Every day I see fb posts from people who say the election is over; it’s time to shut up and move on.  Well, the election is over, but I still love this country and the principles that America stands for. I’m still a proud American who appreciates the sacrifices that have been made to achieve the freedom and justice we enjoy today.  And I’m still a Christian who strives each day to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with my God.  And I intend to continue standing up for the things I love and making my voice heard when I see those things being threatened, especially when they’re threatened by duly elected officials. SC

The fact is: while some facts may be subject to debate and alternative interpretations, others represent Truth, which is indisputable. SC

This is not a time to be silent and blame others.

Whether our President is Donald Trump or Howdy Doody, there are strings attached. The President’s authority is subject to the will of the people. Our democratic republic provides all variety of safeguards in order to assure that no branch of government, including the Executive branch, ignores the voices of our electorate. Through the access available to us through the Legislative branch, our senators and our congressmen, we the people continue to pull the strings, and are ultimately responsible for our government and its effectiveness. If our government runs amuck, we have no one to blame but ourselves. Be peaceful, civil and respectful, but be vigilant, and honor your responsibility as a citizen.  This is not a time to be silent and blame others. SC   

I was planning another political post for today, but I’m old and tired and not prepared to be held in contempt beyond the level I have already achieved. Be careful out there, and gentle. SC

Christ intended his message as an olive branch, and far too many use it as a cudgel. SC

Inauguration Day, 2017

Picture a donkey and an elephant, joined at the hip and sharing vital organs.  It’s unavoidably ungainly and not particularly attractive, but it’s how democracy works. Our hope, our destiny and our challenge are to work together.  Our unity is essential to our success. SC

Best dust off your Bible

We’re cautioned against consuming the contents of our Bible cafeteria style, meaning, selecting only our favorite morsels and disregarding the rest. While I don’t disagree with that admonition, the truly essential ingredient in scripture is Christ’s message of hope, faith and charity. If taken outside the context of Christ’s message of love, many scriptures can be easily misconstrued. There are far too many people in the world today who’ve been led to believe that being gut-wrenchingly conservative is essentially the same thing as following the Savior. Suffice it to say, I respectfully disagree. In my humble opinion, if your actions don’t show Christ’s compassion and mercy, best dust off your Bible, because you’re not following Christ. SC

Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream.

It’s much the same dream that began in the minds and hearts of America’s Founding Fathers. It’s a vision, a hope, a goal and a passion which began to materialize when our forefathers first set foot on the shores of this remarkable country. It’s alive and well today in the hearts of many. It’s The American Dream.  It’s a belief that people of every conceivable faith, origin, and ethnicity can join together and find peace, acceptance, common purpose, and strength through that diversity, and in doing so, form a government of, by, and for a people, unified by their diverse faiths and their mutual pursuit of liberty and justice for all. It’s dedicated to the proposition that all people are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, and that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  Many have dedicated their lives to this proposition. It’s a proposition that a person could proudly die for. It’s the dream of a society where each and every individual has the right and the responsibility to pursue and participate in policies and practices which assure fair and equitable treatment of all their fellow citizens. It’s a vision of, not just a shining city on a hill, but an entire country where devoted citizens appreciate their own liberty, uphold and defend the liberty of others, and dedicate themselves to the great and noble task before us, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.  SC

A SOUND INVESTMENT

Silence is invariably a sound investment,

& rarely subject to the volatility of the market. 

SC

Shan and Pat

2017 TESTIMONY and RESOLUTION

The very first day of 2017 is probably a good time to once again share my testimony. I’m a proud American and an unapologetic follower of Christ. I believe in doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God, and I respect the rights of others to walk with theirs. I’m blessed to be a citizen of a country that cherishes and upholds the principles of liberty and justice for all. I am not called as a follower of Christ to force others to conform to my view of morality. I’m called to walk the path I’m given in the light I’m given, and to share that light with those who’ll have it. If you glimpse in any of my humble and imperfect efforts the reflection of a merciful and compassionate Savior and follow Christ as a result, I’m gratified. If you do not, that’s my shortcoming not yours.

I believe many would agree that 2016 has been a long, tumultuous, transitional year.  It remains to be seen what that transition will produce. In any case, our challenge in 2017 is to salve our expectations of what might have been, and reconcile ourselves to what is. With that in mind, what are my expectations, resolutions, and goals for the New Year? Throughout my life, I’ve had the good fortune of membership in some remarkably successful and rewarding groups and clubs.  In each instance, these groups had several things in common. They were comprised of people who were prepared to set goals, participate, and achieve results, with the expectation that they would pay dues based on their ability, and share equally in the responsibilities and the benefits. They were dedicated to addressing the needs of every member, and the greater good of the group. Each member agreed to adhere to basic rules of civil behavior, and each group selected members, officers, or representatives who were given authority to enforce the rules and pursue the goals of the group. When followed, this simple arrangement can prove successful on any level, whether the group is family, community, city, state, or national. Sadly, there are always those who abuse the privilege of membership by thwarting the efforts of other members and refusing to pay their dues, while taking full advantage of the benefits.  My goal in 2017 is to pay my dues, exercise responsible stewardship and citizenship, continue my support for civic minded citizens, and pay forward the benefits of being an American. I wish you a happy, healthy, harmonious 2017. SC