Redeeming Qualities!

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God. 1 Peter 1:13-23 NIV

As far as Christ is concerned, we who were sinners have been redeemed with the precious blood of Him who hung on the cross and shed His blood for us that we might have eternal life. And the only thing He requires of us is that we love one another with a sincere love, not a plastic, superficial love that is conditional.

There are some who only care about those who care about them.

There are some who only respect those who respect them.

Then there are some who expect loyalty when they are not loyal to anyone but themselves.

These are conditional responses and what Christ wants from us is unconditional love shown to one another whether others love us or not.

Loving others–especially when they are unlovable can be hard to do, but we must if we are to demonstrate the love of Christ within us. If we have not His love, our love for others is superficial and easily diluted based upon how others treat us.

How do we know when the Love of Christ dwells within us? We know because the fruit of His Spirit is evident in our lives. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” Galatians 5:23-26 NIV

Therefore, our redeeming qualities are evident in our love for one another, the joy we have in rejoicing with the success of others, the peace we have in our homes and communities when we know we are peacemakers and not peacebreakers, the patience we have with those in our environment, understanding we all have to find our way with the help of others; the kindness we can show complete strangers as well as those we love; the goodness in our hearts that ignites the desire to do good things for others; the faithfulness we demonstrate to those things we have committed to doing as well as the people we have committed to being faithful in our lives; the gentleness we show those who have not yet reached the same level of maturity we have; and the self-control we demonstrate on a daily basis, not allowing our feelings and emotions to drive us.

Are there any who have yet to demonstrate having any redeeming qualities in our midst? Do we dare to speak truth to power in order to set the record straight and to make sure when we stand before God on the day of Judgment, we can rest assured we have done all we could do to sound the alarm, warning others of the danger in not following Christ? Are we capable of loving others, no matter what and how do we know that?

Loving others unconditionally has been the foundation for me to do what I do–as an educator, a community activist, a wife and mother and grandmother, and a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a writer with a platform, what I say may not always be indicative of unconditional love, but when we love–we tell the truth–whether others agree with it or not. That is–unconditional love!

As a further demonstration of unconditional love of all Americans, I am taking on the posture of jumping into the political arena in my bid to become president in 2020. I am not running for the position in hopes of gaining power or status, but for the love of country and my fellow Americans. I have neither political baggage for the opposition to inspect, celebrity status and wealth, and I don’t play golf. I am a total representation of the Everyday American, having faced the challenges that most Everyday Americans without celebrity, political pull or wealth face, daily. What I do have is honor, love and integrity. If you can handle truth and love in voting for an Everyday American, you won’t regret it. Please–spread the word–and remember my name!

 

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Love Combats Hate, Every Time!

I Corinthians 13 NIV

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. v 1-3

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. v 4-8

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.  v. 11

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. v 13

When Paul wrote to the church at Corinth in his first letter, he wanted them to understand that when love is the key element that guides–things will work themselves out to the benefit of all. Now if love is key to positive things occurring in our midst, the opposite would be true as well. If love is the greatest of all the virtues, then hate is the worst.

Without love, all the talk becomes a lot of noise–as we see in the White House–noise about everything, but caring about all Americans. Without love–we are nothing and gain nothing worthwhile in life.

Let’s look at what happens when hate (the polar opposite of love) abides in the hearts of men and women.

Hate is impatient with self and others. Hate is not kind, but brutal, lacking compassion for others. Hate is envious of everyone and leads to mindless, incoherent obsessions about others. Hate is always boastful about perceived accomplishments, even when none exists. Hate is proud–always wants to be the center of attention, taking credit for what others do that is good, always blaming others when things don’t go their way. Hate shows contempt and disdain for others, never respecting others as they want to be respected. Hate shows no concern for others, but always pushes forth what they want regardless of circumstances. Hate gets angry easily–everything is a trigger for their anger when people don’t agree with them or praise them. Hate keeps an enemy list–always ready to seek revenge upon those who dare to oppose them. Hate promotes treating others with contempt and with violence and never accepts facts as truth, but instead promotes alternative facts as truth and then gets angry when they are disputed. Hate trusts no one, but self and those who worship them; hate never hopes for anything but what they want, and is constantly changing directions (flip-flopping) just to align what happens with their “lips” in an attempt to take credit for whatever good occurs. Hate doesn’t protect anyone other than self and will throw others under the bus in an instant.

Because hate destroys, nothing can be built on a firm foundation unless love exists to build.

When most of us navigated childhood into adulthood, we stopped thinking like spoiled brats and accepted responsibility for all we do or did. We understand that we are accountable for everything we do or don’t do and we cannot blame others for our shortcomings or ineptness.  When we became adults–we left behind the ways of the child that we no longer were.

If we look closely at what Paul is saying, we can easily see that love is a far better virtue than hate. What I don’t understand is how–people who claim to be Christians can allow so much hatred to abide in their hearts that they do all sorts of hateful things to others and think they have a right to do so. There is a difference between people being religious and being truly Christian and those who hate others–are not Christians, they are merely religious.  Christians–by the virtue of who Christ is–are never to hate people, but sin–the act of opposing God, not the person opposing God. For if we are always condemning others because of what they do, we will never win them with love.

Are we so “perfect” that we forget we, too were once sinners (and some still are)? We are not perfect people and we will never be perfect people as long as we can “choose what we do.” That is an inherent fact that many so-called Christians overlook in their condemnation of others–not one of us is perfect.

I am dismayed over the revelation of right-wing Christians and white nationalists groups in their attempts to overthrow the government by voting for the current resident in the White House. I have found evidence that points to what I have long suspected that trump is simply a tool and now that things appear to be unraveling, those behind the plot to destroy democracy expect to escalate their plans–including getting away with murder of anyone who doesn’t look like them (the purpose of Sessions as the AG). And the saddest revelation is that Russia is behind it all.

Nevertheless, I will continue to love and speak truth to those who hate and those in positions of authority until I can speak no more. Love is all we really have to combat hatred and I will not submit to the enemy and hate other human beings. 

It is because of love that I plan to run for president in 2020. It is because of my love for children, the working class, senior citizens, veterans of the military, and all those who work to protect and educate others. It is my love for my colleagues, family and friends–known and unknown that I know I can be a president to and for all Americans. When love leads the way, all benefit and none fail.

 

 

Everyday I Wake Up!

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:  Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:21-26 NIV

Everyday that I wake up, I am reminded of God’s goodness towards me. Though I have challenges with respiratory issues, and joint and muscle aches, and circulatory issues, I am counting on Him to provide me with relief and inspiration.  Nothing is too hard to face when we know God is on our side; He will be our rearguard and frontline. When we know we are surrounded by His love and held in His embrace, we have nothing to fear. For what can the enemy do against love?

Love–the cure-all for everything that ails us as individuals and as a nation. We can never be all that God plans for us to be without knowing how to love others. When we let go of the hatred we feel against others because of our own insecurities, God can and will fill hearts to overflowing with love, wisdom, and direction in making the world a better place for all human beings.

So, everyday–I wake up inquiring of God–what can I do today to make life better for someone else? Sometimes, a smile is all it takes and other days, it takes a little more.

How can I make life better for others as President of the United States? I can begin by realizing–if elected–that I have to govern for all Americans and consider all Americans in every decision made.

I have to make the best decisions possible for those with I agree and those with whom I don’t agree; with those I know who love me for who I am and for those who hate me because of the color of my skin or my gender or my age or my audacity in running for president in the first place.

I have to govern for those who believe as I believe and for those who don’t. I have to govern–respecting everyone’s right to make decisions for themselves as long as they do not violate the Constitution or other laws or infringe upon the rights of others.

I have to govern knowing I’ll have to make tough decisions that some won’t like but I’ll have to think beyond the moment and consider all those who will come after me.

I have to govern understanding the role of Congress and the Judiciary as well as the Executive Branch of government.

I have to govern with a mindset to protect Americans and America’s interests on a global level.

I have to govern knowing I don’t know everything, but counting on God and His infinite wisdom to guide me in all things. This is how I know I can make life better for all Americans–by considering all Americans–and not a personal or party agenda.

I am seeking input from those who think I can make a difference. I need your support in spreading the word and welcome your ideas. Please leave a comment on the FaceBook page that provides more details about the plans I have for all Americans and how we can make it work. http://www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020. Thanks for your consideration!

If Not Now, When?

Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord. Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us. Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4 NIV

For those actively involved in The Resistance, we have won a small battle, but the war is not over. We must continue the fight against injustice and an unjust person in the WH.

For those who were not actively involved, what’s holding you back? Are you waiting for God to come down out of the clouds and speak to you personally about defending the rights of the poor and the needy? He has already said what we are to do in His Word.

For Christians to not know that it is our responsibility to defend the rights of the poor, needy and vulnerable, what is it going to take to get that through to hearts? How can anyone say they are a Christian and not do what Jesus did and told us to do–love?

If not now, when will it be a good time to demonstrate our love for God and in obeying His Word?

If not now, when will it be a good time to repudiate the notion that God chose trump to be the president of the United States when all he has done–indicates his love and fear of Putin is greater than his love for America?

If not now, when will Christians lift up the name of Jesus in their conduct and not just lip service by caring for all human beings and in protecting their rights?

If not now, when will Evangelical leaders remember they are supposed to follow after God and all He has put on their hearts to do–according to His Word–not their personal agendas.

If not now, when will those sitting in churches, listening to those promoting hatred and bigotry of others have the courage to get up and walk out–letting the leadership know, why they’re leaving?

If not now, when will people stand up and speak out against those who perpetuate hatred against other human beings?

God is not pleased with our lack of compassion for other human beings, our treatment of those who are not like us and certainly our lack of concern for the rights of the poor, needy, and vulnerable. If anyone thinks that God is going to bless them for promoting hatred and embracing the lies of a liar, think again. God hates liars and has prepared a place for them all in the lake of fire.

People have rejected the most qualified person on the planet to be in the Oval Office and elected a “Napoleon wannabe” as a leader of the free world. He has accused President Obama of not being a strong leader (like Putin) and yet he has failed to be an “effective leader” since he has no clue what it means to be a public servant. He wants to be a dictator–who abides by no rules or policy or protocol–and uses threats and attempts to intimidate others–being a cowardly bully instead of a leader. He has refused to accept the fact that he cannot govern a nation run like one of his failed businesses. The chaos in the White House will continue until the people–all the sane folks in America–wake up and see that it’s time for a real change–and if not now, when?

In 2018, the people must balance those in Congress so they’ll be forced to work for the people, not a party agenda. In 2020, we must elect a president who understands the struggles and challenges Everyday Americans face and who will represent Everyday Americans and not a personal agenda. I’m an Everyday American who has lived the challenges most of us face and I know, I can and will represent all Americans since I have no personal or political agenda to achieve–other than doing what is best for all Americans.  Your support in this endeavor is appreciated.

 

Never Giving Up!

They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination. Nehemiah 6:9 NLT

This is what I feel watching GOP attempting to dismantle the ACA and risking the lives of millions of people. They are consumed with a 7-year promise to repeal ACA (out of hatred for President Obama) and not even paying attention to their constituents who now understand that the “hated Obamacare” is the needed ACA that many depend on to use. This is what happens when people lie and allow hate to reign rather than wisdom and the love of Christ. GOP–with Mitch McConnell leading the way was determined to obstruct President Obama and make sure he was not able to accomplish anything–from day one. In spite of the obstructionist attitude and behavior–President Obama was able to accomplish much and all of it–the GOP are now determined to rollback, throw out, and eliminate–because of hatred.

The GOP hated Obama, trump hates Obama and with all that hate–there can be no room for love–just hate and hate as we all know destroys utterly and completely. The GOP will be destroyed utterly and completely if they don’t wake up and pay attention to their constituents and not the crazed idiot in the WH (I cannot bring myself to call him a “man” because he has not demonstrated that he is one. So, if you’re upset with me now, you’re going to be upset with me for a long time).

In spite of the hatred against ACA and Democrats in general, I will continue to pursue the path to the White House, never giving up, no matter what the idiots do.

My family’s history–has provided a record of endurance, courage, boldness and determination. They were brought across the ocean, ripped from their families and only known culture. They were denied identity other than what the “white man” wanted them to have. They were treated like sub-human beings, forced to work on empty stomachs, never consideration. They were freed by the signature of Abraham Lincoln, but kept entangled and bound by fear and hatred by Jim Crow laws.

Civil rights laws have yet to bring an era of true freedom for the Black Community and with the GOP in position of the majority in Congress, we are taking a regressive route in the 21st Century rather than seeing forward movement as it pertains to positive race relations in this country. Hate crimes are on the rise against anyone with “brown or black” skin tones, different religious beliefs, and misogyny is also on the rise. All of this is a result of gullible people (with hidden hatred of those who are different than them) who voted for the greatest fraud and con artist who ever lived–trump.

Though many may feel there is no hope–I will never give up and I will continue the good fight of faith–in service to my country and fellow True Patriots who understand that every American deserves equal treatment in all things. We will Raise the Standards for all Americans.

Counting on fellow Americans who think like Christ to support my bid for president in 2020. I’m not seeking financial support at this time, just your vote to guarantee we will have a voice in Washington representing the Everyday American. 

 

What’s Next?

However, as it is written: What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”–the things God has prepared for those who love him–these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 2:9,10 NIV

Yesterday, I began writing this post, but had some technical difficulties impede what I wanted to say. But that’s what happens when a person is in a strange environment and WI-FI is sketchy at best. What I wanted to express–primarily to the McDowell Clan–is there is nothing impossible for us to accomplish with God. He has already prepared the path and we have to do is to stick with it.

Obstacles and challenges arise for most people and the only ones who succeed in their pursuits are the ones who are determined to finish “the course” no matter how difficult things become.

From everything I heard this weekend, I am proud to belong to a family of overcomers. Some have overcome illnesses, financial setbacks, heartache in relationships and the loss of loved ones–the things most Everyday Americans face.

No matter what we face, we can overcome the challenges and stand tall and proud of our ancestors and who we are as a family.

So, think about what comes next in your life and plan to be the best at whatever it is. My goal is to garner the support of other Everyday Americans so I can get on the ballot for the 2020 election in all 50 states. With your help in FL, PA, OH, VA, NY and MI, I know we can all make Polly McDowell proud of her descendants in whatever capacity we allow God to use us. She has shown us–though born into slavery and treated like a subhuman being–that we have within us–what we need to survive anything. I’m making it my mission–to consider her and all she suffered and yet survived to raise her children in freedom–so I’ll never be ashamed of anything I do. I want to make sure, her descendants understand that though our beginnings were humble–from slavery to coal-miners in WV–to educators, nurses, entrepreneurs, and so much more, we can set our sights higher and succeed–all the way to the White House.

For those who are not related to me–that I know of–who are reading this today, please bear with me as I underscore the importance of my family.

In order to get all the ballots in all 50 states, I need the support of people in all 50 states to help spread the word and my name. I believe I have what it takes to represent all Everyday Americans in the White House and what I don’t already know about the job and what it takes to do it well, I know how to seek the wisdom of those who do. Thanks in advance for your support.

We Are Family!

But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks. Psalm 107: 41 NIV

Last night, I was reminded of the importance of family at a reunion at which I was reacquainted with family members I had not seen in years. To say, it was a bit emotional for me would be an understatement. Not only was every person there recognized for something, but a presentation was made about all who are no longer with us.

This reunion was about our genealogical connection, “blood family” and all connected by marriage. Our family matriarch–as far as anyone could remember, was Polly McDowell–born in 1848 into slavery. Her son, my great grandfather, James McDowell was born in 1867, just a few years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, freeing the slaves.

Because of a desire to know more about my ancestry, I recently had my DNA tested and discovered I am a descendent of people from 8 different countries in Africa, Scandinavians who migrated to Scotland, and Indigenous Native Amazonian–who migrated from North Asia and then to North America (Native Inhabitants). What a heritage! But let me get back to James McDowell. He was the only grandfather I had known and he died when I was 12 years-old. But I was told something last night that I never knew. He was coal-miner in Powellton, WV and raised his 8 children with this thought, “If you don’t do anymore than I’ve done, then you haven’t done anything.” That struck a particular chord within me because I remember my great aunts training me to do day work when I was 5 years-old. Some might think that was child abuse now, but at the time, since there was very little opportunity for a Black woman to do much else, they did what they thought was needed in order to prepare me for life.

I’m sure, Polly McDowell would be proud of her descendants and I’m equally sure that my grandmother–Isabelle Woodson and my mother, Mary Mosley, would be just as proud of me. Without knowing what had been instilled in them, I have always wanted to explore my potential in a number of areas. Academically, I have exceeded the expectations of many and I can’t imagine what Polly would have thought if she knew there would be a writer in the family since she had been denied the opportunity to read and write. All of this was brought home to me last night–the importance of knowing family. The last surviving child of James and Isabelle (his wife) is my Aunt Maxine McKinney–who is now the matriarch of the family and is 89 years-old. She narrated our family history and it was recorded by her daughters to share with the rest of us. While I can’t speak for the rest of the family, I was moved to a heightened awareness of pride in family and inspired to keep motivating others to pursue greatness.

It’s not just the “blood” family that we need in our lives to keep us connected; it is the Blood of Jesus Christ family that we need to keep us connected and moving forward in this life, being a comfort to others, encouraging others to be all that God would have them to be, and to remind each other always of this great heritage we have in Christ.

I had not planned to make an announcement about my potential candidacy, but after hearing more about Polly McDowell and what my grandfather said, I couldn’t let the opportunity get past me. I’m absolutely sure, great, great-grandmother Polly would be surprised to know one of her descendants had the audacity to seek being the President of the United States–when she was born a slave in this country.

Now, it is more important than ever for me to succeed in my quest because this is not just about me or what I think I can do for Everyday Americans, but it now becomes the motivation that fuels me to show the world that how we arrive in life, should have no bearing on what we can accomplish in life.

So, to both “blood” families I thank you for the opportunity of being connected and in the hope of seeing all achieve all that God has put into your hearts to achieve, no matter what your age is, no matter what obstacles have attempted to impede your progress in life, when we know we can depend on family, we can make it.

Remember the name–Mary Hall-Rayford and be prepared for the run to the White House in 2020–honoring family.

Why Should Truth Matter?

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father. “Abraham is our father,” they answered. If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did. As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. You are doing the works of your own father.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:32-44 NIV

When will we know truth? When we hold to His teachings–not religions’ teachings, not man’s teachings, but those things taught by Jesus and honoring His commandments–Love God, Love One Another.

If knowing truth sets us free, then lying would…contain, imprison, imperil, impede, hold us in bondage?

For those claiming to be transparent–they have yet to figure out that a person cannot be transparent and hide truth at the same time. For if we attempt to hide truth by lying, we demonstrate that we are children of Satan–the father of liars.

Now, pause and calmly think about that. Whoever lies is a spawn of Satan. Whoever understands and practices truth–is set free–from misery, hiding, stressing, and speculation as to when the next shoe (from this centipede in Washington) will drop.

When we do what our Father God does–which is just to love others–we don’t run the risk of being identified with Satan or any of his minions. People who are transparent…answer questions when asked, have nothing to hide and tell the truth the first so they don’t have to keep “amending” what they say.

I won’t belabor the point. Anyone with a functioning brain can determine when a person is lying and why, when they put all the evidence (already revealed) into its proper place. There is a problem in Washington and America’s democracy is at risk with the connections to Russia. Therefore, those who thought “God chose trump” need to rethink what they thought and realistically see what is right in front of them. There has never been any evidence of the “fruit of the spirit” operating in trump.

It is time for a change–in attitudes from every American–as to who can best represent our interest. Is it a career politician, a celebrity, the rich and famous, old white men or someone who has lived the challenges that Everyday Americans face, daily? It’s time Americans took their Patriotism seriously. Our democracy is being eroded daily by those who will not uphold their oath of office and will not adhere to the Constitutional frameworks, designed to keep our democracy afloat–for generations to come.

How Are We Walking?

For we walk by faith, not by sight! 2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV

Therefore we are confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 NIV

I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Habakkuk 2:1-3 KJV

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18 KJV

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. Proverbs 29:18 NIV

In some ways, this post today could be a continuation of the “Where are the watchmen?” series. But today, as I was completing my mile walk, it occurred to me that sometimes, we all overlook the significance of using words appropriately because “words matter.” Follow my thoughts here.

I was thinking about all the challenges I’ve faced in life as I prepare my run for the presidency in 2020.  I’ve been rear-ended twice and in both collisions, cars were totaled; I’ve suffered a stroke which could have caused a total collapse of my body. In all three incidents; my “sight” was temporarily impaired, but I never lost hope and fought through the darkness, determined to keep living. My vision–to live until I’m 95–kept me from losing hope in the longevity I want to see. 

You see, what I get from this–is our sight has to do with our physical ability to see and even if our sight is impaired, it should never interfere with our vision–a vision we have hopefully written on paper, cyberspace or in our hearts. My vision for longevity is written in all I do–on paper, in cyberspace and in my heart. I have a lot to do before I leave the earth realm and I plan to get it all done–and I will–as long as I keep my faith in Christ Jesus and not in people or things.

If America loses sight of the vision–a great place for all to live where we have the freedom to think independently from government or religions or any other entity–we cave to those things and people who want to control us.

I challenge every American–to wake up and pay attention to what’s going on around us–specifically in the political arena. Do not allow one political party to interfere with your right to vote with their gerrymandering, election rigging, or any other means to suppress your vote. Rise up and know–your vote is your voice in our government and this is why–GOP leadership wants to restrain your voice–so only theirs is heard.

I have a vision for America–the place where we have fought for freedom and now must fight to retain it. The America I love will embrace people from all walks of life, opening arms and hearts of compassion for all who are in need of shelter and comfort. We will learn to think and act as one unit–united by love of country, not divided by party politics. We will not allow a foreign entity’s misdeeds to overshadow what we have already accomplished, caving to their dictates through the embodiment of greed and corruption. We will stand firm, determined and convinced that our Constitution is right for us and we will not allow greed to change our path. Though our “sight” may be impaired for a moment by the glitz and idiocy of those in leadership positions, we will not lose sight of the vision–written in the Constitution and in our hearts, confirmed with the gift of the Statute of Liberty, and upheld in the motto of our military actions–America is the land of the free and there is no other place, I’d rather be–than at the helm in the White House, in 2020, governing for all Americans and not just a handful of the privileged, elite.

• We will defend the rights of the poor and the needy and put out of business the corrupt and the greedy.
• We will provide quality healthcare and education for all who seek one beyond the environs of public education.
• We will lead this new technological era with revolutionary ideas that will keep all employed who want to work and pay them well, so they won’t shirk.
• Taxation will be fair to all, with the lesser income households paying the least, and the greater incomes, paying the most so government won’t suffer loss.
• We will maintain our military might as they watch and guard us through the night.
• We will honor our senior citizens and treat them with the respect and honor they deserve, giving them what is rightfully theirs, held in reserve.
• We will learn to love and respect all human beings as one race, with none being superior to another, alleviating the need for strife based on race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or skin tone. There is but one blood, shed for us all and there is but one blood, red–that flows through us all and it’s time we recognize that fact and change our act.

Though there are days, my sight gives me reason to pause, since aging has it’s own pace and challenges, I will never give up my vision–now written for all to see on the walls of cyberspace–easily shared. 

Are you ready to assist in this task, making the sure the vision is never curtailed, but will last for generations to come, on a planet will survive the test of climate change because we will change how we live–living by faith and acting with prudence in all that we do?

I’m ready, willing and able to do all to make sure the vision comes to past and all Everyday Americans will have-assurance in government once again, at least in the leader who shall lead all nations in the proclamation of peace and prosperity, none knowing lack. I don’t know about you, but I’m walking by faith in God and all He has poured into me to do, not by what I see that’s imperiled by man.

 

Where Are The Watchmen (Part 4)

“Therefore, son of man, say to your people, ‘If someone who is righteous disobeys, that person’s former righteousness will count for nothing. And if some who is wicked repents, that person’s former wickedness will not bring condemnation. The righteous person who sins will not be allowed to live even though they were formerly righteous.’ If I tell a righteous person that they will surely live, but then they trust in their righteousness and do evil, none of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered; they will die for the evil they have done. And if I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ but they then turn away from their sin and do is just and right–if they give back what they took in pledge for a loan, return what they have stolen, follow the decrees that give life, and do no evil–that person will surely live; they will not die. None of the sins that person has committed will be remembered against them. They have done what is just and right; they will surely live. Ezekiel 33:12-16 NIV

It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not keep it.

The sinner has a better chance of making it to heaven once they repent–turning completely away from their sin and turning to God than the self-righteous who claimed to know God and yet will not live according to God’s ways–loving all!

What we see in Washington with the religious-right GOP (including trump is neither a Christian or Republican)–are those who proclaim to know God, yet do not know how to live Godly lives.

We know from God’s Word that He hates liars and lies.

We know from God’s Word that when the righteous turn to evil, they have lost their claim to heaven.

We know from God’s Word that He came down to earth in the likeness of sinful flesh to take sin upon Himself so we might be saved.

We know from God’s Word that it is better for us if we never claim to know God than to claim to know Him and then reject His ways.

This is what happens when we study God’s Word: we know! Only those who never study, never understand, can refute the truth of God’s Word and humiliate themselves in front of others. 

My take from the above-mentioned passage of scripture is that Pence is leading the pack (Sessions, Gorsuch, Ryan, McConnell, et al) of those who claim to be righteous, but are trusting in their own righteousness and rejecting God’s Word–to love. If they were truly righteous, they would defend the rights of the poor and the needy, embrace all human life and encourage love for one another. This is not what they do. They make distinctions as to who they’ll care about and who they’ll reject. They choose corporations and generous donors over the needs of Everyday Americans.

At the moment, they (GOP) are rejecting: any and all persons who do not look like them, worship like them or live like them. Though they claim to be “pro-life” they are actually, pro-fetus because they care less about the life after it appears and we know this by all the legislation they promote that denies access to healthcare for the poor, education for the poor, and opportunity to gain wealth since they want to hoard all the wealth for themselves.

The GOP want to defund Planned Parenthood, an organization that serves the poor and women. They claim their stance against abortion is why, but if they impede women from having access to birth control and other services that helps to keep living (cancer screening, etc.), they prove they are misogynistic and nowhere in the Bible are we told to mistreat women.

So, in Christ Jesus (those believing and living according to His Word) you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:26-29 NIV (parenthetical is mine).

We know that many of the “religious-right” confuse Old Testament historical knowledge with “contemporary application,” but that’s because they do not understand what their relationship with Christ should produce.  Yes, we can look back at what God said through the prophets and apply what much is said to us in the 21st Century. That is for our understanding, not our doing. God used the prophets to speak to the people “before” He appeared in the earth. It is because of His appearance in the earth and His return to heaven, leaving behind His Spirit–that we can “all” have access to Him, directly.

Okay, I know some will be offended by what I’ve already said, but I will not retract any of it. People are offended by truth especially when truth reveals their hypocrisy. I will speak His truth no matter how many are offended for people have neither heaven or hell for me–only God does. I’m not sacrificing my mansion to appease people. And those who do–turn from righteousness to wickedness and evil–have a place reserved for them, too– in the lake of fire.

We should carefully consider who we put into positions of authority and power and know by their love for others whether or not they belong to Christ. If they have no love for others, they cannot rightfully claim a relationship with Christ. Pause and meditate on that and willingly receive truth about the nation’s leaders in Washington. Time to make a change.