AMERICA THE AWFUL?

"America has been the undisputed world leader for only two decades. When we consider that the Roman Age lasted a thousand years, and the Ottomans and the British dominated the world for several centuries,America's dominance seems brief, and already it is precarious."
Dinesh D'souza
America: Imagine A World Without Her
Regnery Publishing   2014
p.7-8

I intend to be more casual with this blog--less worried about word arrangement and convincing anyone else; more about clarifying my own thoughts. A friend told me recently, "Lonnie, you can't change the world." She's right. If anyone is to be changed, including myself (!) that's a God-sized job.

Ray and I went to see America at the theatre--probably our first movie since we took the kids to Short Circuit. It was eye-opening and helpful. I saw what our children had been taught in school and began to understand the attitudes and rebellion expressed since. If America is as they were taught, it DOES stink. But, they were taught partial truths.

That being said, discernment is always needed. One side against another? There are bound to be extremes. As a responsible adult and Christian, I need to weed them out to the best of my ability. And try as I might, I'm unlikely to capture the whole truth.

SO . . . AMERICA DOESN'T STAY IN FIRST PLACE. DOES IT MATTER?

You know what? I asked myself this question and I think it does. From a pride standpoint, no. From a freedom standpoint, yes.

Why do we have so many other peoples coming to the United States to live? Is it because we are the crumby, disgusting nation that our children have been led to believe?

"Alexander Hamilton noted that, historically, countries have been founded by 'accident and force' but America was an opportunity to found a nation by 'reflection and choice.'" p. 8

"Thus America's influence in the world, unlike Europe's, was not based on conquest but rather on attraction to American ideals and the American way of life."  p.8

I remember, from the movie, D'souza talking with a border guard. D'souza suggested that it must be a tough job keeping people from crossing the border of America into Mexico. D'souza asked that question a few different ways, each time getting the same answer: "No." No problems in keeping people from slipping into Mexico? No, not once.

It makes me smile.

Another man D'souza talked to was Mexican. D'souza discussed America having "stole" Mexico and only having given part of it back. "If we gave the rest back, would you move back to Mexico?"

"No."

America isn't perfect. We are a nation made up of sinners like anywhere else. But, there has to be something good here, or why are so many migrating to our lands?

Just saying . . . maybe we need to wonder and ask that if the America founded by our forefathers is worth coming to, is it worth fighting for?

Thinking and Growing,
Lonnie

VILLIANNESS RICH?

"I make no apologies for the fact that I am considered one of the rich in this nation, but I am proud of the fact that our single largest annual expense (excluding taxes) is charitable contributions, and I happen to know that that is the case with many of our persnal friends who are also well-to-do."
Ben Carson with Candy Carson
America The Beautiful
Zondervan 
p. 76

I've held a pretty consistent bitterness, through some tough years, toward rich people--those rich enough to buy new and those rich enough not to worry. I've been hurt by some who judged me by the street I lived on; that's true. Self-pity played its part. So did my upbringing.

If someone was rich, they were probably crooked too: Like the doctor who never does quite everything needed to get you better--so he can keep charging you for office calls and services. Or, that family that looks rich: it's all on a charge card (1960s). In my household, rich people were suspect. 

If I'd read Carson's books earlier, I'd have held him suspect too. "He doesn't understand. My circumstances are different." Self-pity and victim-hood would have prevailed. 

When Ray got hurt on the job, early in our marriage, we fought for workman's compensation--and lost. I suppose I did feel entitled. Workman's comp is an insurance that's paid for. Yet, they discovered at age 27, that Ray had a genetic issue. Never bothered him before, but . . .

We ended up on welfare. I'll tell you, by the time you jump through their hoops, you feel darn entitled! You've earned whatever paltry dollars and food stamps you get.

That being said, one of Ben Carson's buzz words is work. I hope to write him one day, to agree but to share why it took me so long to believe.

With Ray unable to work, I tried selling Fuller Brush door to door. I gained little more than bounced checks. Following Ray's job change, but another injury, I tried McDonalds. They paid me enough to have someone, besides me, care for our children. Every dollar I earned decreased our welfare in like measure. It didn't seem "work" worked for me. When Ray got a job he could do, we took a cut in pay from welfare. Had they just left us with medical assistance for small children prone to strep and ear infections, it would have been a tremendous help.

As it turned out, we got snarky shame-filled comments from medical receptionists. "You might have to give up movies, or skating, or . . . " People do those things?  I wanted to say. Instead, I cried.

That further rooted my bitterness toward the comfortable and wealthy. BUT . . .
I'm changing. As I've read books these last couple years, I've begun to recognize how many rich people have poured into, and continue to pour into our nation . . . and to help the disadvantaged with medical help and education. 

I haven't read a lot of rags-to-riches stories, but I'm especially appreciative of Carson's. Because of the way his mother responded to their situation, I believe he "does" understand both sides.

I, in my entitlement mentality, would tax the rich to give more to the poor. But I understand now why the wealthy take their businesses outside our borders. They don't get taxed to death (punished for their hard work) in other countries. They take their money to a safe place. Unfortunately, they take jobs with them--jobs we need! 

I understand, among some rich, there is the greed factor. There is the slave labor piece. At this time, I can't speak to that. But I consider the Serenity Prayer thoughts. What can I change? What can't I change? For the time being, what I can change or at least work toward is how I vote. I will no longer vote toward socialist measures--the Robin Hood mentality of taking from the rich to give to the poor. (Understand, I also wouldn't vote for corporate welfare and loopholes.) There are flaws in capitalism; but if it encourages work and ingenuity, I think it's a good place to start. I believe there are opportunities for us all; encouragement is what we need.

More Later. Till then . . . 
EverGrowing,
Lonnie 

RAMBLINGS, CONVICTIONS, AND HOPE

"We never argue. But every now and then, we have intense moments of fellowship."
Jeff and Shari Easter/Gaither DVDs

Going from memory rather than offering an exact quote, the thought surely applies to Ray and I . . . particularly in the area of politics. In years of Presidential elections, we can barely talk.

Ironically, we are on the same page. We are in agreement about the candidates. We agree on the issues, for the most part. He has even, with help of others, changed my views on gun control.

The conflict centers on HOPE or lack thereof.

As evidenced by this blog, I've been reading political books. Nook, fortunately, allows readers to download "samples." Different than being tied to a store, one can peruse those samples at their leisure. Sitting at McDonalds, I downloaded several samples. I began to read one that warned Americans of our downward spiral, of the possibility of becoming a second or third world nation. I felt fear rising.

I reminded myself that I was reading a "sample." A different outlook could unfold with the passing pages. But . . .

Here's where my thoughts went: "If seemingly good men add no hope to the warning of the United States going bankrupt or becoming a third world country, what's the point!!!? If the author offers no solutions or no possibilities of turning the tide, why bother? The fear that would result would only further bring our country down.

Ray sort of leans to the side of blame and no hope; or so it seems to me. When he tells me Congress always does this, or people discover someone is bad and yet continue to vote them back in, I say (to him, for me), "BUT GOD . . . "

God is bigger! God has a plan! It may be for our discipline. It may be hard---very hard. But I can't lose sight of hope. I just can't live there.

Yet, while Ray and I participated in some "intense fellowship," another conviction surfaced in my heart: Has Satan distracted me? Has a spirit of holy determination planted itself within my heart, yet become distorted? While fighting not to lose my freedom to worship God, have I forgotten God? Has what started as fighting for my faith become fighting for my country? Neither of those is bad or wrong--unless my eyes wander from God. Unless I begin to take on this battle like it is something "I" can win.

The difference is so sublte--that of fighting for God or fighting with God. That of doing what I believe God would have me to do; BUT trusting Him with the outcomes. 

Maybe somethings are too far gone to be reversed. Maybe these are what we consider "end times" and our hope must be eternity-centered. The Jews believed Jesus was going to free them from the domination of Rome. To some degree, that is our hope. We can certainly pray and work toward that end. BUT . . . GOD! 

God, whatever Your plan, give me the heart, strength, and courage to cooperate. Help me continually recognize that Your ways are not my ways. When it feels like the world is falling in around me, help me to HOPE--and help me to pass it on.

EverGrowing,
Lonnie  

KNOWLEDGE, HARD WORK, FREEDOM

"The founders also believed that education is crucial to offering checks and balances to governing leaders' power. Otherwise, the insidious loss of freedom, quite relevant to us today, will follow." 

Ben Carson, M.D.

America the Beautiful   Zondervan 2012

p. 65

 

Two oft repeated thoughts in Carson's book center around knowledge and hard work. Education doesn’t necessarily need to be formal. Throughout the last few years, I’ve heard over and over: Read, read, read. Read what interests you. Read what concerns you. I don’t typically read political books, but I am concerned—for America, for the Church’s fading effectiveness and influence, for the loss of religious freedoms, and for my own growth. So—I read. So—I write.

I missed, in growing up, the value of hard work. Of course, it was expected of me but I don’t believe it was presented to me with a tone of future or hope. In hindsight, I would have loved to have heard, “You can do anything! Dream big! Work hard! It’s worth it! You’ll be glad you did.”   

Ben Carson, not without some parental motivation, found hope and possibilities in books. (which I am finding in his) As he read about inventors (one of my personal favorites), explorers, industrial leaders, and entrepreneurs, he discovered a commonality—the desire to work hard in order to accomplish something.

I found, in inventors and colonial Americans, determination and endurance; a perseverance that would not let them give up. Surely, some did give up. Were they to be recognized in history, it might well be for being plagued by regrets and lack of fulfillment. Were we to interview them, we might detect blame or a victim mentality (attitudes I’m too familiar with). Dr. Carson would say to that:

“From all I observed around me growing up and all I read, I quickly realized that, in spite of the circumstances affecting you, the person who had the most to do with what happened to you in life was you.” (America The Beautiful  p. 68)

I wish I’d read those thoughts a few decades ago, but I’m trusting that God has brought them across my path, now, for a reason; maybe to share with you. I’d have never imagined myself to understand anything political or historical. But again, God. “For such a time as this” He has given me understanding and passion. I’m excited to see what He is going to do with it. If it’s for no other reason than for me to know that I’ve not gone down without a fight, so be it.

“By remaining ignorant,” writes Carson, “we shirk our democratic duty and open ourselves to slick politicians who usurp our rights. Some of the segments of our society who are most easily led astray are those with the poorest general education, which makes one wonder if those seeking political advantage are happy to maintain the status quo in order that the uneducated might be more easily manipulated.”

America The Beautiful  p. 65

Maybe you feel like it’s too late for you; too late to accomplish anything, too late to become involved, too late to have any impact in our/your world. It’s never too late. And for sure, not too late to pass it on—to grandchildren, neighbors, to generations that follow you.

EverGrowing,

Lonnie

EDUCATION!

"Reorganizing American education is a priority on a level with containing the war on terrorism, for it is just as essencial to national and economic security."

Tom Brokaw
The Time of Our Lives
Random House 2011


I know it should be a no-brainer; but somehow I missed it. Education is important!

My brother got straight A's all through highschool, even though he took one more class per semester than was required. You can't waste intelligence like that. He went to college.

I wanted to be a writer--or an x-ray tech, or lab tech. I ended up in beauty school. In several ways, it has served me well. It put me in the right place and the right time to meet my husband. That's a huge plus!

However, he was injured early in our marriage. So, when we talked about college to our children, it was with this attitude: "if you want to go to school, you'll have to earn your own way." My attitude should have been, "You can do anything you want if you are willing to work for it."

Tom Brokaw writes about Anthony Smith, a principal at Taft High School, and Jack Cassidy, a CEO of Cincinnati Bell. They made clear their heightened expectations for both teachers and students. The school's transformation drew students from outside the neighborhood. "Taft's graduation rate in ten years went from 21 percent to more than 95 percent. Proficiency in math and reading jumped to 95 percent in the same period." (The Time of Our Lives p. 47) I've run across other such stories. I'm always encouraged. We have some fantastic teachers who truly care for those in their charge.

The Other Wes Moore, a book Brokaw writes about captured my interest. Two men, named Wes Moore, who lived within blocks of each other, ended up on completely different paths: One a Rhodes scholar and one in prison. Were I to summarize the reason, after reading the book, I'd say education and a great mom. A mom who handled the temptations teens face with wisdom. I would pass that same compliment onto Mrs. Carson.

Ben Carson, M.D., renown neurosurgeon, came out of a single parent home and one of poverty. Those circumstances usually play out quire differently: welfare, crime, or minimum wage jobs. Education and a "can do" attitude changed the score. His mom didn't just give up when Ben and his brother brought home poor report cards. She shut off the TV and required they read two books a week. Of course, neither liked that at first. She wanted a  better life for them and she knew education was critical for that to happen.

Carson shares a bold truth in, America The Beautiful: "The very fact that powerful men in the South went to great lengths to prevent slaves from gaining an education makes it clear that they fully understood how empowering education can be. That fact alone should encourage anyone who is poor, weak, and/or powerless to direct all their energy toward obtaining an education." (emphasis mine)
(p. 57/p. 60--Nook)

I wish I could get my heart out on this page. I didn't realize how important education was; I thought it was meant for a select few. . . those born with an extra measure of intelligence; those with money. I'm learning that this isn't true. Anyone willing to work, or ask for help may attend college or a trade school that expresses their interests. I am also learning that, in this age where much physical labor is being replaced by technology, additional schooling is critical.

 Ben Carson came to love learning. Me too, once I started reading.  Education, be it formal or informal, adds richness and security to our lives; and I believe strengthens our nation, as well. 

I suspect I'll touch on education, again. Till then . . . 

EverGrowing,
Lonnie

TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION

"With all their backbreaking hard work, they felt it unfair to have a significant portion of the fruits of their labors confiscated by a government that neither represented their interests nor respected their freedom."

Ben Carson, M.D.
America The Beautiful
Zondervan Publishing 2012
p. 19

Escalating taxes without interests being represented and without respect for freedom. I find the similarities quite striking between Great Britain of old and the current U.S.

If we-the-people vote something down, it no longer means anything--unless it's pay-offs, manipulation, or adding the "no" to a bill that would be inhumane to vote anything but yes for.

Many young people (and others) have given up on voting. They determine either that their vote doesn't matter, or that all choices are equally bad. I understand. I, too, am tempted. But I fear that not voting invites a dictatorship; and that not necessarily overnight.

Ben Carson reminds us that some of Britain's subjects felt a fight for freedom was too risky. They preferred to hold on to their current benefits. I, too, am fearful and a low risk taker. But, I'm old enough now to have seen progressive losses.

So . . . we don't fight (protest, speak out, write editorials or our elected officials) for fear of losing benefits, freedoms, or friends. My dear citizen, unless we exhibit courage and strength, we could well lose them anyway.

Matthew 24:43 tells us that "if the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into."

We are watching. Do we misunderstand? Are we going to "watch" them walk off with our money to support things against our better judgment and our morals? Will we watch them walk off with our freedom of religion? Our freedom of speech?

Do we think they're borrowing our freedom and will return it in the condition with which we gave it to them?

I don't think so.

EverGrowing,
Lonnie

GATHERING HOPE

Most conversations concerning our government leave me with an overwhelming sense of fear or a sick feeling of hopelessness. I can't hide in a closet or stuff my ears with silly putty (or worship music); but neither can I survive in a constant state of anger and fear.

I, who flunked every quiz on current events; who barely passed history and geography seem an unlikely candidate for books on politics. And I don't possess an ounce of activism. But that's where I am these days. 

If these are the End Times, I don't feel right just sucumbing to the evil forces directing it. If, the Church and the nation can be restored to what they were meant to be, I want to, at least, be knowledgable enough to pray. Better yet, I hope to be a purveyer of truth and hope. 

Let me begin with a recommended reading list:

America The Beautiful by Ben Carson, M.D.
One Nation by Ben Carson, M.D.
Christ Among Other gods by Erwin W. Lutzer
Where Was God? (Lutzer)
Seven Reasons Why You Can Trust The Bible (Lutzer)
Falling In Love With America Again by Jim DeMint
Times of Our Lives by Tom Brokaw
The Bible

I'm excited about what I'm learning. Hope you will come along.

EverGrowing,
Lonnie