Which Lives Really Matter?

     Wow. Wow. Wow.  I didn't put exclamation marks because I wasn't exclaiming.  I just cannot believe what I am seeing on the news.  I can't believe what people are doing to their people, their communities, and their country.  This is amazing and unbelievable, and not in a good way.

     I truly believe that Obama marked the beginning of this nonsense.  He was supposed to bridge whatever "gap" was left between black people and white people.  All he did was make the gap larger.  His campaigners solicited votes of black people because he was "one of them".  That was a lie.  I believe he got elected by those votes of folks who usually don't vote, as well as the deceased people who decided to vote that year. He did nothing for race relations in America.  He was as unpatriotic as they come.  He actually bowed to leaders of other countries.  He was nothing more than a puppet, and he played it well.

     MLK made some great speeches, and made some great strides for civil rights.  As far as I knew, we were all on the same playing field over the last few decades.  So what happened that made these radical groups decide that somehow we had moved backwards in time?  What sparked all this sudden division between Americans?  I think a far left political agenda is what sparked it.  I don't really understand, because if they destroy America and our economy, who is it that will pay for their lifestyles?  If the stock market crashes, doesn't it affect them?  If taxpayers lose their jobs and don't pay taxes, doesn't it affect them?  Maybe I don't see the big picture, but it seems that they are cutting off their nose to spite their face.

     So, if there are all these protests about black lives mattering, exactly which black lives matter?  Do black business owners who have worked their tails off building a business matter?  Apparently not, because they have burned and looted those businesses.  Do black mommas and grandmas matter?  Apparently not, because they have destroyed the corner grocery stores and pharmacies where they get their food and medicine.  Do black babies matter?  Apparently not, because they are still being aborted at record numbers.  Do black policemen matter?  Apparently not, because they want the police departments dismantled.

    How does one decide which black lives matter and which black lives don't?  This is a terribly hard answer to figure out.

    And what is white privilege?  I'm still trying to unwrap that one.  Both of my parents grew up poor.  Not the kind of poor where you can't find money for a manicure.  The kind of poor where you may or may not have supper, and it was probably beans and bread because they were the cheapest foods around.  My dad worked hard all his life.  He started a business from nothing, and built it into a successful one.  He isn't a billionaire, but he made a fair living.  I didn't have to worry about having supper when I was growing up, but I don't think that is from white privilege.  It's from working hard and doing right.

     Why are all these companies under the impression they must make some kind of statement as to whether they believe black lives matter?  What a dumb thought. Of course, black lives matter!  And so do white, Indian, Mexican, Asian, German, French, whatever.  Why do people think black lives DON'T matter?  Who told them that? Certainly not MLK.  Certainly not me.  Certainly not anyone I know.  How about a statement that says EVERYONE matters.  Every customer who comes to our business will be treated kindly and professionally.  It doesn't matter if you're black, white, purple, or have a third eye.  That's called good business.  I just don't get it.

     Also, do all these people not have jobs?  All the people I know wouldn't have time to protest anything because we have to go to work to be able to support our families.  Missing work = missing money.  How are these people able to afford wondering around the streets for days on end?  Are they eating?  What are they eating?  Haven't they destroyed the local grocery stores and restaurants?  And how can they afford spray paint to deface property?  Oh, wait... maybe they got it when they were looting the Target and Walmart stores.  I just don't get it.  AT ALL!

If you want the world to change, it won't change because you sprayed red paint on a statue or burned a police car.  The change starts at home.  Go home!  Be responsible.  Live with a little integrity.  If you have kids, then be their parents.  Love them, encourage them, spend time with them.  If you're married, commit to staying married, through the good and the bad.  If you have a job, go do it.  Do it to the best of your ability.  Do more than you're hired for.  If you have plenty, share with someone who doesn't.  When faced with a decision to do what's right and what's wrong, choose right.  When you feel sorry for yourself, help someone else.  Every day is not glorious.  Every day is not a victory.  But every day is a chance.  A chance to make better decisions. A chance to live.  A chance to do something grand.  A chance to start to change the world.

    Use it wisely.

Is Donald Trump a Man of God?

    There are many opinions about our President, Donald Trump, and they cover both ends of the spectrum.  Some hate him with a passion, and others think he is the greatest man. But what does God think about him?  Is Donald Trump a Christian?  Is he a man of God?
     Good questions, and I'm afraid I don't know all the answers, but God does.  I have done my fair share of reading and research on Donald Trump, covering his life, both before he was elected, and after.  I don't claim to know everything about him, and I don't really need to.
     I think Mr. Trump has led a life that has taken him on some winding paths before he ended up where he is today.  I remember when he was running for President, and how some thought there was no chance of him being elected.  I voted for him. And I'll do it again in 2020.  He wasn't a politician, which was a plus for me.  He was a successful businessman, another plus.  And he wasn't afraid to be obnoxious if he needed to, plus plus.  I knew that after watching President Obama bow to leaders of other countries and embarrass America on several occasions, I wanted someone who would be a patriot for America, and a respecter of Americans above all else.  And that's the main reason I voted for Donald Trump.
     Has he done some less-than-upstanding things in his past? A resounding YES!  Have I done some less-than-upstanding things in my past?  A resounding YES!  We all have, and while we need to weigh a person's general reputation when considering them for such an important position, we also need to consider all other aspects of their lives, as well.
     I have watched the things that have transpired since Donald Trump ran for, and was elected as our President.  I believe he knew the Republican votes were the ones he needed to win.  I believe he knew the potency of conservative voters across America.  He hopped on the conservative train, and that was a smart move for him.  Was he a dedicated, loyal conservative?  I highly doubt it.  But he is a smart businessman, and that was smart business.  He knew that uniting himself with Christians and pastors was a great way to attract the votes and endorsement of Christians all around the United States - another smart move.
     The question as to whether he is a Christian, is one that only he and God can answer.  I know many people who are just the nicest, kindest, etc., but they are not Christians.  I also know many people that I believe are Christians, but who don't always act accordingly.  On the day that he stands before God Almighty, the truth will be known.
     But here's what I DO know.  God uses all kinds of people.  In biblical times, Moses, who had a speech impediment, and was likely introverted, led a multitude of people under the hand of God.  Paul, whose mission was to persecute and kill Christians, was turned around by God and used to bring many souls to Him.  Fortunately, God isn't so much concerned with our past as He is our future.  He uses many people for many things, all working together for good in His will.
     I believe Donald Trump is a man being used by God, and a man being changed by God.  I don't know him personally, so I can't speak about his relationship with God.  But I truly believe that the times he is surrounded by people praying over him and our country, he feels the presence of God in a mighty way.  I believe God is using him to bring conservative, Christian people together in unification for the good of our country and to further the gospel.  When our president speaks openly to the public about the grace and blessings of God, it does something to those who hear it.
     Our country has hatred and division like I have never seen, and there are many who are trying to spread that hatred far and wide.  I don't believe they will succeed.  I think many people mistake our silence for weakness, and our calm for agreement with their beliefs.  I feel when it's time to cast our votes and spend our dollars, our voices will be heard, loud and clear.  I believe there is a Christian wave gaining strength and speed throughout our country, led by God, where our President plays a big part, that is winning this country through love and patience.  I believe we have more people fervently praying for our President and government than ever before.
     So, YES! YES!  I believe Donald Trump is a man of God!  I believe we live in a country that God has blessed immensely. I believe when Donald Trump is no longer President, he will feel and know the love and power of God for the rest of his life.  I think he has seen many things during his time in the White House, and I think he will be forever changed in his beliefs and values.
     God Bless America, and God Bless Americans!