak and desperate. I will not let my fear control me. There is no bravery without fear. I refuse to surrender. I refuse to die. I will be a man of courage.
Proverbs 28:1, Hebrews 13:6, 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 Corinthians 16:13, Matthew 14:27, 2 Kings 6:16
I will be a knight of compassion. I will seek to truly help the poor, not just give a token dollar to appease guilt. I will fight for justice for those who are oppressed. I will strive for freedom for slaves. I will try to provide food for the hungry, drink for the thirsty. And I will treat those that I meet daily with compassion.
Luke 4:18-19, Isaiah 58:6, Matthew 25:31-46, 1 John 3:17-18, James 1:27
As a knight, I will strive for self-control. I will discipline my body, my mind, and my heart. Satan will try to take me out of the fight through self-indulgence. I will fight him through self-discipline. I will read and memorize Scripture. I will read devotional books and books to help me lead others. I will keep my guard up. I will flee temptation. I will control my body and my weight. I vow to discipline myself.
1 Timothy 4:8, Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Peter 1:5-8, Hebrews 12:11, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
A knight will speak with honesty. I will not tell a lie, no matter how small it seems. My world will be my bond. I will keep the commitments that I make to the best of my ability. I will in no way deceive anyone for any reason. My “yes” will mean yes and my “no” no. My word will be trustworthy.
Ephesians 4:15,25, Ephesians 6:14, Matthew 5:33-37
As a knight, I will strive for humility. I will remember that I am only a servant of the King. I will think more of others than I do myself. I will give glory to Jesus in all things. Max Lucado wrote, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of yourself less.”
Matthew 20:25-28, Philippians 2:3, Colossians 3:12, James 3:13, 1Peter 5:5, Psalm 8:3-4,
Proverbs 16:18
As a knight, I will live with purity. I will keep my mind and body pure. I will not allow myself to be diluted by the lusts and desires of the world. Many things in this world are intended to corrupt man and take away the pureness of his heart, mind, and soul but I will fight against these things to keep my purity. I will keep my eyes clean. I will keep my mind pure by memorizing the Word. I will also be pure in my devotion to the One and Only King in Heaven. No other idols will take me captive or break my whole devotion to the King of Kings.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Psalm 119:9, 1 Timothy 4:12, Mark 7:21-23, Matthew 5:48
Another virtue of the knight is perseverance. This world has many hardships. I will joyfully endure them, seeking only to be transformed more into the likeness of the King. No matter the trail, I will seek only to be obedient and to become the man I was meant to be. No matter the battle, I will continue to fight. I will endure and help others to endure. I will seek out relationships that will help me keep to the path.
James 1:2-4, James 1:12, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Hebrews 12:1, Romans 5:1-5, Matthew 7:24-27
A knight will strive for patience. A knight will show understanding. I will let mistakes go, since I have made my share. I will try to empathize with others, especially in their anger, to see things from their perspective and attempt to root out the deeper issues, knowing that sometimes people just need an ear to listen.
Proverbs 16:32, Ephesians 4:2, Galatians 5:22-23, James 1:19
Another virtue of the knight is loyalty. I swear allegiance to the King. I will let nothing stand between Him and me. I will loyally defend my brothers and sisters in Christ through accountability, transparency, and prayer.
1 Samuel 20:42, Hosea 6:6 (NASB), 1 Chronicles 29:18
A knight will work with excellence. In all things, I will work to please the king, and therefore do my best. Hard work is also a virtue of the knight. I will not flinch. I will not hesitate. I will not leave it for others. I will do the work that needs done. I will be a servant for all. I will work not to earn the love of my King, since I cannot do so, but I will work as my act of gratitude for what the king has done for me.
Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 6:7-8, Matthew 25:14-46, Luke 17:7-10, Revelation 2:2
Relationships of the Knight
The King. I will obey the king in all areas of my life. And I will love the king with everything that I am and everything that I do. I will study His Word and apply it to my life. I will seek daily to build a closer walk with Him.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
The lady. I will treat women with respect, as daughters of the King. I will only seek deeper relationships with those that will help me grow closer to the King. I will seek to do the same for her. I will put her above myself and my work, understanding that the first person I should serve is her. And I will love her with self-sacrifice and undying commitment despite wavering emotions or what I get out of it. I seek not a servant nor a princess, but a partner.
Ephesians 5:25-33
Children. I will disciple my own kids. I will make it my first priority to help them to be loyal to the King. The best way to love them is to love their mother. I will help sons to see their strength and to become warriors. I will help daughters to see their beauty and their value.
Ephesians 6:4
Church. I will lead the church by being a servant. I will stand as a shepherd to guide, and a watchman to protect. It is not my church, but the King’s. I understand that I cannot lead from above; I must be with them. I will feed them. I will make disciples. I will seek others with whom I can walk through life. And I will train up other leaders to serve the King and His church.
Jeremiah 23:1-2, Ezekiel 3:17-19,
The lost. I will follow the King in His mission to seek and save the lost, by whatever means necessary. I will remember that I am not superior to them, but “a fellow beggar showing others where to find bread.”
Matthew 28:18-20, Acts1:8
The World. I will not be swayed, deterred, or distracted by the world and following the crowd. No matter how unpopular, I will obey the King as He leads me. I will not seek the world’s interests or possessions.
Exodus 23:2a, Galatians 1:10, 1 John 2:15-17
The Enemy. I will fight the enemy until all my strength is spent, and then I will rely on the strength of the King. I will seek to storm his strongholds and set free his captives. I know that he has lost the war. I will still fight the battles.
Ephesians 6:10-12, Revelation 20:10
Psalm 119
In adding my name in comment, I take this vow.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Kony 2012
A knight is a warrior. A knight does not fight for himself. He fights for the King. He fights for Justice. He fights for those who cannot fight for themselves. So based upon that, I encourage you as a knight to fight with me. This video is half and hour long, and well worth every minute. Please join.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Not a Fan
I've been reading a great book by a man that I've come to highly respect over the years. The book is Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman.
What I like about the book is that is looks at the passages that we ignore, and ask the questions we are too afraid to ask. Like, "What if Jesus was serious?" What I mean is we glance over the passages that make us uncomfortable in favor of those that make us happy. We like to pick and chose our own happy, soft version of Jesus. We like "let the little children come to me" better than "Woe to you, unbelieving and perverse generation." We like "Love your enemy" better than "Narrow is the gate, and few find it" or "if you want to follow me, you must give up everything." We like "blessed are the poor" better than "Sell all your possessions, give them to the poor, and then follow me."
See Jesus made a few things clear. First, not everyone goes to heaven. We don't like that. We want everyone to go to heaven. Well, maybe not Hilter, but I want to go without actually having to obey God. But in fact, with that whole narrow gate thing, Jesus was saying that very few people get to heaven. Second, we must obey Him. We want to say "I believe in God," but God wants us to obey him too. People throughout the gospels ask "What must I do to be saved?" In other words, what's the bare minimum I have to do to be saved? Jesus answered like "Love God with everything that you are, and love your neighbor as yourself." He answered like "Obey everything I commanded." (we like to change this to "I'm a good person. I never killed anybody.") Third, Jesus said we have to give up everything to follow him. Just read Luke 14. Jesus makes it clear that there are NO EXCUSES. It's all or nothing. Jesus will not share us.
See, we want to draw a line. It's ok if I sleep with this person. We're in love. Jesus told me to forgive, but he doesn't know what I've been through. We're supposed to not be greedy or materialistic, but this is America. That's just how things are. Our definition of sin is that we don't hurt anybody. Steal from a corporation, not a person. Have all the one-night stands we want. Who cares? But see, when we do those things that aren't any big deal, we pick those things over God. Even if their good things, like work or family. If they take priority, they are sin.
So if very few are going to make it to heaven, how do we ensure that we are one of the few? Reading this book is a good place to start. Also visit http://www.notafan.com. And chances are, if you're offended by all this talk, then you're a fan. You need to check this out more than anyone.
What I like about the book is that is looks at the passages that we ignore, and ask the questions we are too afraid to ask. Like, "What if Jesus was serious?" What I mean is we glance over the passages that make us uncomfortable in favor of those that make us happy. We like to pick and chose our own happy, soft version of Jesus. We like "let the little children come to me" better than "Woe to you, unbelieving and perverse generation." We like "Love your enemy" better than "Narrow is the gate, and few find it" or "if you want to follow me, you must give up everything." We like "blessed are the poor" better than "Sell all your possessions, give them to the poor, and then follow me."
See Jesus made a few things clear. First, not everyone goes to heaven. We don't like that. We want everyone to go to heaven. Well, maybe not Hilter, but I want to go without actually having to obey God. But in fact, with that whole narrow gate thing, Jesus was saying that very few people get to heaven. Second, we must obey Him. We want to say "I believe in God," but God wants us to obey him too. People throughout the gospels ask "What must I do to be saved?" In other words, what's the bare minimum I have to do to be saved? Jesus answered like "Love God with everything that you are, and love your neighbor as yourself." He answered like "Obey everything I commanded." (we like to change this to "I'm a good person. I never killed anybody.") Third, Jesus said we have to give up everything to follow him. Just read Luke 14. Jesus makes it clear that there are NO EXCUSES. It's all or nothing. Jesus will not share us.
See, we want to draw a line. It's ok if I sleep with this person. We're in love. Jesus told me to forgive, but he doesn't know what I've been through. We're supposed to not be greedy or materialistic, but this is America. That's just how things are. Our definition of sin is that we don't hurt anybody. Steal from a corporation, not a person. Have all the one-night stands we want. Who cares? But see, when we do those things that aren't any big deal, we pick those things over God. Even if their good things, like work or family. If they take priority, they are sin.
So if very few are going to make it to heaven, how do we ensure that we are one of the few? Reading this book is a good place to start. Also visit http://www.notafan.com. And chances are, if you're offended by all this talk, then you're a fan. You need to check this out more than anyone.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
That was a long one
I wanted to write about last week. I put in 70+ hours organizing a charitable event. We cleared out a church building last week, and let people bring in donations. This wasn't money. This was stuff. Lots and lots of stuff.
We all have lots of stuff, more than we need. The shame is, many people have less than they need. A lot less. So we collected stuff, as if we were having a yard sale. We sorted stuff. We asked others to donate stuff. Many people even gave up things that they still used, knowing others needed things worse than they did. And yes, we did have people bring in stuff that was stained or broken, but we had others who sorted through and removed items that were too poor of quality for those in need.
Then, after a week of sorting and collecting, we had a fleet of vehicles and an army of volunteers arrive. We loaded up four large trailers, plus every truck, SUV, van or any other vehicle we could find (my station wagon was filled so full that I could not see out the back window, and I had to create space to see out of the passenger side exterior mirror).
Once we arrived Friday night, we set everything up in an hour and a half, due to our army of volunteers actually growing in size.
Why did we do it where we did? We did it in a community center with a gymnasium. It is larger than the church building that we used, and moreover, it is located in the "bad" part of town. The facility was actually the local Boys and Girls Club. But I'll come back to this more in a minute.
Saturday morning, we got there an hour before we opened the doors for our "Free Community Yard Sale." Already the line encompassed the parking lot. The ladies in the front had arrive hours before that. When we did open the doors, we had instructions in both English and Spanish. "We will provide you with one bag" (they were white, kitchen-sized trash bags). "Please fill that, and take anything else you can carry, remembering to leave some for others who need things as well. Also, please return at noon and take more." We had 580+ of the poorest of our community take advantage of this.
How did we know we were helping the right people? The Sunday before, we had another army of volunteers walk the streets of the "bad" end of town, and tape flyers (English on one side, Espanol on the other) to the houses there. We also got a local elementary pass them out to their poorest students (the schools always have the best grasp on this) and of course the local Boys and Girls Club. This targetted measure (as opposed to a newspaper add) meant we got the people there that we wanted to be there. And we took it to them, since many were not able to come to us (we actually had many volunteers help people carry things to bus stops or even to their front porches, since most were too poor to afford transportation. Had we not taken the stuff to them, we would have missed those who needed most).
The bottom line is this is about social justice and unconditional love. Instead of throwing money into programs that don't work, we gave people what they needed. We had stories of people who got clothes for job interviews, coats for their kids, or Christmas presents for grandkids. These are things people couldn't afford on their own. We even helped the local BGC, since we were in their facility. We donated snacks that they sold to raise money, and were recruiting people to send their kids there. We did not make the mistake of doing what many churches do, make them come to us and sit through a half hour explanation of the Bible that no one listens to. Why is this a mistake? It says to them "We only care about converting you. We don't care about you." That's not what those that do such things think, but that is what they hear. In contrast, we wore bright orange shirts, with a our church name and motto (Love God. Love One Another. Love the World) on the front, and "Because God cares, we care" on the back. It let them talk to us, and showed them unconditional love. We don't love them on the condition that they become one of us. We love them period. Interestingly, this gives them the opportunity to become one of us without feeling pressured to. It is counterintuitive, but it works.
The important thing is now, what can you do to meet a concrete need in your community? This may not work were you are, but something will. Find it.
We all have lots of stuff, more than we need. The shame is, many people have less than they need. A lot less. So we collected stuff, as if we were having a yard sale. We sorted stuff. We asked others to donate stuff. Many people even gave up things that they still used, knowing others needed things worse than they did. And yes, we did have people bring in stuff that was stained or broken, but we had others who sorted through and removed items that were too poor of quality for those in need.
Then, after a week of sorting and collecting, we had a fleet of vehicles and an army of volunteers arrive. We loaded up four large trailers, plus every truck, SUV, van or any other vehicle we could find (my station wagon was filled so full that I could not see out the back window, and I had to create space to see out of the passenger side exterior mirror).
Once we arrived Friday night, we set everything up in an hour and a half, due to our army of volunteers actually growing in size.
Why did we do it where we did? We did it in a community center with a gymnasium. It is larger than the church building that we used, and moreover, it is located in the "bad" part of town. The facility was actually the local Boys and Girls Club. But I'll come back to this more in a minute.
Saturday morning, we got there an hour before we opened the doors for our "Free Community Yard Sale." Already the line encompassed the parking lot. The ladies in the front had arrive hours before that. When we did open the doors, we had instructions in both English and Spanish. "We will provide you with one bag" (they were white, kitchen-sized trash bags). "Please fill that, and take anything else you can carry, remembering to leave some for others who need things as well. Also, please return at noon and take more." We had 580+ of the poorest of our community take advantage of this.
How did we know we were helping the right people? The Sunday before, we had another army of volunteers walk the streets of the "bad" end of town, and tape flyers (English on one side, Espanol on the other) to the houses there. We also got a local elementary pass them out to their poorest students (the schools always have the best grasp on this) and of course the local Boys and Girls Club. This targetted measure (as opposed to a newspaper add) meant we got the people there that we wanted to be there. And we took it to them, since many were not able to come to us (we actually had many volunteers help people carry things to bus stops or even to their front porches, since most were too poor to afford transportation. Had we not taken the stuff to them, we would have missed those who needed most).
The bottom line is this is about social justice and unconditional love. Instead of throwing money into programs that don't work, we gave people what they needed. We had stories of people who got clothes for job interviews, coats for their kids, or Christmas presents for grandkids. These are things people couldn't afford on their own. We even helped the local BGC, since we were in their facility. We donated snacks that they sold to raise money, and were recruiting people to send their kids there. We did not make the mistake of doing what many churches do, make them come to us and sit through a half hour explanation of the Bible that no one listens to. Why is this a mistake? It says to them "We only care about converting you. We don't care about you." That's not what those that do such things think, but that is what they hear. In contrast, we wore bright orange shirts, with a our church name and motto (Love God. Love One Another. Love the World) on the front, and "Because God cares, we care" on the back. It let them talk to us, and showed them unconditional love. We don't love them on the condition that they become one of us. We love them period. Interestingly, this gives them the opportunity to become one of us without feeling pressured to. It is counterintuitive, but it works.
The important thing is now, what can you do to meet a concrete need in your community? This may not work were you are, but something will. Find it.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Innocent?
For the last two days, people have been weighing in on the whole Casey Anthony trial thing. Mostly, it is people who remember back to the OJ Simpson trial. I am shocked at the number of people who want her dead. Let's go into a few points of fact.
First, she was the last person seen with Cailea Anthony. There are no eyewitness reports after that. Second, her family including her former fiancee thinks she did it. Third, her trunk smells funny.
That is the basis of the prosecution's case. They say the trunk smells like a decaying body. According to an interview with the DA this morning, the evidence is circumstantial. Circumstantial evidence leaves room for reasonable doubt.
In giving a "not guilty" verdict, it does not mean that they believe Casey Anthony is innocent. It means that they did not believe that there was enough evidence to convict.
Why are people demanding the death of Casey Anthony? People online are threatening her. What happened to "Do not judge, for by the standard you use, so it will be measured to you" (-Jesus Christ, as recorded or Matthew 7:1)? We live in a nation of innocent until proven guilty. We live in a nation of trial by jury. The jury, twelve peers, listened to the whole of the trial, not just what some jerkwad news commentator said FOR THE PURPOSE OF GETTING RATINGS (after all, their job is to make controversial statments to get ratings). Based on the entirety of evidence and testimony, they made a decision. We have to trust the system. It is better for the guilty to go free than the innocent to be needlessly punished.
This is not the OJ trial. Her defense was not based on "He's African-American. And a football player. He must be innocent." (I feel the need to address the glove thing, when leather gets wet, it shrinks as it dries. Not fitting is no defense.) Their defense was the lack of evidence. Yes, she was a deadbeat mother. Yes, she went out and got drunk after her daughter disappeared. People cope in funny ways. Some people act the opposite of how they should in times of distress because they are trying to avoid feeling. I see it in my job a lot. It happens.
You may disagree with me. That's fine. It doesn't hurt me. This I know: we don't know what happened. We won't until we get to heaven and ask God, and by that point it won't matter. In the mean time, we need to keep faith in the system, even when we don't like it. Because if it were you on trial, you would want a fair shake with your constitutional rights. So stop demanding her death. The system, no matter how perfect, is the best system we have, and one that the rest of the world is jealous of.
First, she was the last person seen with Cailea Anthony. There are no eyewitness reports after that. Second, her family including her former fiancee thinks she did it. Third, her trunk smells funny.
That is the basis of the prosecution's case. They say the trunk smells like a decaying body. According to an interview with the DA this morning, the evidence is circumstantial. Circumstantial evidence leaves room for reasonable doubt.
In giving a "not guilty" verdict, it does not mean that they believe Casey Anthony is innocent. It means that they did not believe that there was enough evidence to convict.
Why are people demanding the death of Casey Anthony? People online are threatening her. What happened to "Do not judge, for by the standard you use, so it will be measured to you" (-Jesus Christ, as recorded or Matthew 7:1)? We live in a nation of innocent until proven guilty. We live in a nation of trial by jury. The jury, twelve peers, listened to the whole of the trial, not just what some jerkwad news commentator said FOR THE PURPOSE OF GETTING RATINGS (after all, their job is to make controversial statments to get ratings). Based on the entirety of evidence and testimony, they made a decision. We have to trust the system. It is better for the guilty to go free than the innocent to be needlessly punished.
This is not the OJ trial. Her defense was not based on "He's African-American. And a football player. He must be innocent." (I feel the need to address the glove thing, when leather gets wet, it shrinks as it dries. Not fitting is no defense.) Their defense was the lack of evidence. Yes, she was a deadbeat mother. Yes, she went out and got drunk after her daughter disappeared. People cope in funny ways. Some people act the opposite of how they should in times of distress because they are trying to avoid feeling. I see it in my job a lot. It happens.
You may disagree with me. That's fine. It doesn't hurt me. This I know: we don't know what happened. We won't until we get to heaven and ask God, and by that point it won't matter. In the mean time, we need to keep faith in the system, even when we don't like it. Because if it were you on trial, you would want a fair shake with your constitutional rights. So stop demanding her death. The system, no matter how perfect, is the best system we have, and one that the rest of the world is jealous of.
Monday, June 6, 2011
The A21 Campaign - Natalia's Story
If this doesn't get to you, nothing will.
We have to do something about this. This us unacceptable. And this isn't a third world problem. This isn't an Asia problem. This isn't a Europe problem. This is our problem too. This happens daily in the US. Many of those disappearances off the news, or those "Have you seen me?" mailers, or the lost pictures in WalMart, and boys and girls who were kidnapped from their homes and transported around the country were they are sold as slaves and used as prostitutes. We have to so something.
We have to do something about this. This us unacceptable. And this isn't a third world problem. This isn't an Asia problem. This isn't a Europe problem. This is our problem too. This happens daily in the US. Many of those disappearances off the news, or those "Have you seen me?" mailers, or the lost pictures in WalMart, and boys and girls who were kidnapped from their homes and transported around the country were they are sold as slaves and used as prostitutes. We have to so something.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Loss of freedom
So I write from time to time about how modern law destroys freedom enforces violations of the Constitution. Here's another for you. The Indiana Supreme Court heard a case. Police were called for a domestic abuse situation. The cops confronted the man, who told them they could not enter his house. One officer went in anyway, and when the man trying to prevent entry shoved the officer, he was tased and arrested.
Here's the problem. They had no warrant. They had no probable cause. Aparently the officers had scene too many cops shows, where the good guy cop breaks the law to get the job done.
What the court ruled, 3-2, was that you have no right to resist an officer who is illegally entering your home. They said this will prevent violence against police officers. They claim you should just appeal to the courts if they do something illegal. With that, a uniformed officer (or someone POSING as an officer) can enter your home, rob you, beat you, and arrest you, and until you get your day in court, you rot in jail. And you'll never get your stuff back. Because you can't prove it, and who is going to trust you over a cop.
Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, protection from illegal search and siezure, these are some of the main reasons our founding father fought a revolution. Oh, how they would weep if they could see how our Constitution is used as toilet paper.
Many might think I'm nuts, or at least overreacting. But this is a pattern. Try getting a speedy trial (6th Amendment), which means if unfairly arrested, you're going to rot for a while. Going to plead the fifth? That's fine, unless a sopena is issued. Freedom of assembly? Get a permit first. Freedom of speech? Not if it ain't PC. And the government can listen in on all of it, without a warrant (thank Bush. Grrr... Stupid Patriot Act). Freedom of religion? They've talked about passing laws requiring ministers like me to have to perform gay marriages. How come I can refuse a wedding for straight people, but not homosexuals? Oh, and of course, evangelism and prayer are banned. Right to keep and bare arms? Get a permit, register the weapon, and keep it locked in a safe at home. Federal government has powers limited to what the Constitution gives them? Yeah, they do everything but.
Ever heard the old fable about putting the frog in boiling water? (Warning! This is a fable! Putting a frog in boiling water will kill it! Do not attempt!) They have turned up the heat, boiling away our rights. Safety is the opposite of freedom. Freedom is risk. In McCarthyism, they gave up all their freedom to get protected from "the communists." Now, we want protected from everyone. It is sad.
Here's the problem. They had no warrant. They had no probable cause. Aparently the officers had scene too many cops shows, where the good guy cop breaks the law to get the job done.
What the court ruled, 3-2, was that you have no right to resist an officer who is illegally entering your home. They said this will prevent violence against police officers. They claim you should just appeal to the courts if they do something illegal. With that, a uniformed officer (or someone POSING as an officer) can enter your home, rob you, beat you, and arrest you, and until you get your day in court, you rot in jail. And you'll never get your stuff back. Because you can't prove it, and who is going to trust you over a cop.
Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, protection from illegal search and siezure, these are some of the main reasons our founding father fought a revolution. Oh, how they would weep if they could see how our Constitution is used as toilet paper.
Many might think I'm nuts, or at least overreacting. But this is a pattern. Try getting a speedy trial (6th Amendment), which means if unfairly arrested, you're going to rot for a while. Going to plead the fifth? That's fine, unless a sopena is issued. Freedom of assembly? Get a permit first. Freedom of speech? Not if it ain't PC. And the government can listen in on all of it, without a warrant (thank Bush. Grrr... Stupid Patriot Act). Freedom of religion? They've talked about passing laws requiring ministers like me to have to perform gay marriages. How come I can refuse a wedding for straight people, but not homosexuals? Oh, and of course, evangelism and prayer are banned. Right to keep and bare arms? Get a permit, register the weapon, and keep it locked in a safe at home. Federal government has powers limited to what the Constitution gives them? Yeah, they do everything but.
Ever heard the old fable about putting the frog in boiling water? (Warning! This is a fable! Putting a frog in boiling water will kill it! Do not attempt!) They have turned up the heat, boiling away our rights. Safety is the opposite of freedom. Freedom is risk. In McCarthyism, they gave up all their freedom to get protected from "the communists." Now, we want protected from everyone. It is sad.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Osama bin Laden
Everyone remembers where they were when they heard that terrorists had hijacked four airplanes and were using them as weapons. I remember a friend telling me after leaving Algebra 2 at 10:05. I told him someone was messing with him when he told me that terrorists had rammed airplanes in the World Trade Center. I told him no one was dumb enough to attack the United States. Then I walked into my US History class to see a television showing a single smoking tower (the other had just fallen). I remember hearing Peter Jennings explain terrorists had rammed airplanes into the WTC and the Pentagon. I remember them showing a split screen, and saying these were the first images of the damage to the Pentagon. I remember them saying a fourth plane was overtaken by the hostages and downed in PA. I remember looking out the window, trying to see if there were more planes out there headed for us. I remember and eerily empty sky, no clouds and no planes (unusual considering our proximity to an airport). I remember days later when Pres. Bush made an announcement that Stealth Bombers had bombed a country I had never heard of before, and walking into that same US History class to try to find Afghanistan on a globe.
Yesterday morning, I awoke early and pulled up twitter on an iPhone. I saw tweets that made no sense, something about Pres. Obama making a speech and people staying up late to celebrate. I turned my TV on to Fox news, who had the headline "UBL killed in Pakistan." Fox has always transliterated "Osama" as "Usama." I knew instantly was "UBL" stood for. I knew bin Laden was dead.
I must say, this was emotional for me. I never thought I'd live to see the day. I thought he'd die of old age. My phone rang, a friend headed to work. He was calling to tell me what I just learned. I watched TV as I talked to him. I shed a tear when they showed the Air Force Academy breaking out into singing the National Anthem.
I'm not the patriot that I used to be. As my loyalty to God increases, my loyalty to a country decreases. But, something within me was lifted up. Not that a man was dead. Not that I hated him. But that justice for something so evil was taken care of. I heard jokes about Jack Bauer and John McClain (speficically, "Yippie-kay-aye bin Laden").
Then I saw this quote.
I knew I'd see that quote. Christians celebrating death is not what Jesus wanted. But I don't think using this passage as a weapon was what he wanted either. You also have to consider this (and many other passages on God's judgement and justice).
Navy Seals where that sword, an agent of God's wrath on bin Laden. But there is a balance to this. Though I am glad that justice is done, I bore no ill will toward the man. The opposite, actually. I could not have done it. My love, for this man, my enemy, would have prevented me. Being a Christian, I look to bin Laden and must recognize that he was deserving of hell, and by pulling the trigger I would have sent him to hell. I am not willing to send him there. Because I am also deserving of hell, but Jesus extended his grace to me.
I can't help but think this whole time about bin Laden. One thing that cannot be denied is that he was a charismatic leader and recruiter. People flocked to him. What if, instead of being an agent of hate, he would have been an agent of love? What if, instead of being an ambassador of descruction, he would have been an ambassador of restoration? What if, instead of being a man of death, he would have been a man of life? What if, instead of being a terrorist, he would have been a missionary? What if, instead of being a weapon of Satan, he would have been a tool of God? What if, instead of creating suicide bombers, he would have made disciples of Jesus?
It is strange to think about how this world could have changed if someone had reached Osama bin Laden for Jesus. I am grieved that he went to hell. I grieve for him, as well as for the man that he could have been in Christ Jesus, as a new creation as I am. I know that though God is willing and able to punish him for his sins, that God was also willing to forgive and cleanse him of those same sins. God gifted bin Laden to draw people to himself. If he would have used that ability to draw people to the cross, imagine how our world would be.
So I pause, and though a small part of be celebrates justice, it is not as big as the part of me that grieves the what if's.
Yesterday morning, I awoke early and pulled up twitter on an iPhone. I saw tweets that made no sense, something about Pres. Obama making a speech and people staying up late to celebrate. I turned my TV on to Fox news, who had the headline "UBL killed in Pakistan." Fox has always transliterated "Osama" as "Usama." I knew instantly was "UBL" stood for. I knew bin Laden was dead.
I must say, this was emotional for me. I never thought I'd live to see the day. I thought he'd die of old age. My phone rang, a friend headed to work. He was calling to tell me what I just learned. I watched TV as I talked to him. I shed a tear when they showed the Air Force Academy breaking out into singing the National Anthem.
I'm not the patriot that I used to be. As my loyalty to God increases, my loyalty to a country decreases. But, something within me was lifted up. Not that a man was dead. Not that I hated him. But that justice for something so evil was taken care of. I heard jokes about Jack Bauer and John McClain (speficically, "Yippie-kay-aye bin Laden").
Then I saw this quote.
Matthew 5:43-45
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven."
NIV
I knew I'd see that quote. Christians celebrating death is not what Jesus wanted. But I don't think using this passage as a weapon was what he wanted either. You also have to consider this (and many other passages on God's judgement and justice).
Romans 13:3-4
"For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer."
NIV
Navy Seals where that sword, an agent of God's wrath on bin Laden. But there is a balance to this. Though I am glad that justice is done, I bore no ill will toward the man. The opposite, actually. I could not have done it. My love, for this man, my enemy, would have prevented me. Being a Christian, I look to bin Laden and must recognize that he was deserving of hell, and by pulling the trigger I would have sent him to hell. I am not willing to send him there. Because I am also deserving of hell, but Jesus extended his grace to me.
I can't help but think this whole time about bin Laden. One thing that cannot be denied is that he was a charismatic leader and recruiter. People flocked to him. What if, instead of being an agent of hate, he would have been an agent of love? What if, instead of being an ambassador of descruction, he would have been an ambassador of restoration? What if, instead of being a man of death, he would have been a man of life? What if, instead of being a terrorist, he would have been a missionary? What if, instead of being a weapon of Satan, he would have been a tool of God? What if, instead of creating suicide bombers, he would have made disciples of Jesus?
It is strange to think about how this world could have changed if someone had reached Osama bin Laden for Jesus. I am grieved that he went to hell. I grieve for him, as well as for the man that he could have been in Christ Jesus, as a new creation as I am. I know that though God is willing and able to punish him for his sins, that God was also willing to forgive and cleanse him of those same sins. God gifted bin Laden to draw people to himself. If he would have used that ability to draw people to the cross, imagine how our world would be.
So I pause, and though a small part of be celebrates justice, it is not as big as the part of me that grieves the what if's.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Speech
Obama said in a speech yesterday why he wants to help the poor. "when I drive down the street, I don't want to have to see homeless people." Really? That sounds like when I was a kid and New York offered to pay homeless people to move to New Jersey. Why? Because they didn't want to see them.
A firm in Florida is receiving gov't funding to give capes to people on unemployment. Why? They said it will make them feel empowered. Because apparently jobless people in Florida are four years old.
So once again I must say: the government does not help the poor. They don't want to, because then those people won't be dependent on the government. That's why it is up to the church. So if you are reading this, do something to help someone.
A firm in Florida is receiving gov't funding to give capes to people on unemployment. Why? They said it will make them feel empowered. Because apparently jobless people in Florida are four years old.
So once again I must say: the government does not help the poor. They don't want to, because then those people won't be dependent on the government. That's why it is up to the church. So if you are reading this, do something to help someone.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Humanity on the line
While preparing to teach on justice, I watched a video which began with a man named Rob Bell. Now you may or may not have heard of him. You may or may not like him. You may or may not agree with him. But this story should touch you.
A few years ago, he went to Africa, because he wanted to see. He had a guide to show him. They hailed a cab from the airport. The guide said, "Take us to the most dangerous part of the city." Now this particular city is one of the most dangerous in the world. The cabbie kept saying "This is not a good idea." Finally, they pulled down a street and stopped. The guide said, "Get out." The cabbie said, "This is not a good idea." Rob Bell exited the cab, along with the guide, and the cab pulled ahead about a block.
As they walked down the street, girls came out of the shadows, whispering things. These girls were 12-16 years old. Rob asked, "What are they whispering?" "A dollar amount," the guide explained. "They have worked all day in the fields. They are AIDS orphans who have siblings that they are raising, but they do not make enough to feed thier brothers and sisters. In American dollars, they are offering themselves for the night for 25 cents."
The US State Department believes that 17000 slaves are smuggled into this country every year. They work in sweat shops. They work as under-age prostitutes (Half work in "commercial prostitution" in massage parlors, etc that disguise brothels. 27% work in homes, as maids, etc. in places like Virginia. 10% in the construction industry, with another 10% made up in agriculture.) There are hundreds of girls kidnapped from happy, "safe," middle-class suburban homes and used as prostitutes. Many are force fed a diet of drugs and alcohol to keep them passive and from running home. They are so psychologically abused by their pimps (which is a nice way of saying "owner") that even when arrested for prostitution, they take the fall rather than turn on them. And we see just another "crack whore" and despise these girls.
As Rob Bell said, we strip their humanity from them. And if we see people in these situations and do nothing, we risk losing our own humanity. So what can you do? There are many things. Child sponorships though CMFi, World Vision, CICM, are good starts. Moreover, you can give directly to these issues through International Justice Mission. Jesus said he came to set the captives free (Luke 4:18). Will you?
A few years ago, he went to Africa, because he wanted to see. He had a guide to show him. They hailed a cab from the airport. The guide said, "Take us to the most dangerous part of the city." Now this particular city is one of the most dangerous in the world. The cabbie kept saying "This is not a good idea." Finally, they pulled down a street and stopped. The guide said, "Get out." The cabbie said, "This is not a good idea." Rob Bell exited the cab, along with the guide, and the cab pulled ahead about a block.
As they walked down the street, girls came out of the shadows, whispering things. These girls were 12-16 years old. Rob asked, "What are they whispering?" "A dollar amount," the guide explained. "They have worked all day in the fields. They are AIDS orphans who have siblings that they are raising, but they do not make enough to feed thier brothers and sisters. In American dollars, they are offering themselves for the night for 25 cents."
The US State Department believes that 17000 slaves are smuggled into this country every year. They work in sweat shops. They work as under-age prostitutes (Half work in "commercial prostitution" in massage parlors, etc that disguise brothels. 27% work in homes, as maids, etc. in places like Virginia. 10% in the construction industry, with another 10% made up in agriculture.) There are hundreds of girls kidnapped from happy, "safe," middle-class suburban homes and used as prostitutes. Many are force fed a diet of drugs and alcohol to keep them passive and from running home. They are so psychologically abused by their pimps (which is a nice way of saying "owner") that even when arrested for prostitution, they take the fall rather than turn on them. And we see just another "crack whore" and despise these girls.
As Rob Bell said, we strip their humanity from them. And if we see people in these situations and do nothing, we risk losing our own humanity. So what can you do? There are many things. Child sponorships though CMFi, World Vision, CICM, are good starts. Moreover, you can give directly to these issues through International Justice Mission. Jesus said he came to set the captives free (Luke 4:18). Will you?
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Middle Eastern protests
Ladies and gentlemen, this thing is getting serious. It started with Egypt protests. Now, it has spread across the middle east. Now Libya and several other countrise have turned lose the military, opening fire on civilians. Gunboats firing on women and children. Might makes right.
Makes you glad to live in a country that doesn't do that right? Sure, we aren't as free as we used to be. But the army hasn't been sent in against the Tea Party, Immigration, Pro-Union protests, (even when they turn moderately violent). Qaddafi is an evil dictator, the like this world has seen, well, a lot. Hussien, Il, Stalin, Hitler, all are famous for such actions, but this true in much of Africa and the Middle East, even central and South America, Cuba, Haiti, and the list goes on. Mostly, it doesn't make the news. Like Uganda and the Congo.
Once again I must say, I'm glad that my citizenship is not of this world, and my loyalty is to no president, prime minister, or dictator, but only the King of kings.
Makes you glad to live in a country that doesn't do that right? Sure, we aren't as free as we used to be. But the army hasn't been sent in against the Tea Party, Immigration, Pro-Union protests, (even when they turn moderately violent). Qaddafi is an evil dictator, the like this world has seen, well, a lot. Hussien, Il, Stalin, Hitler, all are famous for such actions, but this true in much of Africa and the Middle East, even central and South America, Cuba, Haiti, and the list goes on. Mostly, it doesn't make the news. Like Uganda and the Congo.
Once again I must say, I'm glad that my citizenship is not of this world, and my loyalty is to no president, prime minister, or dictator, but only the King of kings.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Why I care
I was asked today why I care about abortion. It is complicated. To me, this is a social justice issue. It is about defending those who cannot defend themselves. This is the same as caring for the poor, the immigrant, the bullied.
Let me start by saying that where most people address this issue is by thinking either of the mother or the baby. It is almost mother vs. baby. To care for one, you must hate the other. This is where psychos come out of the woodwork. They hold up protest signs and yell at each other from across the street.
I believe that to be truly pro-life, and not just anti-abortion, you must hold a sanctity of all life. All life. The baby, the mother, the doctor, those that agree with you and those that disagree.
The main problem with others who call themselves pro-life, is that they want to outlaw abortion without addressing the issue. The issue is women who feel hopeless, who feel that they have no choice and don't really understand what they are doing. Everyone considers this issue emotionally. So let's look at it seriously.
"It is my body." "When does life begin." Actually, from the time that the sperm and egg join together, that person has a unique DNA code, one that has never existed upon the earth before. If that isn't amazing, I don't know what is. But that is beside the point. You can look up for yourself the stages of development, like when eyes, fingers, and a heartbeat start. Just go Google it.
What is needed is alternative. I know that women in my family have a tendancy toward infertility, as did other women that I was close to growing up. Within the next month, I will have more adopted cousins then "natural born." With that in your family, you see adoption as a real option, because there are many couples desperate to have children. There are also organizations that will help financially support women who wish to keep the children.
Last, women that have abortions are prone to lives of guilt and depression. Norma McConnell was the woman who filed lawsuit under the pseudonym Jane Rowe in the lawsuit Rowe v. Wade that made abortion legal. She was racked with guilt. A neighbor shared Christ with her, and she and the daughter that she sued to have aborted worked together for a pro-life organization, trying to keep women from living with guilt. I love the fact that where I live there is an organization who specializes in counseling for women who had abortions and are suffering with guilt. God is a God of mercy and grace.
Let me start by saying that where most people address this issue is by thinking either of the mother or the baby. It is almost mother vs. baby. To care for one, you must hate the other. This is where psychos come out of the woodwork. They hold up protest signs and yell at each other from across the street.
I believe that to be truly pro-life, and not just anti-abortion, you must hold a sanctity of all life. All life. The baby, the mother, the doctor, those that agree with you and those that disagree.
The main problem with others who call themselves pro-life, is that they want to outlaw abortion without addressing the issue. The issue is women who feel hopeless, who feel that they have no choice and don't really understand what they are doing. Everyone considers this issue emotionally. So let's look at it seriously.
"It is my body." "When does life begin." Actually, from the time that the sperm and egg join together, that person has a unique DNA code, one that has never existed upon the earth before. If that isn't amazing, I don't know what is. But that is beside the point. You can look up for yourself the stages of development, like when eyes, fingers, and a heartbeat start. Just go Google it.
What is needed is alternative. I know that women in my family have a tendancy toward infertility, as did other women that I was close to growing up. Within the next month, I will have more adopted cousins then "natural born." With that in your family, you see adoption as a real option, because there are many couples desperate to have children. There are also organizations that will help financially support women who wish to keep the children.
Last, women that have abortions are prone to lives of guilt and depression. Norma McConnell was the woman who filed lawsuit under the pseudonym Jane Rowe in the lawsuit Rowe v. Wade that made abortion legal. She was racked with guilt. A neighbor shared Christ with her, and she and the daughter that she sued to have aborted worked together for a pro-life organization, trying to keep women from living with guilt. I love the fact that where I live there is an organization who specializes in counseling for women who had abortions and are suffering with guilt. God is a God of mercy and grace.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Priveledge
Privilege is one of my biggest pet peeves lately. It seems to permeate everywhere. It is this "I deserve it" mentality. Let's look at some examples from recent memory.
Edit 6/12/11: In light of recent events, check out part 2.
Washington: Politicians honestly believe that they are better than everyone else. They don't care what promises they make, because the rules don't apply to them. Charlie Rangle is a great example. He's on the finance commitee, but is being brought up on ethics charges for tax evasion. If that was me, the IRS would have taken me for everything I am worth. Him? Well, his response is "I'm not going anywhere." He deserves to be there, and you should vote for him because he deserves to be there.
Even with the Health Care thing. Virtually everyone was opposed to it, but Pelosi, Obama, and insiders of both parties have this "father knows best" mentality and passed it anyway. If you are so stupid that you cannot understand that paying more for crappier health care is good for you, well, who cares? They don't.
Finances: So stupid. I know a family that the dad works two full time jobs and walks to work. The wife stays at home and sits on her rear, but has to have the car just in case she wants to go somewhere. She spends money like its going out of style. She won't cook, so the family goes out to a different all-you-can-eat buffet each night. She doesn't bathe her kids, so they smell. Her grandmother comes over once a week to make sure the teenage son showers each week, and cleanes house while the mom sits on her enormous rear. I was one of many people who helped this family move recently, and the mom sat in her recliner and watched us work.
Plus, I know two families who ask us to pray for their finances, but take frequent vacations because "they deserve it." After all, their lives are so bad they need these vacations. Maybe if they would WORK and STAY AT HOME their finances wouldn't be in bad shape. God has already provided what they need, so I won't pray for that anymore until they are willing to obey. No one deserves a vacation. It is a luxury that most of the world can't afford. If you can, do it. But it is not right for your kids to suffer because you feel the need to drive to Colorado for a fishing trip.
Same with the housing crash. People deserved that house they couldn't afford. How dare that bank expect them to honor that contract! They knew they couldn't afford it, so the bank should have known that they couldn't and not expected them to pay.
The church: This one makes me the sickest, and I have been dealing with the most lately. I am constantly harassed by people who don't want to serve, but wish to have more fellowship events where they can sit with the same friends they sit with on Sunday. They deserve it. And they don't like all these new people coming, because they don't "know everyone anymore."
In essence, they are saying "we're full. They rest of you have to go to hell now." If they want to know what they deserve, it isn't the church they want. THEY DESERVE TO BURN IN THE FIRES OF HELL FOR ALL ETERNITY. Eternal loneliness and torture for forever. If we EVER forget that even for a second, we spit in the face of God, call the death of Jesus worthless, and tell the Holy Spirit we don't need him and don't want him interfering with us.
I don't know about you, but I don't want to send people to the Hell I deserve because I'm too lazy to get off my fat butt and serve another human being with the kind of love God showed me. They don't deserve it, but God does. The Holy One, God Almighty, the LORD is the ONLY one who deserves anything good. If he is willing to give up his rights to come to earth and be rejected and tortured to death by the people he came to save and then turn around and forgive them, then why can't we give up our "rights" that only exist in our own minds?
Edit 6/12/11: In light of recent events, check out part 2.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)