Defending Justice!

God presides in the great assembly; he renders judgment among the “gods”: “How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked?  Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. “The ‘gods’ know nothing, they understand nothing. They walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. “I said, ‘You are “gods”; you are all sons of the Most High.’But you will die like mere mortals; you will fall like every other ruler.” Rise up, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are your inheritance. Psalm 82:1-8 NIV

Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God. John 12:42,43 NIV

God sees, hears, and knows all about it. He is speaking and has spoken to the hearts of all who will hear Him and obey. For He knows–there are some who are afraid to speak truth, His Truth, for fear of being excommunicated–without the fellowship of those who choose to teach lies. That’s what the Pharisees–the religious leaders were–teachers in the temple who would not teach God’s Truth, truthfully, because they wanted the praise of men. Before Jesus ascended back His throne, He commanded us to go into the world, proclaiming the Gospel and that Gospel, includes protesting against those that oppress others.

But we, who believe God, are commanded to defend the rights of the poor and the needy, and the oppressed. And anyone–who’s rights are oppressed–need to be defended against the oppressor.

In This Country–the defenders of justice have always risen–against all odds–and prevailed against the injustice of wickedness.

The Revolutionary War ignited from the need of those who felt oppressed by England’s law and rules and they openly rebelled to fought to right the injustice they saw.

The Civil War resulted from those who saw the injustice of slavery and rose to put a stop to the practice of treating human beings like animals. The saw the injustice and rose against it and prevailed with the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The Suffragette Movement resulted when women wanted the right to vote–they marched in protest and eventually–in spite of the odds against them that included being jailed, they prevailed.

Dr. Martin Luther King marched in protest of the injustice of how Black people in America were treated and because of the perseverance and determination of those who joined him to fight injustice, they prevailed with the signing of the Civil Rights Act.

When people in this country marched in protest of what they perceived as their right to marry whoever they wanted to marry, they persevered with the signing of the Marriage Equality Act.

And now–in the 21st Century again–we must rise and protest against the hatred and injustice that is bound to return to our nation–with the war cry, “Make America Great Again” which has decoded as “Make America White-Male Controlled Again.” Our war cry is–“Let Every Vote Count As The Voice of Americans.”

And yes, an election is supposed to represent the voice of the people, but we also have used an electoral college vote who determines who becomes president with a pledged vote. Considering the fact that the Justice Department is investigating numerous claims of Voter Suppression, there are those of us who believe without a doubt the election was rigged and because Hillary Clinton won the popular vote--the voice of the people–we are protesting against injustice and eruption of hatred  by encouraging our electors to vote the voice of the people on December 19th.

We have seen the protests in the streets which have led to destruction and violence, and unfiltered acts of hatred and racism, and we know with recognizing the true voice of the people–we can begin to heal the land have peace.

While there are those who say, we won’t prevail–we see say, we have nothing to lose by trying to right a wrong. And looking at the history of our nation in its endeavors to fight for justice, we may set a historic precedence that will guarantee that every vote cast is counted and in the end–the people’s choice prevails.

Therefore, anyone who wishes to join the fight for justice of all Americans, here’s the link to the petition to encourage the Electoral College to vote the voice of the people across the nation who have determined that Hillary Clinton should be president of the United States.

https://www.change.org/p/electoral-college-electors-electoral-college-make-hillary-clinton-president-on-december-19?recruiter=273810471&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink

Please sign and share if you believe that it is the voice of the people that should determine who should be president. We are fighting for the rights of those who do not look like the president-elect and for justice for all Americans, especially the poor who do not know they, too have the right to treated with dignity and respect since they have not received it at the hands of those who ignore them.

If this blog post offends your sensibilities–I would suggest a review of our history–the government of this land and know that a protest–is the way change really takes place. And a change is what we need to keep people from oppressing the media and any others who dare to speak against tyranny.

 

 

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When Women Lead!

Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided. She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “The LORD, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor. I will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.’ ” Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” “Certainly I will go with you,” said Deborah. “But because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the LORD will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.” So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh.There Barak summoned Zebulun and Naphtali, and ten thousand men went up under his command. Deborah also went up with him. Then Deborah said to Barak, “Go! This is the day the LORD has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the LORD gone ahead of you?” So Barak went down Mount Tabor, with ten thousand men following him. At Barak’s advance, the LORD routed Sisera and all his chariots and army by the sword, and Sisera got down from his chariot and fled on foot. Judges 4:4-9, 14,15 NIV

POLITICAL ALERT–ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF GOD!

For those who think God will not use women to lead a nation in victory–think again. He has always used women; in fact, God has always used whoever was willing to hear Him and obey.

When people are secure within themselves and have a relationship with God, they know when He’s speaking and know when to speak and to be quiet.

Our God, the God of heaven–is the same–His ways never change and what He has done in the past, He’ll do again. God will deliver victory in the hands of a woman--especially the woman who has been so disrespectfully maligned by those who just don’t want to see a woman as president in this country. And that is the reason so many people are against her–the fact that she is a strong, intelligent woman–who is not afraid to stand up to bullies.

And she has been bullied–by Republicans for years and even now–before the election is even held, Republicans are planning to hold her presidency hostage with unnecessary, expensive investigations that keep the country in a rut and no one benefits. Instead of planning to work with her–to solve the nation’s challenges, they are determined to inflict the maximum amount of damage to the country–not Hillary–for she can withstand anything they throw at her.

But we know how they do things–they’ve already proven themselves with their plot to block anything the first African American president wanted done. They were too self-centered to see the needs of the country and they’re at it again–before the election is even held.

In spite of what many say about who will elect the next Supreme Court Justice and how they want someone who is pro-life, if they were really pro-life–they would stop being selfish in their own thinking and consider the needs of the country–and vote for the nominee already put before them and stop planning to destroy the nation with needless investigations. If the money they spent on investigating Hillary before had been used for something positive–like rebuilding the infrastructure, maybe our challenges would not be as mountainous as they are.

This country needs leadership that works for the benefit of all its people. It does not need cantankerous old men, who hold grudges longer than the Mississippi River. They need to get over themselves and promise to keep the country moving forward.

We need clear vision for our educational system that puts us in the forefront instead of leaving us lagging behind other nations.

We need a commitment to guarantee healthcare to all our citizens–giving them opportunity to live long, healthy lives that won’t cost them a fortune.

We need lawmakers who will develop laws with clear insight for the present and for the future to protect the rights of all people–regardless of their religious beliefs, ethnicity, or skin color.

If we are going to be The United States of America–we need to unite in our efforts to fight racism and bigotry as well as terrorism. While the world watches our great divide–the enemy–both naturally and spiritually–is dancing in delight at our inability to come together as a nation of one people with diverse interests.

If we elect a person that does not understand how government works, does not understand the needs of all the people and not just the rich, does not understand what a mockery they are making of our “democracy” and refuses to respect all people–then we are a nation doomed to be the laughingstock of the world.

“In God We Trust” is a reminder on our currency, but do we really trust God in this election to know what is best for the country? Or will we allow the dictates of angry, bigots determine our future?

God knows best and if He trusts women to birth a nation, surely we can trust one to lead the nation to victory in all we need in this country.

As servants of the most High God–Believers are told to take care of the poor and the needy. In order to do that–we need someone who understands those needs–not a person who has never know a day of struggle in their life with regard to poverty or lack and can only offer empty rhetoric–making promises they have no desire to keep because the only person they see–is them–not others.

God Uses Those Who Are Willing!

Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein. Hosea 14:9 KJV

Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. 2 Corinthians 8:11,12 NIV

POLITICS ALERT!

Ron Kenoly wrote a song and I danced to it, “If You Can Use Anything, You Can Use Me” was a line in the lyrics. Every time I heard that song, and danced to it, I was moved to want to do more for God. There is yet a willingness in my heart to be used by God and I will.

I read a comment this morning about “God can use anyone” (in reference in Trump) ignited by a CNN commentator and there were many comments refuting this claim and supporting it. God can and will use anyone who is willing to be used. He always has and He always will, but the person has to be “willing” to be used by God.

If a person has not demonstrated any knowledge of God–especially in this election cycle–there is little chance that they have offered themselves, “willingly” to be used by God. And I know there are scores of people ready to defend Trump’s race to the White House, but I have to ask again–“How do they justify support of a man who obviously does not know God?”

I know God used harlots in the old testament to save the spies–they were willing to be used and understood The God these men served. Trump–has pretended a conversion, but there is no external evidence of a conversion of his heart and nothing anyone says–no matter what their position in a church or anything else —will ever convince me that God is using Trump against his will. I know how God operates and He does not make anyone do anything against their will. I believe that those evangelical organizations who are promoting this lie do so at their own peril and I will not support it or be a part of it.

For those who think I can be intimidated–guess again. The Lord is the only one who guides what I do and nothing you think or do will deter me from doing what God has put on my heart to do. Support of Donald Trump means support of hatemongering, fearmongering, bigotry, misogyny. And for those who think supporting a pro-choice stance is a problem with God–you don’t know God since He gives us choice and we have to deal with the consequences of our choices.

The argument about who Supreme Court Justices “might be” is a smokescreen to support discrimination against those who have been discriminated against for centuries and a fearmongering tactic.

And since I believe God uses anyone willing to be used, I’m going to trust God to speak to the heart of Hillary Clinton and guide her in all she has to do.

Calling Hillary a liar and attempting to convict her of things already litigated is a sign of complete blindness and refutation of the justice system. If people cannot see the lies that Trump tells–consistently, on a daily basis, about anything and everything (proven to be lies by videos)–it is because they choose to be blind.

I am neither blind or foolish and as long as I have breath in my body and can hear Holy Spirit when He speaks, I will not concede to the dictates of foolishness and ungodliness in supporting someone who acts in total opposition to God’s Word.

For anyone reading this who disagrees with what I’ve written, it is your choice and I respect your choice, but I will not allow your choices to deter or influence me. I have to stand before God and give an account for myself, not others and that I will do with a confident heart in hearing, “Well done, daughter” since that is truly all I want to hear from God.

Here’s what some Believing Women are thinking and doing–

Powerful Evangelical Women Split From Male Church Leaders to Slam Trump

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/10/10/beth-moore-the-christian-women-speaking-out-about-trump-s-bad-news.html

I wonder how long it will take for Believing Men to figure it out.

 

Determined By Love!

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Ephesians 6:18-20, 23, 24 NIV

After declaring to us–Believers in The Lord Jesus Christ–how to stay dressed–armored up to get through this journey in life, Paul tells to pray–for all “The Lord’s people. And then he makes a declaration upon all the brothers and sisters in The Lord for peace and grace to rest upon all who love The Lord.

How do we determine who our brothers and sisters in The Lord are? The Word tells us that we shall each other by our love–visibly demonstrated–for one another. For where there is love, peace and grace abound; where love is not found–only fear and trepidation are known.

Political Alert and Assertion

I have been told that some do not appreciate my support of Hillary Clinton for president because of the Democratic/Progressive Platform. I have also been told that if I do not stand with Republicans and declare myself pro-life, my work will not be supported/promoted through this blog. All this from a “brother in The Lord.”

Well, here is my response from a “sister in The Lord.” My decisions and my support of Hillary Clinton are based on my communications with The Lord, not people. I have stated before that I do not condone some of the platform on which she is running, but I do know--not just believe–she is the most qualified person to sit in the White House–in spite of shortcomings as a human being. But then, none of us are perfect–are we?

I am PRO-CHOICE–not pro-abortion and there is a difference. God has given us free-will choice since He created us and it began in the garden with Adam and Eve. There are consequences for every choice we make and we have to consider the consequences before we choose to do anything. But I will not interfere with a choice a person makes because I am not the one who has to deal that consequence and I have neither heaven or hell for anyone. What I can do–for anyone having to make a choice about anything–is to pray they receive God’s wisdom and obey Him.

As for those who are pro-life, I ask this question of you: If life before presentation (being born) is precious, how can anyone justify taking the life of a person outside the womb? Killing is killing and there is no difference. So, when I look at some of the behavior of those who proclaim to be “pro-life,” I do not want to be affiliated with them. And some of these same people–who are pro-life–seem to find justification in racism and bigotry and fear-mongering. If they truly know The Lord–how can this be? For The Word says, through Paul’s letter to Timothy–“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind.” Where fear is promoted–that is not of God. We know those who love God because they promote love of all–not just themselves or for those who look and act like them.

Those who promote being fearful, and encourage disrespecting others, and demonstrate mental instability, are not flowing in the love of God. They do not belong to Him. If they are not part of the family, I have no obligation to them.

For those who promote hope in the midst of crises, have proven their worth in public service helping others, and who rise above the fray to encourage others–I see them as part of the family because they are demonstrating The Word by their actions.

On this blog–though I usually attempt to expound scripture and the practical application of The Word in our lives–my tag for this blog is, “Writing About Life” and politics is part of our lives. Therefore, I will address a number of issues that may not be palatable for a number of people, but I will always do so demonstrating application of The Word.

So, for the remainder of this political cycle–since it is not my intent to offend anyone–if those who are offended by my political stance–which is not contrary to my faith in God–choose to not follow this blog–Godspeed. I respect your right to choose what you read. I will continue to pray for you and love you, but I will not allow anyone–to deter me from acting in love--for the benefit of all–as Holy Spirit leads me.

May The Lord continue to reveal His Truth to all who are willing to receive that we may live in peace and harmony, knowing how to love all-unconditionally.

 

Moving Forward!

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Philippians 3:13-16 NIV

No matter what anyone says about Hillary Clinton, no one can deny that she has overcome obstacles–privately and publicly–revealed her humanity in service to and for others–no matter what was going on in her private life and doggedly fought to attain a historic place that no one else can claim–the first woman nominated to be President of the United States. I have determined–that though I disagree with two aspects of the party’s platform– I will diligently seek to help her enter the White House as President in January 2017.

Now, I know many (Christians) won’t agree with my stance and I’m okay with that because I know–without a doubt in my being–that God wants a person leading all who understands people and knows how to love–regardless of their lifestyle, skin color or religion! How do I know? Because of God’s love towards all mankind–regardless of our failings and imperfections–He still loves us and we are commanded to love others as we love ourselves. Since I would not hate myself or make fun of myself in a detrimental manner, I cannot and will not do that to others or support those who do.

I have lived long enough to see history made repeatedly–especially as it pertains to those responsible for leading this country. And I am proud to be an American–born and raised right here in the USA and I can only imagine how proud most who come here–voluntarily--they are of who we are as a nation and how we are represented to the rest of the world.

In an online commentary yesterday, someone asked me if I wanted to appear in the history books–after I reminded that person that every person coming to this land from Europe was an immigrant. This land–on this continent–was inhabited by the natives of the land and Africans were brought here, forcibly in chains, forced to build this country and then denied access to the benefits derived from its success. Then the land was taken–forcibly–from the natives of the land by those who came here–not born here–and yet they want to claim superiority over the rest of us.

Let me move on–I responded to the inquiry about being in the history books by saying, I’d love to see an accurate portrayal of history that includes everyone’s story. And since my ancestry includes the natives of the land, migrants from Asia and Europe and slaves from Africa, I’d want to see their history in the books–as the true Americans. This is not a diatribe about those who have lied to the world–though they did–this is about bringing to the forefront that “white people” were not the first in this land and they should never attempt to claim superiority over any who were already here or brought by force.

That being said, please note–I have no hatred in me for anyone–I’m long past that and if I wanted to hold onto mistreatment at the hands of white people–I could, but it serves no purpose. I’ve been around a long time and was raised in an environment where Jim Crow laws reigned and there was nothing anyone could do about it, but I survived as did many others.

And now–moving forward–on November 8, 2016, I will be part of history that elects this country’s first woman president and be proud of it. I look forward to living in a country where all people–no matter what their skin color, ethnicity, or religion–can live in peace and harmony, having received God’s love and knowing how to share it with others!

Glory Hallelujah–Love trumps hates!

Lessons Learned!

Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. Proverbs 9:7-12 NIV

#Politics Alert

For the past two days, I have–as per my habit–scrolled through various media articles and commented on those I thought warranted a comment. It is always my intent to simply comment “to the article” and I never comment on what another poster has said–unless they reply to me directly.

Herein lies the challenge–for them and me. It would appear that many who post to Internet articles feel they are the only ones entitled to an opinion and they repeatedly end up calling people names when asked to produce verification of what they said. Here’s an example to a comment I wrote regarding the use of the song, “We Are The Champions” on CNN 7/19/16.

Mary Hall-RayfordNot surprising–he thinks he can get away with anything. After all, he hijacked the GOP in order to pursue his own attention-getting agenda that’s all about him!

Tony GuidrozWell Hilary knows that she will get away with everything, including murder, illegally sending classified information, and perjury. You let me know when Donald gets on that level.

Mary Hall-RayfordTony Guidroz Who did Hillary murder? I must have missed that trial!

Tony GuidrozThose are FACTS.

Mary Hall-RayfordTony Guidroz You didn’t provide any facts–just more speculation and obscure biased opinion. Who did she murder and when was the trial held? Just the facts, please!

Tony GuidrozLet me guess you are denying all those others or no? I gave you all facts that you can look up yourself. You seem pretty lazy not wanting to do any research for yourself. Typical.

Mary Hall-RayfordTony Guidroz Actually, you gave me NO FACTS–just innuendo–there is a difference. I usually research information before I proffer an opinion–about anything. Who did she murder and when was the trial? That is factual information and unless you can prove it–with documentation–you might want to take a nap and then wake up from your delusional world.

Tony GuidrozI told you. Where are your factual rebuttals for the FACT that she is a thief, that she sent classified information illegally, and that she committed perjury? All things that are on video. As for the murderer part, she didn’t pull the trigger, but she may as well have. Oh and she was investigated for it. She’s not in prison for the same reason that she’s not in prison for the email scandal. She is apparently above the law.

Tony GuidrozShe sat there and lied to Congress on 2 separate occasions, about 2 separate cases. So sad that you defend a woman who takes money and sympathizes with the very people that view women as property. She belittled and berated women that were sexually abused by her sex crazed husband. She calls black men super predators, yet she has your support. Lmao. Who’s the delusional one?

Marvel Amber John If she was this bad she should be behind bars. She’s not.. Your point? No wait! Don’t tell me.

Mary Hall-Rayford Tony Guidroz I didn’t say one word about anything other than your allegation that she had committed murder. None of what you just spewed provides any factual information of your allegation. But I won’t belabor the point that you keep straying away from. You’re entitled to your delusions and as for the other allegations that I’m defending her–where did I say that or did you just assume that? Not much for facts are you? Just spewing bigotry, I guess–is a way to spend your time. Have a wonderful day!

My point to titling this post, “Lessons Learned” is that even though I tried to end the conversation with calm, it escalated into something far more sinister than needed to be.

While I realize every person on the planet has already concluded who their political candidate is, I am extremely cautious about making accusations about anyone–without concrete evidence. I have to admit, I seldom experience the kind of hatred for one person that I’ve seen lately about Hillary (in the past about Obama simply because of his skin color). People have criticized everything about the woman–from the clothes she wears to her husbands past indiscretions and everything in between and beyond.

Who has never committed a stupid act in their life? Who has never made mistakes? As I pointed out to several people on that thread yesterday, I usually research information before I speak on it and can and have provided links to support what I say. But the lesson I have learned is that no matter what you say to some people–they go into attack mode and never recover from it. At that point–it is wiser to stop talking to them–even though they won’t stop.

I’m not afraid of controversy and I don’t back down from anyone attempting to bully or intimidate me–I know who I am and don’t have to prove that to anyone. I am concerned about the level of hate that people don’t have a problem displaying and how all that hatred impacts the challenges we see on a daily basis.

I encourage substantive discussion about issues I care strongly about, but I refuse to be embroiled in stupidity–where what we say, matters not. While I can respect a differing opinion by anyone, that courtesy is not often reciprocated, but it won’t stop me.

When The Lord speaks to my heart, I will respond and obey. It does not matter if people accept what is said; what matters is my obedience and therefore, I will continue to obey God for He is the only one who deserves my praise. Politicians–come and go--and in the end, only what we do for Christ will have any lasting impact in our society.