We Must Never Forget–The Republican Sedition!

Over 260,000 Americans are dead from contracting COVID-19 and trump plays golf.

Over 20 million people are in danger of losing healthcare coverage in the midst of a pandemic and trump plays golf.

Over 80 million people have elected a new president and trump denies, deflects, distracts, hinders, and plays golf and the Republican leadership, is silent–totally ignoring the needs of Americans and instead, attempting to protect their party’s power.

From the time Mitch McConnell entered the Senate, his entire motivation was to obstruct Democrats from doing anything. We saw it with Obama and then with trump, we saw McConnell rapidly approve every nomination of every person who would be pervasive in ignoring the needs of the people, but would put party over country. Everything that is wrong with this country–at this moment–is because of the hatred harbored in the hearts of Republicans who will never acknowledge that brown and black people are equal to them. We see with the conspiracy theorists, the Tea partiers, and all the rest who consistently and methodically attempt to make life harder for those who are not rich and have no access to obtaining wealth.

Education is the greatest pathway to accessing wealth and the person put in charge of the educational department–Betsy DeVos–is the actual nemesis of public education. She had no experience with public education–of her own or through her children and she has successfully mangled and destroyed any trust people have had in the government’s involvement with public education for all.

We see this with the appointment of judges to lifetime positions, who are racially biased against seemingly all non-white Americans, in an effort to keep them “in their place” which for many, is incarcerated when they don’t have “legal means” of providing for self and families.

The office of the Attorney General has been forever tainted with William Barr who has chosen to be responsive to trump’s pursuit of justice against his opponents than in acting as an independent operator of law and justice. Not only should Barr be removed forthwith with the new administration, he should be charged with malfeasance and obstruction of justice.

The list could go on for many pages, and as horrible as trump has been, we have to wonder about the 74 million people who voted to re-elect him. Do they illustrate the magnitude of hatred and racial bigotry in this country? Are they complicit in the deaths of 260,000 Americans? Are they willingly complicit in keeping the low-educated and ill-informed from accessing public education that would make a difference in their lives? Did they really want to see American Democracy come to an end in order to see a narcissistic authoritarian dictate what happens to everyone?

These are the same people who found fault with Joe Biden being genuinely affectionate towards others, but they found no fault with trump grabbing female genitalia. They see no problem with 26 women alleging sexual misconduct against trump, but choose to believe Joe Biden is a pedophile because they believed garbage because they’re incapable of thinking for themselves and drawing conclusions based upon solid research from credible resources. These are the same people who chant “lock her up” against Hillary when she’s never been convicted of anything. These are the same people who chanted,” lock him up,” against Joe Biden when he has done nothing worthy of an arrest, and certainly not a conviction. And yet, when Kyle Rittenhouse killed two people and injured a third, they contributed to his ability to be released on bond. To say these people–this 74 million Americans are stupid would be a gross understatement. They are hateful, bigoted, dangerous people who have no interest in law and order, but are interested in maintaining their “misguided assumption of white supremacy,” and they are all around us. Until trump, they were hidden–closeted while steadily planning on perceived plots against them–totally disillusioned by lies, not knowing how to separate truth from fiction.

Most of this 74 million people take exception to anyone claiming that “Black Lives Matter” and they deflect and distract, by imputing that “Blue Lives Matters,” without ever understanding or wanting to understand the entire purpose of the Black Lives Matter movement. Instead, they chose to believe trump who claims the BLM movement is a terrorist group, ignoring the fact that this group of people, were never responsible for the violence and vandalism that white supremacists committed to make it look like–the BLM group was responsible. Why? It is their errant, but inherent belief that white people are superior to non-white people and don’t deserve the same consideration as other white people and certainly won’t recognize any equality.

While many people stopped reading by the time they got to the second paragraph, those that continued to read are needed to help keep this country on the right track–keeping American Democracy intact–and the only way we can do that is to bypass Republicans at every turn. They have shown us (most of them, not all) they are not interested in American government being representative of all Americans, and only want to push forth an agenda that will legislate for the benefit of white people. This is not and should be the “American Way,” but it is certainly the bigoted way of governing.

What can Americans do to stop the effects of being laughed at on the global stage? We can do what’s right–and vote for Democrats in every election, in every city, township, county, state, island or cove. Democrats are not perfect people, but they do what’s right for all and when wrong–own it. Now is not the time for people to see themselves as Independents, when the country needs their total involvement in the process of governing for all. We need the best people, not the most republicans–as we’ve seen–especially in the Senate. We need to see the Democratic process at work in the Senate with appropriate background checks for every nomination and immediate consideration for every bill that comes to the Senate and the delaying tactics, must stop–NOW!

I wonder if the 74 million people who voted for trump understand how Mitch McConnell has hamstrung their ability to receive needed assistance through this pandemic. I wonder how McConnell and and Graham managed to be reelected–especially in light of their attempts to ignore the will of the people on the national level–with the lies about voter fraud–and all the court decisions against their lies.

America–all of us–black, brown, white, red–no matter what our ethnicity is or our faith or sexual orientation or gender–we are the only ones who can make a difference in this country and it is by our VOTE. WE MUST BE ENGAGED BEYOND THIS ELECTION AND INVOLVED IN EVERY ELECTION, to see American Democracy work for all.

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Being A Proud Black Mother

I’m a proud black mother

Who reflects upon history

And understands the timeline,

The never-ending chronology

Of mothers’ fears, worries and concern,

About every child delivered and born

Into this world of inequality and scorn

Simply because of their skin tone.

 

I’m a proud black mother,

Who can and does empathize

With those who stood quietly,

Tears rolling down their face

Pain ripping apart every fiber of their being,

As they watched their babies,

Torn from their arms,

Sold, abused and misused, slaughtered and maimed

All at the white man’s whim

With no humanitarian laws against him.

 

I’m a proud black mother,

Who lived through Jim Crow laws,

Never fully understanding then,

Heartache endured of my kin

Who had to stay in “their place,”

Never muttering a word against

Discriminatory acts, fear etched in their face,

Because the laws were never just,

Never considered the black man worthy of equality

Or having just laws to protect their families,

All we got was silence, no response to our pleas

To be treated like human beings.

 

I’m a proud black mother

Who gave birth to two children

My daughter and son, in that order.

Teaching her how to avoid situations

That could traumatize her life,

Teaching him how to avoid strife

While living black.

Over 40 years later, since my children were born

Not much has changed, children are still torn

From their mothers in one way or another,

From police brutality or someone else’s brother,

Who just didn’t understand

How precious life is for every black man.

 

I’m a proud black mother

And though some may never admit,

Days of being concerned, fretfully

About the plight of every black child

Will never end, until every man, woman and child

Stops treating human beings differently,

Until laws include a humanitarian stance

With equality and justice for all,

No matter what our skin tone is called,

Because the simple truth is this,

If we believe mankind began on the African Continent,

We are all of African descent

And can no longer hide in ignorant bliss

Behind the lies of inferiority of one man

To appease a fragile ego of those needing

To feel and act superior.

 

I’m a proud black mother,

In my advanced age, still willing to take a stand,

Actively involved with my vote and my hands,

Working with the community to silence the hate

That if not quelled, will eventually obliterate

Any forward movement, any strides made

To cross that finish line where all men, women and children

Are seen as humans and not just the color of their skin.

But until that happens, please understand the need for all to see

Black Lives Matter—especially to mothers who look like me!

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.

 

No More Lies!

Trump is averaging — AVERAGING — 30 false or misleading claims a day in the last seven weeks. And, per the Fact Checker, he often of late soars far above that average. As one example: On October 22, when he traveled to Houston to hold a rally for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (R), Trump, said 83 untrue things in a single day. 83!

A recent interview published in Vanity Fair reveals that trump said, “blacks were too stupid to vote for him.”

At a rally this past week, trump claimed that President Obama was the biggest liar because he said over a period of time, that people would be able to keep their own doctors (he thought was true at the time) 28 times. Yes, it was a promise that President Obama thought would happen with the ACA, but because of glitches in the program he had no control over, it didn’t come true. However, the lies told by trump number over 6 thousand, averaging 30 lies per day–since he was sworn into office.

He’s lying to his base about the danger of the “caravans” attempting to come into the United States illegally. He’s lying about the need for 5K troops, undermining the military use of soldiers to invoke fear.

He’s lying about Democrats wanting to “take your healthcare” when it has been Democrats fighting for access to healthcare for everyone. Republicans have 9 cases in court–to deny health coverage to people with pre-existing conditions through the ACA program. They know if they can deny people the right to health coverage for pre-existing conditions, it will effectively make the ACA ineffective and they can stop providing all coverage.

Some of the pre-existing conditions Republicans in congress don’t want covered are: cancer treatments, diabetes, asthma, pregnancies, mental illness/treatment, and opioid treatments. Now, days and hours before the Mid Term elections, they’re “lying” about covering pre-existing conditions only because it is Democrats fighting for the protections and they are discussing in their campaigns.

It’s time for people to wake up and some have. I’ve noticed a number of people on Twitter declaring they were Republicans, but are voting for every Democrat on their ballots with the hashtag #GOPVotingBlue! They are tired of the lies, the hatred, the bigotry, the fearmongering and lack of empathy and compassion they’ve seen from the White House. I don’t know if anyone could have imagined a resident of the Oval House complain that coverage of a “mass murder” at a Jewish synagogue interfered with the momentum of his hate rallies. Really? That was his concern. The media wasn’t covering his rallies, but were instead covering the loss of lives by a madman, stoked by fear listening to trump. And let’s not forget, the idiot trump supporter who mailed pipe bombs to those who have vocally criticized him–members of Congress, past presidents, celebrities and the media. He didn’t even take time to condemn the act.

So, if you’re as tired of the lies as I am, it’s time to do something about it. Democrats are not for open borders–we want sustainable immigration reform. Democrats are not trying to take anyone’s guns–we want common sense gun reform so that people won’t be able to walk into a worship service and gun down people with an assault rifle. Democrats want reduced taxes for the middle class and working families and want the wealthy to pay their fair share of taxes. Democrats want all workers to have a living wage and not have to work two and three jobs to survive. Democrats want consumer protections to make sure all can breathe the air, drink the water and eat food produced from soil that has not been contaminated by poisonous chemicals. Democrats want every person who desires a higher education to be able to afford getting one, without mounds of debt. Democrats want Senior Citizens to enjoy their final years without worrying about how they’re to eat, keep a roof over their heads or to pay for their healthcare. Democrats want every veteran who has served our country to have the benefits they need.

If you haven’t already voted, make sure you exercise your right to do so or this may be the last time.  Fascism–taking away the rights as guaranteed every American in our Constitution–is encroaching with trump since the GOP Congress won’t do their job. America has no need for a dictator and we won’t stand for having one.

The desperation people in hear in trump’s voice, invoking fear and hatred is real. That’s the only thing he’s not lying about, because he knows–a Democratic Congress will hold him accountable for everything he does and he will no longer have a free pass to rape the US Treasury or pass legislation that is vindictive and spiteful. But because he is so fearful and insecure, he will stoke anger and hatred among those who refuse to think for themselves and he hopes enough anger with arise for him to employ martial law–bringing in the military to keep order, while really establishing himself as the lone wolf–instructed by Putin–to destroy our democracy.

Oh, and the lies people hear in churches–are designed to keep those listening under control. It’s really a shame that many good people are sitting in churches everywhere, listening to the lies being told by church leadership–just to control them. They will never tell people the truth–God gives us choices and respects our choices. Religious folks simply want to control others and their bodies (except for the men). I will say this one more time–just in case people didn’t “hear” it before–

God did not choose trump to lead this country; fearful, hateful, bigoted people chose trump!

If people haven’t figured this out by now, God help them. But if they have, do like those who are now voting for Democrats–Vote Blue–because whether some like it or not, Democratic values are more aligned with Scripture than anything the Religious Right are demonstrating. Don’t take my word for it–read the bible for yourself (Matthew 25:31-45).  Of course, understanding the Bible would mean a person has a relationship with Christ and He is dwelling in their hearts, so full of love there is no room for hate or fear.

Did not Jesus tell us in John 8:32 that if we held to His teaching (not men’s), “We shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free?”

We’re also told in the bible that Satan is the father of lies, a master of deception, and his only job is to kill, steal, and destroy. We see all the character traits of Satan in trump in all he says and does. His constant lies indicate who his father is, his invention of problems where there are none–deceptive to get media attention; he’s killing people by withholding subsidies for healthcare, stealing from tax payers on a daily basis, and trying his best to destroy our democracy. Pay attention, America!

I’ve already voted and I voted Blue–for the people–all the people! What are you going to do?

New Day, Old Lies!

For those living in Michigan–time to pay attention!

Yesterday, I was out with a team of volunteers collecting signatures for Gretchen Whitmer–to get her on the ballot–in a very public place where I met people from Pennsylvania, Canada, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Missouri, Massachusetts, and a number of different counties in MI. Where was I? Eastern Market in Detroit!

There I stood at the foot of the ramp of the bridge crossing over 375 and gave my 30 second spiel about Gretchen Whitmer for those who said they didn’t know her. After meeting another petitioner who was collecting signatures for, “Promote The Vote,” we stood together and made quite a team. The Camaraderie was great and we connected on a number of levels. Both us are Democrats, both of us love this country and want the best for Michigan and the United States; we’re both retired, working educators and we both volunteer to help others. That was a pretty good starting point and I think we’ll have a lasting relationship. That was the new day–yesterday, but the comments made by some–were the same old lies, designed to defeat.

We could tell by the reaction people when we approached who was a Republican and who was a Democrat–the Republicans didn’t want to hear anything I had to say about a woman running for governor and they didn’t want to hear anything Therese had to say about making sure everyone had an easier access to voting–including an absentee ballot–without having an excuse. They didn’t want to hear it. Now why would they not want people to have easier access to voting?  Fear of others voting for Democrats? I can imagine they drew some conclusions about the two of us–a white woman and a black woman, working together to make sure there is change for the better for Michigan.

And then there were the “natives” who are still holding onto the lie that voting won’t matter because all politicians lie. There’s no ignoring the fact that many politicians–mere human beings make promises without knowing if they can keep them or not; it doesn’t make them bad people–it simply means they didn’t have enough support to get the job done.

• When Democrats had control of the House and the Senate in Washington for Obama’s first two years–they were able to save the automotive industry with bailouts that were repaid and establish a healthcare bill that gave millions access to healthcare. After the first two years–and with the promise McConnell made to the Republican Senate–not much worthwhile was accomplished–with Paul Ryan leading the House because they were determined, “to make Obama a one-term president.”  When that didn’t happen, they simply refused to support anything that would benefit the nation as a whole.
• For the past eight years, we’ve had a Republican controlled government as governor, house and senate–and no matter what any Democrat candidate said while running, it probably didn’t matter since the Republicans were determined to make government about and for the rich–not all the people. There were a few instances–one in which Gretchen Whitmer was successful in achieving a bi-partisan effort in the expansion of Medicaid in Michigan.

The above “points” indicate the necessity of having a well-balanced congressional government or if we really want to see change that benefits “all” the people, Democrats need to be in control of the House and Senate–both on a local and national level because it is the Democrats who establish policies and governance for all, not just the rich.

Here are a few tips about voting this year and every year.

• Don’t believe the hype or the polls–do your own research, get registered, volunteer for a candidate and then get out and vote and make sure those you know–vote as well.
• Know for a fact–if you don’t vote–your vote won’t count and if 20,000 people sit at home thinking their votes won’t matter, chances are we’ll end up with Republicans controlling government for the next 10 years or more.
• Stop and think–our country is in danger of our democracy being dismantled, deliberately by those in office right now. We know because neither the House or the Senate is upholding their oaths of office and leaving #Rumplethinskin in office is going to cost this nation dearly.

Don’t take my word for it–pay attention to the world around you and beyond Fox News. Other nations are more concerned about us than many in this country are–which makes one wonder–do we have what it takes to set aside our differences long enough to get our country back on track? Or will be simply allow the Putin implant to destroy our country and our values?

We don’t live in a world that is simply “black or white,” but right and wrong–have never changed. Racism, bigotry, xenophobia, homophobia, misogyny are all WRONG! Love is always RIGHT and we cannot take care of those in need if we are in capable of loving others–no matter what they do. We can disagree about lifestyles without hating; we can disagree about religions without hating; we can disagree–agreeably about anything–without hating.

Are we going to let the “old lies” keep us from living in the greatest country ever that acknowledges every person as a human being and where laws and policies demonstrate equal treatment of all?

• A woman’s hormones will not be a deterrent for them to be great leaders in government.
• Black people are just as smart as their counterparts with different skin tones and have been great leaders for centuries.
• Teenagers have just as much right to voice their opinions and concerns as any other group–they see, they analyze and they vocalize.
• We are not a nation divided by race and religion–we are all Americans–united as one–fighting for the survival of this one nation–America.
• Our votes do matter because they’re our voice in government–if we don’t vote–we have no say in what happens to us.

This is just the tip of the iceberg and we need to make sure–the iceberg doesn’t sink us all into oblivion. Go vote! And if you don’t know enough about a candidate–#VoteBlue (down ballot)–you can’t go wrong! As long as we’re divided in government, nothing will ever be accomplished that will benefit the Everyday American.

TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE DEMOCRACY WORK AGAIN FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL!

What Holy Spirit Fruit Produces!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. We must not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:22-26 (HCSB).

Yesterday, it was pointed out to me that I should not say, “Trump is not a Christian because I don’t know his heart” (which is true)  and my response was, “I see no evidence of him being one.” For the bible I read (and I read many translations) states, “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Luke 6:45 NIV. Therefore, if I judge (righteously) what I hear someone say, there are some conclusions I can draw from what I hear.

But let’s analyze the heart of the man based upon what the fruit we see as Paul outlines in the focus passage of scripture.

Do we see love for all mankind exhibited–without references to any type of hatred for what people do? God loves us unconditionally, even when we mess up and He waits with patience and open arms to get living right for Him. No wall-building with Him simply because we mere mortals don’t exercise His wisdom at all times.

Do we see joy exhibited in Trump–the joy of the Lord–not the elation he feels when he thinks he has emasculated others?

Do we see tenants of peace exhibited in Trump–or do we hear the sounds of war–threats against anyone who dares to disagree with him and promises to make others miserable?

Do we see patience exhibited in Trump–watch him gathering all the information he needs before making a wild, random accusation as we just recently saw regarding a plane going down? Do we really want someone sitting in the White House who reacts to situations rather than patiently respond to them?

Do we see kindness exhibited in Trump–towards all people, not just insipid blondes, rich white men, and those who support racist hatred?

Do we see goodness exhibited in Trump–the kind of good that obeys the tax laws and does not try to skirt them with loop holes, bankruptcies and creative accounting to make sure he pays the least amount of taxes possible (changing the value of what he owns)?

Do we see faith exhibited in Trump–in God–not himself–especially since it’s difficult, it not impossible to see any Godly qualities in the man?

Do we see gentleness exhibited in Trump–when he has a hair-trigger temper and will lash out at anyone for any reason because he doesn’t like it when people speak truth about him?

Do we see self-control exhibited in Trump–when he is quick to use Twitter to react to anything and then he attempts to backpedal everything he says?

Please don’t misunderstand my intent here–it is not to bash Trump, but to simply point out the “lack of evidence” I see of him being a follower of Jesus Christ. Now, if other people see this evidence, I would have to wonder if their eyes have been blinded by bias against Hillary or all who are Democrats.

This post was not intended to be a political assertion of any kind, but to show how those of us who know The Lord and have a relationship with Him should analyze a situation before we vote for someone for the highest office in this country. I concede it might be perceived as purely political by those who read it with bias shielding their eyes and hearts.

I have yet to decide who gets my vote and I’m still lingering over the possibility of simply writing in my own name, since neither of the front-running candidates impress me as the right person to run this country. Whatever I’m impressed of The Lord to do, I shall do because I know He will not lead me in the wrong direction as my feelings certainly could.

Let’s look to The Word, seeking God for direction and put our personal biases aside so that everyone in this country will benefit from the leading of Holy Spirit.

 

 

Wisdom Is Needed To Lead!

That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. Now, LORD God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” 2 Chronicles 1:7-12 NIV

Believers know the story about Solomon and how he asked God for wisdom instead of riches and God gave Him the riches and honor, too. Amazing! The king humbled himself before God and acknowledged he didn’t have what it would take to lead God’s people!

There are so many lessons that can be learned from Solomon’s life. First of all, his ascension to his father’s throne was fulfillment of prophecy.  There are some things that are going to happen in our lives that are simply fulfillment of God’s plans. What we do with those plans are on us.

Then, we need to know within ourselves when we need help. Thinking we know everything when we don’t is probably the detonator that will trigger disaster in our lives. None of us knows everything and we all need people in our lives to help us to accomplish anything worthwhile.  We own what we do not know and ask for help before either cause an implosion or an explosion that destroys us and others.

When we understand God, through our relationship with Him, we know there is no wisdom like His and we go to Him to ask for wisdom and direction in all area of our lives. And get this–He won’t think badly of us when we come to Him for help. What He will do, is to honor our request. He will give us more wisdom than we can handle at one time, but He will also guide us in using the wisdom He gives.

Another lesson we obtain from learning about Solomon is to not get so full of ourselves that we forget how God expects all of His people to live. Solomon allowed his wealth–the material things to mean far too much to him to the point that he boasted–to the wrong people–of all he had. And to make matters worse–he married all sorts of women and had concubines and lived long enough to understand–he had gone astray and what befell him was because of his disobedience to God.

I have heard and seen many people proclaiming that even though Trump is not qualified to be the president of this country that we should just pray for him. Here’s the challenge with that approach–all the prayer in the world will not make him fit to be president if he is not willing to hear God. Presently, I see no evidence of him ever listening to God because he’s too busy listening to himself. We must remember that God allows all of us freewill choice-–He does not make anyone do anything and He won’t change who He is because of Donald Trump or anyone else.

Therefore, my prayer is for the nation–that as Americans we will stand firm on God’s Word and seek Him in all things–including who we put into office. When we are willing to listen to God, He will speak to us and we will hear what He says–even over the barrage of insults and media sensationalism.

Lord, give us a heart to hear You and then give us the desire, the will, and the courage to obey what we hear.