The Lost Country!

“My people have been lost sheep.
Their shepherds have led them astray
and turned them loose in the mountains.
They have lost their way
and can’t remember how to get back to the sheepfold. Jeremiah 50:6 NLT

Then the LORD said to me, “Take again the equipment of a foolish shepherd. For I am going to raise up a shepherd over the land who will not care for the lost, or seek the young, or heal the injured, or feed the healthy, but will eat the meat of the choice sheep, tearing off their hooves. “Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded!” Zechariah 11:15-17 NIV

Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 1 Corinthians 15:18 NIV

There are those in this country who proclaim to be Christians–followers of Christ and doing what Christ would do, yet, when looking at the plight of the land in America, we do not see Christ-like behavior in much of what they condone in “their choice” an elected leader–one who is supposed to be “president of America,” which includes all Americans, not just some.

Though I may appear to be a broken record, it makes sense to repeat those things that need to be repeated, in order to bring realization to those who may be asleep or have deliberately ignored the signs in front of them–America is in crisis–and the crisis is the result of the promotion of a person who has never known God, does not know God, and thinks he is a god (and some are worshiping him as one). His malignant narcissism keeps his focus on him and what he wants rather than what is best for the nation. Before anyone attempts to refute this statement by saying, “you don’t know his heart,” let me say for the record–I do know his heart and everyone with a brain and knowledge of The Word–knows his heart. For The Word states, “From the abundance of the heart–the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34, Luke 6:45)

Right out the gate–the cult followers will say, “But we have more money in our pay checks.” “He’s rolling back job-killing regulations.” “He’s getting rid of all the immigrants who are taking American jobs.” “He’s pushing the Christian agenda.”

Let me address each of these four points (there are more) separately.

Some people will see more money in their paychecks because of the “tax cut scam” passed which gave the wealthiest Americans the greatest tax cut and still did not benefit the working class the most. When we understand the government “runs on tax dollars” we also understand cutting the revenue will place an undue burden on future generations and Senior Citizens now, since the next step of the “great tax cut” includes gutting Social Security and medicare to make up some of the lost revenue that was given to the rich. 

Can’t ignore the fact that though many companies touted giving bonuses because of the tax cut, 93K jobs have been outsourced, 63 Sam’s Clubs closed, ATT laying off workers and many others. I’m sure those who received bonuses and later (some in the same week) lost their jobs, would rather have the job than a one-time bonus of a $1K.

Who loses with the tax cuts? Every poor person who ever dependent on social programs funded by tax dollars loses. Every student in America who attends a public school loses because of budget cuts. Every veteran in America who has served this country and as a result–suffered either physical or mental trauma–loses benefits because of tax cuts. Every Senior Citizen stands to lose benefits they earned and contributed to because Republicans (in particular–Paul Ryan) thinks Social Security is not an “earned benefit” but something people think they’re entitled to having. We are entitled to having what we contributed to–and nothing a greedy person who received $500K from a donor for cutting taxes says or does, will ever deter us from fighting for what is rightfully ours. And by the way, Paul Ryan bragged on Twitter on 2/3/18 (later deleted) that a secretary in PA was, “pleasantly surprised to see an increase of a $1.50 in her paycheck.” I’m not sure he missed the sarcasm that may have provoked the statement or if he’s just that obtuse. But I’m sure the Koch Brothers, the Mercers and Murdochs, as well as other rich donors are thrilled.

Rolling back job-killing regulations–For every regulation that is rolled back–those put in place to maintain the safety of consumers and workers, we risk life and limb just so the demagogue can brag and those supporting him–grin and brag–about him getting rid of “everything President Obama did” to keep us safe. This is the real reason for much of what he does–his motivation is hatred for Obama–not concern for the American people. Because of those “roll backs,” we risk dying from contaminated water and soil and polluted air. I have to conclude he’d rather people die than keep safety precautions in place. Five people have died from a gas-rig fire, Amtrak has had three accidents in which people have died, and oil spills have contaminated land will contaminate the water if plans move forward for coastline drilling. This is pure greed and has nothing to do with the welfare of Americans, but in making sure they die early–especially those in coal mines.

On keeping immigrants out of America to keep them from taking jobs from Americans–I’m still waiting for all those making such complaints to come forward and show us–the entire world–how willing they are to help gather produce for farmers, clean hotel rooms, and do it all for very low wages. If there are Americans out there who want these jobs, why was it necessary for the demagogue to obtain Visas for immigrants to work at his properties? And on the same note–why is the demagogue and his family still producing goods in China and other countries? Is it because he doesn’t want to pay a living wage to Americans?

We’ve lost out on trade because of his ignorance as to how “world trade” works and many of the countries (11) have decided to move forth without us and many farmers are not happy about this development. Implementing tariffs on goods–makes it more difficult for Americans to purchase goods produced outside of America and when we cannot purchase the goods, those who distribute the goods won’t need workers to sell them. Not a lot of thought went into this decision and again, the only driving force–greed for those who already are rich.

Thinking the resident in the Oval Office is a Christian and pushing a Christian agenda is probably the biggest farce “White Evangelicals” have promoted to their unsuspecting congregations. Or maybe the congregation knew and didn’t care. At any rate, let me reiterate some of the character traits that demonstrate one is a follower of Christ.

• We love all unconditionally because God loved us so much, He sent His only Son (came in the likeness of sinful flesh) to do what we couldn’t do–on our own. He took sin upon Himself and opened the way for us to ascend into Heaven for all eternity.
• We take care of the poor and the needy.
• We visit those in prisons or are otherwise incapacitated (the shut-in, not shut-out).
• We promote unity of all, not division.
• We provide shelter for the homeless and refuge for the disenfranchised.
• We stand firm against the wiles of the devil and recognize when he has “deceived the very elect.”
• We don’t lie or protect pathological liars for The Word says, “all liars will end up in the lake of fire.”
• We don’t provoke hatred or war with other countries.

Listening to the “shepherds” who were supposed to guide and direct–we have allowed them to be the reason–our country is lost and we may have difficulty finding our way back–to being who Christ wants us to be.

For those who would attempt to refute what I’ve said by falsely claiming that America was founded on Christianity, I would say get out your history books and understand that using “biblical principles” to establish our Constitution does not mean it was founded upon Christianity. The bible makes no reference to Christianity and to clarify the matter–the Bible is a summary of historical events that provide us with insight as to how God worked with the Children of Israel, and how we came to be joint-heirs with them. Don’t buy into the hype–know for certain–what you believe and why.

This won’t be the last time I address this issue, and today–it was important to emphasize it for those who think this country is headed in the right direction–we’re not– but we can be, if we exercise our right to vote–without interference or hindrance from those who would attempt to oppress us.

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We Must Intercede!

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 1 Timothy 2:1-8 NIV

What does it mean to intercede on behalf of others? We seek God  or act on their behalf when it appears they are incapable of doing the right thing on their own.

Interventions are an act of love and concern for an individual or people who are headed in the wrong direction. Family interventions are needed with loved ones who succumb to addiction or other negative behaviors and in some cases, interventions are needed in workplaces where those in authority fail to see how their actions affect the whole in a negative way.

Since we have an idiot in the White House–who is incapable of rational, logical thinking–we must intercede–praying for him, his family and the entire administration who has succumbed to cult mentality and will not rein him in.

We pray against the lying that is so pervasive from those in the White House, they won’t even admit when they’re lying. They have succumbed to the thought that “alternative facts” are actual facts and not another label for “lies.”

We pray against their plots to conspire against America and all Americans with their blatantly obvious rhetoric and behavior that leads to the erosion of our Constitution and eventual destruction of our democracy.

We pray against all those white nationalists who seek to divide and further destroy humanity with their hatred and bigotry.

We pray against all the dictators and authoritarians and their hold on any US citizen.

We pray against all liars who deliberately attempt to deceive the nations and any group of people by use of false propaganda in whatever form it takes.

We pray that all people everywhere, will open their eyes and see truth, empty their hearts of hatred and allow love to fill the void, and close their ears to lies perpetuated by those who have decided to join the devil’s army and hear only truth from the Spirit of God, residing within.

It is time to stop complaining about all the stuff occurring in our politics, cities, capitol and all over the world and do something. The one thing we can do stop all the stupidity is to recognize and receive truth when we hear and to encourage all to get out and vote–vote for those who have demonstrated by their actions that they are humanitarians, capable of loving and concern for others and not just the folks who “claim to be Christians, but we see no Christ in them.”

It is up to us who know how Christ lived as an example to us to do what He would do. It is up to us to care for the poor, needy, and vulnerable and to fight for their rights. It is up to us to call out lies whenever and wherever we hear or see them. Those of us who know truth, should never be afraid to speak truth and expose the lies and the liars.

Therefore, by now all with a functioning brain should understand that we have a liar-in-chief in the White House and all of his spokespersons lie when they regurgitate his lies. There are no alternative facts to spin the lies–they lie–pure and simple and every time they lie or promote false propaganda, truth is easily and quickly revealed.

Mainstream Media–CNN, MSNBC, NYT, WAPO, ABC, NBC are not fake news. Fox News–is not a news network, but a licensed entertainment network that posits opinions and biased opinions that promote hatred and bigotry. Hillary Clinton is not a pedophile or trafficking in child sex rings–no matter how many times someone says it. Nor is she or Bob Mueller in the least responsible or culpable for the Uranium One situation. That has been debunked over and over again and only the foolish and gullible still believe and promote it.

Time magazine did not call trump to say anything to him about being the Person of the Year, trump was not responsible for the release of the basketball players in China, and he is under investigation–no matter how they try to spin it. More importantly, trump doesn’t have a clue as to what he’s supposed to be doing and those who believe he does–need much prayer and revelations of truth. He is not a savior of the world, nor is he a great negotiator. He is a greedy, self-involved corrupt person (not a real man) who is only interested in making himself richer by violating the Constitution. His rhetoric with North Korea is a distraction to keep his base from paying attention the Mueller investigation which is closing in on all those involved in the 2016 election rigging. Of course those who believe, “God chose trump to be president,” will never believe the truth because if they did, they’d have to admit–they were wrong and actually lied.

Republicans in the House clamoring for an investigation are merely providing a distraction to the gullible in hopes they will not pay attention to the unfolding and revealing revelations about their “savior and his minions.”

It is time–no past time–that we who know Christ–have a relationship with Him and desire to only please Him and not people to act like we know Him and stop spreading the lies and convoluted propaganda that will eventually lead to greater loss of lives than we have recently seen. Hate destroys–love builds. When hatred is the driving force for policy decisions that affect all people, we must root out the hatred and plant love so we will not allow the decimation of millions of people.

In the coming elections–we must not allow predatory, hateful people to sit in positions of authority, making decisions for those they have violated in one way or another. We must vote for those who want to help others. Republicans–at this point–have only shown their love of a fetus–not a life after it gets here with their support of sexual predators, loss of access to healthcare and the very basics of humanitarian need. They should called themselves–“fetus-lovers” since they have no plans to assist lives once they are born. They are not the true representatives of Christ and though they loathe Democrats–Democrats have proven they have more love in their hearts for others than the “fetus-lovers.”

I stand in the gap–interceding for all–for those who hearts need comforting from the loss of loved ones through military actions or madmen assaults because our law-makers care more about the NRA’s donations than they do people; I’m interceding on behalf of all those whose income is less than $75K a year–that they’ll get involved and called their representatives in Congress and tell them, “Not one penny for the rich if the poor don’t get more.” I’m interceding on behalf of all who love truth and will not perpetuate a lie that they’ll find the courage and boldness to call out all who blatantly lie to make themselves something they are not.

Go vote and elect those who care about all people–not just the white people or the straight people or the “fetus-lovers” but ALL people.  This is why we must intercede with prayers and our votes!

 

An Open Letter To American Congress

The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the other servants, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. “The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:42-48 NIV

The following originally posted on Medium 11/3/2017

Open Letter To American Congress

Dear Congressional Members:

About the proposed tax cut that Republicans are so excited about — at least the ones who hate the poor — it is absolutely bull crap, designed to benefit the rich and corporations who are big donors to political parties — notice I said — parties — plural!

Let’s face it — the only people who are in position to cover government expenses through tax dollars are those who make the most money. It’s simple math — something anyone should be able to calculate. But since we apparently have some in Congress and the White House who aren’t that good at math (and I’m no expert), let me approach this from another direction.

The United States is already in debt to the tune of trillions of dollars — the result of negligence from the Bush redistribution of Social Security surplus and then starting a war in Iraq. But let’s not quibble over that point — if we start in the red — and keep spending tax dollars on unnecessary expenditures ( i.e., secret service detail for a family of infinite numbers including staffers and golf carts and housing in trump properties, plus the private jets used by cabinet members) all we’re doing is digging a deeper hole. On top of that, we now “reduce” the amount of tax dollars needed to pay “necessary expenditures” (military, federal government operation, etc.) and we expect what to happen — economic growth and a reduction in the deficit? I think not.

It has become obvious to me, and I’m certain millions of others, that those who claim to be Christians have either not read or understood the bible they supposedly know. “For to whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48). Those who have the most consumable income should pay the larger share of the tax revenue for more than one reason, but here’s mine. It is the very wealthy who use their dollars to influence government — through lobbyists and party donations. The poor and middle class, do not have the opportunity to influence election outcomes other than through their vote.

Since the deck is stacked against us economically — those who have the advantage should pay the most. With the current proposal, the tax cuts for the rich will only give them more to use to influence elections and the poor and middle class lose ground since only those in political positions will determine whether we even get to vote (as evidenced with current attempts to suppress the vote through “unnecessary requirements” and gerrymandering). The alleged “Voter Fraud Commission” is actually doing more to commit voter fraud that in finding evidence of fraud already committed.

I’m sure that all of you know this, but I felt the need to reiterate it since it doesn’t appear that in your elected positions, you are actually representing the people who elected you — us — the Americans.

So here’s a suggestion — start caring more about the people who put you in office — not the wealthy donors who obviously care nothing about anyone other than themselves, but the average, Everyday American — who expects you to do the right thing for everyone. How about that! Is it possible that you can do the right thing for all Americans and not just the wealthy donors?

I can imagine if there are people who feel the same way I do, then many of you won’t have a chance to be elected again. We’re real people with real needs and getting an additional $98.00 a month — won’t make much of a difference to enhance our standard of living. You know why? Those big corporations that get the breaks will increase cost of all they produce and the cost of services which will suck the life out of the $98.00 and may cost us more.

I wish for a month, those who think this tax cut will benefit the poor and help the middle class, would try to live off the income they think others can do with ease. And please, don’t try telling us without the corporations no one would benefit — there would be no corporations if the lowly didn’t work for the them — without getting equitable wages — leaving the corporations to profit and give big bonuses for those who do nothing but sit at desks and think about how they can make their employees more miserable, while lining their own bank accounts. I know, I know — too simplistic for those who think they have “great brains,” but true.

Try this on for size and see if it won’t work for the benefit of everyone:

With this plan those at the lowest end of the income scale will have money to consume the products and services available without being burdened with unfair tax liability. After all, if corporations are producing goods and services and no one can purchase them, how long before the corporations fold? This plan — considers all Americans and puts the burden where it needs to be. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than what we’re seeing with the GOP tax cuts which do nothing for the poor, elderly, and vulnerable. It’s worth consideration and I’m sure — the average Everyday American will see some merit in establishing.

Think about this proposal — where everyone benefits — and about the simplicity of its use. Then, think about this — anyone who manufactures products outside of the United States, hides money in off-shore accounts, or won’t produce their tax returns as an elected official — should not have any input into what others pay who are “loyal” to the American way of life. If you can’t see this — you’re guilty of taxing people without representation because the current plan — is not beneficial to those who elected you (excluding the Russians and other foreign operatives).

Sincerely,

Mary M. Hall-Rayford

Serving all Everyday Americans