Quick Reactions!

Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them. Proverbs 29:20 NIV

When we are reactionaries–reacting to situations rather than responders–we tend to do things we later regret or cause us remorse.

The toddler-in-chief in the White House is a reactionary–he thinks he’s being tough being a bully, insulting others. He’s not tough–he’s insecure and weak–and his hasty reactions demonstrate his lack of ability to intellectually reason through any situation. His thin-skinned nature–unable to take comments from others in stride as real leaders learn to do, is a dangerous situation for all America.

His lack of discipline and impulsivity indicate a serious cognitive impairment and he’s crying out for help, but his enablers–who won’t tell him the truth–are leading him down a merry path of destruction for them–and the rest of us.

It only takes a second to react to a situation–igniting other reactions–and none of them positive.

It takes time to think–rationally–to provide an intelligent response to situation–that won’t ignite or fuel stupidity.

trump is a reactor–not a responder and that makes him dangerous for all and let’s not forget–he has the nuclear codes–not a good idea for a person incapable of thinking first.

But don’t take my word for it–just review his actions for the last six months–without the rose-colored or rather “conservative” blinders.

Every day, he proves that we deserve a better leader–one who is capable of rational thought and will lead the country for the benefit of all Everyday Americans. I encourage all to read http://www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020 and judge for yourself if in fact, I would be a more stable leader in the White House. We cannot expect change in the White House from a reactionary, so we must change who is in the White House so a responder is making decisions for all Americans.

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He’s Watching!

He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them–he remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. Psalm 146:6-9 NIV

No matter how gloomy the environment gets with the ways of those who claim to know God, but demonstrate they do not, we can rest assured, that nothing escapes The Lord. He hears it all, sees it all, and He will reward each and every person according to their deeds.

God is watching those who are trying to oppress by separating families and suppressing voters. He is watching those who are being detained, deported and imprisoned–unjustly. He is watching those who are trying to keep people from dreaming of better days with the totally inept and incompetent, heartless Republican Congress who would keep people from leading healthy lives.

God is watching how Republicans make a sham and mockery of saying they “serve God and country” when neither is evident with their current actions. They do not know Jesus Christ since they do not care about the poor and the needy and are doing all they can to put to death those who are not wealthy enough to afford healthcare. They are not the righteous; they are the unrighteous and all their rhetoric and deeds–in secret–and openly are known to God, and He will expose them all. There is nothing we can say that God doesn’t hear and nothing we can do that He doesn’t see. He’s watching.

It is truly unfortunate for all Americans that some had so much hatred and vitriol rising up within them they voted for hatred and racism and heartlessness to reside in the White House. Now, everyone must suffer for their lack of vision, for the Word says, without a vision, the people perish.

Here’s my vision–in 2018–we elect the party that cares about all Americans, not just some of them and rid ourselves of the menace that currently resides in the White House. In 2020, we elect a woman–with no political baggage, no ties to Russia, and no celebrity status, but a wealth of experience in knowing the challenges faced by Everyday Americans,  how to treat people and in seeking the qualified to fill positions of authority. We can do something about the current environment if we are bold enough to do what is right, more than what is politically expedient and then sit back and moan and groan with the consequences. God is watching it all and He knows how He wants to be represented in the earth, and it is not by a group of people who do not live like He wants us to live and certainly not by a toddler-in-chief who lacks maturity, wisdom, and common sense.

Continue In Faith!

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through our blemish and free from accusation–if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in this gospel. Colossians 1:17-23 NIV

No matter what idiocy we see from the White House, no matter how much we hate to see the fate of the nation in the hands of an unstable, inept administration, we must continue in the faith–refusing to budge from the hope–that we will be victorious in the end because it is God’s desire that we succeed in all things that are like Him.

The rub–for many and felt by many–is the consistently false notion that only Republicans are true Christians. We see–the world sees–this is not true since their only concern is appeasing the rich and their corporate donors; they have no concern for the poor and the vulnerable. Therefore, their behavior is not Christ-like and they can have no claim to being followings of Jesus Christ. We are told in The Word, we shall know who belongs to Christ by our love for one another.

Love does not seek to hurt, harm or abandon–leaving people totally disenfranchised within a society that is supposed to have governance for all people–not just some.

Love–unconditional love–lifts and encourages, provides the means to ease suffering, making sure the poor eat and have shelter. There is no love demonstrated by the GOP in Washington that will remotely help the poor. However, there are Republican governors who are speaking up to protect their constituents from the ravages of not having appropriate healthcare. We have yet to see how the most recent atrocity of a healthcare bill will proceed.

For those of us watching in the wings, we must continue in the faith we have that no matter what they do–we still have a job to do. We must continue, openly opposing actions that will devastate millions; we must continue to support those who will speak up for the poor and the needy and where we can, we must get actively involved in the process by running for something–a political office where our voices can be heard and we can make a difference.

It is because of my concern about the present administration and their lack of ability to understand how government works in a democracy that I’m driven–by love for all–to run for President in 2020. This is why I shall reference this often in all my subsequent blogs as I lay the foundation, seeking support to make this run a reality and not just a possibility. I encourage anyone reading this blog and others to look at my page on FaceBook (www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020) to see where I stand and the potential proposals I plan to make life better for Everyday Americans. Leave a comment and let me know what you think–pro or con–(not nasty) and if you’d like to join this coalition, let me know that, too! And don’t forget to continue in faith, never losing hope!

Fools and Boasting!

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; and outsider, and not your own lips. Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both. Proverbs 27:1-3 NIV

Whenever we have to promote ourselves as being, “the greatest, the best, the most wonderful,” of anything–we indicate we do not trust the judgment of others.

If we take an honest look at the path trump has taken to the White House, we find (with careful scrutiny) he has been his own public relations promoter. The fact he lies about it is another issue, but he is the one who “called the press” and boasted of his exploits. He is the one who proclaims his net worth (which varies according to his feelings). He is the one who claims he is the only who can “fix the ills of the world.” More recently, his claim to coining the phrase, “priming the pump” is so ludicrous that many–including me–laughed at his lack of understanding of history. He also claims that “using solar panels to build a wall” is his idea when he actually got it from two contractors who were bidding for the contract. His claims also include having influence over Carrier and Ford and other companies when in fact, decisions made by those companies occurred long before trump was elected, but it didn’t stop him from trying to take credit for those company’s decisions.

Let’s face it–whenever people boast of their own prowess and knowledge–it’s because it would be difficult for others to do it–without evidence to document what they say.

Since it would be “gossiping” to some extent to talk about other people, I have to use myself as an example. I have seldom commented on how others perceive my ability to teach because I don’t know what they’re thinking unless they tell me. I love to teach and I have one goal when I teach–to make sure those sitting in front of me know more than when they first attended class. I tell each class–I’m there to help them to succeed since they need no help to fail.

According to my students–at least those who passed my classes–my goal was met. Those who didn’t pass the class either were slothful in attendance and did not complete required work.

Whenever I’ve been observed by colleagues or those in academic positions to observe me as part of an evaluative process, I’ve always been commended on my approach to teaching and engaging students in the process. Those written comments are documented as part of my employee file.

The student evaluations also document my ability to engage students in the process of learning as well as my own audit of every class. I always ask my students for their input on how things are progressing, what they need to know that has not been introduced, or if I need to try a different approach to information discussed. Their responses to my inquiries are always helpful and in a few instances, I’ve adjusted what I do based on their comments.

As another testament to my teaching ability, I was nominated by students to be included in the “Who’s Who of Teaching” for several years in a row.

If I had to assess my own abilities as a teacher I’d have to say, “I’m not the person to ask.” I love teaching and I love what I teach both in a secular settings and in ministry. I’ve been told I’ve very passionate when I present information and guide discussions and that would be true. If I didn’t have strong beliefs in what I do, I couldn’t do it well.

That being said, I have nothing to boast about when it comes to being president of the United States. I haven’t been in politics before now, but I’m looking forward to the challenge and opportunity to serve Everyday Americans. I know enough about leadership not to provoke those who are in alliance with me and to not abandon those who are looking for a leader to lead for all–not just some of the people, and to seek those who know more than I do to place in positions of authority.

 

Praying For Wisdom

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew. My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:13-24 NIV

In light of all the uproar and disastrous policy-making in Washington, DC by those who appear to lack wisdom, we must pray for wisdom–for them and for us. If they refuse to hear The Lord speak to their hearts, we must be open to hearing The Lord speak to our hearts and proceed with wisdom and knowledge in electing future legislators and in making the best decisions for our bodies and healthcare–if we plan to see long life.

We must look to The Lord for our example–moving in wisdom, knowledge and understanding and when we do, we’ll end up with the results He promises–blessed beyond measure with riches and honor, long life, peace and sweet sleep. There’s no need to fear when the love of Christ abides in our hearts and we know how to love others–unconditionally.

Father, in the name of Jesus,

We acknowledge that our wisdom is as dust in the wind and we have no idea where the dust will land or what will become of it. To You, O Lord, we look for direction, seeking Your Wisdom and knowledge in order to complete the journey of life You have planned for us.

Forgive us for thinking in our arrogance that we did not need You; we need You every hour of every day and our hearts are open to hearing what You have to say. We are determined to obey You in all things and we know that love covers a multitude of sins and that You know our motives for doing everything we do. Help us to keep our focus on You, Your Word deeply embedded in our hearts, and our tongues always exercising caution and wisdom so others will hear what we have to say.

Lord, for all those who have hardened their hearts against You and hearing what You have to say about all things, cut away the insecurities, the fear, the hate, the bigotry, the animosity and envy that has hardened their hearts and replace all that is not like You, with love overflowing.

Let compassion, wisdom and understanding reign in the hearts of all who are in positions of authority so that none have any reason to fear the outcome of decisions that affect millions of lives. Pour knowledge and understanding into the hearts of those who choose persons to be in positions of authority so wisdom wins and none will know lack–of anything.

We give You praise and thanks for all You have done and all You will do on behalf of all those who sincerely love You and act as You will have us to act–representing all You are. Let no one deter us from following the path You have established for us so You and only You get the glory for all we do.

Amen!

No matter what happens in life–we must move forward knowing that with Jesus going before us–we have nothing to fear when Love is our guiding force.

I encourage all to seek wisdom, knowledge and understanding for all upcoming elections and seek The Lord as to who will provide us great leadership, acting out of love–not envy, hate, or pride–doing what is right for the sake of doing what is right–not drawing attention to self–acting out of pride.

I have sought The Lord and I’m seeking a path to run for president in 2020–making an official announcement in 2019 and I encourage all to seek the Lord and then obey what You hear.

Our Turn Is Coming!

Do not rejoice, Israel; do not be jubilant like the other nations. For you have been unfaithful to your God; you love the wages of a prostitute at every threshing floor. Threshing floors and winepresses will not feed the people; the new wine will fail them. They will not remain in the Lord’s land; Ephraim will return to Egypt and eat unclean food in Assyria. They will not pour out wine offerings to the Lord, nor will their sacrifices please him. Such sacrifices will be to them like the bread of mourners; all who eat them will be unclean. This food will be for themselves; it will not come into the temple of the Lord. Hosea 9:1-4 NIV

Taking a little literary license this morning, I’m substituting words to bring to light the disastrous policymaking we have in Washington.

Substitute GOP Congress for Israel, lobbyists for prostitute, GOP policy for threshing floors, Tea Party for Ephraim, the 1% for Egypt, the wealthy for Assyrians.

The Republicans in Congress appear to be jubilant in their efforts to keep millions of Americans from having access to affordable healthcare. Remember this is the party who claims to be the “moral majority” the Conservative Christian rights–the only ones who matter when it comes to Christianity–“they say.”

So if we go by what they say, God warned us in His Word about them. They have fallen short and will return to a place where they will eat “unclean food” (toxic from all the roll-back of regulations implemented to safeguard consumers). Their decisions won’t provide food or clean water for the poor and certainly not healthcare. The savings in tax cuts will only benefit the very wealthy, not the poor and the needy who Jesus commanded us to care for.

The Republican Congress has allowed their greed fed by lobbyists to drive their ambitions and policymaking which does not benefit all Americans. They are driven by a minority of voters (not the majority since the majority didn’t vote), many of whom have said, they wanted to keep their existing healthcare–now that they know it is the ACA, and not Obamacare. But then we have to look at how bigoted Republicans perpetuated hatred of “Obamacare” by refusing to call it by its right name–Affordable Care Act. They knew exactly how to erode trust in a product by appealing to racism and bigotry in their rhetoric–across the land.

Now that people are becoming wise to the fact–Obamacare is the ACA–many are protesting losing their only access to healthcare and to make matters worse, trump and the GOP have sabotaged the system by withholding payments creating a wariness within the insurance providers’ community. This was done intentionally to make it look like–Obamacare was failing.

For those who haven’t read the 142 page draft for healthcare, I suggest you do to see who really benefits from the billions cut from Medicaid–and you’ll discover–if you’re not part of the 1% of the wealthiest population, it does not benefit you.

Just remember this–even if the repugnant republicans pass this bill and trump signs it–we will simply have to wait until 2020–to create a new bill–one with compassion and teeth that actually benefits all Americans and is truly representative of who Jesus Christ is. Apparently, the GOP have forgotten that being a Christian means that we follow Jesus Christ and do what He did and does–not a political party agenda.

I am a blood-bought Believer in Jesus Christ, living according to His command to love–unconditionally. I know when He was crucified, His blood was shed for me and I refuse to make a mockery of who He is, by supporting policies that dehumanize any human being. Because of my love for people–especially those who are not able to speak up and out for themselves, I will announce my official candidacy in 2019 in my bid for president in 2020. Watch for it. With the Lord leading me in all things, we will rejoice across the land and every other country will know–America is the greatest nation on earth!

Staying Focused!

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 NIV

How many times have we planned to do something without adequate information? Those who know what I’m talking about, understand not having all the information needed to make an informed decision causes problems.

This happens in a number of instances. Deciding to paint a house without determining how much paint is needed, including the base or trim, or tape and brushes and tarps, and paint remover, etc. usually ends up with multiple trips to a store. Planning a dinner without checking to make sure one has all the necessary ingredients will cause frustration and anxiety if it’s a special dinner. How about making a cake? Do we check to make sure we have eggs, flour, butter, sugar, etc. and the right cake pans before we start baking or do we end up running out to the store in the middle of making the cake?

If thinking about the above-mentioned things is important, how much more so is it important for us to know everything a major decision entails before we jump in, head first?

There are three things I want to reflect upon:

a)  The Special Elections in SC and GA

b) The Secret Healthcare Bill

c) Deciding to run for President

First, the special election results–were predictable and not a surprise to anyone, though some were disappointed. The difference in the outcome may have been changed with “consulting others with more experience,” but though the Democrats did not win the seats, they did better than they were supposed to do–if we listen to Republicans.

Next, the secret healthcare bill being drafted by a handful of Republicans or their staffers and though not all have seen, Mitch McConnell expects to have a vote on it, without everyone being privy to it, and without “consulting the experts” to make sure any plans would be effective in keeping everyone insured. McConnell claims the Democrats didn’t want to participate in the process, but the truth is–they were not invited to participate in the process, but neither were most of the Republicans. This is not a wise decision and if passed by Senate and House–will come back to bite Republicans in the butt on November 6, 2018. People have a bad habit of remembering those who plan to cause them harm–and they will remember it was the Republicans who took their healthcare.

Last of all–my decision to run for president. I’ve spent a great deal of my time, researching various aspects of issues on which I take a definitive stance and in talking to a multitude of people, getting their perspectives and seeing how they align with my own. We’re in the process of forming a coalition to create challenges for me–to fine-tune my thinking about “everything.” This is not to say I need to “know” everything, but I should know how to direct people to find answers I don’t have.  In fact, I should know the people who have the answers and I’m working on it.

I’m watching all the political flurry across the nation and getting involved with local politics and it is a lot of work–not an undertaking anyone should consider lightly. I’ve given this a great deal of thought and nothing I’ve discovered so far has deterred me from my quest.

I’m thinking so far ahead that I’ve already contacted my local police department to alert them of possible traffic congestion in my neighborhood, once I officially announce my candidacy. I don’t want my neighbors to get upset with me when reporters are taking up all the available space on the streets or clamoring for interviews at all hours. Just one thing on my check list–done.

Considering the fact that trump knew years before he ran that he was going to run for president, I would have thought he had an inkling as to how government works. He doesn’t and that is appalling on a number of levels.

At any rate, I will plan wisely with the assistance of wise counsel from various walks of life and be ready to answer any question that is asked of me.  By March 2019, I’ll be ready.

 

Did You Know?

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3,4 NIV

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1 NIV

Most people are remembered by what they do and the association their name brings to a situation.  The Word tells us that when we obey God, we’ll find favor and a  good name in the sight of God and man. I’m counting on God’s Word to see me through the decision-making process as I contemplate running for President in 2020. I’m doing the exploration now in hopes of establishing a coalition of people who have similar ideas and values and will support my run. Fortunately for me, I have until June of 2019 to make that decision and once made–is irreversible. This is too important for me to take lightly so I must consider all things from every possible angle.

The real hindrance to a successful run at this juncture–is not many know who I am and some of those who do–are either skeptical of my ability to win or frightened at what running could cost me–all loss of privacy.

So, here’s my attempt to alleviate the skepticism and fear.

I was born and raised in West Virginia–lived in London and Montgomery and for a very brief time–Harlem Heights until my mother and stepfather separated.

I’ve been told that my mother and father were divorced by the time I was a year-old (of course I wouldn’t remember that) and after that–well, life had its ups and downs.

The only time I ran for any office–I was in the eleventh grade and ran for class president. I lost to a boy named Tommy (can’t remember his last name), a very popular blind student and there was no bitterness in the loss. Like every competition–there’s a winner and a loser. I would have supported Tommy as a class president for our senior year, but that opportunity was denied me when my mother decided to move to Detroit, Michigan.

That decision–was a pivotal point in my life–one that I don’t think my mother ever understood and since I didn’t want to be in Detroit, I became a rebellious teenager to the nth degree. I didn’t do anything illegal, but I no longer cared what anyone thought of me and did what I wanted to do. I quit school after one semester at Northern High School because the atmosphere was so violent I didn’t want to be there. I later went back and took the two classes needed for my diploma during summer school.

I managed to get a partial scholarship to Detroit Institute of Technology, but circumstances impeded my progress and I only finished one term. From there, I worked various jobs: file clerk, paraprofessional for Detroit Public Schools, to bank teller for various banks in both Michigan and Texas, a telephone service representative for Houston Lighting and Power, a secretary for Crain Communications, Inc. and an inspector and counselor for United Community Housing Coalition. Due to car accident that impeded my ability to drive as much as I needed to drive, I ended up leaving that job and eventually going back to college.

In between some of the various and sundry jobs–I acknowledged a calling into ministry in 1987 and completed courses of study to that end, licensed 1990 and later ordained in 1996.

In 1997, I graduated from Wayne State University with a BA in Sociology and English, and in 2002 completed an MA in English and Speech, and continued my education towards a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction in English and Special Education. I finished the coursework, but changed my mind about where I saw a career in education headed and am now considered–ABD–all but Dissertation.

I’ve taught in a number of environments–public schools as a substitute teacher and as a certified teacher, and college professor as well as in various churches. I’ve taught in a Catholic school and charter schools.

I’ve written and directed plays as well as supervised student directors.

I’ve written a number of books–most of which can be found on Amazon.com, covering a wide range of interests. Two of the books written are the result of challenging myself in the NaNoWriMo challenge in November. The first year I wrote the required 50,000 words in 15 days, the second year in 9 days.

I’ve been nominated for teacher of the year, profiled in Who’s Who in Teaching, and involved in the National Writing Project on a local level at Oakland University and Wayne State University.

I’ve been volunteered for a number non-profits–one of which I founded.

Most of what I’ve done is out of a sincere desire to make a difference in the lives of others and so far, I think I’ve been pretty successful.

At any rate, whatever a person wants to know about me can be found in a book or in a blog–I have no problem in publicizing my inner reflections about me or others or situations–as most of my readers know. But for those who don’t know–have fun doing the research. I have two wonderful children, three grandchildren and a husband I adore.

The purpose of this blog post–is to alert anyone who thinks they can find anything “potentially damaging” to my intent to run for president. I encourage the “investigation” because I have nothing to hide. I’ve lived the life of an Everyday American with ups and downs, trials and tribulations, defeats and victories.

Did you know all this? Well, now you know! Remember the name and join me in helping to make a difference in the lives of Everyday Americans!

Need Refreshing?

This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “When I bring them back from captivity, the people in the land of Judah and in its towns will once again use these words: ‘The Lord bless you, you prosperous city, you sacred mountains.’ People will live together in Judah all its towns–farmers and those who move about with their flocks. I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” After this I awoke and looked around. My sleep had been pleasant to me. “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will plant the kingdoms of Israel and Judah with the offspring of people and of animals. Just as I watched over them to uproot and tear down and to overthrow, destroy and bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant,” declares the Lord. “In those days people will no longer say, “The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.’ Jeremiah 31: 23-29 NIV (read it all)

It is time for a refreshing–a fresh anointing and filling of Holy Spirit so we can survive the tediousness of the bizarre behavior consistently assaulting us from the White House. Don’t know about others, but I’m taking a break from watching stupidity and those who employ it as a means of communicating.

So, for the next few days, I’ll be reblogging posts since brain cells need time to unload the nonsense that assails every time I turn on a television or even dare to look at social media. When nothing going on around you makes sense, it’s time to step back and analyze the situation from a new perspective and refocus before we can go forward. When attorneys need attorneys–something big is about to go down and all the screaming, tweeting and yelling, is not going to change that, but confession of guilt–will save millions and eliminate the tediousness of watching America erode.

Clarity, Lord, clarity is what I seek to move forward as I prepare for the biggest challenge I’ve ever faced. I’m not intimidated by the foolishness and I will continue exploring the possibility of a run for president in 2020.

When Wrongs Rise!

A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully. The wicked put up a bold front but the upright give thought to their ways. There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord. Proverbs 21: 28-31 NIV

The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper. Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses. When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive. Proverbs 28:25-28 NIV

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-17 NIV

There is no time in history in which wrongs committed did not surface for all to see. Since there is nothing new under the sun, we can expect the wrongs committed now and in the 2016 election to rise to the surface for all to see and understand how we came to be in this place of chaos and disorder.

The Word from James says it best; “where there is envy and selfish ambition, we’ll find disorder and every evil practice.” Think about that for a moment.

Who has benefitted from the 2016 election? Who is reversing policies that protected the consumer and the poor? Who has installed family members in the White House who are using their positions to enrich their bank accounts? Who hated President Obama so much they are constantly trying to outdo or undo everything President Obama did for the sake of all Americans? Who has stirred up hate and conflict with their rhetoric and promotion of violence? Who has “removed the hate groups” from the terror watch and eased gun restrictions so the hate groups can harm themselves–in readiness for the coup to take over the government, demolishing democracy? Who indeed is about to reap what they have sown?

It is truly unfortunate that people’s lives were put at risk when the shooting that occurred in Virginia on yesterday and it’s equally unfortunate that the shooter apparently had his sights set on Republicans. I’m not condoning violence in any form and I’m praying for the victims as well as the family of the shooter. But this is the result of frustration–brought about by a lack of trust in the current leadership and those in Congress. None of the policies under discussion will benefit the poor and the needy and in deed will cause them more harm. I don’t know if this is the reason the shooter pulled the trigger; this is only speculation on my part. When people are frustrated beyond measure and can get no relief from a government that is supposed to consider all Americans, they take their frustration and desperation out on others–causing even more problems.

I pray the shooting incident will lead to Congressional Accord between the parties and they will work together to solve our nation’s problems and come up with solutions that will benefit all, not just the rich. It should not matter which part holds the majority in Congress if they all care about all Americans–compromise should be possible and even mandated to ensure democracy works in this country.

Where there is no clear leadership (as we have seen for the past six months), militia groups rise and thrive creating even more discord as they perpetuate the promotion of fear, hate, and violence. I would hope that we can prevent this from rising to a level of no-return but all of us, must be vigilant and wise in all we do. Leadership in positions of authority is needed to keep this country on the right track and that means we must vote–exercising wisdom.

I’m counting on wisdom from above to guide all in 2020 as I seek the presidency, providing a strong, clear voice that advocates for all Everyday Americans.