Month: October 2023

Today, many are living through terrifying and horrific hours.  Children are brutally murdered at the hands of human animals.   Whether the beast is dressed in a pristine suit watching a parade of his Russian troops or the dirty rascals dressed in fatigues in the Middle East, they are still the same: pure evil. 

For most decent people, it is hard to imagine how one becomes soulless, but power, ego, and warped beliefs can destroy anyone’s heart.  Unfortunately, these creatures live among all people everywhere.  How their ability to influence so many with their deranged, narcissistic minds has always been a mystery to me.  I fear it is because when many lose hope, they also lose the ability to care.

When we think, “Well, it doesn’t matter how I vote or what I say because we are doomed anyway,” we open the door to brutality.   Doing so proves that our lives are more important than our children’s.  So, we must never give up or give in for their sake, and we must stand firm against the rabid scoundrels of the world.

The tentacles of these inhumane humans travel far and sneak into safe havens to kill.  If we don’t show that our ‘caring power’ is strong, they will turn off the lights in America.

A juxtaposition

As I watched the news this morning, it seemed an odd juxtaposition between the frenzy of bombs falling in Gaza and Israel and the fever Taylor Swift causes as her Eras Tour movie debuts.  It all appeared remarkably strange yet very American. 

Don’t get me wrong, Taylor brings delight to many with her generosity and warmth, but she also reminded me to be thankful.  Thankful that joy still abides here.  No bombs are falling on this corner of the world… yet.  Happy celebration creates dancing in the aisles when Taylor performs.. for now. 

 At the premiere, the mega star’s elegant blue gown is pristine, her makeup flawless, and her shoes are tinted the same shade of sky blue.

 A world away, a child is barefoot, his face covered in soot, and his clothes are torn and stained with blood.  American youngsters rush to catch a school bus this morning, while in other countries, children run to a bomb shelter.  Yes, American life is normal…today.

Many say, “We just can’t keep giving US money to aid foreign wars!” Yet, how can we not?  Do we believe we are impervious to barbarians who fear nothing?  Clearly, September 11^th, 2001, proved we are not.

If we are concerned about the future world for our children, we and our allies need to keep writing checks.  We must encourage all peace-loving nations and citizens to care enough not to fall prey to those who wish for our fall.  We cannot save the world, but we cannot lose ours because we failed to try.

Roar and not become a victim

Remember, God is not an American, and he is not an isolationist.  He is the father of all humankind.  His message is clear… “Don’t withhold good from someone who deserves it when it is in your power to do so.”  Proverbs 3:27

Apathy is deadly.   The lion will die if the mighty beast does not roar and lazes in the sun, unaware of the hyena slinking behind him.  The hyenas hide in the bushes, waiting for the lion to become impassive and sluggish.

 We must remember to roar.

Our gratitude for living where we are free to roam without constant fear of death is immeasurable.  More importantly, it should never be taken for granted.  Human animals can thrive with very little to steal life from their victims.

We cannot become victims. 

This is the day to stand as one nation.  This is the hour to put our political blame games aside and move our spirits forward.  We must value others, denounce selfishness, and let our goodness shine.  Now is the moment to defeat terrorists lurking on every corner.   It is time to punish the antisemites, the racists, and the haters everywhere.   

Americans should lead the chorus of roars, keep the hyenas away, and destroy the evil lurking in the darkness before they find us sleeping in the sun.

For the love of all nations under God, join hands and pray for terror to end and for those who suffer from the brutal wounds of soulless, barbaric human animals…now.

“Lord, remind me to just breathe and let the cool fall air seep into my senses and calm my soul.   Between ridiculous wars waged in the halls of our Congress and the battles abroad, we need your professional help. 

I often wonder if you are walking away and ending this old world.  I couldn’t blame you much.   For those who have read your book’s last chapter, you are following the words John wrote and what he saw.  Fires, earthquakes, wars, immoral selfish leaders, self-righteous folks, and turmoil fill our earth.  Now Israel attacked?  Wow!

And even though you do know what you are doing, could you give us another chance to do better?

Thank you, Lord.”

I know folks have discussed the end of time since the beginning of time, and who knows when we will be gone, but there is still hope.  So many good folks are still around, even though we all get sidetracked with wackiness occasionally.  We genuinely aren’t that bright; we just think we are.  That may be the main problem.

Power belongs to God

The quest for power is in a race with the pursuit of justice and equality.  Evil, indeed, is battling goodness on many fronts.  Churches are separating into sects, our government is splitting into factions, and often, they can turn folks away from caring at all.

 Every person believes they are correct, and boy, do we argue over our beliefs!  But when our idea of what is right or wrong comes before God’s words, we are all wrong.

Sometimes, I feel the Lord is trying to shake us silly to remind us to first follow Him instead of any earthly power.  We endured a killing plague, wildfires, floods, storms, and some mighty bad Washington behavior, but many still aren’t shaken.

 Some folks blamed others for all the horror we endured instead of working together to find solutions.  We proved the old theory that blaming and hate is much easier than admitting fault and love.

We witness evil proclaiming innocent lives and horrors we cannot comprehend.  However, those who inflame and spread hostility must be held accountable.

Character matters

 My children were put in time out or grounded if they bullied, spoke ill-will, poked fun at others, and disrespected any human soul.  When we elect leaders who do not follow the same principles, it is an affront to godly behavior and civility. 

When I witnessed a well-known political candidate openly mock a disabled reporter during a campaign, I walked outside to my porch and cried.  I have seen everything I taught my children to not do from our presumed government leaders.

 Character matters, and lack of it results in dire consequences.  Does policy come before godly behavior?  Does spreading fear come before the fear of God? 

Many in the political realm gain popularity by promoting ill will, blame, and vengeance.   That’s a shame because they would win and have more support if they were more respectful and showed dignity.  They lose because many American mothers proclaim, “You’re grounded.”

This is not a Republican or Democratic issue but a humanitarian one.  It is not about winning a race but running with grace and God. 

So, which way do we turn?  We saw a smattering of how untruths and lousy behavior can corrupt our nation when our capital was attacked.   How does terrorism begin, or how does a dictator start his reign?  It begins with selfish behavior, lack of fear of God, disrespect for human life, and inaction by those who believe in peace.

Kindness does not kill

“Lord, help all people to see you on the road, stop and offer you a ride through the hills and valleys of our entire existence.”

For each person to aid those in need and demonstrate love will advance goodness instead of evil.  We can be less combative and listen to others by being more open-minded and courteous.  Kindness does not kill. 

It is easy to be thoughtful and compassionate if we raise awareness of the benefits.  We can prevent many disasters if we try to help the Lord and fear His judgment instead of judging others.  If we applaud respectfulness, tolerance, and understanding, we can remind the world of the goodness of our nation.

“And Lord, help us all to breathe the cool air of autumn, feel the warmth of your love, and find peace.  For we know you will win the ultimate battle.”

“If anyone respects and fears God, he will hate evil.  For wisdom hates pride, arrogance, corruption, and deceit of every kind.”  Proverbs 8:13

A reader recently wrote a note to an editor after my column appeared in their Sunday morning paper.  “I cannot tell you how much I enjoy your weekly faith articles since we don’t get much good news anymore.” 

After the editor passed it on, I responded to the gentleman’s email with a big thank you and how he made my day.   I thought about his words for quite a while and realized how his kindness was passed through several people before it landed in front of my eyes. 

Passing kindness is always good news. 

  From acts of tenderness to love and charity, we heal and grow by the arm of faith.  The headlines will change if we apply that good news to each event around us.  It takes a deep commitment to put our belief in God into all aspects of our lives, and it isn’t easy.  It’s not supposed to be.

I have shared this analogy before, but it is worth repeating. 

Braving the Downpour

 When she emerged from the store, it was raining so hard she could hardly locate her car in the parking lot.  Her umbrella provided little protection as she emptied her store cart and tossed the bags into her SUV. 

What was she to do with the buggy?   She paused momentarily and ran with the cart in tow to return it to the front of the store.

 She was completely soaked when she returned to her car.

 A man appeared and opened her car door for her.  Shocked, she gazed at the perfectly dry gentleman.  Before she could speak, he declared, “Daughter, you chose not to let another endure the storm’s wrath, so you braved the downpour and returned the cart.  I see all things and am aware of all deeds.” 

How many times have we left a cart in the parking lot for someone else to deal with?  Is that using our faith?  Do we need to realize that God does view all our actions and hears all our words.?

Provide good news by caring enough for others to get soaked by the rain. 

Wisdom

While my brother and grandfather were in the living room in a robust exchange over politics, I was in the kitchen with Grandpa, my grandmother. 

“Listen to those two!” She declared as she shook her head and rolled her eyes. 

“I hear them, but why do you not express your ideas about government or politicians?  Who do you side with, Grandpa?”   I questioned.

“My views on such things are simple.  Folks can become all educated in policy and get fiery over who and what they believe is best for America.  Shoot, they only need to read the Bible to learn most all things and then apply it to government leaders.  When we take God out of everything, we lose all.  They ain’t no winnin’ if God ain’t in it!” She finished with a snicker. 

I don’t recall a word that was said in the living room among two scholarly guys, but I distinctly remember the words of my elementary-educated grandmother. 

Godly wisdom is good news.  

Creating good news

Remember Saul?  He was one nasty dude who could create havoc like no one else.  Oh, he was religious, alright, and believed totally in his ways and rules.  That is until God got a hold of him and shined a light on Saul by casting him into darkness. 

Yet, in that blackness, Saul found the light.  St. Paul was reborn not of the flesh but of the soul, and thus, changed the world.  We can change the world also if we become bearers of light instead of darkness. 

 It begins with each of us creating good news for others and pleasing our heavenly Father.  If our deeds do not represent compassion, grace, forgiveness, understanding, love, and faith, we will never be great nor worthy of someone holding a door open for us to escape a storm. 

Forgiveness and the ability to change is good news!

Our faith is not only about our religion.  It is about our love and understanding of God.  We can go to a worship service every time the doors open, but it is a waste of time if we don’t use what we learn there daily.   Remember, God watches not how we sit in the pews but how we walk among the crowds.

So, forgive me if I sound preachy; I am nothing but a sinner.  Most of the mistakes I make are because I didn’t return the cart in the rain, so to speak.  I didn’t put the love of God or others before myself.  

If all sinners join hands and use our faith to guide us to follow His words, we can escape the storms.

And that’s the good news!

For several years, I have grieved, stewed, yelled, and prayed over the state of our states.  I have read, studied, and written about the effects of hatred, division, anger, and distrust.  Somedays, I am disheartened by how some folks value politics, conspiracies, and money more than they do living a loving, compassionate life.  Which, to me, is an affront to God. 

One of my editors recently told me after I sent her my weekly column, “Lynn, if you need a break, please take one.”  She must have read between the words that the state of our states was really getting to me.  Even though I tried to mask much anguish by providing encouraging words, it wasn’t hiding from her skills as an editor and friend.

Our tension and despair can hurt much more than our state of mind; it can affect all of us physically.  Here I am today, hooked up to the heart monitor to see if my electrical system is off, and if that’s not it, then I am just as I have always been: a bit off. 

“Have you been stressed more than normal?” My doctor asked recently.  The simple answer was, “Yes!”  Sometimes, until someone asks, you don’t realize how much life has worn you down or thrown too many curves.

From family issues to the chronic and caustic state of our states, politicians, and government, we could all use a heart monitor to see if we are still ticking.  Or better yet, to see if our hearts are in the right place. 

Courage to face heartache

While lying in the hospital a week ago, I tried to avoid the news but couldn’t help but notice a little girl standing alone in the middle of ruins and ash in the streets of her bomb-riddled Ukrainian village.  It bothered me so badly that I changed the channel to watch football playing in a dome in America. 

The stark contrast hit me like a ton of bricks.  Today, some no longer want to help Ukraine because of the money spent.  I understand the many arguments, but will we advance as a nation if we do not provide aid?  How do we ignore such grief because we prefer to switch channels and enjoy a football game, a rocket ride, or play the stock market?

When Putin’s Russia initially attacked Ukraine, we flew to their rescue.  I naively thought this might bring us together as a nation.  Unite us in a concentrated effort to help someone else endure a crisis.  Americans do not understand such horror because we are blessed not to live where bombs fall around us. 

 Giving to someone does put our hearts in the right place, but politics and money now dampen the resolve today.  It is easy to change the channel when we are tired of witnessing daily horrors abroad.    

To continue to aid Ukraine may not be the most economically feasible thing to do, but is it the right thing to do?  Yes.  Do we feel good when we turn our attention away from others’ pain?  No.

Repeating history?

 Avoiding and ignoring dictators, bullies, and the antics of those who crave power has advanced depravity.  How many millions died at the hands of Hitler before we united to defeat a monstrous killer?  Such evil power only falls when met with a greater force.

History has a unique way of repeating itself, doesn’t it?  Could it be God must keep reminding us of what is more valuable, our hearts or our wallets?  We know the answer; it’s just our minds that get in the way.

 I notice the stress from daily turmoil is ebbing when I turn my back on the trouble, but should I?  No.  With courage, I must again watch the little girl on the streets alone.   

She must be searching for something extraordinarily tiny and valuable among the ashes.   All she knows is that her school, church, and home are gone, but she keeps digging to find what someone stole. 

The scarf tied around her head is soaked from the steady rain, yet she has no safe shelter nearby.  She prays as she looks to the gray sky as if God will give her a clue to locate the object of her search. 

Hope is a difficult thing to find when all you have is gone. 

“But if someone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but refuses to help – how can the love of God dwell in a person like that?”  1 John 3:17

Our brothers and sisters live far beyond our shores in a place where a child walks alone among the ruins.  The love of God must continue to dwell in the hearts of America.