It's from a few weeks ago, but it's always good to know our audience we want to reach. And it's also good to know our own peers. Perhaps I can use this as a reflection of my own heart to know how I need to improve. Truth might be uncomfortable but it is always good.
The Barna Group - Survey: Voters Most Interested in Issues Concerning Security and Comfort, Least Interested in Moral Issues
A new national survey of registered voters conducted by the Barna Group reveals that the issues that will most affect the candidate people support for President in the 2012 election are most likely to be those affecting their personal security and comfort.
The matters that are likely to have the least impact on their choice of candidate are moral issues.
The issues most likely to influence which candidate voters embrace in the 2012 presidential election are health care (which 64% said will have “a lot of influence” on the candidate they choose), tax policies (60%), terrorism (50%) and employment policies (50%).
A second level of influential issues included immigration policies (45%), education policy (44%), the wars in the Middle East (43%), and America’s dependence upon foreign oil (38%).
The issues noted as being least likely to influence how voters feel about potential candidates tended to be those with distinct moral underpinnings. Those matters include domestic poverty policies (37%), abortion (27%), environmental policy (26%), and gay marriage (24%).
Faith Impacts Views
The survey data showed that there are also substantial differences in the importance attached to various issues based upon a person's faith commitments... (keep reading!)
Generations matter. We each carry a vital part of the story. We must understand one another and communicate more effectively. Millennials, you have been commissioned for this hour. Those that have gone before us have great wisdom for us to glean. Together we are giving the next generation of Americans hope. Together, members of all generations, can ensure that America's greatest days are still ahead. .
Monday, June 27, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Appealing Structure Doesn't Matter
Ask a builder. One can only build for so long, so high, so far on a shoddy foundation without starting to see the structure crumble.
When buying a home that has aged, any expert will tell you: “How is the foundation? Is the structure solid?”
I’ve been involved in the political arena for over seven years, run a statewide organization, followed state and national news, envisioned the tea parties, educated fellow citizens; I’ve attended rallies, committee meetings, watched legislation be introduced, trained candidates and participated in the cultural conversation. And I have major red flags about this hour we are in.
Where is the conversation about the foundation of our country? Listen to the conservative party politics, the conservative economic groups, the candidates. They are talking about an important and current topic worthy of addressing: the economy and need for jobs, need for healthcare reform, need for improved education, need for safer communities and better care of our environment. But these issues are only addressing the structure of the building. They are analyzising the wall studs, the ceiling beams, the electrical til we as consumers and citizens are blue in the face. I can’t figure out if real progress is being made, or simply more rhetoric is being spun. I am confident that some of our leaders behind the podiums mean well and are trying in their best attempt to come up with solutions. To be honest, I do not envy the burden on their shoulders and the for certain weight in their heart as they try to “save” Michigan and our nation.
But is it possible that we are overlooking the important things? Shouldn’t we look at the foundation of the building, patch the cracks, replace broken stones, and rebuild portions of the wall before we keep building a strong structure? Our steps forward will be wasted if we do not go back and start at the beginning.
Let’s review the original intent of the foundesr for our nation; let’s make sure we understand our value as individuals before God and the importance of us having a say in how we run our lives vs leaving it in the hands of big government; let’s ask God what’s important to Him such as the value of life from conception to natural death; let’s learn economics, world history, and how to communicate effectively. Let’s learn from nations and leaders who have done things right or tried things and then ended up wrong. Do we undestand the constitution? The bill of rights? The importance of religion, but moreso GOD in our every day life and activity?
And most importantly do we undesrtand who we are as individuals, before God; do we recognize the moral dna He has stamped on our heart that pricks our conscience when we’re walking away from and in complete opposition to His laws.
What if we all stopped assessing: what color the curtains really are, or how high the picture should be hung on the wall or whether the roof should be replaced yet and if so the pros and cons of each shingle choice? Let’s go back to the foundation and make sure the house we are preparing internally adn externnally is assessed foundationally as well.
Who is God to me? Who am I to Him? What do His never changing rules of love mean? Why was America founded? What was the rule book the founders left? And how do those principles need to be used to calibrate our true north again?
These are the questions we should be asking. When we have assessed - or learned and examined - the foundation inside and out, we can start buidling up, out and everything in between. This will be a strong and for sure recipe for moving our nation back to healthy once again.
Afterall, a fantastic structure means nothing if the foundation is deterioarating.
George Washington, First Inaugural Address, April 30, 1789 "The foundations of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality, and the preeminence of free government be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its citizens, and command the respect of the world."
When buying a home that has aged, any expert will tell you: “How is the foundation? Is the structure solid?”
I’ve been involved in the political arena for over seven years, run a statewide organization, followed state and national news, envisioned the tea parties, educated fellow citizens; I’ve attended rallies, committee meetings, watched legislation be introduced, trained candidates and participated in the cultural conversation. And I have major red flags about this hour we are in.
Where is the conversation about the foundation of our country? Listen to the conservative party politics, the conservative economic groups, the candidates. They are talking about an important and current topic worthy of addressing: the economy and need for jobs, need for healthcare reform, need for improved education, need for safer communities and better care of our environment. But these issues are only addressing the structure of the building. They are analyzising the wall studs, the ceiling beams, the electrical til we as consumers and citizens are blue in the face. I can’t figure out if real progress is being made, or simply more rhetoric is being spun. I am confident that some of our leaders behind the podiums mean well and are trying in their best attempt to come up with solutions. To be honest, I do not envy the burden on their shoulders and the for certain weight in their heart as they try to “save” Michigan and our nation.
But is it possible that we are overlooking the important things? Shouldn’t we look at the foundation of the building, patch the cracks, replace broken stones, and rebuild portions of the wall before we keep building a strong structure? Our steps forward will be wasted if we do not go back and start at the beginning.
Let’s review the original intent of the foundesr for our nation; let’s make sure we understand our value as individuals before God and the importance of us having a say in how we run our lives vs leaving it in the hands of big government; let’s ask God what’s important to Him such as the value of life from conception to natural death; let’s learn economics, world history, and how to communicate effectively. Let’s learn from nations and leaders who have done things right or tried things and then ended up wrong. Do we undestand the constitution? The bill of rights? The importance of religion, but moreso GOD in our every day life and activity?
And most importantly do we undesrtand who we are as individuals, before God; do we recognize the moral dna He has stamped on our heart that pricks our conscience when we’re walking away from and in complete opposition to His laws.
What if we all stopped assessing: what color the curtains really are, or how high the picture should be hung on the wall or whether the roof should be replaced yet and if so the pros and cons of each shingle choice? Let’s go back to the foundation and make sure the house we are preparing internally adn externnally is assessed foundationally as well.
Who is God to me? Who am I to Him? What do His never changing rules of love mean? Why was America founded? What was the rule book the founders left? And how do those principles need to be used to calibrate our true north again?
These are the questions we should be asking. When we have assessed - or learned and examined - the foundation inside and out, we can start buidling up, out and everything in between. This will be a strong and for sure recipe for moving our nation back to healthy once again.
Afterall, a fantastic structure means nothing if the foundation is deterioarating.
George Washington, First Inaugural Address, April 30, 1789 "The foundations of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality, and the preeminence of free government be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its citizens, and command the respect of the world."
Sunday, June 19, 2011
From Weekly Standard: The Democrats’ ‘Culture of Corruption’ | The Weekly Standard
FANTASTIC article by Mark Hemingway!!
"Anthony Weiner undoubtedly felt pressured these last few weeks to resign his House seat over his dishonesty and online sexual indiscretions. The leaders of his party, everyone from President Obama to House minority leader Nancy Pelosi on down, were publicly in agreement that he should go.
GARY LOCKE
But from Weiner’s vantage point, the question must be asked in all sincerity: Why should he be the one to resign?
The recent history of congressional scandals suggests Weiner had little reason to bow to party leaders, and every reason to stick it out. The Democratic leadership has shown an amazing capacity to tolerate and even encourage corruption that far exceeds Weiner’s misdeeds.
Remember Rep. Charles Rangel? A quick recap of his rap sheet: The onetime chairman of the House Ways and Means committee, which writes the nation’s tax laws, was guilty of massive tax evasion. The Sunlight Foundation catalogued “28 instances in which Rangel omitted assets worth between $239,026 and $831,000 that were either purchased, sold, or held from his financial disclosures.”
He further solicited millions for the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service at City College directly from his congressional office—even from a number of interests that had business before his powerful committee. There’s also his illegal use of rent-controlled apartments and the House parking garage, as well as other infractions too numerous to name. Rangel has been reelected and is still in office after being censured by the House Ethics Committee.
And what about Rep. Maxine Waters? The House Ethics Committee charged the California Democrat with three violations for helping secure a $12 million TARP bailout for OneUnited Bank, even though her husband was a former board member and had a substantial financial interest in the bank. The president of OneUnited was also revealed to be a cocaine abuser, and the foundering bank was paying for his $6.4 million Malibu home and Porsche even as Waters was securing his bank a taxpayer bailout.
After the scandal broke, Waters was unrepentant. She sent members of her staff to protest at an event featuring Nancy Pelosi, where they held up signs that read “Let’s fight for Maxine Waters.” Questioned about the tactic, Waters blamed her persecution on racism. “It’s about black people . . . These signs will show up wherever large numbers of African Americans gather,” she said.
Waters’s ethics trial was supposed to begin last fall, but it was postponed after new evidence emerged that she had been dishonest with congressional investigators. She has yet to have an ethics trial, and the Democratic leadership has been largely mum on the matter.
In January, Paul Magliocchetti was sentenced to 27 months in prison for campaign finance violations. Magli-occhetti was the head of the PMA lobbying firm, best known for funneling $2.3 million to the late John Murtha, the Democrat from Pennsylvania who secured millions in earmark spending that benefited PMA clients. The PMA scandal had been dragging on for years, and Murtha’s legendary corruption dated all the way back to his role in the Abscam scandal in 1980, when the FBI videotaped him saying he was open to taking a $50,000 bribe. Despite this, Murtha died in office last year as the House’s top defense appropriator.
Then there’s Rep. Gregory Meeks, another New York Democrat, who was under investigation by a grand jury and the FBI last year for a secret $40,000 personal loan from a wealthy businessman in his district. Meeks was also investigated for promoting a charity for Hurricane Katrina victims that can’t account for almost $30,000 of the $31,000 it raised.
Following reports he was stashing his yacht in a tax haven, Democratic senator John Kerry of Massachusetts paid up only after the matter became public last year, even though his wife has a net worth surpassing that of a good many island nations. West Virginia Democratic senator Joe Manchin was under federal investigation for corruption last fall. After raising millions for the Clinton and Obama campaigns, Democratic fundraiser Hassan Nemazee was sentenced last July to 12 years for bank and wire fraud. And multiple lawmakers were caught last year directing Congressional Black Caucus scholarship funds to friends and relatives.
Obama may have said that Weiner should resign, but when it comes to ethics, the White House is a glass house. It may well have violated a number of laws in the last election by dangling jobs before Rep. Joe Sestak and Andrew Romanoff in order to entice them out of their Democratic primary races in Pennsylvania and Colorado respectively.
Last year, Democrats tried to replace Illinois senator Roland Burris, accused of buying his seat from now-convicted former governor Rod Blagojevich, with Illinois state treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, famous for running his family bank into the ground. In 2006, Giannoulias oversaw millions in loans to Michael “Jaws” Giorango, convicted bookmaker and prostitution ring promoter, that went to casinos allegedly connected to the mob. He later lied repeatedly about the loans after being questioned by the press. Despite this, Giannoulias, an old friend of Obama’s, was invited to the White House. Obama endorsed his unsuccessful Senate candidacy, saying, “You can trust him.”
House minority leader Pelosi also called for Weiner’s resignation, though she’s been oddly silent on all of the previously noted scandals—especially her own. Last year, it was revealed that the former speaker was ferrying around her grandchildren in military aircraft at taxpayer expense. More recently, it appears that Pelosi went out of her way to secure Obamacare waivers for businesses in her district.
Recall that Democrats assumed control of Congress after the 2006 election by campaigning against a GOP “culture of corruption” in the wake of scandals surrounding Majority Leader Tom Delay, lobbyist Jack Abramoff, and Rep. Mark Foley. It was a damning and fair charge.
Prior to assuming the speakership in 2007, Pelosi famously promised to “drain the swamp” in order to create “the most ethical Congress in history.” When House majority leader Steny Hoyer was asked whether Democrats had in fact “drained the swamp” heading into last year’s election, he demurred, saying, “I didn’t use that term.”
While the Republican party is hardly free of corruption, the sheer amount of Democratic scandal in the last few years is breathtaking. (Note that the words “unions” and “John Edwards trial” haven’t even been mentioned to this point.) The only casualty? Eric Massa—another New York Democrat!—who resigned after physical harassment allegations arose involving a male coworker. (Massa initially admitted to groping the aide but later said he only “tickled him until he couldn’t breathe.”) Otherwise, the Democratic leadership has been content to let everyone skate.
And oddly enough, no one in the media ever talks about a Democratic “culture of corruption.” In 2006,Time and Newsweek offered 15 pages and cover stories dedicated to the Mark Foley scandal (i.e., his harassment of underage pages) in the first 12 days after the story broke. During the first 12 days of the Weiner scandal, those same magazines devoted about 160 words to the matter.
NBC Nightly News host Brian Williams said he wouldn’t cover the Weiner story because it was crowding out more important news stories—such as the release of nearly 25,000 pedestrian emails from Sarah Palin’s tenure as Alaska governor, which NBC Nightly News promptly covered.
Democratic party leaders had no real moral standing to forcefully condemn Weiner’s behavior. Assuming he didn’t care about personal honor and shame—this is Congress, after all—what reason did Anthony Weiner really have to resign?"
Mark Hemingway is the online editor of The Weekly Standard.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Did You Ask a Question Today?
I have found another weakness of my many to attempt to make a strength: taking things at face value without stepping back to think objectively. Although, I do think I'm slightly improving.
For example, the New Hampshire GOP Presidential Candidate debate was last night. Immediately the post debate reports on twitter and CNN were saying "GOP insiders say candidate x is leading or DEM insiders say candidate x is behind after the debate". At first brush anything with the word "insiders" makes something sound credible, so they must be right! Candidate x really didn't do well at all!!
But stop. When we hear strict points such as the one mentioned above, are we asking:
"What is their source of information?"
"Who did they poll?"
"What was their type of polling, was it done in a credible fashion?"
"How many people did they poll?"
"And is the one who is reporting the information credible? Or slanted in anyway towards one view or another?"
Regardless of the answers to all of those questions, I do like hearing what CNN is reporting (I am picking on CNN but it could be endless sources that use this style of nebulous statements). It gives me a certain piece of the puzzle to give me a full and fair analysis of what the overall results were of the debate. But this small example is connected to my bigger point: Are we asking questions continually of the information being presented to us?
Are we teaching our kids to not take facts at face value but to do their own "truth seeking"?
Are we taking the doctor at his/her word when they give us a final report?
Are we making mega decisions without seeking a second opinion? (I.e. to buy a new car, when if you had a second opinion you'd find it could be fixed for much less than originally quoted?)
Are we allowing media, university professors, talking head-experts, spokespersons, and candidates, just to name a few, to define the truth? The truth that will influence our next moment in the journey of life.
The kids accept the "truth" that safe sex education really is needed because more than likely they will participate in it sooner rather than later therefore they don't even strive for purity and standards.
The patient succumbs to the report of the doctor, goes home and settles into a deep depression, not knowing the situation is a minor yet mis-understood and rare issue that needed a second opinion.
The mechanic convinced the car owner to continue driving the old car would be life threatening to his family so he put money down - that he didn't have - on a new car.
See my point?
We have got to ask QUESTIONS. And remember, there are moments for trust, which you will know because at that point you will hopefully know and understand the person asking you to trust their judgment; there are mega moments for trust when Someone says go right or left. We can ask questions but the silence could be our answer.
No longer can my generation be the dumbed down, numb generation: we have to awaken from our stupor and think critically by asking a question. Come on Millennials. Start today.
For example, the New Hampshire GOP Presidential Candidate debate was last night. Immediately the post debate reports on twitter and CNN were saying "GOP insiders say candidate x is leading or DEM insiders say candidate x is behind after the debate". At first brush anything with the word "insiders" makes something sound credible, so they must be right! Candidate x really didn't do well at all!!
But stop. When we hear strict points such as the one mentioned above, are we asking:
"What is their source of information?"
"Who did they poll?"
"What was their type of polling, was it done in a credible fashion?"
"How many people did they poll?"
"And is the one who is reporting the information credible? Or slanted in anyway towards one view or another?"
Regardless of the answers to all of those questions, I do like hearing what CNN is reporting (I am picking on CNN but it could be endless sources that use this style of nebulous statements). It gives me a certain piece of the puzzle to give me a full and fair analysis of what the overall results were of the debate. But this small example is connected to my bigger point: Are we asking questions continually of the information being presented to us?
Are we teaching our kids to not take facts at face value but to do their own "truth seeking"?
Are we taking the doctor at his/her word when they give us a final report?
Are we making mega decisions without seeking a second opinion? (I.e. to buy a new car, when if you had a second opinion you'd find it could be fixed for much less than originally quoted?)
Are we allowing media, university professors, talking head-experts, spokespersons, and candidates, just to name a few, to define the truth? The truth that will influence our next moment in the journey of life.
The kids accept the "truth" that safe sex education really is needed because more than likely they will participate in it sooner rather than later therefore they don't even strive for purity and standards.
The patient succumbs to the report of the doctor, goes home and settles into a deep depression, not knowing the situation is a minor yet mis-understood and rare issue that needed a second opinion.
The mechanic convinced the car owner to continue driving the old car would be life threatening to his family so he put money down - that he didn't have - on a new car.
See my point?
We have got to ask QUESTIONS. And remember, there are moments for trust, which you will know because at that point you will hopefully know and understand the person asking you to trust their judgment; there are mega moments for trust when Someone says go right or left. We can ask questions but the silence could be our answer.
No longer can my generation be the dumbed down, numb generation: we have to awaken from our stupor and think critically by asking a question. Come on Millennials. Start today.
Monday, June 13, 2011
A Scandal is A-Okay (read it to get my meaning)
What if we lived in a world that right and wrong didn't matter? What if we lived in a world that when we caught wind of a leader morally degenerating themselves, breaking covenant of their marriage, and decimating their families and ... it meant nothing.
A scandal is the result of an inappropriate action. The scandal isn't the wrong doing; it's the activity that happened that has created a scandal. A scandal exists because the wrong action was mirrored against an ideal. And the two - almost like oil and water, or lies and truth - don't mix. When one confronts the other there is friction, and the truth spills out. The tipping point happens and then results in the awkward and uncomfortable recognition and confrontation of the wrong doing and those who participated in the scandal meet real life experience that there are consequences.
A scandal is the result of an inappropriate action. The scandal isn't the wrong doing; it's the activity that happened that has created a scandal. A scandal exists because the wrong action was mirrored against an ideal. And the two - almost like oil and water, or lies and truth - don't mix. When one confronts the other there is friction, and the truth spills out. The tipping point happens and then results in the awkward and uncomfortable recognition and confrontation of the wrong doing and those who participated in the scandal meet real life experience that there are consequences.
The scandals themselves are mortifying. Honestly, Arnold Schwarzenegger? Congressman Weiner? Senator Edwards? Did you have to go give into your flesh, forget about your families and your character and the life of the one you cheated with?
It irks me when certain leadership say "everyone has sex these days, so we might as well teach the kids how to have it safe" or "what's the big deal, everyone cheats on their wife?" or "I don't love him anymore so it's okay if I walk away from this marriage" or "I don't have the feelings for her to stay committed to this marriage" any other such ludicrous statement. These say to me that we (as humans, and sexual beings) can act no better than animals, those of which who do not control themselves. I beg to differ from the culture's statements on relationships and humans as sexual beings. Feelings do not hold power over facts, truth or laws. We can control ourselves, if nothing else putting ourselves in safe environments and inviting others to hold us accountable combined with the magnificent help of God - yes, it can be done.
We must remember, whether we try to change the rules, attempt to re-create the truth, or deny the wisdom of others, God's Supreme truths, rules and wisdom is written on our heart. When we do something that violates that, our conscious kicks into gear. We try to hide it, ignore it, squelch it and sometimes you can make it subliminally disappear but only after you go through a lot of agony, misery and self induced trauma, the lies are never sufficient to your conscious and God's guidelines for His best for us: the truth remains.
The conscience of God is pricking us otherwise we would not be bothered with these activities of compromising leaders. There is redemption, forgiveness and restoration. But it does not start because someone demands it, creates it, the right tag lines are used (i.e. I'm going to therapy - but nothing changes) or enough people ignore the situation. It starts with acknowledging your wrong doing, asking forgiveness of those you have wronged and repenting, turning all the way around and walking in a different direction.
I hate it that these moral situations have happened. I'm hopeful though that God will heal these families, bring more darkness into the light and show America that morals really do matter.
And if I hear one more person say "politics is evil" based on this newest activity surmounting, I might stamp the word fool on their forehead. But that's a whole 'nother blog post for another time.
I hate it that these moral situations have happened. I'm hopeful though that God will heal these families, bring more darkness into the light and show America that morals really do matter.
And if I hear one more person say "politics is evil" based on this newest activity surmounting, I might stamp the word fool on their forehead. But that's a whole 'nother blog post for another time.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Don't You Dare Lose Sight of the People!
Politics is a public conversation on issues and ideas; a conversation happens between people. Therefore, people are the building blocks of politics!
But how often do we forget that the person at the end of our judging finger is made precious in the sight of God, has family and friends that love them, has value to bring to society and a Divine purpose to fulfill in their life. Those we automatically 'disdain' in politics, because of their actions, positions, affiliations or just stubborn personality, should always be regarded with respect,dignity and value.
I am convinced there are many people in the political world who have been in politics way too long. When the field becomes only about the number of seats our party has or number of votes we can get for a bill, or number of people that will generate get out the vote phone calls or number of people that show up to a function, it's time for that person - or politicial 'expert' - to step aside. I think a coach would call it sidelined. A reprieve is not the same as a resignation or retirement or retreat. A removal from the field is to give one's self a break for their own benefit, to get the big picture again on what matters and re-evaluate whether they are still in tune with God and His purpose for their lives.
When we forget why we are in this arena, or who we are serving we are in dangerous waters.
When we dismiss the value of the woman who sells us our morning coffee, forget to honor the service of the taxi driver with our genuine thanks, take for granted the staff who empty our trash or who take our phone call for the lunch order, or perhaps dismiss the grandma who came to see you at a townhall meeting, the parents who lost their son towards defending our country but who are thrilled to help you in a parade, the small business that sacrificed their business hours to host a private reception, or the mail lady at the post office who takes our 5,000 piece mailings with a joy to serve; when we forget the woman who is the arch-enemy of every cause we're trying to push in the legislature has a marriage that is struggling, or a legislator who just presented the most economically rash and polarizing plan in state's history is a dad awaiting the arrival of twins, when humans are no longer people valued in the sight of God to us it's time to go.
If we overlook all of the people and their value, in the governmental process and political arena, we have succumbed to the devils intent of destroying and we have succumbed to our weak human nature. And submitting to our flesh is always a disappointment to God.
Politics is all about people. Christ is all about people. But when our politics no longer honors the God given lives of those around us, it's time for us to get out of politics.
How about you? Have you lost sight of what matters?
But how often do we forget that the person at the end of our judging finger is made precious in the sight of God, has family and friends that love them, has value to bring to society and a Divine purpose to fulfill in their life. Those we automatically 'disdain' in politics, because of their actions, positions, affiliations or just stubborn personality, should always be regarded with respect,dignity and value.
I am convinced there are many people in the political world who have been in politics way too long. When the field becomes only about the number of seats our party has or number of votes we can get for a bill, or number of people that will generate get out the vote phone calls or number of people that show up to a function, it's time for that person - or politicial 'expert' - to step aside. I think a coach would call it sidelined. A reprieve is not the same as a resignation or retirement or retreat. A removal from the field is to give one's self a break for their own benefit, to get the big picture again on what matters and re-evaluate whether they are still in tune with God and His purpose for their lives.
When we forget why we are in this arena, or who we are serving we are in dangerous waters.
When we dismiss the value of the woman who sells us our morning coffee, forget to honor the service of the taxi driver with our genuine thanks, take for granted the staff who empty our trash or who take our phone call for the lunch order, or perhaps dismiss the grandma who came to see you at a townhall meeting, the parents who lost their son towards defending our country but who are thrilled to help you in a parade, the small business that sacrificed their business hours to host a private reception, or the mail lady at the post office who takes our 5,000 piece mailings with a joy to serve; when we forget the woman who is the arch-enemy of every cause we're trying to push in the legislature has a marriage that is struggling, or a legislator who just presented the most economically rash and polarizing plan in state's history is a dad awaiting the arrival of twins, when humans are no longer people valued in the sight of God to us it's time to go.
If we overlook all of the people and their value, in the governmental process and political arena, we have succumbed to the devils intent of destroying and we have succumbed to our weak human nature. And submitting to our flesh is always a disappointment to God.
Politics is all about people. Christ is all about people. But when our politics no longer honors the God given lives of those around us, it's time for us to get out of politics.
How about you? Have you lost sight of what matters?
Is it all about the Party or the Issues?
Perhaps politics is just the distraction in today's cultural dialogs, to resolving issues surrounding us. What do you think?
Every time you and I turn on a form of medium (the TV, online news videos, the radio, even informative emails) we often hear people's 'angles'. But how many times do you think the discussions are all about truth vs winning a home run for the home team. And how many of us, the consumers, do you think fall for it the majority of the time? I am guilty as charged and definitely not happy with myself.
Congressman Anthony Wiener who has just won the "anti-honorable statesman" award in my book, is a great case in point. Here is a long term Congressman in DC (a Democrat from NY) who gets caught in some inappropriate behavior on a number of fronts (most importantly for his marriage). But bigger yet is he lied about whether the pictures in question were him. After deflecting - very horribly I might add - for a week, he came clean - He is guilty as charged.
All the news stations are talking about him, what is going to happen to him, what did he do, what did he not do, what will be his consequence. Reporters spend hours asking different 'experts', "what do you think about this? Or does that statement indicate anything to you? What is going to happen to his wife, and her career?" and on and on and on.
Looking at this all through a political sphere (or lense) like I do (because it's my field of expertise) I acknowledge: from the Republicans side, if this issue is kept alive it damages the images of the Democrat Party, it distracts from what they are wanting to get accomplished, it can taint anyone affiliated with him, especially as the story grows more detailed. And in turn, it is possible that Republicans will be able to shake some of the potent shame of their own leaders who have been branded with the famous "A" (from Scarlet Letter, good book by the way), living lives less than honorable as elected leaders, husbands and fathers.
The results of Congressman Wiener's mistakes will resolve in two ways: 1) he'll save his face and continue in his career of political leaders or 2) he will quickly resign.
But the way you get to the result will be partly based on: what kind of pressure will be put on him. Will he step out of office because it's the right thing to do (he is a leader and example to children, marriages, citizens on many fronts!) or because the party itself feels the heat and cannot do enough damage control to save face, while keeping him in office.
For the party, it's all about the party; and therefore why don't we realize it that those in the political and media world often report things to us with a slant? As objective as they are supposed to be, they are often used as pawns for communicating specific ideology. Sad, but true.
Call me a little jaded, but my experience in politics wonders how many of those reporting the story, have found themselves in similar positions? Where they have compromised on a moral issue? How many elected leaders would be scalded right now if their true colors were exposed? How many staffers are hiding behind the scenes so no one catches wind of what they have been 'doing', that could hurt their own promising futures in their boss's seat someday.
My point? How many of our debates and arguments are doing because of the party and how many are engaged in because what has happened is morally wrong, something of shame, and extremely inappropriate.
So is politics the distraction from helping us be refined beings before God? I really don't care if the party gets hurt in these scenarios (Republican or Democrat). What I care about is: how are their spouses? Their children? Their own hearts and minds before God?
What we must remember is that the world of political reporting and analogy is sometimes like a bouncy ball, it jumps all over the place: one hour the media is talking about a possible mass grave in Texas but 24 hours ago they were asking Sarah Palin for the three-thousandth time if her stop in New Hampshire was intentional, on the day Mitt Romney announced he was running for President, in the all important electoral state.
The actions we take in this moment might be pleasurable and we might be clever on how to sweep things under the rug, slant the messaging or deflect to something else that is "certainly, more important!". But any decision can have large impacts. No amount of smooth party positioning can quiet things enough so God's conscience in us goes away. And, His truth remains the same, no matter how we try to spin it. And believe it, the world's greatest communication strategist cant get past God. The party might suffer but that doesn't matter; but by the truth being revealed, we will be set free.
Every time you and I turn on a form of medium (the TV, online news videos, the radio, even informative emails) we often hear people's 'angles'. But how many times do you think the discussions are all about truth vs winning a home run for the home team. And how many of us, the consumers, do you think fall for it the majority of the time? I am guilty as charged and definitely not happy with myself.
Congressman Anthony Wiener who has just won the "anti-honorable statesman" award in my book, is a great case in point. Here is a long term Congressman in DC (a Democrat from NY) who gets caught in some inappropriate behavior on a number of fronts (most importantly for his marriage). But bigger yet is he lied about whether the pictures in question were him. After deflecting - very horribly I might add - for a week, he came clean - He is guilty as charged.
All the news stations are talking about him, what is going to happen to him, what did he do, what did he not do, what will be his consequence. Reporters spend hours asking different 'experts', "what do you think about this? Or does that statement indicate anything to you? What is going to happen to his wife, and her career?" and on and on and on.
Looking at this all through a political sphere (or lense) like I do (because it's my field of expertise) I acknowledge: from the Republicans side, if this issue is kept alive it damages the images of the Democrat Party, it distracts from what they are wanting to get accomplished, it can taint anyone affiliated with him, especially as the story grows more detailed. And in turn, it is possible that Republicans will be able to shake some of the potent shame of their own leaders who have been branded with the famous "A" (from Scarlet Letter, good book by the way), living lives less than honorable as elected leaders, husbands and fathers.
The results of Congressman Wiener's mistakes will resolve in two ways: 1) he'll save his face and continue in his career of political leaders or 2) he will quickly resign.
But the way you get to the result will be partly based on: what kind of pressure will be put on him. Will he step out of office because it's the right thing to do (he is a leader and example to children, marriages, citizens on many fronts!) or because the party itself feels the heat and cannot do enough damage control to save face, while keeping him in office.
For the party, it's all about the party; and therefore why don't we realize it that those in the political and media world often report things to us with a slant? As objective as they are supposed to be, they are often used as pawns for communicating specific ideology. Sad, but true.
Call me a little jaded, but my experience in politics wonders how many of those reporting the story, have found themselves in similar positions? Where they have compromised on a moral issue? How many elected leaders would be scalded right now if their true colors were exposed? How many staffers are hiding behind the scenes so no one catches wind of what they have been 'doing', that could hurt their own promising futures in their boss's seat someday.
My point? How many of our debates and arguments are doing because of the party and how many are engaged in because what has happened is morally wrong, something of shame, and extremely inappropriate.
So is politics the distraction from helping us be refined beings before God? I really don't care if the party gets hurt in these scenarios (Republican or Democrat). What I care about is: how are their spouses? Their children? Their own hearts and minds before God?
What we must remember is that the world of political reporting and analogy is sometimes like a bouncy ball, it jumps all over the place: one hour the media is talking about a possible mass grave in Texas but 24 hours ago they were asking Sarah Palin for the three-thousandth time if her stop in New Hampshire was intentional, on the day Mitt Romney announced he was running for President, in the all important electoral state.
The actions we take in this moment might be pleasurable and we might be clever on how to sweep things under the rug, slant the messaging or deflect to something else that is "certainly, more important!". But any decision can have large impacts. No amount of smooth party positioning can quiet things enough so God's conscience in us goes away. And, His truth remains the same, no matter how we try to spin it. And believe it, the world's greatest communication strategist cant get past God. The party might suffer but that doesn't matter; but by the truth being revealed, we will be set free.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Just Accept the Facts?
I was listening to a talk show last week and one of the people being interviewed on a subject I don't remember said something like "We just need to accept the facts..." It caught my attention as I listened to her debate some controversial issue in the political world.
We just need to accept the facts... Of course she didn't think of this, but the statement caused me to acknowledge it had the feel of compromise, giving up the front line, submitting ourselves to whatever was the lesser of the ideal idea. "We just need to ACCEPT the facts ..."
How many issues do you and I know that we see the Christian world compromise on? Even Christians, those who are to be set apart, separate adn different from the world say: "Everyone is doing it! Amy, it's a different era! It's a different culture! What was a big deal in the past isn't a big deal now!"
Hah and we wonder why our world isn't improving.
Her statement jerked my chain, causing me to respond with meditation. And on one hand I'm grateful she said it because it brings me back to the dominating message on my heart right now. The thought is this: someone tells me its' not going to work, something isn't going to improve, that a compromise to a moral issue was necessary makes me grit my teeth and say "WHY! NO! Man's answer is NOT the truth! We do NOT have to compromise! We do NOT have to believe man's report. We do NOT have to adjust our positions, because we have this idea that 'everyone' is doing it (i.e. did you know only about 2-3% of our American culture is into the whole homosexuality 'thing'? Yeah, that's hardly the majority of "everyone". Those who have chosen that lifestyle have done a great job convincing 'us' though, haven't they.)
A dear friend was sharing a dominating conflict she finds among Christians, in a different culture other than America: the lack of critical thinking. Young girls go along with certain traditions because "they believe the old wives tails and it's a proven necessity!" But if they only knew, it's a ritual that does not have beneficial or fruitful results. It's simply a false 'truth'. Is that what we're doing in the Church, among us as Christians? Are we going along without allowing our chain to be jerked? Without thinking "is this right" or "is this wrong" or "should I stand firm..."
WHY are we compromising? Why are we resolving that it's not worth fighting for, it's not worth believing God for a little bit longer? As Christians, we have Christ - the One who rose from the DEAD, who entered HELL to take away the power from the enemy, who fellowships with teh Father on the one and only Throne - IN US and eager to work, stand and live THROUGH us.
No I do NOT have to "accept the facts!" Abortion may be the seeming norm but it does not mean that is the ideal, or that women really want it! Giving in to sexual momentary pleasure might seem right in the moment but what about the consequences on your children, your family, future generations? The government is never going to be fixed, there is nothing we can do, the elected leadesr don't listen so I am not going to vote or pay attention to what is happening in the world? My marriage isn't working, I don't love him anymore. The majority of Americans are okay with homosexuality and same sex "marriage" is inevitable.
What??? Why?! Since when did God say: forget the ideal, just settle in among the culture, ignore my commands, ignore being salt and light that CHANGES (IMPROVES) the culture? Improves your family? Improves the medical system? Improves city council and the state school board and your Congressman.
We as Americans, but mostly as Christians, are bigger than the mediocre "accept the facts" culture. Our question should always be "Whose facts are you asking us to accept?" Because if they are God's facts and commands, they are not dead and dry, they are still worthy of obtaining and following, and there will be good results!! They are still alive and if He's still commanding us to follow them, a) it's for our best and b) it means HE KNOWS THERE WILL BE RESULTS.
Sorry o'wise radio commentator, I'm not just going to "accept the facts".
We just need to accept the facts... Of course she didn't think of this, but the statement caused me to acknowledge it had the feel of compromise, giving up the front line, submitting ourselves to whatever was the lesser of the ideal idea. "We just need to ACCEPT the facts ..."
How many issues do you and I know that we see the Christian world compromise on? Even Christians, those who are to be set apart, separate adn different from the world say: "Everyone is doing it! Amy, it's a different era! It's a different culture! What was a big deal in the past isn't a big deal now!"
Hah and we wonder why our world isn't improving.
Her statement jerked my chain, causing me to respond with meditation. And on one hand I'm grateful she said it because it brings me back to the dominating message on my heart right now. The thought is this: someone tells me its' not going to work, something isn't going to improve, that a compromise to a moral issue was necessary makes me grit my teeth and say "WHY! NO! Man's answer is NOT the truth! We do NOT have to compromise! We do NOT have to believe man's report. We do NOT have to adjust our positions, because we have this idea that 'everyone' is doing it (i.e. did you know only about 2-3% of our American culture is into the whole homosexuality 'thing'? Yeah, that's hardly the majority of "everyone". Those who have chosen that lifestyle have done a great job convincing 'us' though, haven't they.)
A dear friend was sharing a dominating conflict she finds among Christians, in a different culture other than America: the lack of critical thinking. Young girls go along with certain traditions because "they believe the old wives tails and it's a proven necessity!" But if they only knew, it's a ritual that does not have beneficial or fruitful results. It's simply a false 'truth'. Is that what we're doing in the Church, among us as Christians? Are we going along without allowing our chain to be jerked? Without thinking "is this right" or "is this wrong" or "should I stand firm..."
WHY are we compromising? Why are we resolving that it's not worth fighting for, it's not worth believing God for a little bit longer? As Christians, we have Christ - the One who rose from the DEAD, who entered HELL to take away the power from the enemy, who fellowships with teh Father on the one and only Throne - IN US and eager to work, stand and live THROUGH us.
No I do NOT have to "accept the facts!" Abortion may be the seeming norm but it does not mean that is the ideal, or that women really want it! Giving in to sexual momentary pleasure might seem right in the moment but what about the consequences on your children, your family, future generations? The government is never going to be fixed, there is nothing we can do, the elected leadesr don't listen so I am not going to vote or pay attention to what is happening in the world? My marriage isn't working, I don't love him anymore. The majority of Americans are okay with homosexuality and same sex "marriage" is inevitable.
What??? Why?! Since when did God say: forget the ideal, just settle in among the culture, ignore my commands, ignore being salt and light that CHANGES (IMPROVES) the culture? Improves your family? Improves the medical system? Improves city council and the state school board and your Congressman.
We as Americans, but mostly as Christians, are bigger than the mediocre "accept the facts" culture. Our question should always be "Whose facts are you asking us to accept?" Because if they are God's facts and commands, they are not dead and dry, they are still worthy of obtaining and following, and there will be good results!! They are still alive and if He's still commanding us to follow them, a) it's for our best and b) it means HE KNOWS THERE WILL BE RESULTS.
Sorry o'wise radio commentator, I'm not just going to "accept the facts".
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