Tag Archives: faith

A Man Used

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Every year about this time, the networks are busy extolling the actions of Martin Luther King. Honestly, I can’t say a whole lot about him one way or the other. During his active years, I had just joined the Marines and was soon bound for Nam. My mind was occupied by many other things.

However, there were a few undeniable things I did notice because they were so obvious. Yet, it seemed to me that no one else noticed them. If they did, they kept their mouths shut in fear of what the world would think of them. To be sure, anyone who spoke the wrong words in public soon wished they had swallowed those words instead.

During the rise of political correctness, individuals became increasingly cautious about their internal dialogue, fearing potential scrutiny and judgment for harboring thoughts that might be deemed inappropriate. The pervasive atmosphere of social surveillance created an unspoken anxiety that even one’s most private musings could be exposed and condemned.

Frankly, I even became careful of how I say things, even though I have said a thing or two that are strictly out of bounds. Mostly, I believe I get away with it because I have the undeniable facts behind me. Besides, who is going to listen to an old man near death.

Martin Luther King was a peaceable man. I don’t know to what extent, but clearly he wanted to settle the true and tragic segregation without violence. This certainly made him a very respected man by both sides of the problem. He was, to be sure, making great strides. His sound words found the ears of many.

On the other hand, there were those who had no desire to keep it peaceful. I guess there were and are a number of groups that wanted equal rights to take more violent efforts. That put them at odds with Martin Luther King and his efforts.

Then, Martin Luther King , Jr was assassinated, and it all changed overnight. It forced me to come to some conclusions. The conclusions are not politically correct, but they are difficult to outright deny.

I cannot help but wonder if Martin Luther King was being used by factions that wanted violence. Perhaps it is not a stretch to suggest that he was being used and aided by communists. They might have been helping in coordination and financing.

Okay! There, I said it. Am I wrong? Can you prove it? Do you even have any proof that I am wrong? Let me add one more question. In light of the fact that it was the design of the Soviets to overtake the US without war, it was and is stupid for them to stand in the way of anyone or anything that is helping them. So, why not help Martin Luther King any time he had the same or similar goals?

The communist’s problem was, they were ready to take it to the next level. They wanted riots. They wanted to threaten. They wanted violence. It is the way the communist operates. In case you don’t know, they have written it down for all to read. It is fact, not speculation.

So, suddenly, on one day, the biggest problem standing in their way is gone. He has gone on to his reward. Personally, I believe he has gone on to be with the Lord.

Then suddenly, there is violence. There is no one or nothing to stop it.

If you truly like Martin Luther King, if you really want to celebrate his life and what he stood for, you might want to take a few minutes to stop and truly study and understand his goals and not those who likely engineered his death.

As I said, he was a man of peace, not violence.

When Killing is by Design

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Most people haven’t a clue. Most people will quickly quote the sixth commandment as “Thou shalt not kill.” It is a misinterpretation of the original manuscript. It is a tragic misinterpretation. Instead of “kill,” it should be “murder.”

Most scholars nowadays will quickly confirm what I have written here. Moreover, if you actually take the time to read the Bible, you will see that the rest of the Bible is in agreement with the word “murder.” Much of the Biblical law goes through great efforts to differentiate between killing by design or by accident. Nowhere does the Bible condemn killing a man in war. On the contrary, God told the Israelites to kill, specifically David and Joshua during wars. King Saul was punished because he was ordered to kill and didn’t.

On the other hand, God does not want one man to murder an innocent man without reason by design. He especially does not approve of mass killing without a just reason. Finally, He does not like it when someone kills Israelis or Christians by design.

I’m talking about Nazi leaders. I’m talking about communists leaders. I’m referring to Islam leaders. Such have murdered thousands. Some have murdered millions. Some have murdered tens of millions. It was by design. It was their purpose. It was what they wanted. The lives meant nothing to get them. It was all about the power.

To be sure, we do have our modern day power seekers. Many call themselves Democrats. They kill under the guise of Democracy. The way Obama withdrew from Iraq resulted in the death of millions of lives. Many who died called themselves Christians. For many, that is why they were killed. Ask Obama today if he feels bad about it. Ask if he lost any sleep, he’d have to say no. Indeed if he were required to tell the truth, he would have to admit that it was by design. It was his purpose for pulling out the way he did. By the way, the same is true for the way Old Joe pulled out of Afghanistan. The same is true about the reason he opened the border to criminals and drugs. He made sure there was no screening of gang members or Islam terrorists. If we could ask him and he had to answer truthfully, he’d admit it. In the name of Democracy, he was seeking power. It was by design.

Today, they continue their methods, those who call themselves Democrats. They no longer control any of the three branches of government. However, they still control most of the media. They still control those who riot and call it demonstrations. And they still murder by design, all to gain power. All while saying they are protecting democracy, all the while trampling over our rights and Constitution.

Murder, theft, and fraud, the riots—it’s all by design for power.

The lies are only bad to them if they fail to work.

Isaiah 5:20

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Many years ago, I was, shall we say, encouraged to give to United Way. Well, let’s come out and say it: There was some serious arm-twisting going on, and I did suspect I might lose my job over it. The reason given to me was that someone in the company hierarchy decided they wanted 100% participation, and I wasn’t participating.

Quite some time before that, as a private in the Marines, I was told, if I didn’t participate on the United Way drive, I would go on mess duty, washing pots and pans. I didn’t like that idea. So I went along to get along.

I do not like the United Way. I do not like many of the organizations they support, but that is a different subject. It is a subject I could write on extensively. That, however, is not the subject I wish to dwell on. My complaint is the strong-arm tactics used to gain participation.

In the era preceding personal computing, I carefully composed a handwritten letter addressed to the senior executive overseeing the Memphis regional office.

I had no hope whatsoever that anyone would read it. To my surprise, I received a phone call. Well, I must give them credit for that, though I am sure there are a few things they did not think through completely.

Right off the bat, he offered me a simple solution: I give in to the demands, and they would return it to me by check right away. The company gets full participation, and I get to keep my money.

Think about it. What’s the problem? Who does it hurt? I hope you are more intelligent than the vice chairman who made that suggestion.

Essentially, what he suggested was dishonest. He was asking me to lie to the corporation for which I worked. He was asking me to lie to my colleagues. He was asking me to take part in the larger lie to the community that the company had 100% participation. Moreover, he was asking me to put my stamp of approval on the United Way, and that could not be farther from the truth.

They pressured me to validate organizations that, in my assessment, did not align with my moral standards or ethical principles. In essence they wanted me to call evil good.

The most significant challenge I faced was confronting the intimidating tactics employed against me, initially during my military service and subsequently in my corporate career. Such coercive methods represent a profound violation of professional and ethical standards, and must be unequivocally condemned.

Years later, the consequences of that pivotal moment remain unclear. Did my choice silently derail potential career advancement, subtly diminishing my professional trajectory? The uncertainty lingers—whether my principled stance resulted in overlooked promotions or unnoticed salary reductions, despite an expectation of recognition for integrity.

During a pivotal moment, my perspective shifted. In a conversation with the Vice Chairman that evening, an unexpected comment caught my attention. Though the catalyst remains unclear, he candidly stated that the Church’s fundamental purpose was to offer assistance to those in need, effectively reducing its role to that of another charitable organization.

As followers of Christ, we are called to embody both compassion and evangelism. While charitable acts are a vital expression of our faith, our ultimate purpose is to share the transformative message of salvation through Jesus, guiding others toward a deeper understanding of God’s love and redemption.

Our mission transcends mere financial assistance. As the scripture reminds us, true transformation goes beyond monetary gifts—it’s about sharing the profound message of spiritual redemption and eternal hope that can fundamentally change a person’s life trajectory.

Charity serves a vital purpose in addressing immediate physical needs, yet true compassion extends far beyond material support. While alleviating physical suffering is crucial, the far more important transformation of human potential and spirit represents an even more profound form of care and connection.

The United States hosts nearly one million charitable organizations, each with its own mission and approach. However, not all nonprofits are created equal. Some operate with questionable ethics or misaligned priorities, potentially undermining the very causes they claim to support. Donors must exercise due diligence, understanding that financial contributions can inadvertently validate an organization’s methods and messaging.

Personal philanthropy should reflect individual values and comfort levels. When donating, it’s crucial to research organizations thoroughly and feel confident about their mission and financial transparency. Workplace giving campaigns can create uncomfortable dynamics, and employees should always feel empowered to make charitable contributions voluntarily, without feeling coerced or pressured.

Please permit me a story, which I was told to be true. A preacher was attending a a Christmas party where there was a lot of drinking. The host realized it was making the guests uncomfortable for the preacher to mingle without a drink.

At the social gathering, the host discreetly walked over to the preacher and offered a beverage. “Please take this,” he suggested kindly, “The other guests seem a bit uneasy seeing you without a drink. You don’t need to consume it—just holding a glass will help you blend in more comfortably.”

The preacher responded with conviction, “I cannot compromise my integrity by acting contrary to my teachings. Doing so would undermine my credibility and diminish the power of my message.”

Would it be right to preach against The United Way while, apparently giving to it. It would matter not as a witness that the United Way is returning the money to me. Indeed, it would make me appear worse if I was found out.

Better that we call the good, good; and evil, evil.

Something New

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At 78 years old, I’ve been a devoted Christian since my early teens. Despite decades of church attendance, I continue to be humbled by new revelations. Surprisingly, I still encounter profound insights that are remarkably simple—revelations I should have grasped long ago, yet they continue to surprise and enlighten me.

Despite owning multiple Bibles throughout my life, the core text has remained remarkably consistent. I’ve read three different versions completely, cycling through them eight times in total. One might assume such extensive reading would render the scripture entirely familiar. Yet, surprisingly, just hours ago, I discovered a fresh theological insight that had previously escaped my understanding.

Even more surprising, it is based on a parable I must have heard a hundred times. Okay, let’s say ninety-nine. Actually, that too is an exaggeration. Nonetheless, I am so familiar with it that I can almost quote it from memory.

Nestled within Matthew 20:1-16, this compelling parable offers profound insights into divine generosity and fairness. The narrative centers on a vineyard owner who hires laborers throughout the day, yet remarkably compensates each worker equally with a full day’s wage of one denarius, regardless of the hours worked. This powerful story invites readers to explore deeper themes of grace, equity, and unexpected compassion beyond conventional economic expectations. I would hope you would read the parable, especially if you are not familiar with it. I must admit, I was among those that was confused by the parable the first dozen times I heard and read it. It does seem a bit unfair. However, Jesus does not promise us fairness. If he treated us fairly, we would all end up in Hell. What he offers is mercy for those willing to accept his forgiveness.

Now, let me digress to some of my own experience before explaining my recent revelation. When I went into the Marines, the most common advice I got from veterans was, “Keep your nose clean and do as you’re told, and the stripes will come along on their own.”

Though I thought little of it at the time, I did find it to be true. In spite of mistakes I made along the way, I did sew on my my sergeant strips before the end of my first four years. Also, I found it also worked well in the civilian world as well.

Throughout my career, several personal choices set me apart from my colleagues. My abstinence from alcohol meant I rarely attended social gatherings where drinks were served. I maintained a principled stance against contributing to United Way and I never had an interest in golf. I’ll let you determine which of these choices was most significant, but I am sure sure golfing would have had real advantages.

Now, have you ever pondered the divine principles of advancement? Until recently, such a contemplation had never crossed my mind. It never seemed that important.

I recognize my inherent limitations in measuring up to divine standards. What criteria does God use when selecting and determining an individual’s purpose and path?

It almost seems that Jesus chose his disciples randomly. If you stop and ponder it for a moment, you know that isn’t true. He knew each of the disciples before forming the earth, and He knew exactly where to locate each one.

In the realm of leadership, the vineyard owner faces the critical task of selecting and empowering capable leaders. Unlike human leaders, God possesses an unparalleled advantage, with omniscient insight into the potential and limitations of those He chooses. His divine perspective allows Him to anticipate success and failure with absolute certainty, rendering human attempts to impress or surprise Him through leadership prowess ultimately futile. This supreme understanding ensures that no individual can exceed or fall short of His expectations.

And here it is, folks. Playing golf or rubbing shoulders will get you nothing in God’s kingdom. He will place everyone where he wants them. In the end, they will accomplish exactly what God expects from them. He will always know the best person for the job. There will be absolutely no room for pride or boasting.

Will there be rewards. I think so but I can’t say for sure. It’s just one of those things I can’t figure out. One day, soon, I’ll know.

The important thing is, God will be there. Without God, there is no life, there is no light, there is no love. And when it is forever, there is no hope.

Answer: Because We Make Mistakes.

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Question: Why do they put erasers on pencils?

It’s true, though I must admit, I didn’t think of it. However, you will have to go far and wide to find a person more mistakes prone as I am. For the most part, the mistakes can be eradicated. As with the eraser, the error can be figuratively and easily rubbed out.

Life’s challenges aren’t always simple to overcome. Some wounds, both physical and emotional, leave lasting marks that we carry with us. Forgiveness might come, but the consequences of our actions or accidents can persist. My own journey with a severely damaged ankle serves as a testament to this reality. Despite an orthopedic surgeon’s meticulous hours of surgical intervention, the injury continues to haunt me. The persistent throbbing pain seems almost independent of the physical limb itself. When I sought a solution, the doctor’s stark response was chilling: surgical removal was an option, but the pain might well remain, a phantom reminder of past trauma. Some scars, it seems, transcend physical boundaries, etching themselves into our very existence.

Navigating life’s pivotal moments requires careful reflection, especially when facing choices with lasting consequences. Our decisions can echo through time, leaving indelible marks that no simple correction can erase. Like permanent ink on the canvas of our existence, some choices demand thoughtful consideration before we commit. Not all mistakes can be easily undone, and wisdom lies in pausing to truly understand the potential long-term impact of our actions.

In one respect, I have been fortunate. I have never directly taken part in the taking any human life. The thought that I might one day scares me. Yet one day, either by accident or in defense, it might happen. It might happen on the highway or in defense. As I contemplate such a remote possibility, I wonder how I might cope with it. This is especially true if it be an innocent child by accident.

Some people have no problem living with it. They take the lives of innocent unborn babies. Some doctors do this by the hundreds without hesitation and not an ounce of guilt.

Some women, in the name of freedom of choice, pay those doctors. I would say that they do it without a second thought. Their conscience becomes seared to a point they don’t care. How-some-ever, I suspect, sometimes, it might strike later in life. Disagree with me as you will, I have found God does have a way of calling things to our attention in ways and at times we least expect. And yes, it hurts more than the broken ankle. And it nags at you any time you’re awake.

Some mistakes leave permanent marks, etched into memory like scars that time cannot fade. The consequences of our actions linger, a constant reminder of choices made and paths taken. No amount of wishful thinking can erase the emotional weight we carry, a burden that becomes part of our very essence.

The Great Pretenders

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The haunting melody of “The Great Pretender” by The Platters resonates deeply with my personal journey. This timeless song has become an anthem that mirrors my own experiences of masking inner turmoil. When life dealt me a devastating blow, I perfected the art of wearing a facade, skillfully concealing the profound pain that churned beneath my composed exterior. No one could glimpse the emotional storm raging within me, as I maintained an impenetrable mask of normalcy and strength.

Most people, if they’re honest, experience a period of putting on a facade. In fact, I’d argue that this is universal. Feel free to challenge my perspective, but I remain skeptical of anyone claiming complete authenticity from the start. We all wear masks at some point, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not.

The captivating television series “The Pretender” featured a protagonist with extraordinary intellectual capabilities, enabling him to seamlessly adopt diverse professional identities. In a memorable scene, when questioned about his medical expertise, the main character confidently responded, “I am today,” highlighting his remarkable ability to adapt and excel in any role. Throughout the episode, he skillfully navigated both medical challenges and complex social criminal investigations, ultimately helping a young patient while unraveling a deeper mystery.

To be sure, there are real professional pretenders. Years ago, they told us the greatest danger facing man was global climate change. They pretended to be great experts on the subject.

The silence surrounding the previous climate discussions is puzzling. Have the critical issues truly dissipated, or have they simply been swept under the rug? What unprecedented meteorological phenomenon emerged that warranted such abrupt dismissal? More importantly, why has the discourse fallen silent? Did the purported meteorological authorities conveniently shift their focus, abandoning this critical narrative without substantive explanation? This, of course, while pretending great knowing on who knows what else.

In the What if Department

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Maybe, perhaps, conceivably I should start writing posts again and specialize in the strictly odd or unusual. At the current rate, that would be about one a week.

So here am I thinking the thing is settled. The thing is I keep hearing this what if thing. Silly me. I kept saying, “Not going to happen. It’s done. It’s settled. There is simply no way that they will bring that criminal by the name of Garcia back to the US.

Color me stupid. Color me wrong. The what if actually happened, you know that impossible one. So now I must consider the highly improbability of the what if.

Already we know part of it. He has a ton of indictments hung about his neck. Looks like he will go on trial, which may go on forever and a day. You know how good these lawyers are these days. One thing and the other, it could be this time next year before the trial starts.

Those barristers will love that being as they change by the hour. Altogether, the trial will cost two and a half bundles. We all know the value of just one bundle. By the way, he will also get housed and fed all this time as well. That means at least one more bundle.

Now we must consider another separation in the pathway. What if he is convicted. Well, he will go to prison, ironically in more comfort than if he found not guilty. If found not guilty, he would immediately be deported to El Salvador, where he was.

Now tell me what is more unusual than a person hoping to be found guilty and perhaps even plead for a lifetime sentence.

Better than going back to his compadres down south. I am sure they would rather be in whatever prison Garcia would go to.

I’m Afraid That Age & Reality is Catching up With Me

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It’s getting more difficult for me to think of the words I want to say. Sometimes it forces me to abandon the way I want to say things. I am now 78 and even with the help of the computer, I am afraid it is getting time for me cease writing posts.

My guess is that there are those that will be glad to hear it. I am not sure exactly when I will write my last message to my readers, but I can’t imagine it will be much more than a month. Much more than that, it will likely be mandatory. It is taking me longer each time I sit down to write something.

Well, at least, for what it is worth, I did last long enough to help get another old man into the Oval Office. I likely didn’t help him that much, but I like to think I was contributing much more than I did. I also like to think I didn’t hurt the effort.

If nothing else, I would like to leave any atheist with this challenge, assuming they all have the courage. It is what I call the three prayer challenge. Three times, once a day, pray this prayer. “If you are real, God, tell me.” Of course, if the atheist is right, they have nought to fear. On the other hand, if he or she does get a reply, it just might change your life forever. That, for sure is why it takes real courage to participate in the challenge. If you receive a reply, then you will need to make a decision. Regardless of what decision you make, your atheist days will be over, which is why it is a real challenge.

I say this so that you take this challenge now, before you become to old, you know, like me. I have already made my decision. However, you really want to make sure you take the challenge before age and reality catch up with you. You don’t want to wait until you are too old to make the decision.

Don’t tell me, you don’t have the time, 2 seconds a day. I think it is the fear, not time, which stands in the way. And if you get an answer, that means there is a God. It becomes indisputable. My best guess, you won’t do it. You are afraid you will get an answer.

Well, as you read this, you can already see, I am sure that I am beginning to ramble a little. Still, you get the idea.

It Is Enough to Drive the Loony Sane

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And by the way, I am sure it will keep an army of psychologists and psychiatrist all properly confused for the next hundred years and maybe a little longer.

The thought occurred to me to carry the last post a little further; you know the one about being unique. You ask one teen why he is wearing a ring through his nose, and he will say, “Because all my friends are doing it.” It is an act of conformity, and if the parent says no, the teen will immediately go into the rant they had planned well in advance.

In the suburban landscape, a few miles beyond the familiar horizon, a teenage son returns home, his nose adorned with a gleaming ring. His parents exchange bewildered glances as he declares his desire for individuality. Ironically, the very accessory he believes sets him apart is ubiquitous among his peers, who cling to this symbol of rebellion with such fervor that they would sooner sacrifice a limb than part with their piercing.

In one case, it is pro-conformity, and in the other case, it’s the desire to be different. Oh, by the way, it’s more than jewelry. At least half the reason the Beatles were such a big success was because someone convinced the world of teens that they were the best singing group ever. And danger lurks for those non-conformists who found them to be making irritating noise to a beat.

In our youth, we were swept up in the fervent pursuit of the latest cultural trends. Every new record, fashion item, toy, and novelty seemed essential to our very existence. Remember those quirky painted rocks, crudely adorned with misaligned facial features, that somehow captured our collective imagination? The excitement of acquiring these ephemeral treasures was an integral part of our shared experience, driving us to constantly seek out the next big thing.

While the text appears to explore the concept of uniqueness, I’m uncertain if that aligns with the original intent. I apologize if I’ve misinterpreted the intention.

Casting Pearls Before Swine

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Although most of the American populace do not consider themselves Christian, most recognize the the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. The entire verse is “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you,” Matthew 7:6

I haven’t a clue why the words came to mind. To be sure, God could have reminded me of it. On the other hand, I just might have thought of it on my own. Regardless which way it was, God did know, even before my birth that I was going to think of it. To some degree, He just might want me to write about it. I am not saying he wants me to. However, apparently, He is going to allow me to express my thoughts on the subject.

Even if He has not told me to do it, I apparently have His permission, that is, if this gets published. He can do things like that you know. He can speak by giving me the words and He can speak by keeping me from writing the words. It is in His power.

Even so, and here is the strange part, He still gives me the choice of if I want or don’t want to write on it.

That is a sort of ultra short sermon on the theology of free will and predestination. Enough to confuse the most learned theologian, with a doctor’s degree.

At any rate, as I said, I was thinking about the verse. As in many cases, I believe that He is using His words of instruction for a multipurpose. The one most look at, the obvious one is that we should not speak His word before those who will likely treat is lightly, or worse, as if it is false.

This does prompt the question, if the guy is bad, should we never preach the word to him?

I don’t think that was the idea at all. To understand, we must look at the second meaning. To understand the second meaning, we must understand the way they looked at dogs and pigs. At that time, in that society, dogs and pigs were the worst unclean animals.

I suspect, He was talking of the pigs and dogs as much as the pearls. The pearls are highly prized. The dogs and pigs were good for nothings; bottom of the heap. It was His method of representing the worst of the worst of the human race. That is the bottom of the heap of humanity.

Now, let’s take a close look at the verse before, 7:5 which was about people who are judgmental. My guess, but do you suppose that when He is talking about the bottom of the heap, he just might be talking about those who were judgmental. Many times, Jesus spoke of two types of people, those who were sinners who sought salvation and healing, spiritually as well as physically. The others were those who were too good to need salvation. You see, the Pharisees were convinced that they didn’t need salvation. They were, by their standards without sin.

You see, he was targeting those who were “too good” to need salvation. It was they that were He was comparing with the dogs and the pigs.

To be sure, the most difficult people to lead to salvation are those who are too good to need it. Also, they are the ones who really need it the most. By Jesus’s own words, they are the dogs and the pigs. Moreover, he has warned us that if we should take care. If we try to speak the Good News to them, they just might turn on us and “rend” us, that is to say, destroy those trying to bring the Word to them.

You see, many of them have been vaccinated. They have received the vaccine of the false prophets so that they are now immune to the real word of God.