caught somewhere between real life, simple faith, & raw emotion
In The News
Homeschooling Made Illegal
512 years
Homeschooling is more common among people of faith more than any other demographic. Think what you want about it, but, to me, it comes down to a matter of personal choice and liberty. In other words, parents should be free to make the choice and free to pursue it. Besides, we have spent a fortune on public education over the last 40 years with little to no measurable improvements. The solution is not throwing more money at the problem. The solution is to do something different.
Among other reasons, this has lead to the proliferation of homeschooling. Homeschool kids on average score higher than public school kids–and even on par with charter and private school kids. Even with this evidence, here’s my question:
Could homeschooling ever be made illegal?
It has been in Sweden. There, it is extremely frowned upon. Unless there is a legitimate reason–like sickness or disability–it is not allowed. According to this article:
On January 26, Rabbi Alexander Namdar and his wife Leah, representatives of the worldwide Chassidic movement to Sweden for the past 21 years, were served at their home with a notice by the Gothenburg school authorities.
According to the notice, four of their children who currently study at an international online school must be delivered to a Swedish school by today (Wednesday). Failure to do so could result in a fine of 16000 crown – the equivalent of $2,400 — per week.
No longer are religious convictions (like wanting to give your children a Jewish education, as in this case) valid reasons for a family to homeschool in Sweden. And if you don’t like it, you can pay $2,400.00 a day! Wow.
So why would Swedish officials do this?
Well, because you parents just aren’t qualified or smart enough to educate and socialize your children in the ways of the world. You’re ignorant primitive doofs, of course. At least that’s how I read the situation. Do I need to mention that the Rabbi’s children test just fine? In fact, they test higher than most of their Swedish peers.
Sweden prides itself on tolerance and equality. It is considered a fundamental value of the nation. In practice, not so much. This is always where big centralized government leads. This is always where social engineering leads. Authoritarianism always squashes liberty, you know ‘for the good of the people.’ No matter how you slice it, when government grows liberty shrinks. Just something to think about. So my question is:
Could homeschooling ever be banned in the land of freedom and liberty–the USA?
I think so.
>>>
VIDEO: Warped Planned Parenthood Cartoon For Kids
012 years
Have you heard of Planned Parenthood? According to their own site, “For more than 90 years, Planned Parenthood has promoted a commonsense approach to women’s health and well-being, based on respect for each individual’s right to make informed, independent decisions about health, sex, and family planning.”
Sounds great, right? Well, if you read the news then you know they certainly have an agenda that is perhaps not so magnanimous. It’s important to know that our tax dollars go to this organization. That means your money goes to providing abortions–and also their messaging and marketing.
Below is quite an ‘interesting’ cartoon aimed at young people put together by Planned Parenthood. It appeared on their site up until 2005, and it is quite disturbing. Some would call this propaganda, which, after watching it, I can understand. It seeks to convey a positive message about Planned Parenthood via the cause of their superhero, Dionysus: The Superhero for Choice.
Some interesting points as you watch:
- Remember, this is geared to young people (teens, tweens).
- The superhero is named Dionysis–the god of the grape harvest, winemakingand wine, of ritual madness and ecstasy in Greek mythology.
- Dionysis talks about the protection of free speech and then proceeds to murder the pro-life demonstrators (Yes, you read the correctly.)
- She also drowns (to death) a creepy old man (because anyone telling kids about abstinence is, right?).
- It is purportedly promoting choice, unless of course you choose traditional values. Then you deserve to die.
- Conservative values are ‘misinformed’ by their very nature.
- By the way, abstinence works every time it’s tried. Something this video misses.
Catholics Will Not Comply With New Healthcare Law
112 years
Today we intersect with current events. There is an interesting development with regard to Obamacare (the new national healthcare law coming into effect little by little over the next two years) and religion.
>Specifically, healthcare law mandates that employers provide coverage for their employees that incudes coverage for contraception and abortions.
As you can imagine, some view this as a violation of religious conscience and, therefore, practice. As such, it is a violation of the First Amendment–you know, the whole separation of church and state. The government is supposed to be barred Constitutionally from dictating how we may worship, right?
The first to take a stand? Catholics. And we should stand with them.
While the requirement doesn’t apply to houses of worship, it will force Catholic colleges, hospitals and other Christian groups to provide these drugs despite their faith-based opposition to them.
So Catholic leaders began their stand this weekend. Catholic churches across America read a letter to congregants that perfectly summarized the church’s stance against the coming federal requirements. It is posted below. It will be interesting to see how this develops.
>We need to bring attention to this issue and stand with them as people of faith.
Here’s the letter:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
I write to you concerning an alarming and serious matter that negatively impacts the Church in the United States directly, and that strikes at the fundamental right to religious liberty for all citizens of any faith. The federal government, which claims to be “of, by, and for the people,” has just been dealt a heavy blow to almost a quarter of those people — the Catholic population — and to the millions more who are served by the Catholic faithful.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced last week that almost all employers,
including Catholic employers, will be forced to offer their employees’ health coverage that includes sterilization, abortion-inducing drugs, and contraception. Almost all health insurers will be forced to include those “services” in the health policies they write. And almost all individuals will be forced to buy that coverage as a part of their policies.
In so ruling, the Obama Administration has cast aside the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, denying to Catholics our Nation’s first and most fundamental freedom, that of religious liberty. And as a result, unless the rule is overturned, we Catholics will be compelled to either violate our consciences, or to drop health coverage for our employees (and suffer the penalties for doing so). The Obama Administration’s sole concession was to give our institutions one year to comply.
We cannot—we will not—comply with this unjust law. People of faith cannot be made second class citizens. We are already joined by our brothers and sisters of all faiths and many others of good will in this important effort to regain our religious freedom. Our parents and grandparents did not come to these shores to help build America’s cities and towns, its infrastructure and institutions, its enterprise and culture,
only to have their posterity stripped of their God given rights. In generations past, the Church has always been able to count on the faithful to stand up and protect her sacred rights and duties. I hope and trust she can count on this generation of Catholics to do the same. Our children and grandchildren deserve nothing less.
And therefore, I would ask of you two things. First, as a community of faith we must commit ourselves to prayer and fasting that wisdom and justice may prevail, and religious liberty may be restored. Without God, we can do nothing; with God, nothing is impossible. Second, I would also recommend visiting www.usccb.org/conscience,to learn more about this severe assault on religious liberty, and how to contact Congress in support of legislation that would reverse the Obama Administration’s decision.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+Alexander K. Sample
Most Reverend Alexander K. Sample
Bishop of Marquette
>>>
Mark Wahlberg Goes To Church Every Day
012 years
I’ve grown to like Mark Wahlberg as an actor. I think he’s doing a good job. Even a mediocre movie like Max Payne was fun to watch since he was in it. Now he has given more reason to like him.
In a recent interview on Piers Morgan Tonight he revelled several things:
“My faith has really allowed me to overcome a lot of things — and hard work. You know, nothing comes easy…especially when you‘ve got your back against the wall and you’ve got a lot going against you.”
“But I wanted to prove to people through my actions — not my words — that I was going to change and that I was going to make a positive impact on the community that I come from,” Wahlberg continued, as he delved into the activities he participates in to help those in need. ”I could not forget about where I came from and find myself in this position without helping and giving back.”
“If I don’t go to mass necessarily every day…I definitely go to church every day,” he said. “That’s how I start my day. I like to get in there for about 15 or 20 minutes — say my prayers.”
“I pray to be a good servant to God, a father, a husband, a son, a friend, a brother and uncle, a good neighbor, a good leader to those who look up to me and a good follower to those that are serving God and doing the right thing.”
Good stuff. You can watch it here:
How About Some Jesus Toast For Christmas?
012 years
It’s Christmas and you may be wondering what to get someone. You may be in luck–or at least in the providential flow of God’s sovereign will.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, may I suggest the Jesus toaster? With each piece of toast it burns an image of Jesus or the Virgin Mary into the face of the toast (see picture) for only $39.95.
Perhaps you have some very religious friends. Perhaps you are very religious yourself. Or maybe you are an atheist and just want to mock your neighbor or relative at the most wonderful time of the year. Then the Jesus Toaster is the perfect gift!
So get your God on and buy the Jesus Toaster from Burnt Impressions. Operators are standing by…
And yes, this is real.
>>>
Santa Died For Your Sins?
012 years
[Update on this story below]
In Loudoun County Santa came to town, but it is not what you think. Here is a display that appeared on the Loudon County courthouse grounds one morning. As you can see it is a skeleton dressed up like Santa hanging on a cross.
Are you offended?
I don’t like it, but my briches aren’t in a twist about it. As you can imagine, it has caused quite an uproar. According to this article, skeleton Santa was meant:
“to depict society’s materialistic obsessions and addictions and how it is killing the peace, love, joy and kindness that is supposed to be prevalent during the holiday season.”
Uh, uh, uh, not so fast. Over the years, the Christmas season has brought several controversies to this county. The article also reports:
The issue of holiday displays — which have grown increasingly eclectic in recent years, representing Atheism, Jediism and the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster alongside traditional displays — first sparked a heated debate in November 2009, when a resident-led committee decided the county should ban unattended displays outside the courthouse because of a rising number of requests to use the space.
That decision drew the anger of local residents after a rotary group’s application to place a Christmas tree on court grounds was denied. The county Board of Supervisors addressed the matter by creating a policyallowing as many as 10 groups to place displays on the courthouse grounds at any time, on a first-come, first-served basis.
My gut tells me this isn’t some social commentary on materialism. It isn’t an “Occupy the North Pole” or “Occupy Christmas” movement. There is more to this.
It is a mockery plain and simple. Yes, it is a form of protected speech, but my guess is that this is a nonreligious person (or group of people) making a statement about the Christian religion.
*yawn*
The sad thing here is that nonreligious movements usually involve mockery and destroying. Not debate. Not true social interaction and commentary. Just destroying what people value most. It is quite an irony since the main complaint from those who are nonreligious (who I have no problem with) is that religion is destructive.
Merry Christmas!
>>>
[Update: This post was published at 6:30 AM Dec. 7th. As of this afternoon, crucified Santa has been removed. Ho! Ho! Ho!]
The Atheist 10 Commandments
112 years
I’m not sure if you’ve heard of the famous magic act Pen and Teller. In any event, Pen Jillette is a pretty outspoken atheist. The thing is, he seems to be a very reasonable and respectful guy too.
I’ve seen him in many interviews and thought, “Now here’s a guy I could have a good conversation with.” I’ve never seen him be adversarial or confrontational. Serious? Yes. Direct? Sure. But always respectful.
Well, it seems he’s put together a list of the “Atheist 10 Commandments” And they are pretty good. I think they have a lot of common ground we all can agree on–atheist, Christian, believer.
So here they are. I think you’ll like them too:
1. The highest ideals are human intelligence, creativity and love. Respect these above all.
2. Do not put things or even ideas above other human beings. (Let’s scream at each other about Kindle versus iPad, solar versus nuclear, Republican versus Libertarian, Garth Brooks versus Sun Ra— but when your house is on fire, I’ll be there to help.)
3. Say what you mean, even when talking to yourself. (What used to be an oath to (G)od is now quite simply respecting yourself.)
4. Put aside some time to rest and think. (If you’re religious, that might be the Sabbath; if you’re a Vegas magician, that’ll be the day with the lowest grosses.)
5. Be there for your family. Love your parents, your partner, and your children. (Love is deeper than honor, and parents matter, but so do spouse and children.)
6. Respect and protect all human life. (Many believe that “Thou shalt not kill” only refers to people in the same tribe. I say it’s all human life.)
7. Keep your promises. (If you can’t be sexually exclusive to your spouse, don’t make that deal.)
8. Don’t steal. (This includes magic tricks and jokes — you know who you are!)
9. Don’t lie. (You know, unless you’re doing magic tricks and it’s part of your job. Does that make it OK for politicians, too?)
10. Don’t waste too much time wishing, hoping, and being envious; it’ll make you bugnutty.
Pretty good stuff, right? I like this guy.
>>>
VIDEO: Archie Bunker On Politics
012 years
Today is a little political. Here’s a golden oldie that seems to apply perfectly to our political climate today.
This is a clip from the old show All In The Family starring Corral O’Connor. He played the legendary role Archie Bunker. My dad used to love this show and I can remember watching it as a kid. Looking back, it was hilarious. Archie Bunker is known for being a bigot. But there were also nuggets–like this commentary on politics.
Enjoy!
There’s Not A Single Church In Afghanistan
013 years
You know Afghanistan? One of the places US forces have been for 10 years in order to drive out the terrorists and Islamic Taliban regime thereby increasing freedoms for the people? Yah, not so much.
>The State Department revealed recently that there is not a single public Christian church there.
“The government’s level of respect for religious freedom in law and in practice declined during the reporting period, particularly for Christian groups and individuals. Negative societal opinions and suspicion of Christian activities led to targeting of Christian groups and individuals, including Muslim converts to Christianity. The lack of government responsiveness and protection for these groups and individuals contributed to the deterioration of religious freedom. Most Christians in the country refuse to “state their beliefs or gather openly to worship,” said the State Department.
Yikes! I’m no smelly hippy peace activist, but it does make you wonder what we’re doing there. Over 1,700 US military personnel have died there in that time. It’s fair to ask if this is all working.
Now, that doesn’t mean there aren’t secret underground churches. Like in China, I’m sure there are many. But it’s sad that they have to be in hiding for fear of death.
It sure makes you appreciate what we have here in the US.
Just thought you should know.
>>>
Who Is The Most Charitable?
013 years
Ever wonder what country’s citizens are the most charitable with their time and money? Ever wonder if religious people or non-religious are more charitable? Wonder no more. Check out this chart:
budget planner – Mint.com
Does Jesus Really Matter?
013 years
There’s been a lot of talk of Heaven, Hell, and everything in between. As of late–and this is nothing new–many popular Christian leaders are challenging mainstream Christianity’s understanding of these things. While these subjects are uncomfortable, especially Hell, they are necessary. Why?
>Because in the end, nothing else matters.
The trend seems to be to create a sort of faith that doesn’t ‘offend’ or ‘judge’ anyone. After all, the logic is, we know God would never judge anyone. To do this, you must begin to water down Jesus because he said plenty of offensive and judgmental things that don’t get a lot of airtime–if you’re trying to create a feel-good faith.
>That means we must decide how much Jesus really matters.
The focus of this trend seems to always come down to the same thing: being good, doing good, and making the world a better place. This is often put in the context of healing: heal hearts, relationships, and even the environment are often the focus. Overall, I agree. But it’s the vanilla version of Jesus that doesn’t seem right.
If being good and making the world better is the goal, wouldn’t it be more effective to leave off any mention of God or Jesus?
Since discussing God and Jesus can so often be divisive, why not create a new secular humanist faith that avoids all that? One that’s totally dedicated to promoting good deeds and good will among all. This would probably be more readily accepted. Coexistence and harmony between all creation—man, animals, and environment—would create universal peace and a heavenly state. Who could argue with that? This less offensive, more congenial religion would probably have more impact on society and culture as a whole.
>All we have to do is leave God and Jesus out of the equation.
Sounds familiar? Isn’t this an application of Christianity that is some quasi-universalist, pseudo-Buddhist, completely indistinct Frankenstein of a religion in which, although it claims so, Jesus is not really essential?
So what do you do with statements of Jesus like:
“…I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” -John 14:6
This implies that without acknowledging Jesus as supreme and central, you’re actually lost. This Jesus always gets explained away to fit the Frankenstein faith. It just doesn’t seem right.
Ultimately, everyone must decide for himself or herself.
I have.
>>>
Farewell Rob Bell
113 years
[Update: Rob Bell is going all Hollywood with an ABC show loosely based on his life]
I’m not sure if you know who Rob Bell is. Within Christianity, he’s kind of a big deal (pretty much the inverse of Jason Berggren). Well, he’s jumping ship.
>This weekend he announced he’s quitting the church, Mars Hill in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he founded.
Most recently, he has gotten a lot of attention for his book Love Wins. I read it and had several problems with it, which I wrote about in my post Love Wins, Christianity Loses, and God Lies. Why? Well let me just let you read some of my summary points.
From reading Love Wins I gathered that apparently all us crotchety, outdated, grandpa-like Christians need to realize (or else!):
• When God says He will reconcile all creation to Himself, He means everyone can get into Heaven regardless of your belief in Jesus
• God will let people decide to accept Jesus even after death, if necessary He will take as long as needed to convince them to come in
• You’re making people think Jesus came to rescue us from God, whom you seem to think is hot-tempered, switches modes, and is inconsistent
• While there needs to be room in Christianity for a wide range of opinions and views, there just isn’t room for your finite views on Hell, sin, or salvation
• Don’t worry about confessing the name of Jesus to be saved, just make sure you are living His story out in your own life
• There is a vein of God’s story in every culture, so whatever that plan of salvation is, it is perfectly acceptable to God and don’t judge them either
• Jesus died on the cross because that’s what they needed and understood back then, and that wouldn’t need to happen today since we’re, like, way more smarter than that
• Being ‘spiritual’ is probably enough for God, so don’t worry so much about being Biblical
• The Hippies had it right because it is actually possible to meet Jesus through smoking pot
• If Jesus and Christianity have put a bad taste in someone’s mouth, God doesn’t necessarily need them to follow Him because wherever they find truth is fine with Him
These are some things I even wrote about in my own book 10 Things I Hate About Christianity: Working Through the Frustrations of Faith:
Since discussing God and Jesus can so often be divisive, why not create a new secular humanist faith that avoids all that? One that’s totally dedicated to promoting good deeds and good will among all. This would probably be more readily accepted. Coexistence and harmony between all creation—man, animals, and environment—would create universal peace and a heavenly state. Who could argue with that? This less offensive, more congenial religion would probably have more impact on society and culture as a whole. All we have to do is leave God and Jesus out of the equation. No biggie.
>So why is Rob Bell leaving his church?
From the church’s own site it says:
Feeling the call from God to pursue a growing number of strategic opportunities, our founding pastor Rob Bell, has decided to leave Mars Hill in order to devote his full energy to sharing the message of God’s love with a broader audience.
What do I think? I think it’s good and bad.
In a way, Rob has been part of my life for eight years. I have read nearly all of his books, used several of his NOOMA videos as a basis for small group discussions, and listened to hundreds of his teachings (I even explained why I stopped listening to him on July 29th, 2007, which is another story altogether). I have deep affection and great respect for Rob. It is hard not to.
But I’m worried.
Now Rob is free to go off the deep end. He doesn’t have the responsibility and role of ‘pastor’ to hold him accountable and measure his actions against. That’s not a good thing.
>Perhaps, since he doesn’t seem to hold to some foundational Christian doctrines, this is the right thing to do.
I’m mixed.
Of course, I wish him all the best. He is an amazing communicator. In fact, I am jealous of his ability. I guess I should think what the Apostle Paul says in Philippians 1:8:
“The important thing is that in every way, whether for right or wrong reasons, they are preaching about Christ. So I am happy, and I will continue to be happy.”
I’m still worried, though.
Why? Rob has a lot of influence due to his gift of communicating. I am afraid that Rob will further present an application of Christianity that is some quasi-universalist, pseudo-Buddhist, completely indistinct Frankenstein of a religion in which, although it claims so, Jesus is not really essential.
I know I have many problems and likely have some of my interpretations of the Bible wrong. I’m human. That’s a certainty.
>I’m just worried that Rob will get away from the urgency and importance of knowing Jesus, that he died for our sins, and that we must believe, accept, and follow him in order to spend eternity with him.
So farewell Rob Bell. I do wish you well–with some caution.
>>>
Atheist Richard Dawkins Releases A Children’s Book
013 years
You may be familiar with the new atheist movement. Its leaders (albeit informal) are Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens. I once reviewed a book by some aspiring new atheists in the movement called The Christian Delusion: Why Faith Fails. In a strange way, it was a fun read. And probably to all the contributers disappointment, it only served to strengthen my faith.
In any event, Richard Dawkins has a new atheist children’s book you may want to know about.
It’s purpose?
No, it’s not to indoctrinate children like you barbarian religious nuts do. Of course not, he alleges. His is much more noble and altruistic. He simply wants to to teach children to ‘think freely’.
>Yes, let’s all teach children how to think freely by telling them that there is no reason or purpose to life–that any thoughts or ideas leading to that end are just figments of their imagination.
Don’t you feel free? Me too! My bones are filled with hope at the thought of nothingness.
Admittedly, I haven’t read the book. But my thoughts are based on some of his interview highlights. I find it interesting. Watch it if you’d like:
Christian Leader Pat Robertson Says Alzheimer’s Is A Reason For Divorce
113 years
Pat Robertson has said some outrageous things over the years. He is the founder and the popular Christian show The 700 Club. There was the time that he said that Haiti had that horrible earthquake last year because God was punishing them. Recently, after the earthquake in the Washington DC area, he said the resultant crack in the Washington monument was a sign that Jesus is coming soon.
Well, he’s at it again. In the segment below he condones a man’s desire to divorce his wife because she suffers from Alzheimer’s.
It reveals that the man is:
- already seeing another woman
- mad at God for ‘letting’ this happen to his wife
- views his wife as practically dead (walking dead, if you will)
Now, I acknowledge that this must be a very difficult situation. I am not insensitive to this.
>But this ‘man’, is a selfish scumbag.
That’s right, I said it. He’s hurting, I’m sure. But in his pain he has given in to his lesser nature and become horrible and insensitive. In her time of need, he wants to treat his wife like she is dead. He is cheating on his wife. And he justifies it all this by blaming God. And, it pains be to say it, but I can’t believe Pat Robertson has become complicit.
Although the lines from the marriage vows most people take are not specifically found in the Bible, I have no problem saying that they are certainly Biblically sound.
>Death do us part and In sickness and in health are quite Biblical principles.
It doesn’t matter how you ‘feel’, if you’re hurt, or even mad at God. I have always defined maturity as the commitment to pursue a goal regardless of surrounding circumstances. The goal here? To honor your marriage to God. This man needs to grow the heck up.
This poor woman hasn’t done anything to this man, cheated on him, or abused him. She deserves his wholehearted devotion until her last breath.
>And Mr. Robertson, this is not one of your finer moments. Consider the platform you have. I know I am not perfect by any measure. But with regard to this issue, I am embarrassed to share the label ‘Christian’ with you.
Here’s the segment. It’s only the first 2 minutes.
Judge Rules Yodeling Must Stop Since It Offends Muslims
013 years
Today we enter the world of the absurd. Let’s pretend you have a neighbor. Now that neighbor likes to mow the lawn and…yodel.
It starst to get annoying, so what do you do? Do you: 1) ignore it 2) ask him to stop or 3) report his yodeling to the authorities.
In the world of the strange, you report him to the authorities. That’s what happened in the country of Austria:
An Austrian court has recently fined a citizen for yodeling while mowing his lawn, according to a report in The Kronen Zeitung newspaper. The citizen, 63-year-old Helmut G., was told by the court that his yodeling offended his next-door Muslim neighbors, who accused him of tryingto mock and imitate the call of the Muezzin…Unfortunately for Helmut G., his neighbors were in the middle of a prayer when he started to yodel. The Kronen Zeitung reported that he was fined 800 Euros after judges ruled that he could have tried to offend his neighbors and ridicule their belief. Helmut G. clarified that “It was not my intention to imitate or insult them. I simply started to yodel a few tunes because I was in such a good mood.”
This seems ridiculous. But I suppose in a world where diversity and political correctness reigns supreme, we must be sure no one is offended or has their feelings hurt.
In any event, my neighbors dogs always seem to be barking when we go to bed. I wonder if I should call the police.
Have a YO-DE-LE-HE-HOO of a day!
[CLICK HERE TO HEAR SOME YODELING]
>>>
VIDEO: The Israeli Palestinian Conflict In Five Minutes
013 years
I usually post something funny on Fridays. Today, I’m doing it different since I highlighted this child Pentecostal preacher.
Often in the news, is the Israeli Palestinian conflict. As a Christian, it is something I follow for obvious reasons. In contrast to what the communist professor Noam Chompsky says, I am not pro-Israel because I am actually anti-semitic. Israelis are accused of being imperialists and occupiers, while Palestinians are accused of terrorism and anti-semitism. In fact, a vote in the UN is supposed to come up this month on creating a Palestinian state. Sounds great, right? Not so much.
The Palestinine Liberation Organization (PLO) ambassador to the US, Maen Areikat, told reporters in Washington on Tuesday that the Palestinian state his regime is trying to gain recognition for at the UN next week should be free of Jews.
>So how is peace achieved?
Here is a great video that explains the Israeli Palestinian conflict in about five minutes, believe it or not. I highly encourag you watch it.
Shalom!
Remembering Never, Again
013 years
I didn’t want to do this for several reasons. Mainly, because I thought everyone else would. But then I realized they probably wouldn’t. When something big, emotional, and traumatic crosses our paths, sometimes it’s easier to forget about it. But sometimes there is value in remembering the thing you want to forget forever. It can clarify what’s important to you. In a sense, by remembering the hard things you refresh your list of priorities.
I remember it like it was yesterday…
I was living with my wife in our first house in Ft. Lauderdale. I had taken a job at an insurance repair business as a supervisor of a small crew. We repaired water and fire damage, mainly. My wife and I were also deep in the process of helping start a church in Miami, FL.
This particular day I was working alone. My job was to go to south Miami(Kendall, I think) to do some punch-out on an apartment building that the company had the contract on. I have always been a news junky, so I had the radio on in my work van while driving.
Just as I had arrived there was a new flash about a small commuter plane that had accidentally flown into one of the World Trade Center buildings. Of course, in a short time I would learn that both those details were quite wrong.
At that point, I had no reason to be overly concerned or worried. I thought it was awful, but I had no idea. So I gathered my tools and went into the apartment building to work.
I set up and went to work. I put on my little portable radio and started painting a door jam. While I was working and listening a second plane suddenly hit the other World Trade Center building. That’s when I knew it wasn’t an accident.
From there, the news was patchy. I was lacking focus and momentum, because I was a little afraid by this time. I continued working. I was dragging, but what else could I do?
And then the first building collapsed.
The news wasn’t clear on this at first. That’s because it was so unbelievable. Eventually, the truth was clear: The building was gone. I was in shock and sick.
And then…
The other one fell.
By this time, I couldn’t work. I decided to take an early lunch. Mind you, I had only been working some 30 or so minutes. So I took my lunch in the van and listened to the radio. And listened. And listened.
Finally, I decided I couldn’t work. I was just so distraught. So I packed up, went home, and watched the TV coverage all day and late into the night. I couldn’t watch and couldn’t stop, all at the same time.
I went to work the next day. I also continued to watch the news coverage at night. But by the weekend, I couldn’t anymore. It was just too much. And that is the main approach I’ve taken since then.
I remember only when necessary.
Several years ago, I flew up to Connecticut to help my Dad move. He lived in the south west portion of the state, which functioned as a suburb of New York City.
Through the course of the day, neighbors would stop by to wish my Dad well (we were pushing out the next day). One neighbor got to talking. We all sat on the grass in the spring sun. They had a beer and I had a Coke (since I hate beer, and all).
He got to talking about his big brother. Stories of childhood, being best friends, best men at each others weddings, etc. ensued. So I asked if his brother lived in the area.
That’s when he told me all about September 11th. And I remembered it all over again. His brother worked in one of the buildings.
He proceeded to recount the events of the day—from his perspective. He cried all the while. This was a big dude. He was a construction worker, big and burly. So it had quite an impact on me. I looked at the situation totally different. I’m glad he shared his story. In that moment, it brought clarity and does just as strongly every time I remember.
Remembering the things we never want to remember is hard. But sometimes it is good to. It helps us think on what is most important to us.
What were you doing that day?
>>>
*Remembering Never is something I repost each year, since there’s no better way for me to say all this.
Perhaps The Most Disturbing Children’s Game I Have Ever Seen
013 years
Here is a disturbing video of children playing a very disturbing video in Pakistan. It seems to be a suicide bomber game they are playing. I don’t know much about it; if it is meant to be funny or a mockery. Either way, it chilled me when I watched it. Sorry for the downer, but I thought I should post it.
Apparently Christians Are Pro-Israel Because They Are Actually Anti-Semitic
013 years
Did you know that Christians are supportive of Jews and are Pro-Israel because they are actually anti-Semitic? That’s what the notorious M.I.T professor, activist, and Communist Noam Chomsky says.
Chompsky’s basis?
Well, because Christians want to hasten Armageddon, the end of the world, and the return of Jesus. And apparently we are tricking Jews back to their Holy Land only to quicken their slaughter and world war as depicted in the Book of Revelation. Their presence in the Middle East seems bolster this end, so we are manipulating events to bring the end times.
This is Chompsky’s view of Revelation and most Christians interpretation of it. Watch the hard leftist who teaches our young adults partially funded by tax-dollars in the interview below. It’s disgusting, arrogant, and ignorant:
VIDEO: I Probably Shouldn’t Link This, But…
013 years
WARNING: The video below is hilarious, but it is littered with rated R language.
Last week I linked a very civilized and precise video discussing the real issue of the debt ceiling–what it really means to us and our children. This week I am linking a very important video on the opposite extreme.
Below is a video by the comedian Felonious Munk that has been making some rounds. In it, he passionately breaks down the commonsense and emotional side of the debt ceiling issue that is on all our minds. It’s a word to President Obama and Congress. You really should watch it if you can take the language, yo.
Word to your mother.
I present Stop It B! from Felonious Munk…
