Until We Learn To Think First…

Until We Learn To Think First…

Many people are still pondering the dilemma in which we currently find ourselves. How did we get here? Where is here? We’re in the middle of a sink hole, where the erosion of our democracy is crumbling beneath us and there appears to be no way to save ourselves. We got here–to this place–in the middle of the sinking hole–because many people either refuse to think or don’t know how to think--before they vote!

How do we know? A quick review of 2016–helps those of us who are willing to think, understand how hatred and foolishness brought us here. There were those who hated Hillary Clinton so much they were willing to believe every negative piece of propaganda published and promoted about her. Then there were those who were foolish enough to allow their emotions to overwhelm a sense of duty and priority when Bernie Sanders was not the nominee–so they either didn’t vote or voted for a third–guaranteed–losing party. Had they thought about all the possible consequences of their actions–propelled without thinking–we might be in a different place. But they didn’t and we aren’t. Yes, I know the Russians played a role in the election, but does that mean, we were outsmarted by our adversaries simply because we refused to think?

I know a number of us could see right through the haze of confusing information that continued to bombard our sensibilities and did the right thing–not the party thing–the right thing. And that’s because we were thinking. I know many people who regret their actions because they refused to think their political party could lead them astray. What I’d like to know is–did it ever occur to any of them–to think about what was right or wrong, what was best for the nation?

Okay, so that happened in 2016 and people started thinking–just a little bit– in 2018 and we were able to set the nation back on course–at least in the House–bringing to a halt all of the policy decisions that devastate the poor and vulnerable. I mean, let’s face it–the only people who benefited from the “biggest tax cut ever” are the very rich, not the working class or poor and certainly not immigrants simply seeking a better life in America.

In 2019–on a local level–again the lack of thinking or at least right thinking–surfaced again. When people vote for a person because of a desire to see a particular race in office or merely on name recognition–we don’t always get the best person or even the right person in office–one who will address the needs of all, rather than just themselves.

So, here’s my solution–especially for Democrats if they want to win in 2020. Let’s stop talking “party” and start talking right and wrong, best and worst, and let’s begin with educating voters on how to research a candidate, what questions to ask them, and to think about how their lives will be impacted if a certain candidate(s) wins an election. It’s been said before and I don’t think it can said enough–Elections Have Consequences–and it’s usually the voter who suffers the consequences of their vote (or not voting) when thinking is not part of their process for making a decision.

Does the candidate demonstrate professionalism in their demeanor and interactions with others?

Is their public persona a reflection of their private persona?

Does the candidate have an understanding of the role they seek?

Will the election of their candidate cause a disruption in personal budgets? Will taxes rise?

Are they more concerned about the voters’ needs or their own?

Are they accessible to the voters?

Are they candid with voters when answering “vital” questions (not the garbage that has nothing to do with anything)?

Are they ambitiously pursuing a political career or they sincerely interested in making a difference in their local community?

Now, those are some pretty important questions when thinking about a candidate. What about the voter? What kind of questions should a voter ask of themselves? First of all, think about “motive” in choosing a candidate. Is it based upon race, age, gender or capability or simply–name recognition? Does bigotry tend to color perception of a person? What type of bias exist–within the voter–that will either impair or enhance perception of a person? None of these questions can be answered “with forethought” unless a person is willing to learn to think beyond the moment and more than just about self or feelings.

Our planet has been compromised and endangered because of people who cannot think beyond the moment. Climate change is real and having a person in the WH who only cares about making money and keeping his corporate lobbyists happy means, we’ll not long have soil in which food will grow that won’t kill us. We’ll not long have water we can drink or air we can breath without choking or coughing up the toxins in the air. That’s not the end of it–our children and grandchildren for decades to come will suffer because many of us–refused to think–before voting for someone who did not have our interests at the forefront of their plans.

The answer is very simple–every voter needs to educate themselves on the candidates and the issues and be willing to think. Democrats need to be available to educate voters who don’t know where to start finding information and promote thinking country over party, race, gender or religion. We need to learn to think before we act–gathering as much information as we can get in order to make a rational, logical decision about who gets our vote or how the issues will impact our lives. We only get one shot at selecting the right person during any election, so our one vote, must count the first time.

Until we learn to think first–we are going to allow the wrong person to be elected in just about every election–and then all we’ll have left–is complaints and fearfulness about our tomorrows. Access to the Internet, no matter which search engine is used, brings us that much closer to having sufficient information about any candidate–that will provoke thought and help us to make better decisions, in every election.

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Are We Convinced Racism Still Exists in America?

Are We Convinced Racism Still Exists in America?

This has been a truly revealing week — and yet for many of us — it’s been a confirmation of what we already knew. A racist bigot occupies the White House and with every tweet, he proves it.

But it’s not just trump — the occupant in the White House— it’s the GOP in Congress who refuse to call him out on his racist behavior and comments or the treasonous rhetoric and his love for dictators. While we know trump is a racist, we may have tried to not conclude those in Congress were also just as racist as he is. Oh, we about some of them — the ones who are hard to miss or ignore like: Steve King Chuck Grassley, Tom Cotton, Matt Gaetz, Jim Jordan, Kevin McCarthy, John Cornyn, Mitch McConnell and others. So, when we think about all the elected officials who are racist bigots, we have to look at those who elected them and knew what they were.

Though their numbers (the racist GOP in Congress) may be few, look at the number of people they represent from their respective states who put them there! Look at the people who chanted, “send her back” when trump attacked, without evidence — Ilhan Omar — lying about what she has said (he forgets she’s apologized for some statements). They were clearly supportive of his racist stance in wanting to deport a woman of color who just happens to be Muslim. And then, the next day, he claims he didn’t like the chant and he didn’t say it. Really? Didn’t he say in a tweet that the women of color in Congress (Rashida, Ilhan, Ayanna, and AOC) who disagreed with him, and wouldn’t say “nice things” about him should go back where they came from? Lindsey Graham confirmed that had Ilhan Omar been wearing a red cap and embraced trump, he never would have said anything about her. And that’s a problem — trump only wants people in this country who will praise him and kiss his behind and go along with whatever he wants.

But I digress. He doesn’t understand democracy, any of America’s history regarding the tropes he uses that are racist and pervasive and he doesn’t care. He understands how to project fear into the hearts of those who feel they have somehow been victimized by people of color — without evidence — and it gives them the right to hate. His only goal is to win — by any means necessary — and we know he’ll use Russia’s help again to deliberately spread disinformation and misinformation to build the fear. What’s truly sad to watch is all the gullible people who praise him, thinking he cares about them. He doesn’t. They are simply a means to an end — his staying in the White House to avoid prosecution for all the crimes he’s committed.

So, here’s my message to the sane and rational people who have not yet succumbed to drinking the orange Kool Aid — recognize racism exists, how it keeps a stronghold on people, and then do everything you can to wipe it out of existence. A tall order I know, but we have to begin somewhere and it might as well be now.

Call out racism — wherever you see it, by whoever is guilty of it, even if it’s a friend or family member.

Never accept anyone’s justification for being a racist unless they can provide unequivocal evidence that proves whatever they’re saying is true.

Learn to love all humanity and treat everyone with respect especially those with whom we disagree. We can disagree agreeably without igniting fear that could lead to violence.

In our corner of the world in America, we must learn to take a stand and speak up wherever we find injustice (racism, despotism, etc.). Where there are those who are afraid to speak up, we must become the voice of reason and speak for them. And we must vote — in every election — knowing who it is we are voting for who will represent all the people, not just some of the people.

I’ve encountered blatant racism while campaigning for our governor last year, but it didn’t deter me, it ignited a desire in me to run for office — on the local level — and do my part to combat racism by demonstrating that people of color are capable of leading the masses no matter who the masses are. When we learn to see “a human being” in front of us, not just a person of a certain race, we start to unravel the misconceptions that have led to racism still existing in America. I love my city and I know because of the people I know — racism doesn’t exist in their hearts, but I can’t ignore the fact that in the hearts of some — it still exists.

The people with whom I have a relationship with — friends, family social media followers — know I don’t care about a person’s ethnicity — I care about them and how I’m treated and I always try to encourage others and tell them I love them — even those I haven’t met. It’s just that simple. We can bring racism to an end if we really want to do so, by minimizing the impact we allow the haters to have on what we do (unless challenged or threatened with bodily harm). It’s our choice. We can feed their egos and animosity or we can focus on bringing communities together and let the world see who we really are —American Patriots who care about all.

On another note — running for any office takes money — even the local races — and I want to make sure I’m in position to represent my community well and to be “a voice for them.” We’re short $1K in meeting our budget goal by August 1, 2019. Will you help with a $5 donation to help me with this election so I can stay focused on shredding racism in my little corner of America? Thank you! Real change begins, locally and spreads outward. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/committee-2-elect-mary-hall-rayford-1

If you want to know more about me and the issues and concerns I’m addressing, please check me out on facebook.com/EPCityCouncilCandidate.

A New Chapter For $5

A New Chapter For $5

I’m embarking upon a new chapter in my life, right now, instead of in 2020. Some time ago (2017), I said I was going to run for President in 2020 because I know I could do a better job than the person in the White House right now. Well, reality sunk in when I realized it would cost far more money than I had a network to raise–roughly $67 million.

Last summer I campaigned for our Governor and a number of other candidates who won their election. In January of 2019, I decided to run for a City Council seat in my family town. A number of people thought it was a great idea and pledged to support my run. Many have followed through and have been very supportive and I hope, all will help me cross the finish line in November.

Until then, political campaigns cost money and again, I face the reality that one of the reasons many politicians win elections is because they either have money or access to money. I’m a retired educator with limited resources, but a big heart and strong passion for helping people. I’ve been in public service for most of my life–volunteering or working for non-profits. I know what it means to serve the public.

Now, I stand in need of financial support and most of the people I will be representing are just as strapped for cash as I am, so I’m running a campaign with a request for $5. If enough people contribute $5 (or more), I’ll reach my goal of $5000 which will pay for campaign literature and yard signs. I’m not too proud to beg, hence, I’m writing this blog to capture the hearts of those who understand my quest. I’m not seeking fame or fortune, but an opportunity to help a number of people by being a voice for them on our City Council. Will you help with a $5 donation? I don’t want to have any debt hanging over me when this election is over so I need to make sure I can pay for everything as I need it.

Thanks for considering my political run and donating $5, even if you don’t live in my little family town. Every dollar raised will be used to win this election so the people can be heard–through me. Everyone who has given, has received a hand-written note of thanks from me. Anyone who is a US Citizen can contribute no matter where they live.

Thanks again for the $5!

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/committee-2-elect-mary-hall-rayford-1

pstcd2

Captivity Looming!

Captivity Looming!

Hear and pay attention, do not be arrogant, for the Lord has spoken. Give glory to the Lord your God before he brings the darkness, before your feet stumble on the darkening hills. You hope for light, but he will turn it to utter darkness and change it to deep gloom. If you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly, overflowing with tears, because the Lord’s flock will be taken captive. Jeremiah 13:15-17 NIV (read all for complete context)

When the enemy either raises up within the land or arrives on the shores–there will be no discrimination as to who will be taken captive–in the eyes of those who seek to destroy America–no one is safe or guaranteed freedom from abuse and misuse.

It would appear that the foundation of our democracy is eroding with each passing day when elected officials, turn their backs on the constitution to praise a man–a mere mortal who is not worthy of praise, yet their loyalty to him is greater than the loyalty to the Constitution. They praise the man as though he is a god–when he knows no god other than himself.

The enablers–from the WH administration to those on Capitol Hill–will be responsible for the death of a nation because the elected leadership refused to do its job. Where there is no clear, just leadership–a nation is subject to captivity and an entire civilization will cease to exist.  A study of history reveals this, but the problem with those in leadership positions is they have ignored history and we know–those of us who understand the ramifications of not knowing history–history will repeat itself until those past lessons are learned.

We have a puppet government in place and nothing will be accomplished because the puppet master wants all in disarray and confusion. He is laughing his butt off at how easily he corrupted the great American Democracy–making a fool of everyone who succumbed to his false propaganda and put the puppet leader in the White House. With promises to access to great riches, trump honed into gaining access to the Oval Office like a bee seeking pollen and nectar from flowers. For trump–the Oval Office is the flower and all his enablers are battling to be the one who brings him the most nectar–or access to enriching himself through others.

And let’s not forget those in Congress–the ones who swore an oath to uphold and protect the Constitution (trump swore an oath, too that meant nothing to him since oaths don’t). Anyone with a functioning brain and eyes can see the erosion crumbling every cornerstone of the Constitution when those appointed by trump–refuse to “tell the truth and nothing but the truth,” and Republican Senators think its a game and mock the process by not holding witnesses accountable to their oath.

The end of the matter–will not bode well for any of us. When the enemy takes a civilization captive, they don’t care what position they held in a free democracy, all become captives and subject to being treated the same. In fact, in most take-overs–in business or in countries–the current leadership is eliminated, immediately so the people won’t be tempted to listen to them any longer.

Now is the time for people to wake from their slumber and open their eyes to see what is taking place right in front of them. Secret meetings to draft a healthcare care–by arrogant senators–will indeed be a death warrant for many, if passed. Rolling back regulations put into place for consumer protections now allow corporations to get rich and the poor to suffer when air and water are polluted–too toxic to drink and all need to wear masks to breathe or die from the inability to keep lungs functioning. But perhaps, it won’t matter at all since changes to Dodd-Frank will allow banks to become predatory lenders and the poor and ignorant will buy into their schemes, leaving them penniless and destitute before long.

When people are hungry, homeless, and have no future–they accept the bread crumbs offered by the villain and pledge their loyalty to keep the bread crumbs coming, but they will never get enough to give them enough energy to rise and rebel. This is how tyranny works–fooling the people who are easily fooled and stomping down rebellion when the intelligent attempt to educate.

Look at the current budget that slashes educational funding because trump doesn’t think anyone needs a college degree to make good money. He wants people stagnant and never growing beyond manufacturing jobs–laboring with their hands, leaving their brains to atrophy because he “loves the undereducated and ill-formed;” they are so much easier to manipulate and he has proven that with his base of supporters who believe he can do no wrong.

It won’t be long before his base–some of the 26 million–who will lose their healthcare won’t be with us for long. They’ll still support him because their blind loyalty keeps them from reacting to reality; and instead they live in his delusional alternative reality–doomed.

We don’t have to live in fear from others–because of their religion or skin-color–or ethnicity when we truly know how Jesus wants us to live. “Perfect love casts aside fear.” So anyone who is touting fear or promoting it when there is no cause–check their love level–it’s probably non-existent.

Americans need to think for themselves, after weighing the evidence of what is currently going on around them. Captivity is looming in the atmosphere if we don’t rise up and fight back to protect our democracy. Every American needs to get out and vote–using the information at-hand and paying attention to those who have been elected–Republicans (at least the Tea Party Republicans) are not friends of the American people–they have a “secret” agenda to polarize the masses while they pick us off, one state at a time, leaving people totally destitute.

We need to clean house in Washington in coming elections–special and mid terms–and in 2020 elect a person who understands the challenges that face Everyday Americans, understands how government works and knows how to put qualified people in positions of authority who will not bow down to a mere human being, and will uphold their oaths of office with integrity and honor. If we vote our conscience and put country before party, we will sustain America’s greatness for generations to come.

eda

Is Solomon Speaking To Us Now?

Is Solomon Speaking To Us Now?

Out in the open wisdom calls aloud; she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech: How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings, But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand, since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you–when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me, since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord. Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways, and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm. Proverbs 1:20-33 NIV

The question–is Solomon speaking to us now, can be answered quite literally if we’re honest about what we see on a daily basis.

The first chapter in Proverbs is dedicated to understanding the role of wisdom and what happens when we don’t exercise wisdom. This segment–referenced above–puts us–all Believers in a position to see why America is in the shape it is in–and possibly the world.

Let me break this down a little further–when we–those who call themselves Christians–lie on God, we end up with the only possible consequence of our lying–God ignoring us and allows the calamities of our own rebellion to overtake us. God is not mocked nor deceived by lying tongues, but He will allow our lies to make fools of us. Though I have categorically denied that God chose trump to be president of the United States, I have to include myself in the throng of Believers–who didn’t do enough to persuade others that God does not intervene in our choices. He allows us to make the choices and allows us to handle the consequences of our actions.

What I see in the constantly unfolding events in the political arena and the rise of hatred in the land is the result of wickedness and lies promoted by those who claim to know God. Let me say this again (and I’ll probably say it often)–GOD IS PRO-CHOICE! He honors and choices and allows us to deal with the results–in every area of our lives–not just as it pertains to abortion, elections, marriage–but in everything.

When Christian Believers (the Evangelicals who lied) acknowledge that God allows us choices, then perhaps, they can also begin to repent and rescind the notion that trump was God’s choice–unless they are totally blinded by hate and bigotry and want to see the chaos continue.

I’m no more perfect than any other, but I do accept my limitations and acknowledge them. I depend upon my relationship with God to do the right thing at all times, but when I stray, He won’t pull me back unless I submit to His pull. That’s how He operates–with our submission to Him. He does not coerce, bully or bribe us to do anything; nor does He belittle or humiliate us–we do that on our own when we refuse to hear Him and obey.

At all times–we must speak truth whether we agree with truth or not–because truth will set us free from all the stupidity we now see. Truth can and will come through various people–both Republicans and Democrats (Conservatives and Liberals), but we must be open to hearing it and acting upon it or we’ll cease to exist as a nation since truth has surfaced, the Russian interference into our election and the erosion of our democracy was planned years ago. They deliberately established relationships with those who–out of their greed and need for power–were easily influenced and duped into doing their will–not God’s.

All of this is easily discovered with a little time taken to research it, so there is no need for anyone to just take my word for it. Once research is undertaken and truth is known, what should we do with it?

I’ve known the truth all along and have my blogs to verify what I’ve been saying and now I implore all who know truth to assert themselves into the throng of existing chaos and confusion and promote truth–if we don’t change direction soon, we will no longer be the United States of America–a sovereign nation, but under the command of the Russians.

Now, can we honestly answer the question, “Is God talking to us?” Yes, because He is and will continue to speak to us through His Word and through Holy Spirit, if we’re willing to listen. If we don’t listen, we have only ourselves to blame for the calamities that will overwhelm us. As a society of civilized people, we can no longer allow ideologies and emotions to rule us; we must develop critical thinking skills and know how to determine when sources are credible or not–facts and evidence matters. Any news source that promotes hatred of anyone for any reason–is not a credible source of information; it will be biased based upon the hatred they promote. 

Therefore, I beseech every reader to reflect upon their relationship with God and know His truth and make all decisions pertaining to life and living upon that fact–proven through His Word.

In 2020, remember maintaining our democracy will depend upon all those who seek truth and promote it, rather than fuel ideological beliefs that have no foundation in truth according to God’s Word. I’m counting on the wisdom of God to lead us all in turning away the whirlwind that will overtake us if we don’t act. If we actively #resist the devil, and submit to God, we will know victory!

eda

 

 

More Wisdom

More Wisdom

He who guards his mouth preserves his life,
But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. Proverbs 13:3 NKJV

He who despises the word will be destroyed,
But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded. Proverbs 13:13 NKJV

The law of the wise is a fountain of life,
To turn one away from the snares of death. Proverbs 13:14 NKJV

He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will be destroyed. Proverbs 13:20 NKJV

How does a person guard his/her mouth? We guard our mouths by thinking before we speak. Sometimes, the process of thinking requires us to research a matter before speaking about it so when we speak, we know what we’re talking about. If we don’t have a clue–about anything we want to talk about–we should be silent. It is indeed, “better to be silent and thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and confirm it.”

We have to guard our mouths and not allow pride and ego to provoke us into speaking about things we have little or no understanding. For some–they may even want to tape their mouths in certain environments to keep themselves from being foolish. At the other end of the spectrum of control our mouths–we say nothing and allow those in the know to speak on our behalf.

Of course, all of this wisdom and more is outlined in The Word and for all who despise, detest or refute the value of The Word, they have proven how foolish they are. I’ll reiterate this one point about The Word–We need it to live our lives in peace and harmony–on a daily basis!

It’s really too bad that some of our legislators have not read The Word with understanding. If they had, we’d have common sense gun laws in place and prevent the loss of innocent lives lost because of the foolishness of our lawmakers. There is no wisdom governing in our Congress–they are guided by the power of those with money to fund their re-elections, not by the will of the people who elected.

So, it comes as no surprise that those who are wise keep for companions others who are wise because they know–fools are the foundation of destruction. We are cautioned about the actions of a fool more than 50 times in The Word, and encouraged and reminded of the benefits of operating with wisdom more than 200 times. If God will give us wisdom–when we ask for it–and not think any less of us for asking, why don’t we spend more time asking Him for wisdom than we do things?

Is it because we think–things give us value? Hardly. Things deteriorating, rusting, dissolving, or vanishing, don’t give us value and if we value the things more than we value The Word–we are hopelessly lost. Wisdom–then–is the principle thing and with all the wisdom we could obtain–we need to gain understanding–functioning on earth as God desires–not as we desire.

A lack of wisdom–foolishness–leads to unwise decisions pertaining to the laws of the land, community unrest and dysfunctional homes. If only we would simply accept what God has said, allow Holy Spirit to guide us, and obey Him–we would see a complete change in our homes, society, and certainly across the land. That’s the if. Since we won’t allow Wisdom to guide us, we’ll simply have to live with the consequences of our inability to concede the Bible is right and we don’t know everything.

Do We Really Trust The Lord?

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 NIV

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. Psalm 13:5 NIV

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7 NIV

In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. Psalm 22:4 NIV

But I trust in you, LORD; I say, “You are my God.” Psalm 31:14 NIV

But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay; the bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days. But as for me, I trust in you. Psalm 55:23 NIV

in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:11 NIV

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 NIV

There are so many passages from the bible that address the issue of trust that I could not begin to expound on them all. But in the midst of anxiety over local, national, and world events, we need to remember that since we have no control over these things, we must learn to trust God in all things.

Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. Psalm 146:3 NIV But do Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5 NIV

If we truly believe that God has a plan and His plan is for our good, then we need not be overly anxious about anything we hear or see in the media. We need not be concerned about the elections (we do need to seek God, hear Him and vote in obedience to Him, not the sensationalism in the media); we need not be concerned about the terrorists for God also has a plan for them; and we need not fear anything, but stand firm on God’s Word, living it on a daily basis.

If we trust Him, we won’t be afraid of the outcomes; if we don’t trust Him, then our lives will be overwhelmed with anxiety and fear about everything going on around us.

We must be aware of events in our midst so we’ll know how to pray and what to do when opportunity presents itself for us to act. And we must act–do something–for faith without works is dead (worthless). But what we do should only be direction of Holy Spirit who knows more than we shall ever know. Our actions should not be rash, without giving thought to all possible scenarios, but led by Holy Spirit who knows how to direct our steps and to keep us from falling into the pits and snares the enemy has set for us.

Let’s face it–with all we know and have learned–there is too much more for us to know to think we know it all. Trusting God means we acknowledge our shortcomings and allow Him to be God of our lives.