Many of us have heard or used the phrase, “the moment of truth”. Some of us have experienced moments of truth in our lives, as did Rev. Charles Billups and the children of Birmingham, AL in May 1963 who faced dogs, clubs and fire hoses at the command of then Police Commissioner Eugene “Bull” Connor. Their moment of truth was when the Birmingham policemen stood petrified as they realized that the children were ready to use nothing but their bodies against the clubs, hoses and dogs that faced them.
The moments of truth as did Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on many occasion, but in April of 1967 when he spoke against the War in Vietnam. Perhaps, you can consider President Reagan in his speech at the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin in 1987, “Tear Down This Wall”. That was a defining moment of his presidency. You may recall the NYC Firemen’s orders to go into the WTC, it was a defining moment for the firemen and policemen and all who died that day. The dictionary defines a “Moment of Truth” as a moment at which one’s character, courage, skill, etc., is put to an extreme test. We all will have our own moments of truth in life, some may not be as grand or revered as the examples given, but we all will have them.
It was the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that stood out to me the most this year as I listened to his sermon, “Paul’s Letter to the American Christians”, he says, “…don't despair if you are condemned and persecuted for righteousness' sake. Whenever you take a stand for truth and justice, you are liable to scorn.” It was this sermon coupled with my revisiting Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) that I came to grips with this quote. I realized that I felt despair, because of several stances I took this year in telling the truth and giving my honest point of view out of love to people that I thought would understand.
This year was a good year in spite of my brief battle of despair. I got to strengthen my relationships with friends. I didn’t physically get to see them all, but they were all present in my life by their words of comfort, laughter and memories.
Another personal highlight for me this year was to see the people of America take a stand for justice and truth in government. I won’t go any further, just read the commentaries titled, “Think Before You Vote”, “Last Statements” and “I have a New House and It’s Blue”.
The world lost a lot of notable people this year. As you can imagine, I was deeply sorrowed by the death of Mrs. Coretta Scott King. The world of Music and entertainment lost some of its influential figures such as Lou Rawls, Don Knotts, Aaron Spelling, Gerald Levert, Steve Irwin, Ed Bradley and the most recent being James Brown. (I still can’t believe that Soul Brother Number 1 is gone.) The world of Politics lost two of its influential figures in the death of President Gerald Ford, one of the last Good Republicans. He would be one of the few republicans that was honest and had integrity that wasn’t polarizing as a Bush, Cheney and even a Clinton. The world also another influential figure in the execution of Saddam Hussein. Although Saddam’s influence was negative in its nature, they all had their moments of truth.
So, I ask you to take the time and consider what will be your moment of truth? The small moments we all may experience in life and the ultimate moment of truth we all must answer. Live in truth, live for justice and live in love so that when it’s your moment of truth history can record that you lived a life a truth, justice, righteousness and of love.
Goodbye 2006!
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Thursday, November 23, 2006
THEY MIGHT BE AN ANGEL
I somehow always end up referencing some Biblical scripture. So this should be no surprise to you this time. Let’s open our Bibles to Hebrews Chapter 13 Verse 2. I’ll read out loud as you read along silently. (I’m sorry, a little preacher son humor).
Alright, now you may ask, “What does entertaining angels have to do with this?” A lot. That person that you choose not to date, not to sit beside in the waiting area, not to invite to lunch, not to promote, not to speak to as you wait for the elevator, not to invite into your home, not to marry or to become friends with because of their race, or gender or religion or any type of disability or condition, may be that angel referenced in Hebrews 13:2 or in Romans 2:11 or Ephesians 6:9 and in 1st Peter 1:17.
The main thing that I want to express to you is that there is a place and context to use descriptive language, but you should analyze your heart and compare it to the words coming out of your mouth and see if it matches up. You may end up saying something that you didn’t know was in your heart.
Alright, now you may ask, “What does entertaining angels have to do with this?” A lot. That person that you choose not to date, not to sit beside in the waiting area, not to invite to lunch, not to promote, not to speak to as you wait for the elevator, not to invite into your home, not to marry or to become friends with because of their race, or gender or religion or any type of disability or condition, may be that angel referenced in Hebrews 13:2 or in Romans 2:11 or Ephesians 6:9 and in 1st Peter 1:17.
The main thing that I want to express to you is that there is a place and context to use descriptive language, but you should analyze your heart and compare it to the words coming out of your mouth and see if it matches up. You may end up saying something that you didn’t know was in your heart.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
STOP LYING TO CHILDREN - PART 1
THE FOUNDATION
First, I want anyone who reads this to have a comprehensive foundation of the topic. So we need to understand the definition of a lie.
DEFINITION
Lie - pronounced: lahy, noun, verb
• A false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth; a falsehood.
• Something intended or serving to convey a false impression.
• An inaccurate or false statement
• To speak falsely or utter untruth knowingly, as with intent to deceive.
• To express what is false
• To allow a person to believe something that you know is not true
Now you should have an understanding of how the dictionary defines a lie. Let’s see how the Bible defines a lie, liar or lying.
• Proverbs 17:4 – A wicked doer give heed to false lips; and a liar give his ear to a naughty tongue.
• John 8:44 -- You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speak a lie, he speak of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
• Revelation 21:8 -- But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burn with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
I admit that the last one is hardcore, but I didn’t write it, God did. God doesn’t give measurement to a lie. I base that statement on Acts 10:34 (…God is no respecter of persons). Which means God doesn’t give any one person special treatment. He’s an Equal Opportunity God.
ASSUMPTIONS
I based this argument to individuals who believe in God. I write this as a practicing Christian, therefore I quote the Holy Bible. But this argument can be made if you’re a Jew, Muslim, or Catholic, practicing or not. Regardless of denominational beliefs, the foundation of this concept is the same.
QUESTION
1. Regardless of reason, have you deliberately lied to a child?
2. Have you allowed your child to believe something that you know isn’t true?
3. Have you not corrected your child when you discover that you were wrong?
**I WILL STOP HERE**
Please use the comment option to make your moments. I will post part 2 at a later date.
First, I want anyone who reads this to have a comprehensive foundation of the topic. So we need to understand the definition of a lie.
DEFINITION
Lie - pronounced: lahy, noun, verb
• A false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth; a falsehood.
• Something intended or serving to convey a false impression.
• An inaccurate or false statement
• To speak falsely or utter untruth knowingly, as with intent to deceive.
• To express what is false
• To allow a person to believe something that you know is not true
Now you should have an understanding of how the dictionary defines a lie. Let’s see how the Bible defines a lie, liar or lying.
• Proverbs 17:4 – A wicked doer give heed to false lips; and a liar give his ear to a naughty tongue.
• John 8:44 -- You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speak a lie, he speak of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
• Revelation 21:8 -- But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burn with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
I admit that the last one is hardcore, but I didn’t write it, God did. God doesn’t give measurement to a lie. I base that statement on Acts 10:34 (…God is no respecter of persons). Which means God doesn’t give any one person special treatment. He’s an Equal Opportunity God.
ASSUMPTIONS
I based this argument to individuals who believe in God. I write this as a practicing Christian, therefore I quote the Holy Bible. But this argument can be made if you’re a Jew, Muslim, or Catholic, practicing or not. Regardless of denominational beliefs, the foundation of this concept is the same.
QUESTION
1. Regardless of reason, have you deliberately lied to a child?
2. Have you allowed your child to believe something that you know isn’t true?
3. Have you not corrected your child when you discover that you were wrong?
**I WILL STOP HERE**
Please use the comment option to make your moments. I will post part 2 at a later date.
Monday, November 13, 2006
DADDY'S SORRY
I want to first say that I am not pointing a finger at any specific person. I direct this to anyone who has children. This includes myself.
One of the promises I made to my son when he was born, was to admit when I was wrong. I’ve had to do this a few times now and my son is only two years old. When I recognize something that I’ve said that was either incorrect, showed a bias, said in anger or could potentially become a “Dream Killer,” I have immediately stopped, looked my son in his eyes and apologized. I tell him that Daddy was wrong for what he said or did, then correct myself. I ask my two year old son for forgiveness and make sure that he understands what I did or said was wrong.
Now this is something that some people have a hard time doing. But it shouldn’t be this way. If you really think about it, your child and/or children will actually listen, love, honor and respect you more when you openly admit when you’re wrong, apologize and ask for their forgiveness.
We are all depended on each other, just like the world community is depended on each other. The simple phrase, “I’m Sorry” or “I was wrong” is more redemptive than never admitting that you’re wrong or pretending that it didn’t happen, wishing it just goes away. It’s even healthier than holding a grudge.
I love my son as much as life. God appointed me to be one of the two major authority figures in his life. As his father, I’m held responsible for molding him into what a man is supposed to be. If I don’t do it, who will? Who will be his example if it’s not me?
Some people were taught that you don’t apologize to your children. Your parents may disagree with this, but ask them if they can recall when they said or did something that they knew was wrong, but didn’t correct themselves. Especially, when the issue was pointed out. Hopefully this question will help you to realize that you have to change this destructive philosophy. Children are smart and understand more than you give them credit.
Being a parent is difficult, but being a responsible parent is challenging. When God appoints you with this responsibility you have to take it seriously. It is very easy to use the same tactics that your parents used. It’s very easy to find yourself saying the things that your parents said to you again to your children. But if what you’re saying is not right, then point it out and apologize, then ask for forgiveness. What you’re teaching your child is accountability, forgiveness, humbleness, respect and value.
One of the promises I made to my son when he was born, was to admit when I was wrong. I’ve had to do this a few times now and my son is only two years old. When I recognize something that I’ve said that was either incorrect, showed a bias, said in anger or could potentially become a “Dream Killer,” I have immediately stopped, looked my son in his eyes and apologized. I tell him that Daddy was wrong for what he said or did, then correct myself. I ask my two year old son for forgiveness and make sure that he understands what I did or said was wrong.
Now this is something that some people have a hard time doing. But it shouldn’t be this way. If you really think about it, your child and/or children will actually listen, love, honor and respect you more when you openly admit when you’re wrong, apologize and ask for their forgiveness.
We are all depended on each other, just like the world community is depended on each other. The simple phrase, “I’m Sorry” or “I was wrong” is more redemptive than never admitting that you’re wrong or pretending that it didn’t happen, wishing it just goes away. It’s even healthier than holding a grudge.
I love my son as much as life. God appointed me to be one of the two major authority figures in his life. As his father, I’m held responsible for molding him into what a man is supposed to be. If I don’t do it, who will? Who will be his example if it’s not me?
Some people were taught that you don’t apologize to your children. Your parents may disagree with this, but ask them if they can recall when they said or did something that they knew was wrong, but didn’t correct themselves. Especially, when the issue was pointed out. Hopefully this question will help you to realize that you have to change this destructive philosophy. Children are smart and understand more than you give them credit.
Being a parent is difficult, but being a responsible parent is challenging. When God appoints you with this responsibility you have to take it seriously. It is very easy to use the same tactics that your parents used. It’s very easy to find yourself saying the things that your parents said to you again to your children. But if what you’re saying is not right, then point it out and apologize, then ask for forgiveness. What you’re teaching your child is accountability, forgiveness, humbleness, respect and value.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
WHAT'S IN YOUR HEART?
The heaviest thing to carry through life is a grudge. I would say that it’s one of the scariest things to carry through life too. It’s scary because you carry the risk of dying before you’ve taken the opportunity to forgive, repent, apologize, reconcile or resolve.
During our lives we all encounter people and conditions that wrongs us in some way. It may be deliberate or not. It may surface from a misunderstanding or a lack of communications. It is you who decides to take the path you will take.
So many people burden themselves with carrying the heavy load of a grudge.
If you think about what happens to the individual who carries a grudge it can be scary. They begin to do irrational things. They become sort of a pathological case. They begin to lose the center of objectivity when you hold a grudge. Reality is distorted, the true becomes false and the false becomes true. When you hold grudges it ultimately destroys you as much as it does your spirit towards the one you are begrudged to.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with getting mad or upset with someone or something. What’s important is why you’re upset and what you do afterwards.
Even Jesus got upset in Matthew 21:11-15, but it’s what he did afterwards that is what was important. When you see something happening that is wrong, what will you do about it? Will you sit quietly and say or do nothing or will you stand up for truth regardless of whom it is.
We all know people who hold grudges. The question you need to ask yourself is what if tomorrow was judgment day and God ask you, “Why do you hold a grudge or malice towards someone in your heart?” How will you answer the question? What you hold in your heart may be the deciding factor that holds you from Heaven.
Live, speak, and uphold the truth in all that you do and you will find that life becomes much easier to live. When you live in truth you have nothing to hide or run from.
During our lives we all encounter people and conditions that wrongs us in some way. It may be deliberate or not. It may surface from a misunderstanding or a lack of communications. It is you who decides to take the path you will take.
So many people burden themselves with carrying the heavy load of a grudge.
If you think about what happens to the individual who carries a grudge it can be scary. They begin to do irrational things. They become sort of a pathological case. They begin to lose the center of objectivity when you hold a grudge. Reality is distorted, the true becomes false and the false becomes true. When you hold grudges it ultimately destroys you as much as it does your spirit towards the one you are begrudged to.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with getting mad or upset with someone or something. What’s important is why you’re upset and what you do afterwards.
Even Jesus got upset in Matthew 21:11-15, but it’s what he did afterwards that is what was important. When you see something happening that is wrong, what will you do about it? Will you sit quietly and say or do nothing or will you stand up for truth regardless of whom it is.
We all know people who hold grudges. The question you need to ask yourself is what if tomorrow was judgment day and God ask you, “Why do you hold a grudge or malice towards someone in your heart?” How will you answer the question? What you hold in your heart may be the deciding factor that holds you from Heaven.
Live, speak, and uphold the truth in all that you do and you will find that life becomes much easier to live. When you live in truth you have nothing to hide or run from.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
I HAVE A NEW HOUSE AND IT’S BLUE
I have a new house and it’s blue. This house is run by a woman named Nancy Pelosi. The American people acted as the Sheriff’s Deputy and served the former tenants the republicans an eviction notice last night. An eviction notice was served in the House, Senate and Gubernator races.
We watched Massachusetts elect the first Black Governor of that state, which makes Governor-Elect Deval Patrick the second Black Governor elected to office.
In the midst of all of the victories last night, there was one sour note for me. My man Harold Ford, Jr. lost by 50,000 votes, which is not bad. It shows you that most of Tennesseans are ready for change, but got edged out by the same Good Ole Boy tactics. It’s alright, you’ll see Harold again.
Last night was historic on many accounts. Massachusetts elected its first Black Governor with Deval Patrick. The first female Speaker of the House with Nancy Pelosi. Many Democrats will now head key committees, like John Connors of Michigan will head the Judicial Committee, Charley Rangel to name a few. We had big wins in Ohio, Ben Cardin beat Lt. Gov. Michael Steel in Maryland, and Senator-Elect Bob Casey, Jr. beat Lynn Swann in Pennsylvania.
Democracy still exists. Well I’m going to visit my new friends in my blue house. I may invite the majority of the Senate too. Talk to you tomorrow. Listen to GWB press conference today at 12:00. Let’s see how he spins this one.
We watched Massachusetts elect the first Black Governor of that state, which makes Governor-Elect Deval Patrick the second Black Governor elected to office.
In the midst of all of the victories last night, there was one sour note for me. My man Harold Ford, Jr. lost by 50,000 votes, which is not bad. It shows you that most of Tennesseans are ready for change, but got edged out by the same Good Ole Boy tactics. It’s alright, you’ll see Harold again.
Last night was historic on many accounts. Massachusetts elected its first Black Governor with Deval Patrick. The first female Speaker of the House with Nancy Pelosi. Many Democrats will now head key committees, like John Connors of Michigan will head the Judicial Committee, Charley Rangel to name a few. We had big wins in Ohio, Ben Cardin beat Lt. Gov. Michael Steel in Maryland, and Senator-Elect Bob Casey, Jr. beat Lynn Swann in Pennsylvania.
Democracy still exists. Well I’m going to visit my new friends in my blue house. I may invite the majority of the Senate too. Talk to you tomorrow. Listen to GWB press conference today at 12:00. Let’s see how he spins this one.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
CLOSING STATEMENTS
If I was a candidate or speechwriter for a political candidate and was task with writing the closing statements before you got out to vote this is what I would say.
Today is the day that you can change the direction of our country. President Bush, Dick Cheney and the republicans have put America on a collision course with disaster. The republicans have NO ONE to blame except for themselves. Under there leadership in all areas of the government we have rapidly lost our moral standing in the world community. The party of Lincoln has become the party of hypocrisy, the party of immorality, the party of scandal, the party of no response. If you don’t believe me, ask one of our neighbors in New Orleans.
We have watched the budget surplus, become the largest deficit in history in a matter of a few years under this republican lead administration. We have watched our gasoline prices go up while the minimum wage stays put. The world watched our fellow Americans on television beg the President and his administration for four days to send someone to rescue them for the raising waters.
What happened to the compassionate conservative, the family values of the republican party? I’ll tell you what happened, they’ve been exposed for who they really are. The party of Lincoln has become the party of Enron, the party of Tom Delay, the party of Jack Abramoff, the party of Mark Foley, the party of the Oil Companies, the party of deception.
If you think that we should “Stay The Course” with our current foreign policy tactics then vote for the republicans. The republicans will have you believe that the Democrats are to blame for everything that they did wrong, but Don't Believe The Hype. Today it is in your hands.
It’s not going to be easy to fix the problems that the republicans created. The war in Iraq and the fight against terrorism is just the tip of the iceberg. But we can’t stay on the collision course that President Bush and the republicans have put us on. Today it is in your hands. Lets send a message to President Bush, the republicans and the world that there is a better way. That way begins with you taking a stand and voting for the Democrat on the ballot.
I want to take this opportunity to ask you to vote for the Democrats. Regardless of what state you live in, regardless of who you have always voted for, regardless of where you live, regardless of how you previously voted, regardless of race, social status, religion or sexual orientation, regardless of how you received this message, I want to re-introduce the opportunity of true democracy and hope for America.
Now is the time, today is the day. Be heard, don’t be afraid. America depends on you. We’re all in this together. I believe it is time for a new generation of leadership. will provide that leadership.
I'm asking for you to vote for change, vote for the Democrats.
I'm Tim Valentine and I approve this message.
Today is the day that you can change the direction of our country. President Bush, Dick Cheney and the republicans have put America on a collision course with disaster. The republicans have NO ONE to blame except for themselves. Under there leadership in all areas of the government we have rapidly lost our moral standing in the world community. The party of Lincoln has become the party of hypocrisy, the party of immorality, the party of scandal, the party of no response. If you don’t believe me, ask one of our neighbors in New Orleans.
We have watched the budget surplus, become the largest deficit in history in a matter of a few years under this republican lead administration. We have watched our gasoline prices go up while the minimum wage stays put. The world watched our fellow Americans on television beg the President and his administration for four days to send someone to rescue them for the raising waters.
What happened to the compassionate conservative, the family values of the republican party? I’ll tell you what happened, they’ve been exposed for who they really are. The party of Lincoln has become the party of Enron, the party of Tom Delay, the party of Jack Abramoff, the party of Mark Foley, the party of the Oil Companies, the party of deception.
If you think that we should “Stay The Course” with our current foreign policy tactics then vote for the republicans. The republicans will have you believe that the Democrats are to blame for everything that they did wrong, but Don't Believe The Hype. Today it is in your hands.
It’s not going to be easy to fix the problems that the republicans created. The war in Iraq and the fight against terrorism is just the tip of the iceberg. But we can’t stay on the collision course that President Bush and the republicans have put us on. Today it is in your hands. Lets send a message to President Bush, the republicans and the world that there is a better way. That way begins with you taking a stand and voting for the Democrat on the ballot.
I want to take this opportunity to ask you to vote for the Democrats. Regardless of what state you live in, regardless of who you have always voted for, regardless of where you live, regardless of how you previously voted, regardless of race, social status, religion or sexual orientation, regardless of how you received this message, I want to re-introduce the opportunity of true democracy and hope for America.
Now is the time, today is the day. Be heard, don’t be afraid. America depends on you. We’re all in this together. I believe it is time for a new generation of leadership.
I'm asking for you to vote for change, vote for the Democrats.
I'm Tim Valentine and I approve this message.
Friday, November 03, 2006
WHEN GOD STOPPED TIME FOR ME
A Look Back at the Day My Son Was Born
Two years ago on this day, November 3rd at
It’s amazing to be the first person that your child sees when they enter this world. I remember Xavier staring at me. That was the second time God stopped time for me. It was like a brief moment God let me have a tiny peep at Heaven through the eyes of my son. It was at that moment I realize the significance of the responsibility God gave to men. I understood that I will be held accountable for my family.
Later that day, I had time to sit down and think about the day. The single piece of advice that stuck out that day was from my father. His advice was simple, but required commitment and dedication. He instructed me to “bond with my son”. I believe that I have accomplished that.
While thinking about the day, I decided to document a few simple, but very important things that I was going to do for Xavier. One of the most important promises that I made to my son was that I would never lie to him. That is one thing that parents do that irritates me. Don’t lie to your children.
These are a few simple things that I try to do with my son that is based off of the “Don’t Lie To Your Children” principle.
· Don’t lie to them about Christmas, regardless of how innocent you think it may be.
· Don’t lie to them when they ask you a question. Take the time to explain it in a way that they can comprehend it.
· Teach them how to properly manage money. If you’re not good at it, take them to someone who is. You are the example.
· Go to church with your child, don’t drop them off and pick them up. What example are you setting when you do that?
· Encourage them in everything they do. Don’t destroy their dreams and ambition, because you gave up or jealous.
· Apologize to your children when you are wrong. You set the example. Your child will remember, appreciate and respect you more when you can admit that you are wrong.
· Treat your spouse or the mother/father with respect. Your child is watching you.
· Spend quality time with your child on a regular basis. Remember, God gave you this responsibility, not your Nanny, Babysitter or their Grandparents.
In conclusion, I just want to say that, I thank God for this opportunity. I consider myself fortunate to have an example of what a father is suppose to be by looking at the examples demonstrated to me by my own father. I consider myself fortunate to have a wife that is supportive and stands with me in this journey of parenthood. I consider myself fortunate to have a son as intelligent, healthy, beautiful and loving as my son, Xavier.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
THINK BEFORE YOU VOTE
Today is the last day to beat the crowds and vote for change in Washington DC, Tennessee and your local community. Today is the last day for you to take someone to the polls to vote early in Tennessee in this critical mid-term election.
The republicans will have you believe the world was going to end with their campaign of fear and distraction. Look at where we are under their dictatorship, I mean control. Don't believe the hype of the members and supporters of the republican party. They masquerading as being the "Super Christian" and "The Most Righteous among Us" and we should trust them, but practice the doctrine of fear, corruption and exploitation of the poor and middle class.
Republicans use the strategy of fear to intimidate and exploit likely voters from voting against them. I admit that sometimes we are afraid, sometimes this “spirit of fear” overcomes us, and to overcome this fear we need to trust in and love God completely. It says in 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love cast out fear: because fear has torment. He that fear is not made perfect in love.” However, no one is perfect, and God knows this. So He has liberally sprinkled encouragement against fear throughout the Bible. Beginning in the Book of Genesis and continuing throughout the Book of Revelations God tells us to “Fear not.” So I'm asking you to apply this Fear Not principle to all aspects of your life, including voting in this mid-term election.
A few days ago I heard the republican Senate candidate Bob Corker claim that the Democrat Senate candidate Rep. Harold Ford, Jr. was attacking his faith. Mr. Ford was not attacking his faith, but I like how Harold Ford responded when asked by a local news reporter about the accusations of Mr. Corker. Harold Ford simply denounced Mr. Corker's claims and distraction tactics and kept the focus on the real issues and publicly reinforced his faith in God. In my opinion this tells you something very important about Rep. Harold Ford, Jr. if you read 2 Timothy 1:5-8.
2 Timothy 1:5-8
"5… having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in you; which lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also.
6 For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
7 For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
8 Therefore don't be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God, ..."
OK, back to the intended purpose of this blog. I urge you to please vote. If you are reading this, but you're not a resident of a state other than Tennessee, go to the polls this coming Tuesday, November 7th and take as many people as possible. I also ask you to think before you vote.
Think about the condition of this country, your state, city, community, family, house, and yourself in the terms of the global perception, economics, healthcare, gasoline and the attack on virtually ever aspect of your life and compare that to life before November 2000. Think about who is talking about the issues, who is trying to fight for you and not for the big businesses, oil companies and the elite among us. Look at the erosions of our civil and human rights. The red hands of the republicans have steered this ship called America right into the path of the glacier of hopelessness, fear, and lack. But when you walk into that voter’s booth, you have your hands on the steering wheel. You can decide if we should "Stay the Course" or make a U-Turn towards a new generation of leadership in America. It's in your hands. So I urge you to think before you press that button for a particular candidate.
The republicans will have you believe the world was going to end with their campaign of fear and distraction. Look at where we are under their dictatorship, I mean control. Don't believe the hype of the members and supporters of the republican party. They masquerading as being the "Super Christian" and "The Most Righteous among Us" and we should trust them, but practice the doctrine of fear, corruption and exploitation of the poor and middle class.
Republicans use the strategy of fear to intimidate and exploit likely voters from voting against them. I admit that sometimes we are afraid, sometimes this “spirit of fear” overcomes us, and to overcome this fear we need to trust in and love God completely. It says in 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love cast out fear: because fear has torment. He that fear is not made perfect in love.” However, no one is perfect, and God knows this. So He has liberally sprinkled encouragement against fear throughout the Bible. Beginning in the Book of Genesis and continuing throughout the Book of Revelations God tells us to “Fear not.” So I'm asking you to apply this Fear Not principle to all aspects of your life, including voting in this mid-term election.
A few days ago I heard the republican Senate candidate Bob Corker claim that the Democrat Senate candidate Rep. Harold Ford, Jr. was attacking his faith. Mr. Ford was not attacking his faith, but I like how Harold Ford responded when asked by a local news reporter about the accusations of Mr. Corker. Harold Ford simply denounced Mr. Corker's claims and distraction tactics and kept the focus on the real issues and publicly reinforced his faith in God. In my opinion this tells you something very important about Rep. Harold Ford, Jr. if you read 2 Timothy 1:5-8.
2 Timothy 1:5-8
"5… having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in you; which lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also.
6 For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
7 For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
8 Therefore don't be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God, ..."
OK, back to the intended purpose of this blog. I urge you to please vote. If you are reading this, but you're not a resident of a state other than Tennessee, go to the polls this coming Tuesday, November 7th and take as many people as possible. I also ask you to think before you vote.
Think about the condition of this country, your state, city, community, family, house, and yourself in the terms of the global perception, economics, healthcare, gasoline and the attack on virtually ever aspect of your life and compare that to life before November 2000. Think about who is talking about the issues, who is trying to fight for you and not for the big businesses, oil companies and the elite among us. Look at the erosions of our civil and human rights. The red hands of the republicans have steered this ship called America right into the path of the glacier of hopelessness, fear, and lack. But when you walk into that voter’s booth, you have your hands on the steering wheel. You can decide if we should "Stay the Course" or make a U-Turn towards a new generation of leadership in America. It's in your hands. So I urge you to think before you press that button for a particular candidate.
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