Praise Worthiness!

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV

No matter what happens in America–or even in the world–when we have a right relationship with God, He will always steer us in the direction of His Word.

Military parades–especially those displaying military armament–are usually a tool of dictators to flex military might, but it is more importantly–a demonstrable display of a leader’s insecurities. Therefore, the “military parade” Rumplethinskin wants–is not a celebration of a military victory–those things we normally celebrate using a segment of the military–but a blatant disregard for those who serve in the military to appease his ego and amplify his insecurities.

Many veterans and those currently serving are disgusted by the idea of a military parade to assuage an ego-maniac, especially since he is draft-dodger who refused to serve in the military when called upon–“Cadet Bone Spurs” is an apt nickname for him. Though he loudly proclaims respect for the military–those who know–understand he lies and he’s covering for the fact–he didn’t serve and nor did any of his family. In fact, his grandfather was expelled from Germany because he refused to serve a mandatory stint in the military. It appears–disdain for serving in the military is in his DNA–and therefore nullifies any respect from anyone who has served or is serving in the military.

Claiming that Democrats who didn’t “clap” for him during his State of the Union message committed treason is an a treason in itself. It demonstrates his lack of knowledge of the 1st Amendment of the Constitution or determined disregard for it and that he is not upholding or defending the Constitution as his oath proclaims.  If in fact, disrespecting a sitting president was a treasonous offense, we’d not have very many in Congress still there.

There was the incident of the Congressman who shouted out, “You lie” during one of Obama’s State of Union messages.

There was Paul Ryan sitting as stiff as board through Obama’s State of the Union messages, not clapping or standing.

There was the entire Republican party who “sat on their hands” during Obama’s State of the Union messages, not clapping, not even paying attention.

And then there is the constant malignant rhetoric promoted by Rumplethinskin proclaiming Obama was not an American. That indeed is treasonous, but he’s never been charged or arrested or convicted of a “treason.”

What makes Rumplethinskin think he has an absolute right to be “worshiped?” His malignant narcissistic ego compels him to believe he’s “worthy to be praised.”  Of course, his equally ignorant base enables his thinking since they clamor for his stupidity at every rally. He is not worthy of praise. He is worthy of total disdain and disgust conviction for treason when it is revealed that he conspired with Russia to rig the 2016 election and is still conspiring with them to erode our democracy. “Giving comfort and aid to our adversaries (enemies)” encompasses the definition of “treason.” So, if anyone is guilty of treason, it is Rumplethinskin and his entire administration including the “crime family” mob wannabes.

No matter how much stupid we see from the current resident in the White House, we will not give in or give up nor surrender our values for him to trample on them. We will continue resisting the stupid and blatant ignorance until justice prevails and we call sleep better at night.

Hope is around the corner in the mid term elections and in the 2020 election. We can reverse the stupid and reclaim our position as a world leader if we exercise wisdom in whom we elect. We don’t need to ever elect again, a person who has so much to hide that they deliberately obstruct justice when under investigation.

My life is an open book and ready for inspection by anyone who has access to the Internet.

I don’t have a problem presenting my tax returns which will indeed prove–I’m simply an Everyday American–retired and paying taxes.

I have no problem discussing any questions anyone might have of my past or present–as long as the questions are relevant to the position I’m seeking and my ability to perform well in it.

But getting back to being praise-worthy–nothing worth praising about the current resident in the White House and I don’t know if there will be anything worth praising with a new resident because realistically–none of us are worth praise, but God alone is. With that being the case, I’ll give Him the Praise for He is the only One worthy of it.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for being who You are and for creating me to be who You want me to be–all glory and honor and praise belong to You all the days of my life.

For more insight as to my thoughts about “everyday news” follow me on Twitter @educatormary. Stay persistent and keep resisting the urge to accept false propaganda promoted by those who deliberately attempt to deceive. Don’t believe anything other than verifiable truths with evidence.

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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!

 

Give What Is Owed!

“Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect then respect; if honor, then honor.” Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” Romans 13:7-10 NIV

What would happen if someone came into your home and disrespected your home?

Would you disrespect them by not honoring what they do in their home?

Then, why would trump go to another country and have his wife and daughter disrespect the traditions of those in Saudi Arabia? Were the Saudi’s accommodating because of the pay-to-play policy they knew would be employed?

I am not impressed with the $100 billion dollar weapons sale or the $100 million contribution to Ivanka’s fund. Seems a bit hypocritical to me since trump railed against Hillary for accepting money from the Saudi’s that was used to help people in other countries. No one is going to be helped by Ivanka’s fund other than the family and we know this because her father accepted donations to a foundation that he used to his benefit. The acorn doesn’t fall far from the trees.

At any rate–judging by the faces of those around them on this trip (Saudi’s), they were tolerating him and probably laughing behind his back later because he’s so gullible and they know it. It’s not hard to get over on someone when the world knows a person is needy and simply needs phrase to win them over. I saw some actually speaking to others while trump was speaking.

Soon and very soon–if all goes well–we’ll no longer have to be embarrassed by the ignorant one who refuses to learn history.

While we wait–think on these things: there are others who actually care about all Americans and not just about how much money they can get out of it. There are others who would truly love to serve the nation by representing all Everyday Americans, not just some. And there are those who understand that Christianity is about love and taking care of the poor and needy. I am one of those Americans.

 

 

Breathe, Reflect and Keep Fighting!

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:1-10 NIV

How does passage of scripture align with what we see right now?

Deception–is a key word in what we see in the daily news. People–and this is the White House contingency–are deceived by what they do–abuse of power–and they think we are deceived by their “alternate facts” which are blatant lies.

If they simply read and lived the bible–at least 45 claims to “love the bible” then he would know there is no need for him to keep comparing himself to President Obama–he’ll never measure up. What he should concentrate on doing is not allowing President Bannon to steer the ship he was commissioned to captain. None of us who are paying attention are blind to what is going on. We know 45 didn’t draft the executive orders and his “photo op” show of signing them and attempting to read words he’s never seen is obvious.

How do we know? Most of us with fairly good perception and ability to draw conclusions knew when he first opened his mouth. He does not have the intellect to draft the executive orders presented in the presence of the press. Only an idiot would have given him credit for it. But that’s not the most important factor–it has been revealed by media that he didn’t know what he was signing and hence the chaotic mess with the Muslim Ban. And they can claim all they want that it was not a “ban on Muslims” but Giuliani revealed that 45 asked him how to “legally ban Muslims” and he helped him.

45 wants people to “praise him” but so far, he’s done absolutely nothing that is praiseworthy. It is craving for recognition that President Bannon is using against him, feeding his ego so he can influence what he does. Hence–the conclusion that SB is actually the president and most people don’t know–we have an unelected person running the government.

We’ll soon see how the fallout will affect every American when SB–who is determined to destroy the country in order to fulfill his own agenda–allows white supremacist to do whatever they want to do in order to make America–“white again.”

America needs to wake up and take off the blinders that are creating the scales distorting their view of reality. 45 is mentally unstable, SB is a bigoted racist, and haggyblonde is sleep deprived (she admitted yesterday) and since we know–sleep deprivation is a form of torture that creates distortions of reality–we know why she’s acting the way she is.

They (teamtrump) seem to forget all the vicious lies they promoted during a campaign and now, they “say” it’s not fair for people to constantly criticize what they do or how they’re doing it. Really? It was okay for them to demonize both Hillary and President Obama, but now–it’s not fair! What a load of baloney!

45 ran down his opponents in both the primary and general election with falsehoods, blatant lies and vicious personal character attacks, but now–the petulant, tantrum-throwing-toddler-in-chief wants people to play nice and stop hurting his feelings because he feels so “demoralized.”Maybe he should have thought about “his actions” and considered how others might feel; especially since he continually denigrated President Obama for years–and he still has not apologized for that. But that’s okay–Karma bites–and we learn from the word in Romans 13:7 –we can only get back what we give. “Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”

And yes, before anyone reminds of the preceding verses of Scripture, I do know what it says and what it means, but since we do not have integrity and honor operating in the WH, I am not obligated to them.

Now, for those who need encouragement to keep going in the battle–step back for a moment, take a deep breath, reflect on the purpose and then get back in the battle to win it!

 

Honoring Authority!

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.   Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:1-10 NIV

POLITICS ALERT!

The Word of The Lord!

Considering the fact that Trump has openly and defiantly rebelled against the current president in his attempt to nullify the legitimacy because of President Obama’s skin color–shows he does not honor authority.

Considering the fact that Trump brags about not paying taxes–shows he does not honor authority of The Word.

Considering the fact that Trump is openly promoting fascism in a democracy–shows he does not honor authority and integrity of the democratic process.

Considering the fact that Trump cheated on his first wife with his second wife–shows he does not honor authority or commitment to his vows.

Considering the fact that Trump has so many pending lawsuits (74 at present count) against him–shows he has no respect for authority, commitment, or integrity.

Considering the fact that Trump has openly denigrated so many different groups of people–shows he has no love in his heart for others who do not look like him.

Now, considering the choices we have for president–should we be more concerned about “emails” or temperament; emails or predatory behavior; emails or sociopathic behavior; emails or narcissistic racism; emails or alleged pedophile (December 16, 2016 court case); emails or what’s in the best interest of the country for everyone–not just a handful; emails or measuring the worth of the candidate with The Word as the benchmark?

Anyone who is voting “party” as a priority over “country” reveals some serious character flaws in judgment.

The facts are what they are–both candidates have lied, but only one is promoting fear-mongering, hatred and bigotry–on a consistent basis. God knows and if people are open to hearing God speak to their hearts–they’ll hear what He has to say over all the noise and clamor of “church folks” and those who would jeopardize the security of a nation in order to prove loyalty to a political party–who has done nothing but obstruct the process of democracy for the last six years.

People have a choice to make and I pray they will consider all the factual evidence (not innuendo) before casting a vote. A lot can happen in four years–we can experience peace and forward movement or total decimation of the democratic way of life. I have already chosen the path of peace because love trumps hate every day!

When We Learn!

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin. The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright.  Proverbs 15:1-7 NIV

Though many may mock proverbs’ lessons,

Wisdom arriving late is better than never.

Keeping thoughts focused on the task at-hand,

Reins in the tongue and zips the lips before they speak.

What fills our hearts from within–

Bigotry, hate, empathy, sympathy, love

Flowing from beneath or showering from above.

Better to be slow to speak

And quick to listen, getting the facts

And forgetting the fiction.

Understanding that once words flow through the air,

There’s no going back, and all criticism is fair.

When we learn–that life is not just about us,

But the environment in which we  live

And those in whom we trust.

When we learn to exercise prudence and wisdom

In all we do, we’ll set the table for peace and harmony,

Respecting all we meet and greet with no acrimony,

But heralding love–enduring and unconditional–

Receiving, enjoying all of God’s best–mercy and grace

Not withering attacks from afar–and not in our face,

But remembering “The Golden Rule” from the first,

Treating others like we treat ourselves or better.

When we learn!

 

 

Let’s Build Bridges!

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. This is my command: Love each other. John 15:12-14, 17 NIV

Instead of building walls that isolate

Let’s build bridges that reciprocate

Integrity, honor, and respect,

Giving to get what we expect.

What makes it so difficult for us love?

Did we not receive it from Him above?

Are our hearts not filled from within,

Enough love and respect for all men?

God’s love flows continuously from Him to all,

Not hindered by hate or discriminating wall,

With the message of love preached and all receive,

The world will know–In Him, We Believe!

 

Let Order Reign!

Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs.The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true. Ecclesiastes 12:9,10 NIV

In verse eight, the Teacher is yelling that everything is “meaningless” and then we understand why.

Where there is no wisdom, foolishness prevails.

Where there is no knowledge, ignorance is bliss.

Where there is no order, chaos and confusion reign.

If we look at what is happening around the world we can see the significance and truth of what happens when there is no wisdom, knowledge or order. And when we get closer to home–right where we live–where our kids go to school–where we shop and interact with others–the truth looms even greater.

We are told in The Word that God is not the author of confusion and yet where see confusion, no one wants to recognize the evil that plots the destruction of order.

Last night, I attended the high school graduation where my grandson attends school and plays in the band. Like many schools, during a high school graduation, students are given a specific number of tickets for their guests and this school was no different. Every student was given four tickets and there were approximately 133 students graduating. Usually the ceremony is held outside on the football field, but since rain threatened the event, it was moved inside. The auditorium was reserved for those with tickets and the Commons (a huge area outside the auditorium) was set up for the overflow, complete with a screen so everyone could view and hear the event.

I cannot stand ignorance and confusion. When I saw how foolish people were–trying to get into the auditorium without a ticket and then acting foolish when turned away–I felt anger rising within me. But the anger was not about those acting foolish, it was about those who even allowed them to think they had a right to be there without having a ticket.

As a result–the ceremony-usually observed with sanctity and decorum, was a hot mess outside the auditorium and from the comments of a few people on the inside–it was not better. I truly wish people would understand how important this event is and not take it as opportunity to be a pep rally where no one can hear anything.

I sincerely hope that two years from now, people will learn to act with more decorum and I also hope the administrators of the school will make more of an effort to maintain order by not allowing the ticketless--access to the ceremony. I want to see order reign when my grandson receives his diploma, not hear a madhouse of cheering so no one else can hear.

Aside from the obvious–my being upset over the graduation process–I also look at all the confusion in the Body of Christ. Where “Christians” are confused about their gender, their roles in life, and even confused about the purpose of the church. Perhaps, just perhaps, when the Body of Christ is no longer confused, and functioning decently and in order, we will see a change in society that demonstrates the change from within a Body of true Believers.

Lord, speak to the hearts of Your people and remind them–You expect us to always act decently and in order and to do things Your way, not our own.

Misplaced Confidence Causes Chaos!

I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. Psalm 118:5-9 KJV

Confidence–the belief in a person’s trustworthiness and reliability or in oneself. Integrity and honor displayed in people will usually garner confidence in them by others. But the real problem with having confidence in people is–people change–from one moment to the other and when they change–any confidence or trust we have placed in them, crumbles.

In this psalm, we see the writer asserting that they called upon the Lord when they were distressed and the Lord responded to them. We are at a time and season when we see just how fallible man is and why we cannot place our confidence in them.

In the political arena–we see candidates rise and fall at the whim of the feelings of the people who have bamboozled by all the glitz and media attention garnered by those who have demonstrated a lack of self-discipline–with all the trading insults, openly expressed bigotry, and blatant ignorance of their understanding of how government works.

In the legislative arena–in Michigan and probably elsewhere–politicians who have been elected to safeguard the people and protect the interests of all have ignored the needs of students in the Detroit School District and have blamed the teachers–who care more about the students than some of their parents–for all of the financial woes and dysfunctional administrative decisions made for them, not by them. 

In the schools–where those in authority are expected to act with professionalism and encourage confidence in their ability to lead–we have dysfunctional agents of chaos and greed. When people in authority show their true selves in how they handle conflict, how can we expect students to respect them, when they lie and steal from students?

When we see that we cannot trust those in positions of authority and watch the chaos that results from our misplaced confidence, the only person we can call upon to straighten out the mess is The Lord! We can count on Him to resolve issues without bias and to minister just judgment. This is not true of people who think they are worthy of respect but have not shown themselves to be respectful of others.

In our society today, it is difficult and almost impossible to teach kids to respect adults  when the adults become the problem. We see the results of our misplaced confidence in the media–teachers, coaches molesting children, principals absconding with funding intended for students, other adults abusing their positions of authority to manipulate kids into doing wrong things–who is it that we can trust with our kids?

I have concluded that we cannot place our confidence in the adults who are in our kids lives, so we must earnestly and vigorously train our children to act with integrity and to be mindful of those adults who will either steer them in the wrong direction or who will intentionally target them for various reasons. We cannot trust adults to always tell the truth when we catch them in a lie–for any reason! Our trust and confidence can only be placed in The Lord, who will never lead any astray.

We need to trust our kids to tell us the truth and they will when they know we are listening. We need to trust our relationship with God to lead us in all decisions, especially when it comes to electing political candidates. We need to stop thinking we know everything we need to know and trust in The Lord, only and hear Holy Spirit when He speaks!

 

The Value of A Name!

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

Most of us have heard the phrase, “A rose better any other name is just as sweet,” but have we really thought about the value of a name?

Just as there as many kinds of roses, with varying hues and fragrances, there are many kinds of names–with varying connotations attached and usually–the perceptions of others will increase the value of our name or detract from the worth of our name.

Think about this–when people hear your name–what is the first thing they think about? Do they smile or frown? Are they happy or sad? Are they inspired to seek you for counsel or to hide from you? Is being associated with you a good thing or a questionable venture? Remember the adage, “Birds of a feather flock together,” or “We are known by the company we keep.” What kind of company do you keep that determines the value of your name?

When people respect someone–there is usually an acknowledgment of that respect when someone utters their name. Those listening to the one who uttered the name, perk up and pay attention. This person’s name will revive good memories and stories abound about how good they are at this and that–how they stepped forward to help in a pinch, how selfless and considerate they are of others and this is a person–most want to be around–they have a good name.

However, the same is true when a person’s name is mentioned that has gained notoriety–a name that causes people dread and anguish or even brings up negative memories. Most people will shun anyone associated with this person simply because they have an affiliation with one whose name is not trusted or respected.

When I look at what is happening in our society right now–change of names with change of gender, change of political correctness and change of stance for what is right–I am not surprised with the reaction or responses some people have to hearing “some names” in the media. But it is because our perceptions of others are colored by the behavior or conduct associated with the name that we lose sight of the one name–Jesus–who was vilified by those who didn’t understand who He was or His purpose on earth. The religious leaders of the time sought to kill all who were associated with Him, not because the disciples had done anything wrong, but because the religious leaders were afraid of losing control over the people. There are still some people who fear the name of Jesus–especially when they don’t want others to come to know Him for themselves and then they’ll discover–how some have lied to them.

But what feelings are triggered when we hear the names? Caitlin,Bruce, Bill, Hilary, Obama, Boehner, Kagan, Thomas, Scalia, Ginsburg, Roberts, Kennedy, Tiger, McCain, Wesley, Michael, Kwame, Rosa, Martin, and the list could go on and on.

Now–what thoughts or feelings are triggered when someone mentions your name? Are the thoughts kind, respectful, considerate–does your name excite or defeat? When people hear your name associated with others, what is their likely conclusion about who you are?

If we conduct ourselves in such a way that many people would abhor association with us–we need to rethink how we do things or accept the fate of someone who will never rise to a level of success because without others–there is no true success.

When people mention Jesus and your name in the same breath–what is their conclusion  about you? Will they say you’re  living the life or living a lie?

A good name has value beyond measure and when it is heard, it is highly esteemed and promoted.