Freedom: For Us or From Ourselves?

Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. How powerful is that? Apparently so powerful that most of us cannot grasp it. The other end of this spectrum seems to be that where the spirit of religion or differing viewpoints is, there is condemnation.

We as Americans love to tout living in a free country. We tie so much of our national and cultural identity into this “freedom.” Yet, we still draw lines in the sand over politics, religion, race and a host of other things.  As Christians, we talk about people being “set free” and there being freedom in Christ, yet so many times we won’t express this freedom without a follow-up on how this new freedom should look or act.

What if we lived and conducted ourselves like we really believed in freedom? How would that look? What if we all really believed that as long as another’s actions didn’t cause direct harm to another individual, then they are free to do as they choose? What if we weren’t so threatened by another’s viewpoint, opinions, or expressions?

The Israelites witnessed God reign down plagues on Egypt. They saw God part the Red Sea on their behalf. They saw him provide miraculous meals in the desert. Yet, as soon as they entered the promised land they couldn’t help but beg for a king. Why? Did God not tell them he wanted to be their king? How is this not enough?

That same question is relevant for all of us today. Both as a nation and in the Christian church. Why do we continue to expect the answer for our country to come from the next politician, yet we continue to re-elect all of the same people we’re supposedly disgusted with?

What if the bigger problem is us?  What if we’re turning our politicians, pastors, beliefs, ideals and even our nation into our God?

What if the secret to being free isn’t about others oppressing us at all? What if it’s really about being free from ourselves? Free to be connected with our Creator. Free to be who He made us to be?

It’s so hard to believe God. So hard to take Him at His word. What about the problems in my marriage? The sickness of a family member? The betrayal of a friend? My own inability to break a bad habit or behavior. Does this mean God isn’t faithful?

My pastor, who is also a friend, recently delivered a message to our church about grace. Not the standard grace message, rather one with depth, conviction and what certainly seemed to be an anointing of the presence of God. The whole message dealt with what the sacrifice of Jesus Christ meant to each one of us on a personal level. The real power behind it. The truth is, grace is power. I invite you to listen to the message here: Pathway Longview message from Pastor Marty Strait

I listened to the message twice as my family and I attended the Saturday service and I ushered for our eleven o’clock Sunday service. What I observed from my seat in the back of the room on Sunday was so telling. Had the message been a rousing Bible-thumping attack against specific sins (especially those that opposed the majority of our congregation) then I doubt you’d have been able to quell the “amen”, “hallelujah”, and various other declarations of agreement and support. On the other hand, had the message been full of pie-in-the-sky Hippie Jesus, all is cool, awesome and God wants to reign blessing down on you right now and make you a comfortable millionaire then I imagine an equally warm reception. Probably even some misty-eyed nods of agreement.

However, when you start telling people the God-truth of the sacrifice of His son Jesus, and what that means to each us: That we can trust Him. That we can believe Him. That He really can handle each and every situation. Well, that just makes people squirm. Our minds go to all the times we’ve had an unanswered prayer. The times when we lost someone too soon. The times that someone else’s poor behavior and choices wreaked havoc in our lives. Believing and trusting in Jesus is hard. Does this mean that the problem is God?

As our pastor commonly reminds us, many churches choose to create a new theology or excuse for why things didn’t happen the way we believe they should. A way to excuse us from believing for healing and other miracles. Believing God and taking Him at His word are hard, even for the church. Maybe at times, even more so for much of the Church.

Should we have all the answers? Would that be faith? Would that be believing? Is that trust? If we did have all the answers, wouldn’t that essentially make us God? Oh, there it is. Most of us continue to try to be our own God. Not intentionally. The enemy is good. Really good. Read your Bible. He’s conned the best of the best who saw the best of what God had to offer and still allowed themselves to be persuaded into not trusting God. Like a lion looking to steal, kill and destroy.

Take heart. No matter how much destruction that enemy causes in your life, you’re still no further from God. Why? Because your standing with God has nothing to do with you or what you’ve done and everything to do with Christ and what He’s done.

What if we start believing Him?

What if we as Americans and even more so we as Christians stop being so thin-skinned and insecure to the point of alienating those inside or even outside our ranks who may see things or even behave differently that we do? I’m not asking anyone to accept nor ignore sin, but I am saying the blood and grace of Jesus Christ is the only way it will ever be defeated and made right. The same grace that saved you is available to each and every person.

It’s time to stop being THAT Christian. The church hopper. The take-my-toys-and-go-home Christian. The overall offended Christian. The you’re going to Hell for that Christian. The God is mad at you Christian. If you continue to find yourself offended, the problem probably isn’t everyone else. I think it’s safe to say your mirror has a clear picture of the problem.

It’s time to stop being THAT American. The get out of my country American. The enlightened American that sits on a condemning high horse of who believes the Constitution the most. The American who is more concerned with who respects our flag the most above how much we love one another. Stop putting your patriotism above your willingness to follow Christ.

To be clear, I’m not saying I myself don’t have strong opinions about these and many other issues. I very much do, but they’re opinions. I’ve come too far and been too forgiven to hold onto a my-way-or-the-highway approach to those I’m trying to connect with and reach.

Just trust Him. For everything, in everything. When it hurts and when it’s pleasant. In lack and in abundance. In sickness and in health. Don’t accept the lies, the hurt, the sickness, the brokenness. Trust His word and His promises. Wake up every morning knowing God isn’t mad at you. He’s good. He’s faithful. He loves you. Nothing that happens catches Him by surprise, adjusts His mood, or causes Him to panic. Let’s press in more and more until we’re like that, too.

We should all thank be very thankful that while others see us from the outside, Jesus sees us from the inside. Where it matters most. It’s how He works, from the inside out. So while you, me, or anyone else may stand in judgement or condemnation over outward behavior, only one truly knows and justly judges. Thank God for that, because we always know where we stand when we put our faith in His sacrifice: Holy, righteous and redeemed.

Is that an excuse for sin or a justification for poor behavior? In the words of the Apostle Paul, “God forbid.” It’s simply meant to level the playing field. Just believe and trust in His word. It works if you’ll let it.

For Restrooms, There Is No Identity Crisis

Some days I wonder if we’ve gone too far. You know, past the point of no return. Have we reached the precipice, where not only is common sense not too common, but it’s not even valued? Has political correctness run amok finally managed to strangle any semblance of being an overall sane and socially stable nation?

These questions stem from the recent cases of transgender students and their desire, and accommodation, to use restroom facilities in high schools located in Virginia, Ohio and Missouri. Has it come to this, really?

I get it, some people are troubled. Some people no doubt, legitimately suffer from the confusion of gender identity. Although, to be honest, being confused doesn’t change truth. The test to know whether or not you are male or female, in 99.9% of cases, is a pretty easy one. If you’re not familiar with it, ask a friend. I’m sure they can help you.

I could get off track on this, but that isn’t the point of this particular blog. I do believe that no matter how confused someone is, they are still a person. They are to be respected, and as Christians, we are called to love them. This is pretty cut and dry. Having issues with which gender they “identify” with isn’t grounds to torment, bully or even discriminate against them.

Herein lies the problem. In our oversensitive, begging for offense, lost liberal wonderland of no absolutes, people actually believe that denying a person the right to use the wrong restroom is discrimination. Dear God, we’ve all gone cross-eyed.

In case you didn’t know, I’ll help clarify: If you have a penis, you use the boys/men’s restroom commonly labeled with the international symbol for males found on restrooms worldwide. If in fact you have a vagina, you then use the restroom labeled with the international symbol of a female. To the ire of feminists everywhere, this symbol is a figure with a dress. This helps us know it’s a woman. Don’t worry, I’m sure that’s already under attack.

You see, these basic identifiers help answer these questions very clearly. To sum it up: Male parts, male restroom. Female parts, female restroom. How hard is this to grasp?

Had this debate been around in any previous time throughout the history of our great nation, I’m sure there would have been many pubescent boys who suddenly were confused when restroom time rolled around. In what warped, bizarre world are we asking parents to allow their daughters to use the same restroom as a boy, complete with penis, in the name of not discriminating?

When you refuse to allow girls to feel secure in the restroom around other girls and boys to use restrooms with other boys, aren’t you in fact discriminating against those who aren’t confused? Does it make any sense to disrupt the entire restroom structure as we’ve always known it to accommodate .03% of the population? Anyone tapping into their brain to process this knows the answer. Unless of course their radical liberal agenda has clouded their sense of reason.

No matter if the person in question identifies as male, female, puppy, kitten (kids do often identify as puppies and kittens, you know?) or tarantula, the litmus test is to use the restroom with those who have the same equipment. There, problem solved.

If those in our school systems, charged with educating our children to become the future of our nation, aren’t capable of this common sense conclusion, then we’re doomed. I hate to go all Glen Beck panic-mode on you, but you read that right: Doomed! When we don’t even know what’s male or female anymore then there is nothing we do know. Nothing.

Regardless of what slanted “science” may say, we’re not doing any favors to those who suffer, or anyone else, when we refuse to embrace moral and absolute truth. They won’t tell you about the tragic heightened chances of depressions and suicide that accompany gender reassignment surgery. None of that matters to PC police. Only your right to self-identify.

I’m not a doctor but I don’t have to be to know the answer here. Your sexuality doesn’t define you, period. If you’re male, you’re male. If you’re female, you’re female. If you’re black you’re black and if you’re white, you’re white. How you “identify” doesn’t change reality. Trust me. I identify as a best-selling author and owner of several successful businesses now relaxing in his beachside cabana in Belize. Yet, here I sit in my home, in Texas, working on another blog.

I’m not at all suggesting that any “transgender” person should be treated as less than anyone else. I’m not saying they aren’t people with feelings worthy of being loved. They absolutely are. However, love is not lying to people and it’s certainly not allowing them to pick and choose rules and standards as they see fit.

When it comes to who uses what restroom, the answer couldn’t be any clearer or simple. If we’re in a parallel universe that doesn’t’ grasp this, next thing you know, Donald Trump will be leading candidate for the GOP nomination. Wait…

The only exception to this we should be willing to offer a temporary accommodation for would be females who identify as male and would like to make a run at using the urinals. Good luck, girls.

Dear Christians, We Suck

Dear Christians,

We suck! I apologize for being so blunt, but we really do. Maybe not you personally, although I’m sure you have your faults, but as a whole, we really suck. (Romans 3:10, Mark 7:21-23)

Why do I say this? Because Christians are important to me. They are my family. Even the crazy uncle. I can also often be part of the problem, so lest you think I’m pointing fingers only outward, please know I am well aware of my own shortcomings and how I too fit into this equation.
On one hand, I feel this way because it seems we’re failing, but oddly enough my concern is not that we’re failing but how we’re failing. We’ve gotten sidetracked. Somewhere along the way, perhaps the entire journey, we’ve become so self-righteous we’ve made this all about us. We get stuck on behavior modification when condemning sin, we put condemning sin ahead of loving others, and we worry so much about our rights and freedoms (we Christians here in the USA, primarily) that we often trample others in order to insure them. We must remember, this is all contrary to Christ. How can we carry His banner if none of us are willing to endure any suffering, unfairness or persecution? (John 3:17)
Does this mean we shouldn’t speak up in love and truth or in regards to laws that are also meant to protect us? In the words of the apostle Paul, “God forbid”. Those aren’t his exact words but my Greek is terrible.

How often did Christ focus on pointing out how unfair everything was? I must have missed that part.
You see, here in these United States us Christians have had it so good for so long that we’ve become a lazy, entitled lot, shrouded in comfort and convenience. We’ve hidden behind our stained glass, beautiful churches and comfortable accommodations long enough to think it’s okay to pop in on Sunday, mooch off the pastor’s message, give him an “Amen!” and then head home and back to the routine to do it again the next Sunday. To be fair, some of us overachievers make sure we fill a pew on Wednesday too.

Our God loves an underdog as evidenced by the story of the Israelites. Time and again we see the Israelites blessed into comfort, only to squander it away. Comfort breeds complacency. Complacency breeds apathy. Once we turn onto Apathy Lane, we’re off course. A Christian cannot be apathetic. It’s contrary to the Great Commission. It’s contrary to Christ.
The message of Christ is actually a message of servanthood and sacrifice (Matthew 20:28). So how can we all be so strong on rhetoric yet remain so weak on servanthood and love? Do you look around and see Christians routinely visiting low-income areas, orphans, and widows as often as you see them railing against government, sin and the persecution of Christians here in our country (which is laughably defined as persecution in comparison to the rest of the world)? Do we do anything to enact actual change or do we just complain and complain loudly? Are we really acting as the hands and feet of anything, let alone Christ?

Some of us are. Oddly enough, those that come to mind serve humbly and quietly and embody love above all else. It’s through love that they change hearts and lead souls to Jesus. What if that were all of us? (www.lightofthevillage.org)

I blog, as I’m doing now in the form of a letter to you, my fellow Christians. I commonly meet opposition on various topics from the recent Planned Parenthood video revelations, to various political and social issues.  In some cases, this opposition is vile and insulting. In my human nature, I’d love to tell my detractors exactly what comes to mind. I’d love to tell them what a low down, morally bankrupt, lunatic, sinful excuse for a being they really are…But God. It could be, has been and probably will be me again at some point in the future, when I make yet another mistake. Love. God loves me through it. God shows me grace and mercy and is more concerned about my heart than my behavior. Shouldn’t that provide me with grace and a blueprint to extend to others?

My brothers and sisters, when we make it all about where we stand and all about behavior, we miss the most extraordinary message of our Lord and Savior. The God who loved King David through his adulterous and murderous act. The God who loved Noah through his drunkenness. The God who used Moses in spite of his murderous rage. The God who saved a judgmental and persecution happy Saul.

Let us all come to grips with reality. Our world is morally bankrupt because the human race is morally bankrupt. Is this a surprise or do we believe the word of God? Those who don’t know Christ are disconnected from their purpose, their Creator and their destiny. They will not see, hear and understand as we do. If we play by their rules, we will continue to fail. If we play by Christ’ rules we will walk with Him in a victory we all know is won. (1 Corinthians 5:12)

Is being right more important than being love? Is being right more important than being salt or light? Can we do all these while still standing in truth? Absolutely. As long as we always use Christ as the compass and the Holy Spirit as our guide, then our fruit will speak for itself, even in the midst of persecution. (Matthew 7:16)

How do we really claim to have faith when it costs us nothing to acquire or maintain? Isn’t faith only faith when we use it to stand in the midst of something where we stand to lose everything? Doesn’t faith cost us something? Isn’t it what we are called to stand on? (Luke 6:28, Matthew 5:44)

Our time is coming. Our nation is shifting. For various reasons, many self-inflicted, our world wants to hear less and less from us. So be it. If they want to hear less, show them more. It’s our time to shine. We know our God will not be mocked. We know our God will reign (Galatians 6:7, Psalm 146:10). It’s time we act like it.

Am I saying we should abandon reason and be silenced in the face of adversity? Absolutely not. I am simply making the observation, that if we do not learn to be more about doing the Father’s business than we are talking about the Father’s business, we are failing the lost and ourselves. If we don’t learn that a spirit of love must be the force behind all we do, then we will continue to hurt more than help.

I personally would like to see more of us who use this measure to speak up and speak out. Let’s stop pointing fingers and start being an example. Let’s stop the take our toys and go home, pout up and pitch a fit mentality just because this is not easy. Let’s dig in and love the unlovable and reach the unreachable. After all, it’s not our power we walk in but the power of the One who lives inside us. (1 John 4:4)

Let’s get over ourselves and understand our God doesn’t need us. He chooses us. He desires relationship with us. We don’t change hearts, we spread His love. He handles the rest. Let us remember to always make sure we’re pointing the way to Jesus and not ourselves. Our actions and rhetoric often paint a very different picture than the one we think we’re presenting.

Take heart, Christian family. We know who wins. We know who is in control. We should also know that persecution gives us a beautiful opportunity to showcase our faith, trust, and hope in Jesus Christ our Lord. Perhaps that’s what scares so many of us…The rubber meets the road.

Discussing issues, be they politics, social or otherwise is not inherently wrong for us to engage in. In fact, we should engage in them. What we should be most mindful of is how and why. Is it for our ego, our pride, our rights, or to be right? It’s acceptable and encouraged to speak and point to truth, just remember the why and how.

So today, let’s all move forward from our thin-skin and insecurity. God doesn’t need us being offended on His behalf. Everyone has a choice, ultimately, and we want to insure we are part of that olive branch, not a hindrance to it.

Please, don’t lose me here. We can do this. We can be better, but only if there is more of Him and less of us.

Let’s get busy being the hands and feet. Let’s continue in prayer that His kingdom come and His will be done. Let’s use the Spirit that abides in us, to usher the Kingdom of Heaven right back to this earth. I pray we may all be more concerned with salt and light than wrong and right.

God Bless,

Your Broken, Sinful, REDEEMED Brother-In-Christ

Unfortunately, Government Is A Reflection of It’s People

Who doesn’t love a good rant against our deeply divided, flawed and broken government? Exactly. We all do. It is very clear for all of us to see the disregard for the hard working, taxpaying citizens of our country. Blatant hypocrisy, borderline and often time clear criminal behavior, the lowest levels of integrity, self-preservation and self-promotion. You name it and our disgusting government has come to exemplify it.

It is quite disheartening and downright frustrating. To make matters worse, we have the exact government we deserve. Yes, you read that right. Government is a reflection of its people and ours is showing us the man in the mirror. We are exactly where we deserve to be. In the words of the American philosopher, Robert James Ritchie, “You get what you put in and people get what they deserve.”

Our elected officials are as divided as we are as a nation. Our elected officials are as arrogant and entitled as we are as a people. Our elected officials have lead our country down the path to the very same type of debt-laden finances as we the people are exhibiting in our very own private lives. Our elected officials have the very same flaws we all do. We all suffer the same conditions of the heart.

We’ve become a people easily manipulated, divided and controlled. Watch the news. Read your social media newsfeed. Read the local paper. Look at our congressmen and president.

No matter which side of the fence you sit on, the majority of Americans were sold on a president for “Hope and Change”. A president who would reach across party lines and work for the good of all. No one can honestly say that has happened. If you do, then you’re drunk on the party Kool-Aid and that’s not a surprise. Many of us are, on both sides.

We’re in the midst of 8 years of a president who has failed to deliver any hope and change and has even determined how his administration would enforce current federal law on matters of immigration. The IRS has become his personal enforcement arm. The American people can’t get an honest investigation into Hillary Clinton and 55,000 deleted emails that are legitimate government property yet the minute Planned Parenthood is exposed for the disgusting taxpayer funded organization that is now the face of our country’s turn a blind eye approach to the slaughter of over 50 million innocent lives then the organization behind the videos is rumored to be on the verge of investigation by the Department of Justice.

Now, conservatives, it’s your turn to take your medicine. I could write all day about similar instances in the 8 year administration prior to President Obama. This isn’t a new problem although it does seem to become more blatant with each administration.

The past two election cycles have the GOP voter base worked into a frenzy of passion and excitement over two of the biggest frauds to ever claim to be conservative or Republican. One man captured a vast majority of the white Christian conservative voter base in spite of being a Mormon himself. Yes, you read that right too. So called Christians popped up in droves to defend the faith of a Mormon yet decry the alleged Muslim sympathies of the opposition. These are the days we live in.

Fast forward to this looming election and we have so-called conservative voters proclaiming Donald Trump to be our nation’s savior. Lord, help us all. Despite his clear history of support and contribution to Democratic candidates, namely the very candidate who would be his primary opposition should he gain the nomination he seeks, he is now transformed into the great conservative hope. In the America we now live in a man who is pro-abortion, pro-gun control, pro-greed, thrice-divorced and feels he has no reason to ask God for any forgiveness and can blatantly disrespect a Vietnam veteran, POW and war hero with no apology is the candidate that the so-called “conservative” voters are fawning over. The candidate that Christian conservatives are fawning over. What’s wrong with this picture?

Lest, I leave you all depressed by this cold, hard slap into reality, let us all remember one thing. As of now, this is still OUR country. We are a democratic republic. There is hope.

A high percentage of voter turnout in our country for a presidential election is around 60 percent. This means only 6 out of 10 of us as eligible voters care enough about these problems to exude any effort and vote. That’s a “D” in grade school. Most other OECD countries exceed 70% and many are above 80%.

On the local level for mayoral elections many municipalities average as low as 10 percent voter turnout. This proves we get the government we deserve all the way down to the local level.

Non-presidential election cycles have a turnout of approximately 40%. Take into account this is a percentage of registered voters and also includes dead people who frequently vote in our elections along with those who happen to vote more than once, which unfortunately is not uncommon in our elections either. We the people don’t value our right to vote enough and have been easily defeated in this aspect.

To further clarify our dilemma, of the 60% who do vote, what percentage are informed? The above mentioned cases show that clearly voters are not educated and informed in regards to their choices. We too easily buy off on the advertising, propaganda and rhetoric we hear and are fed. It’s a beautiful thing (for the establishment) when two parties can so easily keep people divided for their own preservation. It assures things don’t change for themselves and those at the top.

Whatever the position, as a whole, we’re too quick and too easily swayed. Accuse someone of being Muslim or not having a birth certificate, they flock to the accuser. Accuse someone of “not caring about black people” despite the numerous black Americans in his cabinet, they flock to the other side or dig in and justify their previously held beliefs. We are granted the government we deserve.

Although this is a pie in the sky concept, I would offer that the change starts with each of us. As long as we are quick to judge, condemn, hate, divide, accuse, refuse to compromise and find middle ground, take on more private debt, lie, cheat, and steal then our government will absolutely reflect this. We vote for those we feel are most like us. What scares and angers us all the most is seeing firsthand what that actually looks like.

We have a sin condition, America. Let’s focus on that. “Seek first the kingdom…”

Rather than continue expending so much energy and passion into divisive issues, what if we spent that time, energy and passion committed to helping and loving our fellow man? What a world that would be. What a difference that would make. Imagine Christians determined to show the love of Christ to a dark and broken world, even a world that rejected them. Imagine the country where people like that have a government that is a reflection of those values.

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I Am Offended and the Government Should Stop It From Happening

I’m offended. I’ve been done an injustice. My very happiness has been threatened. To be fair, we were only granted rights that allowed for “the pursuit of happiness” and apparently that loophole makes being a judge fun. However, I’ll soon be taking my list of things that offend me to my city council, county commission, state representatives, congressman, senator and all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary.

My case needs to be heard. No one should be subject to these travesties in any progressive country that truly represents the well-being of its citizens. The following offenses by my fellow countrymen and many illegal aliens have been detrimental to my pursuit and directly infringed on my quality of life:

1) Use of glitter. This abomination, better known as Satan’s dandruff, has been creeping toward world domination for decades. Those who support the use of such a dangerous element in our society have been quietly launching a crusade to ingrain glitter into our culture under the guise of being “for the kids” and “art”. It has no place in our modern world. It is invasive and intrudes on my right to glitter free privacy. Not one veteran of our country has ever gone on record as having fought to defend the use of glitter, nor has one single veteran ever been on record as having personally been a user of glitter. It’s time we put a stop to this madness before not one spec of this promised land remains glitter free.

2) Poor eating habits. We are not a third world country so it’s time we quit eating like it. It is among my inalienable rights to be able to eat or socialize in public without the disgusting, distracting, despicable, reprehensible (ran out of “d” words), grotesque, annoying, and cringe-worthy eating habits found in the general populace. I firmly believe that laws should be enacted that among the first offense of smacking or talking with your mouth full in public a UFC trained law enforcement official punches you in the face. Second offense is incarceration. If I could only count the times I’ve had an otherwise pleasant movie or dinner outing ruined by some deplorable (Hah! Another “d” word!) and apparently starved Neanderthal whose excessive crunching, bits of food or cringe-worthy smacking made me want to scream and tase them with a couple trillion volts then, well, I’d be able to count really high.

3) Males in skinny jeans. Let’s just take a common sense approach here. What if a band of ISIS terrorists storm the beaches on either coast or even the Gulf of Mexico. If all the males have to take up arms immediately to offer resistance, what happens if a group of our armed men run up in skinny jeans? Yes, you guessed it. We lose the fight for several reasons. One, your fellow combatants are laughing too hard to fight. Two, the terrorists only abstain from laughing because terrorists only laugh evil laughs and not for fun so they’re still raging war. Three, our men in their skinny jeans can’t maneuver without being too constricted. Come on, you’ve never seen one combat hero accomplish anything in jeans that tight. Now, I know the case could be made for cowboys but their jeans allow for boots and with boots, well, they make all the difference. My conclusion here is that men wearing skinny jeans support ISIS and weaken our military. Man up, fellas and wear man pants rather than something that looks like you either got them from an egg-shaped canister or you’re trying out for Peter Pan. (As a side note, although Peter Pan is a male character he is often played by females. Why you ask? Because only females will wear those tights!)

4) Being offended. If we had been proactive and already established the Pansy Police we could have avoided so much of this. Stop being offended. We can disagree. It’s okay. People disagreeing does NOT make them a bigot (look it up). People being intolerant of the opinions and ideals of others are bigots. So, people who don’t agree with gay marriage aren’t bigots any more than those who do agree with it. Stop being offended that people actually believe in God and the Bible. Stop being offended that people don’t believe in God and the Bible. Stop being offended over a flag. Stop being offended that a flag was removed from state capitols where it had no business. Everyone get over yourselves. Unless something threatens you physically or otherwise violates your basic human rights (happiness not among them) then SUCK. IT. UP. There are too many of us with too many beliefs. We cannot all agree. You can speak out. You can voice your opinion. However, from here on out, you can no longer be offended. Alright, fair enough. This is impossible. Often offense is a natural reaction and one cannot help it. How about we put it this way: Your being offended means nothing. It gives you no rights and no one should have to alter their behavior due to your offense.

*As a side note to Christians: Our God is not in the least threatened by this or anything else this fallen world has to offer. He knew it was going to happen. You should have too. His Kingdom will still come. Want to know when people will really want to know our God? When we get busy doing and quit just talking. You have every right to state your position in love for God’s children but you do not have a right to be hateful and mean to people. Speak truth in love or it’s not really truth. (Mark 12:30-31)

5) Facebook. While I’m on a roll I may as well tackle this one. Facebook makes it difficult on a beginning blogger that isn’t willing to hand over their credit card number and agree to a daily promotion fee. I can share a blog on my personal page and have it liked and shared 20 times more than the actual The Weekley Blog page. This sucks. You, Facebook, can put ads wherever you want. Your entire premise began as a social network for individuals. Stop limiting my exposure in newsfeeds! So, this one is a tad selfish but I’m okay with that. It’s my right and you’re no longer able to be offended. Here’s how you the reader can help: Like, Share and Invite Friends who have lots of time on their hands, need to be offended or need someone to laugh at/with. Together, we’ll show Facebook Pages who’s boss.

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Candidate for President of the United States of America

Today I’d like to formally announce my intention to seek the Republican (really any party that will have me) nomination for President of the United States of America. This decision has come after much prayer and consideration by myself and my family as well as the encouragement of our close friends (I made that part up. I’m a natural for politics, huh?).

I do not take this responsibility lightly and feel that in light of the fact that the Republican party has committed to the shotgun approach and the Democratic party has already placed a stranglehold on any party members who would dare bring a breath of fresh air and wisdom into this race then I must answer my call to civic duty. It is also true that the White House and its staff would be very much appreciated in terms of domestic tranquility and comfort, should my family and I be the elected benefactors. Mrs. Weekley will most assuredly acclimate and appreciate the amenities offered and since she already possesses a heart for children and those who are hurting I have no doubt that she will make the ideal First Lady.

My platform is simple and aims to strike a swift and viscous blow to those who tear at the very moral fabric of our great nation. As your President I will pledge to take the following actions from the minute I am sworn in:

• Chik-Fil-A on Sundays. I do appreciate and respect a company’s right to run their business as they see fit; however, its time Chik-Fil-A takes one for the team and provides high quality food and service in a fast food environment on Sundays. Don’t feel guilty Chik-Fil-A, God’s grace grants you freedom from the Pharisees who will condemn you for your efforts on the Sabbath, namely the same group of Southern Baptists who will make it a point to beat those scaliwag Methodists to your establishment as soon as service is out. Don’t run long on that sermon, brother!
• Glitter will be illegal. No glitter, no time. This disease will be eradicated from the face of the earth and the blight of its stain on humanity will be forgotten with time as it heals our wounds and helps to make our nation whole again. Trust me, we don’t need to vote on this. I have your best interest in mind (see, I have the hang of this).
• No more IRS. To steal a page from the book of my challenger, Rand Paul, I will propose a flat tax that drastically reduces and simplifies the tax code therefor negating the need for what has become the fourth branch of government. All tax revenue will go toward our new electronic bingo institutions. So, this finally provides the opportunity for you, the average citizen, to get a piece of the pie. Money all around! Bottle of Dom on me!
• We will abolish the party system. All candidates must run on a platform of their design and not those of the established political machine. Therefore, after my victory by means of an existing established platform I will abolish said party and form a new one. This will be the Party Party and our theme song will be the timeless classic by the Beastie Boys, “(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (to Party)”.
• All elected officials will immediately be part time and must use the VA system for all healthcare needs as this will be the only government provided system of healthcare, this includes the office of the POTUS.
• All terrorists and political prisoners will be held in a secret location in Nevada where they will only be allowed to watch Lifetime TV. While this may be cruel and unusual punishment, we must do what we must do to secure our country against those who hate us.
• All those on welfare will be required to work at various public service jobs, if physically able. Welfare will not be in perpetuity and will have a limit.
• Kanye West will be deported. He’s rude, arrogant and it’s just time. Wait, he has a family now…Scratch that, one last chance Kanye.
• A task force of private auditors will be assigned to aggressively identify and eradicate all pork barrel legislation and corporate bail outs. All money identified as such and recovered by this task force will be offered in a one-time payment to be divided among all taxpayers and weighted by percentage of tax to income ratio.
• Term limits on every federally elected official. Good luck in the private sector, jackwagons.
• Tariffs on all imported goods or services that can be sourced domestically. Sorry Wal-Mart, it is what it is. Big oil, this applies to you as well. Until the United States is 100% energy independent then we may just have to suck it up and pay a little more at the pump if necessary. It’s well worth it when looking at the big picture.
• Upon any declaration of war, children of Congress that are within the ages of 18-30 will be drafted for service in our military or supporting roles where necessary and applicable. Sorry children of politicians I know it’s not exactly fair but neither is life and we have to treat this as if the majority of normal people care about their children enough to think twice before declaring war and sending someone else’s.
• Being offended is the basis for nothing. If your physical or mental health isn’t clearly endangered, get over it.
• Necessary moral law and absolutes will be biblical. Tenants of Christ biblical, not religious Pharisee biblical. Feel free to practice any peaceful religion you like but if you immigrate here to complain and demand change, please go back where you came from or at least somewhere else. Perhaps France, I hear it’s lovely.
• Free golf lessons and golf at any course in the United States or abroad for any sitting or ex-President (getting better with each declaration).
• Free morning coffee for all! Out of all the things the government currently subsidizes that shouldn’t be subsidized, surely this is a fitting replacement. People are just better after coffee.

I’d also like to be transparent to my supporters and offer the following thoughts for my presidential cabinet nominees:

Secretary of Agriculture: Although not decided, I do know it will NOT be someone from Colorado, Washington or California (for good measure).

Secretary of Defense: Chuck Norris

Secretary of Treasury: Dave Ramsey

Secretary of Justice: Walker Texas Ranger (Shut it. It’s my cab…I mean, your cabinet.)

Secretary of the Interior: Martha Stewart (forgive and forget people, she’s perfect for this)

Secretary of Commerce: Marcus Lemonis of CNBC’s The Profit

Secretary of Labor: Daymond John (The man’s a hustler. He started FUBU in his basement!)

Secretary of Health and Human Services: Madea

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: The founder of Ikea

Secretary of Transportation: Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Secretary of Energy: Tiger Woods (Knock his decisions and golf game all you want, the man obviously has PLENTY of energy). T. Boone Pickens was a close second here.

Secretary of Education: Mike Rowe (You know, Dirty Jobs, Mike Rowe?)

Secretary of Veterans Affairs: What we know so far here is anyone but Hillary Clinton.

Secretary of Homeland Security: Liam Neeson (you’ve seen all 3 Taken movies, right?)

Secretary of Athletics: LeBron James

Secretary of Shamelessness: Dog the Bounty Hunter (Even the Prez needs folks to pick on.)

Thank you for your support. It is truly my belief that we can take back this country! With the help of each and every one of you and your grassroots effort that is exactly what we will do. Long live these beautiful United States and God Bless America!

Please make all checks to support this campaign payable to cash or send a money order to Citizens Who Support Weekley For President, 1999 Left the Reservation Drive, Krazy, TX 90210.

Charleston: Home Grown Terrorism

Tragedy. Terrorism. Sadness. All appropriate terms when thinking of the actions by Dylann Roof, 21, when he chose to violate the peaceful assembly conducted by his 10 victims, 9 of which he shot down in a cold-blooded and hate-filled shooting spree.

Mental illness? I’m not sure it’s possible to not be mentally ill when you’re in a place dark enough to allow you to prepare for and carry out such a heinous crime. I’m not sure terrorists aren’t mentally ill. I suppose this debate would be left up to the clear definition of mental illness, which to me changes nothing and is simply an issue of semantics used for someone guilty of these atrocities to avoid capital punishment.

Ignorance. Hate. Intolerance. How the roots of this evil begin. Taught and learned behavior. Scary. The love of money may be the root of evil, but ignorance cannot be far behind.

This young man chose the oldest African Methodist Episcopal Church in the south. This same church counted among its founders, Denmark Vesey. Vesey was executed for allegedly trying to organize a major slave rebellion in 1822. The church was burned to the ground and rebuilt by one of Vesey’s sons.

This was a terrorist act. This was, in fact, domestic terrorism fueled by demons allowed to root themselves in the heart of a young man who was very ignorant and misguided. Perhaps that was enhanced by drugs and a twisted ideology. We may never know for sure. What we do know is that this most certainly appears to be premeditated execution of defenseless and peaceful victims.

My dad often used the quote based on 1 Corinthians 15:10 and traced to John Bradford, “But by the grace of God go I.” We all like to think we could never be guilty of an act of this nature and fortunately that holds true for the vast majority. What we can be guilty of though, is the very fabric sewn into the poisonous beliefs that foster these acts of vile contempt and unadulterated evil. History proves ignorance is very fertile soil for fanatical acts of terror.

I am so very thankful that one of the clearest memories I have of being disciplined as a child came from my having called a black woman a “nigger”. I’ll never forget it. The lady did nothing to me to provoke words of any kind. She sat in her car next to me where somewhere in my roughly 9 year-old mind I conjured up the word so often used by one of my family members when speaking of virtually all black people. I remember the lady’s husband coming out and being told what had transpired. Somehow, he collected himself enough to wait on my father to emerge. His encounter with my father was animated. I don’t blame him in the least. I remember my father, as calmly as he could, removing me from the passenger seat of his truck and standing me up to look this man and his wife in the eye and apologize. I still remember the embarrassment and shame on his face. I also remember the discipline and discussion that took place at home.

Thank God this was my father. In south Alabama, in a rural setting, surrounded by otherwise good people that ignorantly used derogatory terms and ideals of black people he was an exception. I never understood why he refused to allow me to hang a Confederate flag in my room. Revisionist history and ignorant people had taught me it was about “state’s rights” and a war of “northern aggression”. Never mind that the primary right in question was whether or not one man could legally own and enslave another and when told no, decide to pick up their toys and start their own country.

To read civil war history in textbooks that were taught in southern states up until the 1950’s and in some cases the 1960’s is nothing less than shameful and embarrassing. We didn’t teach “some” people this. We taught all our children these backward, racist, revisionist versions of history.

This happened in Charleston, SC. A beautiful city steeped in the tradition of the old, Confederate south. One of the last few holdouts that still flies the Confederate flag. To black Americans this flag is a symbol of oppression, regardless of its history. Does it still fly for education and acknowledgement of a troubled history or does it fly as a symbol of pride and salt in the wound of those who were oppressed under that very flag?

This troubled young man with hate in his heart needed somewhere to direct his sickness, his anger, his disease. Somewhere, somehow in Charleston he found something to blame. He found somewhere to direct his vitriol. He found something to blame his discontent on. That thing happened to be disdain and hatred for another race. His haunting words spoken to the person who pleaded for him to stop, “No, you’ve raped our women, and you are taking over the country…I have to do what I have to do.” Sometimes we realize we’ve not come as far as we like to think.

Am I saying that revisionist history and flying a Confederate battle flag make for lunatic rampages that leave people gunned down in cold blood? No. What I am saying is we have a serious and festering underlying issue in this country. We all want to ignore it. We want to point fingers. Truly, people this sick will always find some justification, but how is race still available as the basis of such evil?

The vast majority of us would rather draw a line in the sand and point fingers. Be they at welfare recipients, people of a differing race, religion, political party or any other assorted difference that leads us to not just disagree, but actually have contempt for those who disagree with us.

We all choose to excuse our prejudices and hide behind the various reasons mentioned above. How much time do we all spend trying to separate our biases and understand the position of the other side? One thing I know is that it’s not just the other side’s fault. It’s both sides. It’s the rigid, line drawing refusal to compromise, grow and understand together.

I want to see the first color-blind generation. We’ve made much progress but we still have so far to go. It won’t happen without some very difficult conversations, education, open-minds and more important than all, love. It’s time to wipe the slate clean and see people as people. That’s it. People trying to make their way in a dark and fallen world, just like you and I. Make eye contact, smile, forgive, laugh, lend a helping hand, hug your family and tell them you love them.

Bring love back. Perfect love is what casts out fear. This world needs Jesus, even when it wants to ignore Him, disprove Him or develop an alternative. Not religion, your creator. Pray for the victims and families in Charleston. Pray that this young man’s crime doesn’t become a rally cry for other broken and angry white kids looking desperately for an outlet to channel their aggression. Last but not least, pray for our nation.

Dear Mammas, You Are Appreciated

For me, Mother’s Day is a time to reflect on just how influential so many women have been in my life. You see, although Mother’s Day is generally viewed as the day to celebrate our birth mother or the woman in our childhood most directly responsible for raising us, I prefer to celebrate this day by interpreting Mother’s Day in the verb tense. Therefore, Mother’s Day to me is a day to celebrate the women who “bring up a child with care and affection.” Fortunately, I’ve had many.

Now, I would be remiss if I didn’t open with my birth mother as it would be quite selfish to overlook the woman who endured 8 months (I was a preemie baby, which actually set the tone for my continuing flaw of impatience) of my freeloading. My birth mother had a difficult first pregnancy and wasn’t even sure she would have another child until meeting my father. I am quite glad she decided for one more.

Looking back now helps me to better understand just how much my mother endured, overcame and ultimately conquered to bring me into this world. Married young, perhaps as a desired escape route to her broken and poverty-stricken childhood, or maybe just because someone finally made her feel wanted, my mother had a difficult first marriage. An experience like this would scar many deep enough to never trust again.

After this she turned to Uncle Sam and signed up for the United States Air Force. A decision that, although not suiting my mother’s personality, has most definitely been one that remains a winner. It helped her to find avenues outside of her hometown, leave behind the smoldering ashes of a broken marriage and heartbreaking circumstances with her first child that still haunt her today. Ultimately, it led her to my father, which is of course, where I come in.

My mother was never the disciplinarian. Quite the contrary, she was always the spoiler. In hindsight I now understand that’s definitely not always a good thing, but I appreciate it, nevertheless. My parents didn’t make much money, and although not necessarily wise, my mother would shirk wisdom if it meant providing something for me she never had. I know without a doubt my mother loves me no matter what mistakes she’s seen me make. She’s always on my side regardless of the circumstances and she’s always there to do anything in her power when I need her. That helps to make all the difference. We all need a mom in our corner. So, to my birth mother, I appreciate your sacrifice and selflessness when it came to providing for me. You no doubt think I’m more handsome, smarter, successful, wiser and overall better than I actually am and I thank you.

Next, would be my aunt in name only as she was very much a mother to me. Growing up as an only child, the closest thing I had to brothers and sisters were my first cousins and I have to say they made excellent substitutes as siblings. To me, my aunt was the epitome of motherhood in that she was constantly cooking, cleaning or taking us kids somewhere. The more kids she had under her wings, the merrier. The patience of a saint, she provided an atmosphere of fun, warmth and protection I still smile about often.

I’ll never forget as we all grew older and our innocence faded I began to understand that all the “happy” marriages I imagined as a child were far from it. You just never wake up to what people actually deal with until it’s too late. I mean, we knew, but you don’t accept it until it happens. She loved and nurtured me like I was one of her own. Her ability to keep a spotless house even with children in and out as well as cook meals that would make famous southern chefs surrender is still the standard bearer for me. So, the day she wasn’t there anymore was a monumental day in my life. I felt relief for her. I felt guilty thinking of how hard she tried and how long she must have stayed for her own children and whether true or not, I liked to believe for me also. I can still remember the cascade of tears as I penned a most heartfelt letter that I insisted be delivered to her. I’ll never forget visiting her in her new home far away years later and seeing that letter framed. God bless women like her who dealt with things we’ll never truly understand and put themselves to the side in order to help mold many children, including men like me, and countless others she played a hand in raising.

Although there is a Grandparent’s Day, my grandmother deserves recognition right here on Mother’s Day. Living in close proximity to her for the majority of my young life gave me access to one of my biggest fans. The feeling of unconditional love she provided in my life is a hole that remains to this day after she left us to be with our Lord and savior. I still catch myself wishing she could share in my happiness in times of achievement. I still wish she was there for comfort food, hugs and her love in times when I feel defeat. Looking back now and learning more of her story adds to just how remarkable a woman she was. Her childhood would have left most women in a heap of depression and brokenness and even though it certainly took a toll on her life it helped her to be one of best grandmothers on the face of this planet.

In a strange dynamic that could only come from south Alabama, another champion of motherhood who has been there as a mother-figure to me would be my son’s maternal grandmother. A fiery woman with grit and determination nearly unparalleled. Understanding her climb, the hard way, to completing a college degree and becoming vice president of a bank all while raising two children is truly inspiring. Few people would forge a relationship with the then young man/boy who made you a grandmother before your anticipated time. Although not happy at the time in a less than ideal situation, I am thankful of her ability to look beyond the circumstances and trust my commitment to raising her grandson and her willingness and ability to forge a mother-son type relationship with me.

This woman continues to support, encourage and inspire me in pursuit of my dreams and in raising one of her most precious treasures on this earth, her first grandchild. As I watch her now in her battle against breast cancer, I can’t help but think of all the fight she’s always displayed. One of the toughest women I know. If there is ever a person I’ve met that will defeat cancer, put it in the rearview and make it a stepping stone in her story, it’s her. I can’t thank her enough for her love, correction when necessary, support and her above all commitment to my son.

You see, the list goes on. Another of my aunt’s played a pivotal mother-like role from my mid to late teens into my early twenties in a time when she remained the only family I had left around me. Even after a heated clash where words were spoken that couldn’t be taken back, she showed me the real meaning of family by putting it aside and being there when I needed her most. She let it go and in doing so showed me that family is at the heart of everything. We must forgive, forget and above all, be there for each other. In a true overabundance of blessing this same aunt contributed to my love of all things fried and southern style.

If I truly broke this down and continued into the one or two friend’s mothers who also played pivotal roles in my upbringing then I could probably turn this blog into a book. From allowing me to hang out at their house and eat their food, to opening their hearts and imparting all the love and wisdom they had to offer, I wouldn’t be a fraction of who I am today without them.

The women mentioned along with later contributions, like those of my mother-in-law who blesses me with encouragement and love, are the foundational relationships and support system that allow us all to chase our goals and ambitions. They allow us to weather the tumultuous storms of this life and encourage us of the brighter days ahead. How blessed we are to have mothers and let’s all thank them on this Mother’s Day.

Baltimore: Yet Another Wake Up Call

This won’t unite the world. It probably won’t even change anything. But if one single person reads this and decides to let go of their biases and prejudices and put some thought into these issues then maybe, just maybe they’ll open someone else’s eyes and so on. Nothing will be solved and things won’t improve with pointed fingers and lines drawn in the sand.

I am in total agreement that it makes no sense to protest a police killing with rioting and overall mass destruction. I understand Freddie Gray was far from an innocent victim. Did he deserve death? No. Could this have been an innocent mistake on the part of the police? Perhaps. As messed up as this all is though, it’s more than Trayvon, Michael Brown or Freddie Gray. They’re just figureheads and names in the spotlight for serious issues that have threatened to boil over and rear their ugly head for quite some time.

This country is two generations removed from segregation. Seriously, think about that. We all act shocked that a portion of our populace would react to an issue this way. Ever stop to consider that what’s happening stems from a complete lack of trust of the system? The very same system that was used to tell these people they couldn’t vote, use the same restroom or even drink from the same fountain?

What’s happening is wrong. I’m not defending rioting, looting or vandalism, nor excusing it. All I’m saying is this issue is so much deeper.

Do we conveniently forget that predominantly white college students often riot and vandalize after their school wins a big game? Do we forget Black Friday stampedes, predominantly white, that leave people dead and sometimes stores damaged? This isn’t about people just being stupid and barbaric. It’s about angry and scared people who don’t trust the system in place to protect them.

I’m not an apologist. I don’t feel guilty for being white; however, I am real about it. I don’t expect an entire race to recover from nearly 400 years of abuse overnight. Especially when even long after segregation was “ended” systems of oppression still remain in place, no matter how much you want to ignore that reality.

This isn’t about Freddie Gray. It’s bigger, deeper. It’s about a system that has repeatedly failed a race time and again. Maybe not in this instance, but it has.

This is about the outcry and backlash of poverty-stricken and oppressed people who feel they have no voice and nothing left to lose. Having no hope makes people very dangerous. Dangerous and often hell-bent on destruction and being heard. Not very often is this manifested in a positive manner either.

What I do know is if we want a slam dunk strategy to make sure things stay this way then let’s just keep using ignorant labels for each other. All whites are racist and all blacks are thugs. How pathetic is this? We’re better than that. We can all do better.

The root of these issues stem first and foremost from broken people. Lots of broken people. It may make you feel better to shrug these riots off as simply the actions of thugs who are nothing but leeches of society or as entitlement minded heathens who care about as much for each other as they do for the property they’re damaging and lives they’re taking. You can choose to think of it that way, but that’s a shallow view that doesn’t want the truth.

The answer may not be best achieved through these acts of violent destruction; however, these people are tired of having no voice. Unfortunately for them they have no Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. They are stuck with self-serving, out of touch, hypocritical blowhards like Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson.

If you still haven’t decided to open your mind to the reality of situations like these, do me this favor. Drop your child off in the nearest ghetto. Pick them up when they’re an adult after having lived a childhood based on primal instinct in order to survive. Dog eat dog where the weak are crushed. Then, see how ready they are to go become productive members of society. I’m not saying it can’t happen as in the case of those such as Dr. Ben Carson, but I am saying the odds are strongly against it.

We can stop being played by the media and by politics (BOTH sides) and start educating ourselves and others. We can accept that we alone won’t change this but we can start the process of change by changing ourselves, our judgments, our thoughtless words and assumptions and trying to see things from someone else’s point of view.

Most importantly, we can put ourselves aside, in order to love others. Because ultimately this is the solution. Love. The kind that casts out fear and breaks chains. The kind that causes us to have real encounters with ourselves and others. The kind that requires action and quite often gets messy. The kind of love Jesus had. That love doesn’t just change those we show it to, it changes us.

Be Somebody!

I’m a difficult personality. I posess the self-awareness required to grasp this. Among my anal tendencies and expectations of excellence one thing that really drives these issues or strengths, depending on the situation and application, is my absolute refusal to accept circumstances that are anything less than desirable. We have too much ability and control over our circumstances to settle. This applies to all of us.

Before I make my next point I must preface it with a couple of clarifying statements in regards to my personal beliefs and passions. The first is that I am truly very thankful for the time, resources and effort my parents sacrificed to allow me to pursue my own path and build on their foundation. None of my following comments or perspectives are meant to disrespect the investments my parents made in providing for me. Secondly, what I’m about to delve into is only meant for those who want more. Those who demand more. Those who refuse to accept anything less than the realization of their dreams.

My father grew up in a time and place where he can tell stories of he and his brothers picking cotton. Yes, it was their own cotton but they picked their own cotton and worked their own fields. The same way most poor families did.

Now, my grandfather was by all accounts a hard worker. Having been a Marine Sergeant in WWII, and part of The Greatest Generation, he was a provider, even if a hard man emotionally. He did eventually parlay his hard work and effort into his own business but never prospered to the point where he wasn’t still working side by side with his hired labor. My father and his siblings grew up in square footage that by today’s standards would be akin to living in a shed. To be fair, it was a shed that provided shelter and was owned free and clear. They all knew hard work and they knew what scraping by meant.

My mother’s family was even less a stranger to poverty. Ten children of which my mother was the oldest equated to a total of twelve mouths to feed on the income of my grandfather alone who toiled in your below average low-income factory type jobs. If my father and his siblings knew scraping by, then my mother and her siblings knew the definition of poverty. They knew what it was like to be “the least of these” among neighbors and classmates. The hand-me-down kids whose neighbors often helped supply extra food or clothing. They were dirt poor.

I tell of the background of each of my parents in order to put into perspective that it was actually quite the accomplishment for us to live in our own two-bedroom trailer on our own piece of land. In our rural setting this certainly wasn’t out of the norm. Yes, looking back, we were poor although I certainly didn’t really understand that until my mid to late teens.

I don’t thumb my nose at the roof over my head and food on the table that my parents provided. However, I highly value that what they did instill in me is an absolute belief in hard work, education and that I am just as capable of accomplishing something great as anyone else on this planet. Not just capable, but determined to do it. I refuse to be a stereotype. I refuse to be a victim of my circumstances, rather I choose to be a product of my circumstances. Being poor and not having the opportunity many have wouldn’t turn me into a complainer, a whiner or a chronic excuse maker. These things helped put a chip on my shoulder that fueled me to succeed.

Growing up in a rural setting helped me to understand values that aren’t often found among a strictly white-collar background. Work, hard work, is something to be proud of even if the wages are low. There is much to be said about your efforts for a long day showing a tangible result. Even more so when that result is of high quality. A man is only as good as his word was something I saw demonstrated on both sides of the line and still sticks with me to this day. Out of all the things I control, my word being my bond is one of the most important. Helping others is a responsibility we should all feel. “But by the grace of God go I” is something I saw my father exemplify in his feelings toward most any and everyone, always understanding you never really know until you’ve walked a mile in someone else’s shoes.

These values laid a foundation for who I am now, what I stand for, and what I believe to be true about people and opportunity. Each and every one of us have control over our lives. We may not control all circumstances or events but we absolutely control what we do with them and who they let us become.

I believe people are created with far more power and ability than most of us realize. After all, being created in the image and likeness of God is a pretty big deal even though we often don’t act like it. To me, it’s exciting, powerful and very telling. If God used the very first book of His living word to us telling of His creation, then wouldn’t it stand to reason that we too are made to create?

I don’t believe in wasting time whining or complaining about what we don’t have or can’t do and what others have and can do. I don’t have patience or much tolerance for people who accept subpar results or quality to be the fruit of their efforts in regards to their passion or vocation. If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing well.

I believe that if someone like me can be blessed with the opportunity and abilities that I have then everyone has that same potential. I believe that if a country boy from a rural area and a low-income home with no college degree can achieve the things I have, build the network I have, lead the people I’ve lead, be respected and valued for the things I’ve learned then anyone else can achieve these same things.

I’ve had the opportunity to visit 37 or so of these great United States, 5 Canadian provinces, Mexico, Italy and a few stops in between. Opportunity abounds for those who choose to pursue it. Those who refuse to accept defeat. The difference in people, in my opinion, is what it takes to defeat them or scare them into accepting less than their dreams and true potential. People who experience difficulty, are thankful to come out the other side and who then decide to play it safe are settling. Don’t get me wrong, that’s certainly your right. It’s your life and if you’re content with that, so be it.

There always remains that small percentage. The “Us”. Just us. The ones who although cognizant and thankful for their blessings, opportunities and achievements, always choose to continue in pursuit. We can always be better. We can always do more. We can always help more. The goal need not be perfection, but continued pursuit and improvement toward doing, building and accomplishing greatness. Never settling or become complacent.

I’ve been blessed to meet others like me, who continue to passionately pursue their goals and chief among those goals is helping others do the same. A good friend, who’s become a mentor to me, always uses the phrase “Be somebody” and “Be somebody in Christ!” These are both so in-line with who he is as a person and how he too feels about life and people.

This man was born into a large family who barely made ends meet. He began to work in a golf pro shop around the age of ten and at twelve years old he started paying into the social security system. You read that right, back in the days before child labor laws, he started paying into the system at twelve years of age.

He went on to enlist in the US Army. This patriotic embodiment of a hard working American then began a career AFTER his retirement from the military at 39 years of age. He is now one of the best know names in his chosen industry, has a vast network of business contacts and spends much of his time in mentoring both kids in the Royal Rangers program, other business professionals that he has developed a relationship with, his very own Passing the Baton initiative, activities in his church, his own annual golf tournament and many other ways of giving back. This is an example of being about it and not just talking about it.

People like us have a low tolerance for shoddy work, complaining and maybe more than anything else, for people who don’t understand that great things are built through and with other people. Not just people like us, but the role players too. When you’ve been blessed as we have you understand that it is a responsibility and high calling to be a blessing to others.

It is high time more people in this country stopped looking at what they don’t have, stopped complaining about what they can’t do and got busy using what they can do and do have to take the first steps toward their dreams. Yes, failures will come. The beauty of learning to step out in faith and banish fear is that failure actually becomes a blessing in terms of the lesson it teaches. It will rear its ugly head. You will have times where you fall flat on your face but my hope and prayer for you is that when this happens, as it has to me, you’ll be better for it. You’ll be stronger for it. You’ll be smarter because of it. Then, you’ll dig in your heels and be more determined than ever.

As a very successful business man and mentor once said to me in the midst of my struggle to make something happen out of a system that lacked structure and clarity, “There are two kinds of people. Those who talk about it and those who make it happen.” He would know because with only an eight grade education and his determination he has now amassed a net worth of hundreds of millions of dollars.

You were created to make it happen. In the words of my good friend, “Be somebody!”