"History has shown that especially effective leaders tend to emerge during periods of great change. For every turning point in American history, a creative leader--right for the times and uniquely suited to the task--took the helm." Donald T. Phillips from The Founding Fathers on Leadership
I was talking with my friend Ranae recently and she told me about a book she is reading about the Founding Fathers and Leadership. She shared with me the above quote, and I was reminded of a concept that I've seen displayed repeatedly, anomalies. Anomalies are things that are so different from their surroundings as to be notable. They stand out and can serve as beacons for others to follow.
I use the term 'anomaly' in counseling work a lot, because well I see it a lot. I've seen individuals who have come from horribly long established patterns of familial abuse, going back generations, who are so different from their families that they barely even physically resemble them. These individuals are some how able to withstand the onslaught and come out of the other side, not unharmed, but determined to not carry on the cycle. Its as if these individuals were specifically chosen to lead their families out of darkness. I see the very hand of God in those miracles. He assigned amazing people to end abuse and restore some sanity. Its not just in abusive families. I see anomalies in adoptive families also. Whatever it is that motivates parents to adopt children has to come from such a pure and open place. Adoptive families are like shining anomalies who were able to find each other. Adoption can be a tough row to hoe, for both parties, but it seems they are blessed with an extra measure of strength to not just withstand but to be refined to a point of graceful magnificence. I could go on, but suffice it to say there are anomalies among us, people so exceptional as to be blessed with the ability to change patterns, hearts and lives.
The more I learn about the founding of our country the more I realize that the Founders themselves were anomalies. How were these people able to stand up against a "long train of abuses" and a mighty military force to win their independence? They were remarkable men and women who were exceptionally qualified to lead. It seems that there was a general understanding among them that what they set out to do was impossible, were it not for the Divine. So, they carried forward, trusting in God, and trusting that in the end something remarkable could take place, and it did. Look at the nation they established. Boldly and uniquely exceptional. Watching now as the Middle East is broiling in the strife of protests I'm reminded how rare a thing true freedom is. There are calls to support Democracy in those countries. I don't disagree with those calls. We should support the struggle for freedom wherever it takes place. But, history has seen these protests before. France, Russia, Argentina, you name it; people rise up to fight oppression, but there is rarely that single message, rarely a reliance on anything other than a desire for something different than what they currently have. What ends up restoring order is usually an iron fist. I hope for better for Egypt and other countries going through these painful changes. But, The United States of America is the exception not the rule, hence the saying 'we are an exceptional nation'. We're an anomaly. So, what makes the difference? I think the key is in our Declaration of Independence: "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our Sacred Honor." The touch of the Divine, and the trust in Him. Whereas others reached first for weapons of protest, our Founders first reached to God. And He makes all the difference. I can hardly fathom how frightening it must have been to embark on the great American experiment. The hypothesis was that man could indeed rule himself. The most necessary ingredient is a trust in divine Providence, and the morality that flows from that trust. A city on the hill indeed.
There in the Declaration is the key to being a positive anomaly. Its the same regardless of the circumstance. Those who firmly rely on Divine Providence are able to not just survive but to become something better than we could on our own. That firm reliance manifest in a unified pledge to consecrate our very lives, fortunes and honor, can set us on a path to become our greatest selves. We can be the lights of the city on the hill.
Now, at this crossroads in our history, when the time demands a uniquely qualified leader, I, with gratitude, acknowledge that God still has a hand in the affairs of men, and He has chosen people to rise up to the task. I remember when I first started researching Sarah Palin often asking myself "Geez, where did this lady come from?" There was no political pedigree from which she was destined. There was no financial backing from her chosen party. There was only a desire to serve and a will to make it happen, and most important of all a trust in God from a very young age. Sarah Palin did not set out to change the world, she set out to live a life of service and to trust that God would continue to guide her in ways she could best serve. She is so different from any other politician out there in her personal and political history. She goes against all the conventional wisdom, she's an anomaly that the conventions of media and politics just cannot understand. Right here, right now, she is the right person to lead in whatever way God will ask of her. Its stunning in its realness.
I must also note, that as I've met with other Palin supporters I've seen the very same anomalous traits. I use the term supporters, because its more than being a fan. Supporters are people who understand the times and understand the needs and understand the leader. Supporters are people who if able gather together from all over the country determined to continue in the great cause of freedom. And so to you anomalies I say keep shining. Others will recognize that light and will follow. There is so much goodness in this country, people who only need a direction to look to in order to best focus their efforts. 'Many are called, but few are chosen.' To be chosen is entirely up to us, its our choices that determine who we are and set the course for our lives.
It is a turning point in history. It is my great honor and blessing to be here at the crossroads with you, and standing shoulder to shoulder with a leader who is willing to take up the charge. Freedom is worth fighting for, and God has our backs and fronts and sides. Carry on.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
A Powerful Turning Point
I dearly and sincerely wish my previous post was the final word on the Arizona tragedy. Unfortunately this event marked a major turning point. Whatever frayed thread still connected the “mainstream” media to the American public has now been severed, by the media. I’ve long noted and pointed out the extreme bias and agenda driven coverage in the media. But, the behavior from so much of the left and media over this tragedy is beyond anything I’ve seen. So intent are they on tearing down any who stand for the Constitution and Conservative values that they barely made it a few hours before placing the blame for the shooting on the Tea Party, Conservative radio and Sarah Palin. It has been such a disgusting display I could hardly fathom it, particularly when my thoughts were still centered on the tragedy itself.
So, “mainstream” media I’m going to attempt to briefly explain two concepts with which you seem to have an inability to understand (likely on purpose), power and Sarah Palin.
Those who seek for power only realize how little power they actually have. That realization is hard for a power seeker to deal with. So, they end up trying to take more and more of it. This is where tyrants come from. It doesn’t matter if they want power in order to do good things. If power is the goal than a tyranny is the eventual outcome. The agenda that seems to drive so much of the “mainstream” media is a “Progressive” one. For some reason government is the go to answer for all that ails society. The media has become a cheerleader for Progressivism. The media in a way has caused more frustration for me than the government because their job was to protect us from government not to promote it.
An ironic thing about power is that those who end up with the most actual power are those for whom power was not the goal. For those who sincerely and genuinely want to serve, power ends up being a byproduct. But, because power wasn’t the goal, they use power to meet their end goal of serving. There are three principles which really do lead to power that I’d like to explain: sacrifice, morality and consecration.
Sacrifice means giving up something. And if your goal is service it often means giving of yourself and giving up something you have for the benefit of others. Here’s an example; Sarah Palin gave up political power in order to better serve her family, her state and her country. It was a huge political risk, one that so many in the media assured us would result in her political demise. But, it cannot have escaped your notice that she’s actually more powerful now. You in the media cover her re-tweets for crying out loud. She sacrificed with the goal of serving and she ended up with more power. Imagine what would happen in the media if you sacrificed your agenda in favor of serving the people by providing us with knowledge rather than you bias. Knowledge of truth really is power.
Morality is doing what is right because it is right. It means being congruent with what you know to be true. It means not putting your wants above the needs of others. When a person is moral they are able to act as their whole selves, there is no divided allegiance, there is truth and living it. Sarah Palin lives what she professes, in other words she walks the walk. For example, she is pro-life in belief and action, thus bringing the precious gift of Trig into the world. You in the media seem to operate with “moral relativism” meaning you’re moral if you say you are regardless of whether or not it’s true. Our need is to be informed, yet you continue to want to push your own agenda, thus ignoring our need, even to the point of manipulating the public with false information.
Consecration is dedicating oneself to a cause greater than self. Sarah Palin has consecrated her life to her husband and children. She consecrated herself in service to her city, state and country. But, before she did any of those things she first consecrated her life to God. There is no better ally. You in the media, if you’ve consecrated yourselves at all it has been to ideology and agenda. That master will not uphold you. A tyranny will control you as much as it will try to control any of us. Only God can truly set us free. As a country we proclaim “In God We Trust”, it has only been because this nation has turned to Him that we’ve been upheld in every trial. There is no greater place to turn to. Sarah Palin understands that and has called on us to turn to Him. You in the media continue to ask us to turn to government. You’ve chosen the weak side.
Media because you do not understand power you completely missed the opportunities to tell the real stories of the Arizona tragedy. You should have reported the tragedy as it happened without editorializing and finger pointing. Your job is to tell the truth. You could have told us of the lives lost and families suffering. You could have told us of the miracles of comfort, of the right people being in the right places to help, of courage. It could have been the power to unify, but instead you continued to seek for power and control over the people you claim to serve. The result is division and further weakening of your role.
As for your continued attacks on Governor Palin, you in the media have attempted time and again to engage in a power struggle that she is not willing to join. She only wants to serve. You end up wrestling yourselves and in the process become fatigued beyond the point of being able to reason and/or function properly. Step back and realize that your real power lies in serving the people, in providing knowledge. As for your view of Governor Palin’s power you seem to focus on only whether or not she will run for and win the presidency. But, surely there must be a part of you that realizes that keeping her from the presidency is not going to end her power, else why would you be working overtime to not just damage her chances but to destroy her as a person. You’ve branded her an accomplice to murder. Is there any lower you can go? But, you will not limit her power, because that is not what she seeks. She seeks to serve her family, country and God. It may well be that she will wield that power as President of The United States, I certainly hope she does. But, if she decides not to run, rest assured her power will far surpass any of your supposed power.
Media you’ve turned the corner, you’ve revealed yourselves to be power mongers, weakened by your struggle for it. You’ve revealed your intention towards a centralized government of control. So I say “so long” to your influence over common sense Americans. The power is with the people, as it always has been. If the time should come when you feel up to trying to actually serve in your role of informing the public I’m sure there will be a place for you. Try for some humility and remorse and a real desire to serve. In the meantime I’ll continue to stand for and support those, like Sarah Palin who really seek to serve.
So, “mainstream” media I’m going to attempt to briefly explain two concepts with which you seem to have an inability to understand (likely on purpose), power and Sarah Palin.
Those who seek for power only realize how little power they actually have. That realization is hard for a power seeker to deal with. So, they end up trying to take more and more of it. This is where tyrants come from. It doesn’t matter if they want power in order to do good things. If power is the goal than a tyranny is the eventual outcome. The agenda that seems to drive so much of the “mainstream” media is a “Progressive” one. For some reason government is the go to answer for all that ails society. The media has become a cheerleader for Progressivism. The media in a way has caused more frustration for me than the government because their job was to protect us from government not to promote it.
An ironic thing about power is that those who end up with the most actual power are those for whom power was not the goal. For those who sincerely and genuinely want to serve, power ends up being a byproduct. But, because power wasn’t the goal, they use power to meet their end goal of serving. There are three principles which really do lead to power that I’d like to explain: sacrifice, morality and consecration.
Sacrifice means giving up something. And if your goal is service it often means giving of yourself and giving up something you have for the benefit of others. Here’s an example; Sarah Palin gave up political power in order to better serve her family, her state and her country. It was a huge political risk, one that so many in the media assured us would result in her political demise. But, it cannot have escaped your notice that she’s actually more powerful now. You in the media cover her re-tweets for crying out loud. She sacrificed with the goal of serving and she ended up with more power. Imagine what would happen in the media if you sacrificed your agenda in favor of serving the people by providing us with knowledge rather than you bias. Knowledge of truth really is power.
Morality is doing what is right because it is right. It means being congruent with what you know to be true. It means not putting your wants above the needs of others. When a person is moral they are able to act as their whole selves, there is no divided allegiance, there is truth and living it. Sarah Palin lives what she professes, in other words she walks the walk. For example, she is pro-life in belief and action, thus bringing the precious gift of Trig into the world. You in the media seem to operate with “moral relativism” meaning you’re moral if you say you are regardless of whether or not it’s true. Our need is to be informed, yet you continue to want to push your own agenda, thus ignoring our need, even to the point of manipulating the public with false information.
Consecration is dedicating oneself to a cause greater than self. Sarah Palin has consecrated her life to her husband and children. She consecrated herself in service to her city, state and country. But, before she did any of those things she first consecrated her life to God. There is no better ally. You in the media, if you’ve consecrated yourselves at all it has been to ideology and agenda. That master will not uphold you. A tyranny will control you as much as it will try to control any of us. Only God can truly set us free. As a country we proclaim “In God We Trust”, it has only been because this nation has turned to Him that we’ve been upheld in every trial. There is no greater place to turn to. Sarah Palin understands that and has called on us to turn to Him. You in the media continue to ask us to turn to government. You’ve chosen the weak side.
Media because you do not understand power you completely missed the opportunities to tell the real stories of the Arizona tragedy. You should have reported the tragedy as it happened without editorializing and finger pointing. Your job is to tell the truth. You could have told us of the lives lost and families suffering. You could have told us of the miracles of comfort, of the right people being in the right places to help, of courage. It could have been the power to unify, but instead you continued to seek for power and control over the people you claim to serve. The result is division and further weakening of your role.
As for your continued attacks on Governor Palin, you in the media have attempted time and again to engage in a power struggle that she is not willing to join. She only wants to serve. You end up wrestling yourselves and in the process become fatigued beyond the point of being able to reason and/or function properly. Step back and realize that your real power lies in serving the people, in providing knowledge. As for your view of Governor Palin’s power you seem to focus on only whether or not she will run for and win the presidency. But, surely there must be a part of you that realizes that keeping her from the presidency is not going to end her power, else why would you be working overtime to not just damage her chances but to destroy her as a person. You’ve branded her an accomplice to murder. Is there any lower you can go? But, you will not limit her power, because that is not what she seeks. She seeks to serve her family, country and God. It may well be that she will wield that power as President of The United States, I certainly hope she does. But, if she decides not to run, rest assured her power will far surpass any of your supposed power.
Media you’ve turned the corner, you’ve revealed yourselves to be power mongers, weakened by your struggle for it. You’ve revealed your intention towards a centralized government of control. So I say “so long” to your influence over common sense Americans. The power is with the people, as it always has been. If the time should come when you feel up to trying to actually serve in your role of informing the public I’m sure there will be a place for you. Try for some humility and remorse and a real desire to serve. In the meantime I’ll continue to stand for and support those, like Sarah Palin who really seek to serve.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Thoughts and Prayers
I along with the rest of America watched with horror and a deep sadness as events unfolded in Tucson Arizona this past Saturday. Words simply cannot express the atrocity of it all. Events like that offend every sense that is America. I have spent much time on my knees praying as well as keeping a prayer in my heart. I pray for the much needed comfort for the families and other loved ones of those murdered. I pray for the continued recovery of those wounded and blessings upon their loved ones as well. I'm very mindful of Representative Gabrielle Giffords whose survival is in a word miraculous. An attempted political assassination is so unthinkable that getting my mind around it is difficult. I pray for the nation to be able to recover. I pray in gratitude for the interventions in her and others behalfs and for the bravery of those who put a stop to it all. In times of such tragedy our best source of comfort and guidance is God, and as a nation we ought to unitedly turn to Him.
Fasting Invite
Esther 4:16 Go gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night and day; I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.
Governor Sarah Palin has referenced this Bible verse on several occasions. She operates with a desire to do what is right even if that costs her political power and/or a political future. What an incredibly admirable outlook and belief system. The reference so perfectly describes her servant's heart. However, another part of this verse is also notable at this time, the three days of fasting.
We all are very aware that Governor Palin is at this time prayerfully considering a presidential run. To say that this decision is significant would be woefully inadequate, its huge and will have an impact on not only her, but her family, her state and this country. The Governor undoubtedly is making fasting a part of her decision as well. We know she has done so with other huge decisions such as her resignation. This too is incredibly admirable. Governor Palin turns to God to guide her life, and sincerely seeks His counsel and will. What a leader for our time.
From one of our country's sacred hymns: My Country, 'Tis of Thee
Our Father's God, to Thee
Author of Liberty ,
To Thee we sing,
Long may our land be bright
With freedom's holy light
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God our King
There is a King of America, and He is God. Governor Palin is at this time going to Him, as she always does, with the petition to have His guidance in making this decision. I'd like to invite you to join an organized three day long fast with the purpose of petitioning our King in her behalf, that He will make His will known to Sarah Palin and to the Palin family in regards to a presidential run. This invitation is going out to Palin supporters on several other blogs and websites.
The fast will start on Friday the 21st through Sunday the 23rd. If you'd like to join choose whichever day works best for you. Remember that fasting is more than just abstaining from food and water it is also prayerful and purposeful. Remember also that if fasting from food and water is not an option we do not want to exclude you from this effort. Governor Palin wrote in Going Rogue how she encouraged her son to choose some other thing rather than food to fast from when the family was deciding about her resignation. Whatever you feel would be an appropriate fast for you we would dearly love to have as many as want to, to join us.
Remember also that prayer and fasting is not about changing the will and mind of God. Rather, it is about changing us, so that we can be aligned with His will and His desired blessings for us. This is not a fast with a desired outcome, other than that He will make His will known to Sarah Palin and her family and to give them whatever guidance and support they require at this time.
Governor Sarah Palin has referenced this Bible verse on several occasions. She operates with a desire to do what is right even if that costs her political power and/or a political future. What an incredibly admirable outlook and belief system. The reference so perfectly describes her servant's heart. However, another part of this verse is also notable at this time, the three days of fasting.
We all are very aware that Governor Palin is at this time prayerfully considering a presidential run. To say that this decision is significant would be woefully inadequate, its huge and will have an impact on not only her, but her family, her state and this country. The Governor undoubtedly is making fasting a part of her decision as well. We know she has done so with other huge decisions such as her resignation. This too is incredibly admirable. Governor Palin turns to God to guide her life, and sincerely seeks His counsel and will. What a leader for our time.
From one of our country's sacred hymns: My Country, 'Tis of Thee
Our Father's God, to Thee
Author of Liberty ,
To Thee we sing,
Long may our land be bright
With freedom's holy light
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God our King
There is a King of America, and He is God. Governor Palin is at this time going to Him, as she always does, with the petition to have His guidance in making this decision. I'd like to invite you to join an organized three day long fast with the purpose of petitioning our King in her behalf, that He will make His will known to Sarah Palin and to the Palin family in regards to a presidential run. This invitation is going out to Palin supporters on several other blogs and websites.
The fast will start on Friday the 21st through Sunday the 23rd. If you'd like to join choose whichever day works best for you. Remember that fasting is more than just abstaining from food and water it is also prayerful and purposeful. Remember also that if fasting from food and water is not an option we do not want to exclude you from this effort. Governor Palin wrote in Going Rogue how she encouraged her son to choose some other thing rather than food to fast from when the family was deciding about her resignation. Whatever you feel would be an appropriate fast for you we would dearly love to have as many as want to, to join us.
Remember also that prayer and fasting is not about changing the will and mind of God. Rather, it is about changing us, so that we can be aligned with His will and His desired blessings for us. This is not a fast with a desired outcome, other than that He will make His will known to Sarah Palin and her family and to give them whatever guidance and support they require at this time.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
2011 Is The Beginning of 2012
So, I have this odd feeling about this new year. It feels like its not just the start of 2011, but that its also the start of 2012. Now, that might just be a coping mechanism, a way to shorten the Obama Presidency in my mind, or to deal with the reality that there are no Olympics this year. But, I think its just a reflection of the critical time we live in. The country is literally at a crossroads and our decisions in the next two years are going to be influential long past our own generation. I want to be ready to hit the ground running to restore the true principles of freedom that this country was founded on, and that provided the means for greatness.
Sarah Palin has written and/or said a lot of things that have inspired me and made me ponder and seek for guidance and answers. There have been a couple of messages recently that have really stuck with me. She has said in multiple interviews during her promotion of her latest book, that we are to be salt and light. This is a message taught by Jesus Christ, and I very much believe in its importance. But, I think that the Governor has used that particular message very purposefully. It is poignant and pertinent in our efforts now.
Salt is used to preserve. What an incredibly necessary role we all have to play at this time in preserving the principles of freedom and the sacred Founding Documents which outline those principles and provide guidance for governance. I recently heard some liberal spout off a favorite talking point that dissension is the highest form of patriotism (of course they don't use that saying much these days because they want us all to get along . . . with them). I said out loud to my T.V. "Hogwash! No it isn't!" or something to that effect :). Dissension is not the highest form of patriotism. The highest form of patriotism is fidelity to true principles of freedom. That fidelity sometimes necessitates dissension, it certainly did for our Founders, but the dissension itself is not the clearest indicator of our patriotism. We must seek to preserve what is truly freedom, the freedom to succeed and the freedom to fail, the freedom to choose our own way in life and not be dictated to. We must be dedicated to the same cause for which our Founding Fathers and Mothers were dedicated, the knowledge that all men are Created equal with certain inalienable rights. We seek to preserve our God given rights, not to create new ones. The fire of freedom has not gone out, but it is certainly weaker and is in danger. Preserve and strengthen it.
Light helps us to see clearly. Thus light and truth are often synonymous. We must get the truth out there. We must get the truth out about Sarah Palin specifically, the contributors here are doing a marvelous job. We must also seek for and shine bright lights on the truth about American Exceptionalism. We must broadcast what is great about America, with the humility afforded to those who recognize blessings. We must also seek for and tell the truth about those who would destroy the true principles of freedom. Progressivism is tending more and more towards tyranny. Progressives would have us believe that the government can take care of us. They would have us believe that to suffer is a great and unnecessary tragedy. They would rob us of our ability to grow. Here is a truth that must be told. Life is full of tragedy and triumph. The tragedy is not the real story, the triumph is. And the triumph isn't just in overcoming the tragedy, it's what you become in the process of overcoming. And the very best way to overcome the tragedy is with the help of Our Creator, the giver of rights and freedom and personal peace. He knows us best and knows what we can become and He will help us on our way. We can be made far better people with His help than we could on our own. This nation, while far from perfect, was founded in a way which grants the citizens the best opportunity to become our best selves. Our rights are guaranteed and should be treasured. That truth needs to be preserved and shared.
The other message from Governor Palin which has really stuck with me was from the National Review article she authored just following the mid-term elections. In it she says this, "The meaning of the 2010 election was rebuke, reject, and repeal. We rebuked Washington’s power grab, rejected this unwanted 'fundamental transformation of America,' and began the process to repeal the dangerous policies inflicted on us. But this theme will only complement the theme of 2012, which is renew, revive, and restore. In 2012, we need to renew our optimistic, pioneering spirit, revive our free-market system, and restore constitutional limits and our standing in the world as the abiding beacon of freedom."
I don't think I can add much to this wonderfully succinct and clear message. But, those words "Renew, Revive, and Restore" have played over and over again on my mind. That really is what its all about. 2011 is the beginning of 2012. Our mission is clear, Governor Palin laid it out beautifully. This message should be spread far and wide, shouted from rooftops, made into bumper stickers, baked into berry pies (reference to the movie Amazing Grace :), whatever we need to do to get it out there. Americans want that. Americans still believe in the principles that are just waiting to be renewed, revived and restored.
Might it require dissension? Well, yeah especially since Progressives are ruling and stand in stark contrast to what America really represents. But, it won't be just for dissensions sake, its because we are faithful to freedom.
I look forward with great anticipation to what these next couple of years will bring. I'm quite certain that there will be difficulties. But, I'm also certain that there are going to be amazing things happen as well. I have the remarkable blessing to be associated with amazing people who are examples to me of faith and courage and steadfastness. May we continue faithful and true, and may the joys overcome the trials. Go USA!!!
Sarah Palin has written and/or said a lot of things that have inspired me and made me ponder and seek for guidance and answers. There have been a couple of messages recently that have really stuck with me. She has said in multiple interviews during her promotion of her latest book, that we are to be salt and light. This is a message taught by Jesus Christ, and I very much believe in its importance. But, I think that the Governor has used that particular message very purposefully. It is poignant and pertinent in our efforts now.
Salt is used to preserve. What an incredibly necessary role we all have to play at this time in preserving the principles of freedom and the sacred Founding Documents which outline those principles and provide guidance for governance. I recently heard some liberal spout off a favorite talking point that dissension is the highest form of patriotism (of course they don't use that saying much these days because they want us all to get along . . . with them). I said out loud to my T.V. "Hogwash! No it isn't!" or something to that effect :). Dissension is not the highest form of patriotism. The highest form of patriotism is fidelity to true principles of freedom. That fidelity sometimes necessitates dissension, it certainly did for our Founders, but the dissension itself is not the clearest indicator of our patriotism. We must seek to preserve what is truly freedom, the freedom to succeed and the freedom to fail, the freedom to choose our own way in life and not be dictated to. We must be dedicated to the same cause for which our Founding Fathers and Mothers were dedicated, the knowledge that all men are Created equal with certain inalienable rights. We seek to preserve our God given rights, not to create new ones. The fire of freedom has not gone out, but it is certainly weaker and is in danger. Preserve and strengthen it.
Light helps us to see clearly. Thus light and truth are often synonymous. We must get the truth out there. We must get the truth out about Sarah Palin specifically, the contributors here are doing a marvelous job. We must also seek for and shine bright lights on the truth about American Exceptionalism. We must broadcast what is great about America, with the humility afforded to those who recognize blessings. We must also seek for and tell the truth about those who would destroy the true principles of freedom. Progressivism is tending more and more towards tyranny. Progressives would have us believe that the government can take care of us. They would have us believe that to suffer is a great and unnecessary tragedy. They would rob us of our ability to grow. Here is a truth that must be told. Life is full of tragedy and triumph. The tragedy is not the real story, the triumph is. And the triumph isn't just in overcoming the tragedy, it's what you become in the process of overcoming. And the very best way to overcome the tragedy is with the help of Our Creator, the giver of rights and freedom and personal peace. He knows us best and knows what we can become and He will help us on our way. We can be made far better people with His help than we could on our own. This nation, while far from perfect, was founded in a way which grants the citizens the best opportunity to become our best selves. Our rights are guaranteed and should be treasured. That truth needs to be preserved and shared.
The other message from Governor Palin which has really stuck with me was from the National Review article she authored just following the mid-term elections. In it she says this, "The meaning of the 2010 election was rebuke, reject, and repeal. We rebuked Washington’s power grab, rejected this unwanted 'fundamental transformation of America,' and began the process to repeal the dangerous policies inflicted on us. But this theme will only complement the theme of 2012, which is renew, revive, and restore. In 2012, we need to renew our optimistic, pioneering spirit, revive our free-market system, and restore constitutional limits and our standing in the world as the abiding beacon of freedom."
I don't think I can add much to this wonderfully succinct and clear message. But, those words "Renew, Revive, and Restore" have played over and over again on my mind. That really is what its all about. 2011 is the beginning of 2012. Our mission is clear, Governor Palin laid it out beautifully. This message should be spread far and wide, shouted from rooftops, made into bumper stickers, baked into berry pies (reference to the movie Amazing Grace :), whatever we need to do to get it out there. Americans want that. Americans still believe in the principles that are just waiting to be renewed, revived and restored.
Might it require dissension? Well, yeah especially since Progressives are ruling and stand in stark contrast to what America really represents. But, it won't be just for dissensions sake, its because we are faithful to freedom.
I look forward with great anticipation to what these next couple of years will bring. I'm quite certain that there will be difficulties. But, I'm also certain that there are going to be amazing things happen as well. I have the remarkable blessing to be associated with amazing people who are examples to me of faith and courage and steadfastness. May we continue faithful and true, and may the joys overcome the trials. Go USA!!!
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