After the Election: The Great Commission in a Politically Divided World

Many Christians prayed long and hard for the midterm elections but went to bed deflated and downhearted as we watched red conservative states turn purple then blue on our television, computer, and phone screens.

Didn’t we pray hard enough?

Campaign enough?

Network for our candidates enough?

Why did only 17-21% of registered Christians vote while 98% of adult Muslims voted 80% Democrat?

What went wrong?

What was God doing?

Weren’t the warnings heeded on what would happen to our lives and country if the Communists and Islamists got into power?

  • DEI
  • Censoring of conservative views and commentary 
  • Hate for Israel
  • Sharia Law
  • Impeachments
  • Borders opened again

The morning after the election, I read many consoling posts reminding us to trust God. He was still on the throne, and He would work it all out for good.

Yes, I believe that. Still, there was an ache in my heart for the inevitable lawfare, violence, and evil the left thrives on.

Already, you’re hearing threats and calls for violence even murder and assassination against President Trump, his cabinet, and family. The left who loves to call President Trump Hitler and call conservatives Nazi’s is calling for Nazi-style executions of President Trump’s son-in-law and his new Chief of Staff Steven Miller. One commentator wants Elon Musk dead before Christmas!

That’s what winning looks like to evil people.

It may seem like good people lost and bad people won, but Romans 1 says the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness and God will give over the unrighteous men and women to the lusts of their flesh.

Professing to become wise, they became fools.

Thinking they’ve won, they’ve actually lost.

“So yes, the biblical victory for the Democrats is Romans 1 in action.” Jenna Ellis

What Does the Great Commission Have to Do With The Election?

A post from Tony Perkins explains the answer to that question.

18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matt. 28:18-20

“When evangelicals sit out an election, they give up an opportunity to shape its outcome. . .

I’m sure some critics of the church would say, ‘Focus on evangelism and stay out of politics.’ Well, consider the second part of what Jesus said, ‘Teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you.’

The truth of God and obedience to it is not just a private matter.

Followers of Jesus, equipped and encouraged by pastors, need to share their faith and live it out in a way that impacts the world around them, including government.” Tony Perkins

It’s important to remember that even the Devil knows Scripture and how to twist and use it for his purpose. For example, look at this graphic comparing what Talarico said on the campaign trail and what the Bible actually says. Did you hear any pastors pointing this out in their sermons? I’m sure there were a few, but by the results of the Christians who were deceived in Texas, definitely not enough pastors followed the Great Commission to Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.

I wrote a blog a few weeks ago, You Have a Role In Saving Babies This Election that essentially said abortion was on the ballot in every state because the Democrats are gleefully anti-baby and pro-genocide of babies. Specifically, Idaho, Missouri, Nevada, and Virginia had propositions on the ballot regarding codifying abortion in their state.

Every pastor in every church in those states should’ve been preaching on what the Bible says about killing the innocent unborn and pointing out why Christians must vote prolife according to the Bible.

I pray that many pastors did, but Idaho was the ONLY state where babies won! I’m not saying that to be prideful, but I am going to boast about the pastors, churches, and Christians in Idaho who obeyed the Great Commission and went out to teach and impact all the communities in our state with the message of saving our red state and saving the babies.

Proposition 1 was challenging Idaho’s current strict abortion law. Many Idaho pastors educated their congregations in the evil of killing the unborn and Christians and pastors took to the streets with Vote No On Prop 1 signs and passing out lawn signs, door knocking, peacefully protesting against Prop 1, praying, and fasting.

The night before the election, Love Life lined the steps of the Capitol with tea lights and wooden crosses while holding a prayer vigil for Prop 1 to fail and babies to win.


Prior to the election, I was especially blessed to see men gathering on Saturday mornings to pray and then going out to canvass neighborhoods with prolife pamphlets educating the public on how to vote on Prop 1. At Awaken Church in Meridian Idaho, 100 men gathered at 5:30 AM on Election Day in passionate prayer for the vote. I know there were men and women in other churches across Idaho praying too.

Many pastors and the church in Idaho took a public square stand for the innocent and called abortion what it is, murder of human life.

Here’s what Caleb Pirc, General Counsel and Director of Idaho Family Policy Center Legal Center wrote about Idaho’s win to remain a sanctuary state for babies:

“While campaigning against the radical pro-abortion Proposition 1 over the past few months, I have had the privilege of speaking at churches across Idaho. We won because God’s people went to the polls—and they knew how to vote because pastors faithfully shepherded their congregations. Isaac Helland, Matthew Wyatt, and I had the privilege of walking alongside so many pastors, explaining Prop 1 and helping pastors navigate legal restrictions while speaking out.

Our team at Idaho Family Policy Center is always available to come speak to your church about how to think biblically about the issues facing our culture today. And, even better, we can provide your church with resources to equip your congregation—resources like the thousands of our Biblical Citizenship Guide to Preborn Life booklets that we distributed to churches across Idaho entirely free of charge.

The fight for biblical values in our culture didn’t end on Tuesday—it’s more important than ever that churches continue to stand faithfully for truth!”

Blaine Conzatti, President of Idaho Family Policy Center wrote about the Prolife victory:
“From the very beginning, we knew that abortion advocates fundamentally misunderstood Idaho. They thought that this was just another political fight. They thought they could roll into Idaho with their millions of dollars from out-of-state billionaires to impose their blue state abortion laws here. But they were wrong.

After all, Idahoans are pro-life because they’re people of faith. We knew they would reject the extreme abortion agenda, but only if they were told the truth. So rather than viewing this as just another political campaign, we took a different approach—getting people from the pews to the polls.

With this in mind, our Too Extreme for Idaho PAC set out to mobilize the three largest religious communities in Idaho: Evangelical Protestants, Catholics, and Latter-day Saints.

We may disagree on theology, but we all agree that preborn life is worth protecting. So we got to work raising nearly $4.7 million to match the Prop 1 campaign in broadcast, radio, and streaming ads.

But much of the real work was done on the ground. Churches mobilized like never before, preaching from the pulpits, distributing literature, and organizing door-knocking and sign-waving campaigns.

WATCH: IFPC President Blaine Conzatti celebrates defeat of Prop 1

So how did we defeat Prop 1? Pastors faithfully shepherded their congregations by encouraging them to vote no. Pro-life groups set aside their political differences to stand together against the evil of abortion. And Christians showed up to the polls.

This is what happens when Christians speak out and get engaged—WE WIN.”

And I would add, pastors being willing to speak about biblical voting from the pulpit, churches working together, and Christian Idahoans getting involved is what kept Idaho red while surrounded by a blue wave.

The pastors of Idaho followed the Great Commission and God blessed us.

Rejoice! Our Lord has fought for us—and He has given us the victory (Deut. 20:4).

What Do Christians Do Going Forward In Every State?

On November 4, friends from California texted me asking for a copy of Dr. Charles Stanley’s Armor of God prayer from Ephesians 6:10-18 that Dave and I have prayed every morning in our almost 34 years of marriage and we give a copy to everyone we know.

There’s no question it’s now “battle on.” When President Trump was shot in an attempted assassination, he bravely stood up with blood dripping down his face, raised his fist in the air, and said, “Fight, fight, fight!”

He meant we wouldn’t give up the good fight for freedom. We don’t fight like those who come to rob, kill, and destroy. Christians fight with the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.

A Facebook friend, Jan Blount Martin, wrote a great post the day after the election about the Armor of God. I share a portion of it here with her permission.

“It’s a new day and I don’t think a lot of people realize what just happened. You see, there’s a remnant growing in this country. People who love the Lord, and have born again spirits, who are realizing it’s time to charge the gates of hell…

We’ve been praying and we’ve been sharing with each other in the language of ‘Christianese’, but this is different. It’s the lion stirring inside of us ….we know him as the Lion of Judah and he is in us and we are in him.

You can feel it. It’s almost tangible. It’s a stirring inside that causes you to say, ‘but for God.’

It’s the warrior rising up inside saying ‘not today Satan, not today!’

People just don’t know …. But Satan knows ….when an army of Christian warriors filled with the Holy Spirit go into spiritual battle, well, let me just say they won’t be in the streets causing havoc, they’ll be in their prayer closets, or gathered in groups, or maybe even stomping around their house, or maybe even right out in the streets, calling down every stronghold, from the lowest of the demons to the top of the chain, in the name of Jesus and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

So it’s a new day, something’s been released in the spirit realm kind of like in the days of Gideon and God’s people are about ready to show the world that when all the cards are stacked against you, and then God takes over. . .Well let’s just say, you’ll know!”

My Response to the Election?

We must remain faithful to our calling in Matthew 28:19-20

Pastors, go make disciples for Jesus in your congregations. Shepherd and teach them how to prayerfully put on the Armor of God in Ephesians 6:10–18 and then to daily go out and impact the country and the culture with biblical truth.

“The church’s greatest contribution to our nation is not simply influencing who governs it but faithfully pointing people to the One who rules [sovereignly] over it!” Pastor Mike Jacobson, Crouch Community Church

PS If you want a copy of Dr. Charles Stanley’s Armor of God prayer, reply to this blog with Armor of God and I’ll email it to you.

Also, take a break from politics and go see Drummer Boy The Movie this week!

Opening graphic from Joshua Reyes Facebook post.

Please leave a comment here.

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How To Vote Your Biblical Values in the Most Important Election of Our Lifetime!

If you’re reading this blog on Monday, November 2, election day is tomorrow. I realize many of you have taken advantage of early voting or absentee mail-in voting. Good for you! For those still considering who to vote for and how to vote or even whether to vote, I wrote this blog for you! Or send it to someone on the fence about voting.

Notice I didn’t title this blog “How to Vote Your Faith” because I don’t know the basis for your faith.

I didn’t title it “How to Vote What You Believe” because I don’t know your beliefs.

I purposefully titled it “How To Vote Your Biblical Values. . .” because as Christians the Bible should be our life guide and that includes how to vote. Yes, voting is both political and spiritual. I wrote a similar blog prior to the 2024 Presidential Election. I’ve noticed it getting many hits on my website, so I’m updating for the most important election of our lifetime.

Where you stand politically shows where you stand biblically!

Encouraging everyone to vote their “biblical values,” can mean different things to different people. It shouldn’t because according to Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ and the Word of God is timeless and universal. Unchanging!

The Bible clearly states what we should champion and support or reject with our vote. By definition, our biblical values are based solely on Scripture and should reflect our biblical worldview.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 NLT

For the Christian, our Life Instruction Manuel is the Bible. Like every owner’s manual, the Bible must be read to be useful. It contains everything believers need to know to follow Christ, glorify God, and live fruitful and righteous lives in a culture that tries to tell you that your faith can be set aside when you do something as important as voting.

It’s vital to know and understand what God says about platforms and policy issues that candidates champion to govern our lives, the lives of our friends and families, our communities, our churches, our country, and the future.  Are their platforms biblical or unbiblical?

It doesn’t matter what our personal opinion is of the person, it matters whether or not they’ll govern biblically.

Dr. Jeff Myers, president of Summit Ministries, wisely advises, “We can figure out which candidate is most likely to lessen evil when it comes to diminishing life, when it comes to diminishing liberty, when it comes to diminishing the value of property. We’re not seeking a perfect world. We’re not utopians. But we are trying to figure out how to lessen evil so that people can be more free.”

Pastor Josh Howerton captured well the dilemma some Christians feel when it comes to lessening evil with our vote.

A comment on Pastor Josh’s post correctly advised what we all must do as Christians: “This is why we have to look past the candidates and look at their policies. Do their policies align with His Word and teachings or the progressive route of worldly beliefs? Both sides are not perfect. In making this decision, we as Christian’s should be praying for discernment while keeping our ears open to listen for the Holy Spirit to lead us in the right direction.”

Pastor Ken Peters gave some tangible Bible examples on his Facebook page to help Christians choose between two flawed candidates.

“Consider the Texas Senate race. Both candidates are flawed. Ken Paxton is weak, accused of immorality and infidelity. James Talarico is wicked, accused of pushing for sex change mutilation of children, six genders, and declaring that God is non-binary. I’m not their judge but Jesus said we would know them by their fruits.

Who do we vote for? I looked to the Bible for guidance. King David was weak, guilty of an affair with Bathsheba. King Saul was wicked, full of pride, ignoring God’s law, and attempting to murder David.

WHO DID GOD CHOOSE?

Simon Peter was weak, denying knowing Jesus under pressure. Judas Iscariot was wicked, selling Jesus for money and attempting to destroy God’s plan.

WHO DID GOD CHOOSE?”

Pastor Peters concludes that often we’re discerning between weak and wicked. I would add that all of us have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

Why Is This the Most Important Election of Our Lifetime?

As Speaker Johnson often rightfully says, “It’s an election between crazies and common sense. Communism vs common sense.”

In some states like Michigan, it’s Sharia Law vs the Constitution!

In my lifetime, I’ve never seen candidates on the ballot who admit to hating America with platforms that go against everything Americans cherish about our country. This election could put the Congress and/or Senate into the hands of the Democrats who have taken God completely out of their party. Instead, they’ve invited into their “big tent” Socialists, Democrat Socialists, Communists, and Islamists.

Many of those “big tent” candidates are funded by terrorist organizations like CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations), George Soros, China, Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood. If the Dems take over the House and Senate, they plan a revolution to completely destroy the Constitution and our Republic. For starters they will . . .

  • Abolish the police, ICE, and the FBI
  • Abolish the Senate
  • Congress will elect the President
  • Pack the Supreme Court
  • Reinstate DEI into the culture, social media, workplace, schools, and the military
  • Make our four territories into blue states to ensure Democrats ALWAYS rule
  • Open the border and take down the border wall letting in an unvetted invasion
  • Grant amnesty to all illegals
  • Tax unrealized gain and income
  • Impeach the President, the Cabinet, and investigate their families
  • Medicare for all eliminating your private insurance and taxing you to pay for it
  • Codify abortion
  • Reinstate gender mutilation of children
  • Allow men in women’s sports

Believe it when they say it!

The new Democrat tent believes they’re morally superior. There’s no limit to what they’ll do to destroy America and our freedoms to get the power they seek. They‘re truly dangerous.

I’m not sure enough people are taking this election seriously!

The radical Communist/Islamist “red/green” candidates are anti-God, anti-family, anti-church, anti-Jew, anti-Israel, anti-Christian and anti-America! The Demoncrat party is following their evil lead.

Notice none of those crazy radical candidates tried to run as Republicans. They intuitively knew the desperate Democrats would welcome them just to get their votes.

Did God Really Say?

Christians could be the deciding factor in matters of life and death, good and evil in this election? We can stop the crazies and repudiate them if we get out and vote against them! We may be the only hope. God could be testing us to see if we care enough to make a difference not just for ourselves, but for future generations.

Traditionally, voter turnout diminishes during midterms and the party in the White House loses their majority. However, it’s predicted that if every Christian who voted in 2024 would get out and vote biblically in the midterms, we could prevent the radicals who want to destroy America from winning!

While surveys reveal some Christians don’t vote from complacency, they also show many want instruction and guidance from their church on how to think about the issues from a biblical perspective. 

We vote as our civic duty as an American, but also as our biblical responsibility as a Christian.

Satan has used his most effective tool against living righteously since the Garden of Eden when he asked Eve, “Did God really say?” I’m here to tell you that God really did have something to say about the spiritual moral issues in our culture which we the church have let become politicized.

I’m not talking candidate’s personalities. I’m talking about policies, which will become the law of the land if Democrat Socialists, Communists, and Islamists are elected.

Do your own research. Read your Bible. Don’t let the biased media or even the candidates themselves influence your vote. Look at their policies and plans and your local ballot bills, then look at what the Bible says about each issue. That’s what should influence your prayerful vote as a Christian. Let’s look at a few of them.

ABORTION vs RIGHT TO LIFE is on the ballot in many states including mine in Idaho, as I wrote about a few weeks ago, You Have a Role in Saving Babies This Election. If the Democrats (I now call Demoncrats) take back Congress, the Democrats will codify Roe v Wade into federal law by lying that abortion is “women’s reproductive rights” and “women’s healthcare.” That’s called twisting language that we see described in 2 Peter 3:16b-17. We know Demoncrats don’t really care about women. They can’t even describe what a woman is, and they support men pretending they’re women to compete in women’s sports completely ignoring true rights of women!

Christians should never abandon the principles of our faith by choosing candidates who want to kill God’s babies! The first “right” listed in our nation’s Declaration of Independence is the right to life, firmly rooted in the Judeo-Christian standards of morality upon which the United States of America was founded. Murder is a crime.

What Does the Bible Say About Abortion vs Right to Life?

When God creates each child through conception, there’s a flash of light and life begins. God gives him or her a spirit and soul that can’t be destroyed or denied. That’s a spiritual not political fact. Biologically, no person has ever been born without a spirit and soul.

Unborn babies are human. Humans are sacred! God declares in His Word the sanctity of life that He created in His image.

  • You must not murder.” Ex 20:13
  • For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:13-16
  • Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. Ps. 127:3-5
  • I was thrust into your arms at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born. Ps. 22:10 NLT
  • “This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the Lord, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself.” Is. 44:24
  • Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name. Is. 49:1
  • “Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jer. 1:5
  • “‘Do not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molek, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the Lord. Lev. 18:21
  • Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, ensure justice for those being crushed. Pr. 31:8
  • There are six things the Lord hates,seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood. Pr. 6:16-17

You absolutely would have to abandon and deny your faith and God’s Word to be a Christian who supports or votes for abortion or any candidate promoting abortion! It’s a sin. Satan wants to kill, steal, and destroy everything God loves. It’s an abomination to God to shed innocent blood. If you’re still not convinced, please watch Baby Olivia.

If you know someone who has had an abortion, or maybe you have, God sees you and you can repent and ask for His forgiveness. He’s waiting with open arms of grace and mercy. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY.

This category covers–

  • LGBTQ+ and trans issues infringing on the religious freedoms of those who don’t agree.
  • Protecting Title IX to keep men out of women’s sports and private areas.
  • Sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman.
  • Defending family.
  • Preventing schools from teaching sexual deviancy and promoting gender confusion.
  • Protection of children from sex change indoctrination and castrating surgeries and drugs. 
  • Bringing the Bible, 10 Commandments, and prayer back into schools.
  • Allowing religious speech in the public square.

What Does the Bible Say About Religious Liberty?

Gender isn’t fluid, it’s God-given. To affirm radical gender ideology is to implicitly deny the workmanship and sovereignty of God. It’s to deny God and His Word. Government is ordained of God (Romans 13:1-7), but government cannot become God.

  • So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Gen. 1:27
  • That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Gen. 2:24
  • God’s Wrath Against Sinful Humanity: Romans 1:18-32

iVoterGuide

iVoterGuide is Grounded in God. Rooted in Research.

They’ve done the biblical groundwork for you on important topics in this election. I didn’t have room to include in this blog the other issues covered but that are important this election. They’re discussed in detail at iVoterGuide with Scripture. You can also find out the candidates’ positions both federally and locally when you put in your zip code. I hope you’ll take advantage of their wonderful research.

Let the Bible be Your Voter Guide!

God put us in dominion over the earth to enact His will on earth as it is in heaven. Voting is part of that charge He gave to each of us. We must get involved. We must participate not just spectate!

Which candidates will protect the unborn through the elderly?

Which candidates support religions liberty?

Which candidates will support Israel?

Which candidates love America?

As Christians, we must do our part to ensure that candidates who protect biblical principles are voted into power. But we must always remember that our highest authority is God. The mandate in Romans 13 is simple: obey God, then man. When man’s orders conflict with God’s, we follow God.

Pray! Read Your Bible! Vote!

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Ps. 119:105

They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:8-9

When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan. Pr. 29:2

Please leave a comment here. I will reply. Thank you.

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Ways to Help a Woman on the Breast Cancer Journey

October ushered in fall with thoughts of pumpkin pie, pumpkin lattes, and harvest colors, but for many women like me, it’s also a reminder that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2002, with recurrences in 2009 and 2011.

With the upcoming election on my mind, I almost missed acknowledging my breast cancer sisters this month and warning every woman over 40 to not let the year end without getting your annual mammogram. Because I’m high risk, I get either a mammogram or MRI every six months without fail. Last night, the Lord reminded me that breast cancer should be the topic of this week’s blog when I saw a Facebook post from a long-time friend who was just diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer.

I found purpose in the pain of my first diagnosis by writing the book I wished I had going through my own journey, Dear God, They Say It’s Cancer: A Companion Guide for Women on the Breast Cancer Journey.  The hardest chapter to write was “It Could Come Back.” But come back it did, twice! Any fears I had that my friends and family couldn’t, or wouldn’t, go through this ordeal with me again, were unfounded as they rallied around me each time with love, caring, support, and most importantly, prayer.

I have suggestions below for how you can do the same for the breast cancer friend or family member or neighbor, or fellow employee, or acquaintance you barely know who is being treated for breast cancer. Unbelievably, statistics have not changed from 24 years ago when I was first diagnosed . . . 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime! We all know at least one woman who has cried out in anguish, like my friend and I did, “Dear God, They Say It’s Cancer!”

_____________

“I’m sorry…but you do have breast cancer.”

Those shocking words crackling through my cell phone rocked my world twenty-four years ago. I was running errands…trying to outrun suspected bad news. After the doctor’s parting words, “You’ll be fine,” I fired up the car engine and started driving and dialing. The first person I called, after I told my husband, was my best friend, but she couldn’t comprehend the diagnosis. “A positive biopsy doesn’t mean it’s malignant, does it?” she asked.

It’s hard to know what to say or do when a friend or relative drops the bombshell news that she has breast cancer. Often our natural response is to recoil and retreat. Maybe it’s the fear of facing our own mortality or the time and emotion required if we do get involved. We ease our conscience by thinking: she would rather be alone right now anyway. Or she needs her family at a time like this. Or she has so many friends; I know someone will help her.

We may send a card or make a call offering to help, closing with “I’ll be praying for you,” then on we go about our life while her life crumbles.

Yet the Bible clearly tells us to, “Help each other in troubles and problems. This is the kind of law Christ asks us to obey” (Galatians 6:2).

How can we put that verse into practical terms?

What does it truly mean to help each other in troubles and problems? Perhaps you can glean some ideas from the ways my friends and family came along side me during my initial breast cancer journey and two recurrences, and I might add with my recent complicated hip replacement surgery.

Helping Her with the Bad Days

Don’t Just Offer to Help—Do Something Tangible

Most of us find it difficult to receive help; we are hesitant to impose on others. When asked the generic question, “How can I help you?” our common response is, “I’m fine, but thank you for asking.” Truthfully, we need everything, but we don’t know if the person is offering to mop our floors or pick up our kids from school—both of which we need, but are afraid to ask.

Another well-meaning comment I received was, “Just call me if you need anything.” Now how many women are going to pick up the phone and ask for help, especially if they’re not feeling well? Again, we don’t know what the person is willing to do for us, and we don’t want to be a burden.

So instead of offering to help—just jump in and do something. If you know your friend well, you know where she needs help; and even if you don’t know her well, you know where all women need help. If she’s in the midst of cancer treatment, she is going to need assistance with every area of her life, especially if she is single. Here are some practical ideas:

  1. Schedule her friends, family, and church to bring meals. Use your lunch break to take her lunch and eat with her.
  2. Offer to drive her to doctor’s appointments or treatments and take notes for her.
  3. Shuttle her kids to and from school or find someone who can.
  4. Sit with her during chemo treatments or accompany her to radiation. Talk, read a book to her, or just hold her hand.
  5. Take her children on a play date or to your house.
  6. Do her laundry.
  7. Do her grocery shopping. If she is too sick to dictate a list, take an inventory of her refrigerator and cupboards and make your own list.
  8. Answer her email.
  9. Bring her a gift that makes her feel feminine.
  10. If she feels like talking, sit and chat with her. When she doesn’t feel like talking, just be a presence in her home so she doesn’t feel alone.
  11. Babysit her kids so she and her husband can have some private time.
  12. Clean her house or pay someone to do it.
  13. Go with her to pick out a wig or prosthesis.
  14. Pick up prescriptions.
  15. Run errands.

My first surgery and treatment extended over the Christmas holidays, and we had six grandchildren at that time. I had bought their presents already but couldn’t imagine wrapping them. So my friend took all the presents home and wrapped them, as well as organizing other friends to deliver meals for three months. During my recuperation, she sat on my bed with my laptop, read my emails to me, and then sent my dictated answers. Later, she accompanied me to radiation, fixed my hair when I had a frozen shoulder, and stuck beside me through the entire cancer ordeal, even though she admits that her first reaction to my phone call on that dreaded diagnosis day was, “Lord, I don’t want to do this.” God assured her that she could do it, and she did.

Don’t Say, “I’ll Pray For You,” Unless You Mean It

At church a couple came up to greet my husband and me and asked if they could pray for us. That meant so much to me as we wrapped our arms around each other, and there on the church patio, this precious couple prayed for my recovery and Dave’s strength for the journey. When we finished, the wife asked where we needed help. I hesitated because I knew this woman didn’t like to cook, but Dave quickly interjected, “We could use a meal.” She didn’t flinch. She said they would be over the next night with dinner, and they were…and they prayed for us again.

“I’ll pray for you” is said too often with the casualness of “Have a nice day.” But a promise to pray isn’t just a feel good phrase. We are telling someone that we will petition God on her behalf, and we are living falsely if we don’t. I find it’s best to stop in the moment and pray right then. It keeps me honest and blesses the other person.

Helping Her Enjoy the Good Days

Be Happy with Her When She’s Happy

Cancer is a grim word. Overnight life becomes serious, tense, and laden with fear. There is very little laughter during those first shocking days following the “dreaded diagnosis.” But life continues and there are going to be good days interspersed with the bad. An insightful friend will capitalize on the moments of reprieve when there is an opportunity to laugh or smile. Be ready, because it may only last a moment, but the break from pain and fear is immeasurable.

If your friend is having an especially good day, avoid topics that you know will bring her down. You aren’t minimizing or making light of the seriousness of the situation, but you are giving her a recess from the intensity. Don’t fake happiness, but take advantage of humorous or lighter moments. Smile. Laugh. Be happy.

Don’t let the serious eclipse the humorous.

I remember laughing at myself one day in the shower when I realized that I was so carefully not shaving under my left arm because of the lymph node surgery, that I also wasn’t shaving my left leg. I frequently retold that story so people could laugh with me.

Nurture the Little Girl Inside Her

When I was in the hospital, the nurse in charge of the breast-care unit gave me a white stuffed toy sheep named “Fleece.” Taking Fleece with me everywhere, I held him as a shield in front of my sore breast, tucked him under my arm as an armrest, and snuggled next to him in bed. For six months, I indulged my childish need for security, and no one chastised me for it. In fact, they acted like it was normal. And I discovered when I was writing my book, Dear God, They Say It’s Cancer, that it was normal! One woman who shared her story in the book had a black stuffed sheep named “Lamby” that she cuddled in her hospital bed. Another received a baby-sized pillow, and she recalls, “That pillow became a part of my wardrobe for eighteen months.”

Comfort and Security Gifts

  • A stuffed animal, pillow, or quilt.
  • A favorite food.
  • A game she loves to play and play it with her.
  • A movie she loved as a kid and watch it with her.
  • A surprise reunion with childhood friends.
  • A tea party.
  • A fun hat—even if she hasn’t lost her hair, she might not feel like fixing her hair.
  • A new nightgown that buttons down the front.
  • An ice cream cone.
  • A nightlight.

Shower Her with Love

Kay Warren shared with me about her breast cancer experience, “I don’t know how we would have gotten through this difficult time without the outpouring of love and support from so many. I have not felt alone at all…which is such an amazing gift!” And that it is…love is the best gift you can give to your friend suffering with breast cancer. Don’t desert her when she needs you most. Right now, she requires extravagant love, and God will help you when your heart is breaking or it just seems too sad or too hard. John 13:34 tells us to love one another just as God has loved us. God is the author of love and He knows just what your friend needs, and He will show you how to love her when she is feeling unlovable.

Surprise her.

What woman doesn’t love an unexpected gift or demonstration of how valuable she is to us? We were in the midst of a messy kitchen remodel when breast cancer assaulted me the first time. Everything in my life seemed out of control. But I felt so loved the day I returned home after the painful needle biopsy and spotted amongst the rubble—gift bags full of treats with balloons attached and a card from two girlfriends assuring me they had been praying during the ordeal.

Ideas For Showering Your Breast Cancer Friend With Love

  • A Spa day at a salon, which treats women with breast cancer.
  • If she wears a hat or scarf, wear one too.
  • Tell her how much you love her and what a great friend she is.
  • Stick with her even when the treatment lingers on. Her biggest fear is that others will not endure the journey.
  • Include her in as many activities as she feels up to.
  • Go to a breast-cancer support group with her.
  • Plan a girls’ day or night out, when she feels up to it.
  • Sit and watch old movies with her—even if she falls asleep.
  • Do her makeup.
  • Pray for and with her.

The Bible assures us in Proverbs 17:17 that “A friend loves at all times.”

What a privilege it is to put that verse into practice for your precious friend with breast cancer. You probably won’t be able to do everything I suggest and I hope you have ideas of your own, but as a three-time breast cancer survivor, I assure you there are three things that will endure through the good and the bad times—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

The Top Thirteen Things to Do or Say and NOT to Do or Say to Someone with Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Support

Article includes excerpts from Dear God, They Say It’s Cancer: A Companion Guide for Women on the Breast Cancer Journey.

Please leave a comment here.

If you haven’t read my last two blogs, please do before you vote.

You Have a Role in Saving Babies This Election

If It Doesn’t Make Sense, It’s Spiritual Warfare!

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You Have a Role In Saving Babies This Election!

I’m going to be blunt and direct in this blog. God’s been prompting me to write about abortion because it’s literally on the ballot in every state.

We live in Idaho a baby sanctuary pro-life red state.

Planned Parenthood, abortion lobbyists, and wealthy East Cost liberal donors like Bloomberg are trying to flip Idaho’s pro-life abortion law just as they did in Ohio. If they can do it here, they can do it anywhere!

Idaho was the first state after the fall of Roe v Wade to pass a strict law banning abortion except for rape or incest during the first trimester, treatment of ectopic or molar pregnancies, removal of a fetus or treatment of miscarriage with no cardiac activity, or threat to mother’s life in which case they try to save the baby’s life also.

After our anti-abortion, do-no-harm, pro-life law was enacted, Planned Parenthood left Idaho because they could no longer slaughter babies in Idaho under the facade of “healthcare.” But they didn’t go resolutely and now we have Prop 1 on the ballot in November that would make abortion easier in Idaho then it was with Roe v Wade!

Many people have opinions on the Pros and Cons of Prop 1. My husband and I are vehemently against it. As I’ve interacted with those who are a “Yes” on Prop 1, it’s clear they don’t understand the current law or don’t believe or accept the following:

  • God created every baby in His image.
  • Science has agreed that life begins at conception.
  • Every baby receives DNA, unique characteristics, and a soul at conception.
  • A developing baby is not a clump of cells or fetus, she or he is a human being.
  • A baby is not a “health condition” or tumor that needs removing.
  • A baby has the same rights as the mother.
  • A baby’s body is separate from the mother’s body.
  • Abortion is a barbaric, torturous death of another human being.
  • God has a plan for every human baby.
  • Abortion is NOT healthcare and it’s NOT an “intentional miscarriage.”
  • Abortion isn’t a “medical decision” between a woman and her doctor. It’s intentional murder and the government is obligated to prevent murder.

Why Do I Say Abortion is On the Ballot in Every State?

Abortion bills, propositions, or amendments are specifically on the November 2026 ballot in Idaho, Nevada, Virginia, and Missouri, but abortion is actually on everyone’s ballot because if the Demoncrat Communist Islamists take over Congress, they will codify abortion!

If you heard the town hall with Democrat Socialist and heretic James Talarico running in Texas for national Senate, he made the erroneous statement to a constituent that “the Bible is silent on abortion.” He has even said that “trans” people need abortion rights. The woman he was talking to corrected him that the Ten Commandments specifically says, “Thou shalt not murder.”

Brian Ottinger of Love Live.org counters some of the typical liberal political talking points:

A BABY DOESN’T HAVE TO BE WANTED TO BE WORTH PROTECTING.

A mother’s circumstances don’t determine her child’s value.

A father’s willingness to take responsibility doesn’t determine his child’s humanity.

Poverty doesn’t erase human dignity. Neither does inconvenience, fear, or an unexpected pregnancy.

The value of a human life isn’t determined by whether someone wants that life.

Every preborn child deserves protection.

Every mother deserves genuine love and support.

“People’s feelings change. Circumstances change. What someone considers unwanted today may become their greatest blessing tomorrow. But the value of a human life does not change with someone else’s feelings. Being wanted has never been a qualification for being human, and it should NEVER be the standard for deciding who gets to live and who dies. Human dignity is not determined by popularity, convenience, or desire. Every human life has value because every human life is made in the image of God.” Brian Ottinger

How many of God’s children who He knit together in their mother’s womb and had great plans for them to rescue our world in medicine, health, science, education, leadership, preachers, fathers and mothers of future generations have been slaughtered before they could take their first breath?! Or horrifically even murdered after birth, which could happen if Prop 1 passes in Idaho!

God creates and has a plan for every child conceived. That’s not just a “religious belief” as I’ve heard argued and one pro-abortion SCOTUS said during the Roe v Wade turnover. It’s a reality. God has a plan for everyone!

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jer. 29:11 NLT

The pro-abortion attorney in the Dobbs case also tried to argue that “the burden of parenthood is an obstacle to women’s success” even as she addressed this absurd argument to Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett a mother of seven, including two adopted children.

A man and a woman should carefully consider parenthood BEFORE having sex, not after a child is conceived. Only secular cultural worldly thinking considers success outside the home more valuable than success in the home as a parent.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Ps. 139:13-16 NLT

When liberal SCOTUS Sotomayor compared a baby in the womb to a brain-dead person, she actually admitted that a pre-born baby is a person! Satan tries to seduce with deception by calling the baby a “fetus,” which sounds clinical and not like a human being. 

I’ve never heard a woman say she’s pregnant with a fetus, a brain-dead person, or a blob of cells. An expectant mother says she’s going to have a baby: a precious, fragile, defenseless human being that according to current laws in 37 states and Washington, D.C., she can “choose” to murder.

A scientific discovery is now confirming what Christians have always known that life begins at conception when sperm fertilizes an egg. A human being is created. A video reveals what appears to be a fluorescent display of fireworks taking place at the moment of conception. The ‘flash of light’ is created when zinc is released and binds to tiny molecules that “emit a fluorescence,” only viewable by microscopes. This discovery is nothing short of a breathtaking display of our Creator’s hand at work in creating each of us with a soul and a purpose.

Science and technology now confirm that by six weeks, a child has a beating heart, a developing brain and spinal cord. At ten weeks, the child has arms, legs, fingers, toes and can kick. By fifteen weeks, the baby has a nose, lips, eyebrows, eyelids and can feel pain, yawn, and suck a thumb. If you’ve watched the movie Unplanned, you know the baby feels pain in an abortion and struggles to get away from the suction tube. It’s heartbreaking.

Before ultrasounds and heartbeat monitoring, women bought into the lie they were told that it’s just a blob of cells that can’t feel pain. But now, we know that’s not true. We can see the human baby developing and hear the heartbeat at six weeks. We know, without a doubt, that life begins at conception. Yet many still want the “right” to kill that human being, even after the baby takes its first breath! Inhuman barbaric depravity is actually celebrated by liberals, Hollywood, and some state governments.

18 states plus DC have no gestational limit on abortion! Woman were actually photographed clapping and smiling when Massachusetts female governor signed a bill allowing abortion at any stage up until birth and in Minnesota even after birth! Tell me that’s not murder!

Abortion has become the accepted crime of unbridled passion and lust.

There’s no right way to do the wrong thing. There’s no justification for having sex and killing a baby because the sex was convenient, but the baby is inconvenient.

Our culture today is playing God by choosing who can live and who should die. That’s not going to end well.

Abortion is Not a Constitutional Right

The Constitution says everyone has a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and that includes unborn human beings.

Let’s review some common deceptive talking points because maybe you’ve been deceived yourself.

  1. “A woman’s right to choose.” In 99.9% of situations, a woman does have a right to choose . . . if she’s going to have sex or not. That’s her choice.
  2. “Reproductive rights” start with the right to say yes or no to sex. Sex leads to reproduction. A scientific and biological fact and a right God gave to every man and woman who chooses to have sex.
  3. “Healthcare.” There’s nothing healthy for a woman to have a baby poisoned, burned, dismembered, or sucked out of her womb. A doctor’s role is to save both patients, the mother and the baby.
  4. “It’s my body.” It’s not her own body. She didn’t create herself. God did by her parents having sex to create her. Then she used her body to have sex and create a body separate from hers with its own soul, heartbeat, eyes, ears, mouth, nose, brain, organs, skin, arms, legs, sensitivity to pain, cry, and tears.
  5. “Bodily autonomy is a human right.” Autonomy does allow a woman to choose to have sex with her body, but when she creates another body, that little body has autonomy and a human right also.
  6. “Abortion is morally good.” When murder becomes morally good and justified, we’ve definitely regressed to barbarism and savagery. Promiscuous sex is morally wrong. Two wrongs do not make a right.
  7. “It’s a decision between a woman and her doctor.” When a girl or woman goes into Planned Parenthood, they don’t see the doctor until they’re in stirrups and he’s killing her baby. And often it’s not even a doctor performing the abortion. No doctor should agree to murder a baby.
  8. “Prochoice.” The argument is between prolife and prodeath advocates!
  9. “A war on women.” How about we stop the war on babies, both male and female.

For Those Woman Who Have Already Had an Abortion

My friend Patti Smith wrote a blog about the devastation of her own abortions: Nobody Told Me the Truth. Maybe that’s you and you were misled or misinformed. Patti learned that God is the God of forgiveness, grace, and mercy as she learned the truth about abortion, repented, and asked Jesus for forgiveness and salvation.

After your own healing, like Patti, God may use your past to help another woman not let abortion become her future.

I’ve also heard good things about Project Rachel: Hope After Abortion.

What’s Our Role As Christians?

Abortion is the brutal and barbaric execution of a baby. Don’t be bullied into accepting this demonic atrocity and don’t be silent in stopping it. Work hard to protect the unborn!

Every Christian, Conservative, Patriot, Parent, Grandparent, Bible-Believing God fearing American should be registered and vote in this November 3, 2026 election!

Remember the Democrat “Big Tent” of Socialists, DSA, Marxists, Communists, and Islamists want to codify abortion and their entire platform is anti-God.

Vote for the innocent.

Vote for those who cherish life.

Vote your values.

Vote biblically not personalities.

Vote!!!

Speak up for the innocent!

Here’s a powerful quote from a Gen Z woman writing to a friend on why she’s voting NO on Idaho’s Prop 1 . . .

“I recently learned that nearly 1/3 of Gen Z in America was aborted. Depending on the age range you use for Gen Z, between 16 million and 20 million lives were lost. That’s 16 to 20 million young Americans who could have been around our age today, that never even got a chance for their stories to unfold. That is a generational genocide, and I don’t want to let that happen to the next generations.”

If you haven’t read my last blog, here it is If It Doesn’t Make Sense, It’s Spiritual Warfare!

I just received an email about a true story Christian film starting in theaters October 16th. Perfect timing for the election. Here’s a link to check out Conceivable!

Please leave a comment here.

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If It Doesn’t Make Sense, It’s Spiritual Warfare!

I’m going to see how long I can last at the computer today to send off my first blog since I had hip replacement surgery on August 12, 2026. My expectation was that I would be back with my Monday Morning Blog in about a month after surgery. Unfortunately, complications. A medial meniscus tear with a displaced meniscal flap, medial collateral ligament tear, and a leaking Baker’s Cyst occurred in the knee below my hip replacement after the surgery. It’s been super painful especially when sitting with my legs down like at the computer!

But I’m trying it today because I’m in a situation, which our country is also experiencing right now, where we know if it doesn’t make sense, it must be spiritual warfare!

Satan would love to keep me sidelined through this upcoming election and not commenting on all the craziness that doesn’t make sense in our world today. Even as I went to write this blog, my website doesn’t even recognize me. I guess because it’s been so long since I was on it.

One consequence of being so uncomfortable with my hip and knee is that I’m not able to sleep. So I’ve had lots of time to talk to the Lord. This morning He prompted me to try the stairs up to my office, turn on my computer, and write this blog. So here we go . . .

Dave and I watched a livestream sermon by Pastor Landon Schott at Mercy Culture Church in Texas. The host of Flashpoint, Gene Bailey and his wife Terri, attend this church. I encourage you to set aside some time to listen and watch on YouTube this timely message on Spiritual Warfare: Unseating Principalities/ Flashpoint Livestream.

Trust me, you’ll not be disappointed as Pastor Landon lays out how the current spiritual warfare is a cultural version of the same biblical warfare that goes back to the Old Testament spiritual battle with the evil Jezebel, a devoted worshiper of Baal and Ishtar, and Molech the god of child sacrifice. Today we just call it drag queens, trans mania, alphabet mafia, and the diabolical murder of babies demonically disguised as “reproductive healthcare.”

You will learn that the gays using the rainbow or pride parades in June is not new, but goes back centuries.

I’m not going to try and recapture all that Pastor Landon said because I really want you to watch him not only unpack it, but also share ways for the church to engage and not retreat from the spiritual battle.

By “the church,” I mean you and me, my brothers and sisters in Christ!

How Do We Fight in a Spiritual War?

First, you must acknowledge that if it doesn’t make sense, it’s spiritual warfare.

You have to identify the enemy!

Satan has managed to make everything political and everything spiritual, which is exactly why Christians cannot and must not try to avoid all things political!

Satan has cleverly invaded the Democrat political party with evil and aren’t we as a church against evil?

Then how can we say it’s not our problem when government in the wrong hands can close down the church?! Think Covid.

Satan has found a willing ally in the Democrat party. It goes back to the convention when they voted to take God completely out of their party. Notice you will seldom hear a Democrat talk about God or faith unless it’s a Muslim all too ready to talk about their beliefs and fake god Allah.

Let’s start there.

It doesn’t make sense that a “religion” or “faith” and the Quran would allow “Taqiyya,” a strategy of lying, deception, or saying anything to further their cause, which every Muslim candidate is doing right now. It’s called “holy deception!”

It doesn’t make sense that the Islamic guidebook, the Quran, would call for death of anyone who doesn’t worship Allah or Islamic beliefs.

It doesn’t make sense that Islamist’s “faith” would practice pedophilia and call it “marriage” or mutilate young girls’ genitals so they can never enjoy sex when they grow up.

Islam is not a religious faith!

Islam is a political ideology that wants to conquer the world, especially America, they call the “Big Satan.” Which is why they’re paying Muslims like Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan $9000 a month to run for Senate and allowing him to lie about being a doctor when he never had a residency and isn’t licensed. Abdul touts the perils of capitalism while gladly taking donors’ money. Taqiyya!

Islamists want to get this puppet, and candidates like him in other races, into American government to destroy it from the inside.

Does it make sense that Democrats are so infected with Trump Derangement Syndrome that they would partner in their “big tent” with Islamists and Communists who try to disguise themselves as Socialists?

Does it make sense that Democrats would want to abolish the Senate, pack the Supreme Court, open the borders for invasion, abolish ICE, abolish the electoral college, take guns away from the police or abolish the police? Let boys play in girls’ sports, champion the satanic trans movement, abolish the President so there’s only one governing party, worship Molech the god of child sacrifice whether it’s murdering them in the womb or indoctrinating them into sexual perversion as early as Kindergarten and mutilating and castrating young children’s bodies to make them infertile?

Does it make sense the Socialist Democrats would pass Medicare for all to include illegals and make it a welfare program that crashes Medicare for seniors who have paid into it? The Democrats’ plan would use our money to pay for it until the whole program runs out of money! Look no further than Canada where their citizens come to America for quick treatment. Seniors or those with incurable diseases are often euthanized by the state rather than spend money treating them!

These nonsensical plans and schemes of the left are all spiritual battles we can easily fight by combatting their evil greed for power with biblical truth and voting against them.

Does it make sense that Christians are notoriously negligent in getting out to vote especially in midterms?! That’s shameful and detrimental to our freedoms as well as possibly jeopardizing the sharing of the Gospel outside our church walls. A political party in control that denies God is not going to be sympathetic to godly citizens. Just look at North Korea, Iran, Nigeria, Russia.

When It Doesn’t Make Sense, It’s A Spiritual Battle Between Good and Evil, God and Satan

When you look at the Democrat/Islamist/Communist platform they have no ideas or desire to make America better, they only want to destroy it. None of their candidates are proposing anything good or worthy for us, our children, or future generations.

Look at who is rooting for the Democrats. Everyone who wants America to be poorer and weaker, with less power in the world.

  • Iran
  • China
  • Cartels
  • Illegals already headed to the border just waiting for the election
  • Never Trumpers infected with terminal TDS
  • Socialists
  • Communists
  • Terrorists
  • Left-wing media
  • Left-wing Canadians
  • Left-wing Europeans

Some conservative media hosts, politicians, and a few pastors aren’t afraid to say we’re in a battle of good versus evil in the midterm election. These are true comparisons they make:

Common Sense vs. Crazy

Common Sense vs. Communism

Capitalism vs. Socialism

Constitution vs. Communism

Rational vs. Lunacy

Peace vs. Chaos

Justice vs. Lawlessness

Freedom vs. Sharia Law

Israel vs. Antisemitism

Good vs. evil!

God vs. Satan

Jesus vs. Principalities of Darkness

Those are our choices at the ballot box and in our personal lives. You can’t tolerate one side without excluding the other. There’s no riding the middle and every Democrat or Independent who claims to be a moderate is lying.

For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. Colossians 2:9-10

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:10-13

Sadly, those who are on the side of unbiblical demonic principles like the alliance with Marxists, Islamists, Communists, and LGBTQ ideologies are far more committed to taking their convictions to the polls than are Conservatives and Christians who might foolishly say they don’t get involved in politics. Well, politics is going to rule your life and that of your family for generations to come and it will be your fault if the enemy wins because you didn’t use your civic and Christian responsibility and privilege to cast your vote.

Yes, I said that. Statistics have shown for years that if every Christian got out and voted for biblical values our side would win in a landslide.

Why are we so foolish to sit back and allow defeat of all the principles we go to church to quietly in our safe walls study and worship? That’s our own spiritual battle because it makes no sense that those supporting evil ideologies are more committed than we are. They never stepped out of the public square like complacent or even fearful Christians did.

The left votes in large numbers while many conservatives think they’re being righteous abstaining from making a difference in the polls for Christ!!!

Only Satan could plant the same doubt in Christians minds that he did in the Garden of Eden with Eve, “Did God really say?” Well, yes God has said many times that His followers should engage in the culture starting back in Deuteronomy 30:19 NKJV. I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;

Elections give you that choice and many choices like abortion and crime are issues of life and death.

We must choose.

We must vote.

It’s our responsibility to be sure we leave our children, grandchildren and future generations the free republic our forefathers fought for and endowed to us.

“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” Proverbs 29:2

As Pastor Landen Schott says . . .

The way to overpower the principalities of darkness hungry for power over our country and over you and your family is . . .

  1. You pray it! [The blood of Jesus]
  2. You live it! [Vote against evil]
  3. You Resist it! [Put on your spiritual armor daily]

I hope you will not only listen but also watch his very impactful and timely message at. . .Spiritual Warfare: Unseating Principalities | FlashPoint Livestream | 10.02.26 | Friday – YouTube (Go to 5.3 minutes in to hear Gene Baily Introduce Pastor Landen Schott.)

Closing note from Pastor Greg Laurie at Harvest Church, Sunday October 4, 2026.

Christians, we are the only thing restraining the tribulation. The world would be filled with evil if it weren’t for engaged Christians. It’s irresponsible for Christians to not vote but we must vote biblically.

Then Pastor Greg described how he votes biblically:

A candidate that gets his vote must be . . .

  • Pro life
  • Pro law enforcement
  • Pro family not gay rights
  • Pro Israel
  • Against child mutilation or “gender affirming” surgery on children
  • Against Men in Women’s Sports
  • Pray before you vote, but VOTE!
  • (I, Janet, would add against open borders)

All candidates will be flawed. Choose the one that votes the closest to your biblical non-negotiables.

 “We just saw what ordinary men could do to save a plane and 170 lives. Yes, it was a miracle, but you and I could also save lives with our vote whether it’s the unborn, gender confused children, or any evil in the world. God put you here and saved you for a reason. Don’t waste your life!”

It’s also refreshing to hear the Southern Baptist president call on pastors to ‘step up’ ahead of midterm elections! Pastor Willy Rice says abortion, marriage, gender identity and immigration are theological issues demanding Christian action

Pastors, are you listening? Is your pastor listening? Are you listening?

Occupy till I come. Luke 19:13

Please leave a comment here.

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Church Conflict is Inevitable. Our Response Should Be Biblical

My husband Dave and I often watch Kirk Cameron’s TBN show “Takeaways.” July 13, 2026, his episode was titled “Healing From Church Hurt.” Kirk interviewed Dr. Carmen Joy Imes and Pastor Joe Dobbins, author of Hope After Church Hurt: How to Heal, Reengage, and Rediscover God’s Heart for You. You can watch the full episode on YouTube. The summary was a discussion of how to heal biblically from being hurt by the church, or people in the church doing hurtful things, and the importance of staying connected and engaged with a community of believers.

This episode hit home since our own church is going through a difficult transition and chances are you’re either in a church where you’ve experienced conflict or you will be in one someday. Because churches are comprised of imperfect people, including you and me. Like any entity we participate in from family, work, neighborhoods, and yes, even church, conflict is inevitable but as Christians our response should not be worldly, it should always be biblical. Sadly, that’s not always the case.

Healthy conflict can be good! It often clears up misunderstandings and helps everyone deal with negative feelings if handled in a positive biblical way. Unfortunately, many of us go through life trying to avoid conflict, while others might try to create conflict. Neither response is biblical or beneficial in relationships.

In my Bible study, Face to Face with Euodia and Syntyche: From Conflict to Community, I discuss the short passage in Philippians 4:2-3, where we meet two Christian women who experienced conflict while serving in Paul’s ministry in Philippi. They couldn’t work it out on their own and needed a mediator. They hadn’t yet learned the art of agreeing to disagree biblically.

Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life. Phil. 4:2-3 NLT

Euodia and Syntyche probably were charter members of the church at Philippi. They worked with Paul as church planters and were influential women for Paul to mention them by name. Their argument was a big enough issue that Paul heard about it 1000 miles away in a Roman jail. We cannot minimize the significance of Paul addressing these two women in a letter he knew would have a public reading to the entire church, and quite possibly to surrounding churches. Arguments among Christians in churches are a big deal!

Often we’re unprepared to deal with conflict because we never learned healthy conflict-resolving skills and react in ways the Bible calls sinful. Whatever the root cause of conflict in the church, if it’s not resolved biblically, the result can resemble carnal secular culture, the opposite of how God wants us to respond.

Here are 5 sinful ways congregants might react to church conflict accompanied by scriptural ways Christians are called to react.

Gossip

A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. [Also separates good churches] Pr. 16:28

Sadly, gossip might not just be a reaction to church conflict it might be the cause of it. We tell everyone else about the problem, except the person with whom we have the issue. Maybe we hope others will tell her or him for us or we want to download our problem onto someone else hoping they’ll side with us. The consequence: we indulge in the sin of gossip and slander. Because each side is so sure they’re right and justified, they may not see the sinful way they’re responding.

Or we hear a rumor of a disagreement at church and magnify it by talking to others about our opinion rather than talking to God in prayer. There should be a gossiping check in our spirit when a conversation starter is, “Did you hear the latest about…?” Or, “Someone just told me…”

Another way the sin of gossip occurs is when we don’t like the way something is happening at church and instead of talking to the pastor or elders, we complain to other church members. Just like the childhood game of “telephone,” the more gossip is repeated the more distorted it becomes. God knew we would have the potential to gossip so He included many Scriptures warning of its danger and the sinful repercussions.

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. Pr. 18:8

A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much. Pr. 20:19

Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. Pr. 26:20

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Eph. 4:29

Disunity

Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. Matt. 12:25

Unresolved church conflict always results in disunity in the body of Christ as congregants take sides. The enemy seeks to divide before it destroys relationships and the church falls prey to this sin when they reject unifying solutions to issues. Disunity is Satan’s way of hindering the effectiveness of the church’s gospel witness. How can a church that claims to be united as believers in Jesus Christ attract others to Christ when they’re divided and arguing amongst themselves?

The following verses remind us of the dangers of the sin of succumbing to Satan’s schemes to create conflictual disunity in the church and the importance of the church reflecting peace and unity in Christ.

I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. Rom. 16:17

 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 1 Cor. 1:10

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Eph. 4:3

Pride

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Pr. 16:18

Disagreements in the church or personal life usually stem from each side’s desire and determination to be right in their own eyes. Conflict festers when people sinfully and pridefully determine their way is the only acceptable way and refuse to accept that only God is sovereign. The Bible warns repeatedly that pride is a sin and that it will lead to a fall in our life and in the life of a church.

Congregants can become entrenched in their own self-centered convictions over maybe something as innocuous as the color of the carpet or the worship music. It can lead to a tug-a-war of ideas and wills resulting in people leaving the church or even a church split. In Acts 15:1-5, Paul and Barnabas had to settle a conflict in the church as to whether believers had to be circumcised. Later in verses 36-41, the two men had such a sharp disagreement themselves over whether or not to take John Mark on a mission trip that they separated and went separate ways, which in the end resulted in multiplying their ministry. In 1 Corinthians 9:6, Paul refers to Barnabas as a “fellow worker” indicating they did reconcile later.

However, in a church split, there are often raw and hurt feelings and one of the churches may close.

In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin. Ps. 36:2

Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them. Pr. 26:12


When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Pr. 11:2

Unkindness

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Gal. 5:21-22

Anger is not a sin in itself. Even Jesus felt anger, but what we do with anger becomes the sin. In the midst of conflict, tempers may flare and unkind words spew. Perhaps ungodly words slip out. There might even be a desire to hurt the other person emotionally or physically. That’s when righteous anger turns into sinful revengeful behavior.

Maybe anger erupts at a church board or elder meeting or congregants argue with each other. As Christians, there’s never a good excuse to become unkind in words or actions, but it happens. We’ve all experienced church conflict. In our humanness, we may take our anger out on someone instead of taking our feelings to the Lord to help us resolve the conflict in a kind and gracious way.

Just like in the previous sinful ways we react to church conflict, God has many wise words for letting the Holy Spirit and not temperament guide actions.

Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. Pr. 14:29

Stop being angry! Turn from your rage. Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm. Ps. 37:8 NLT

A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. Pr. 19:11

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Eph. 4:31 NLT

Unforgiveness

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matt. 6:14-16

Conflict by its nature as we’ve seen in the previous points is more than a difference of opinion. The reaction can even lead to retribution or retaliation if taken to its most negative expression. Feelings are often hurt, harsh words spoken, defiance, disagreement, revenge are the antithesis of how the Bible tells us to relate to each other. Someone needs to be the first to apologize and ask for forgiveness. As Christians, we ask God to forgive us for all our past horrific sins, yet often we’re not willing to forgive others, even in the church. That’s wrong.

I was hurt in church once and couldn’t even return. Then one Sunday morning, I realized how wrong it was for me to let someone else’s actions prevent me from worshipping. When I walked into church that day, one of the people who had hurt me admitted they were wrong and asked for my forgiveness. That was huge when this person accepted responsibility. How could I not then forgive? Even if they hadn’t asked, I needed to forgive in my heart to release myself from the sin of an unforgiving hardened heart.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Eph. 4:32

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Col. 3:13-14

Conflict Resolution Recognizes God’s Grace

None of the 5 sinful ways of reacting to conflict discussed is appropriate for followers of Jesus Christ. The Scriptures are clear that God has provided healthy biblical ways for Christians to resolve conflict and avoid the negative consequences of unresolved conflict.

Acknowledging the potential for conflict allows us to determine that we’re not always going to agree, but God has outlined for us how to respond biblically. Sadly, in today’s culture, we see all ages, from children to aging adults, who don’t know how to engage in debate and disagreements without verbally, and sometimes physically, attacking each other. Many have never learned how to work through conflict in a way that both sides feel heard, even though they may end up agreeing to disagree.

Everyone in church is at different spiritual levels and degrees of maturity. Some may have misguided higher opinions of themselves, thinking they know more than others do. Some are young Christians still learning what the Christian life is and isn’t. Others might not be Christians at all.

Even if the person you’re in conflict with isn’t a Christian, or doesn’t believe in the Bible, if you stay calm and react biblically, as we always should as Christians, you might find the other person responds appropriately. At least, you know that you did.

Learning how to resolve conflict the biblical way allows us to keep our cool and humbly communicate in a peaceful, loving, grace-filled manner—Christ’s way. Unresolved conflict can cause gossip, disunity, pride, unkindness, anger, unforgiveness, and even revenge—Satan’s way. When we resist Satan by adopting Christ-like behavior, the enemy retreats—at least for the moment. He’ll be back with a new strategy, but don’t allow him to get a foothold in your church.

It’s important to remember that “the church” is God’s house or gathering place, and He is the head of the household, the family of God. The only perfect person in His house is Him! The rest of the church, including the pastor, elders, and leadership are imperfect people. They make mistakes. They have a higher calling and so their mistakes can have long lasting repercussions, for which they will suffer the consequences. Sometimes, we set the pastoral staff on a pedestal and expect more from them than we expect from God. That will always lead to disappointment.

“Peace is not the absence of conflict. It’s Jesus in the middle of the conflict.” Pastor Rob McCoy

Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright. Pr. 14:9

*I wrote parts of this article under the title 5 Sinful Ways We React to Church Conflict for Crosswalk in August 2025

Please leave your comments here.

Note: I’ll be taking a break from Monday Morning Blogs for the month of August and possibly September. I’m having a hip replacement on August 12 and appreciate your prayers. Have a blessed remainder of your summer, my favorite season, and Lord willing, I’ll be back in the Fall.

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Remembering the Goodness of God Our Culture Has Forgotten

The title of this blog is actually the subtitle to my book Forsaken God? Remembering the Goodness of God Our Culture Has Forgotten, without a doubt one of the most important books I’ve written. Unfortunately, the publisher didn’t use my original title, How Good is God? I Can’t Remember, which I think was a more engaging title and would’ve put the book in more people’s hands, hearts, and minds.

In the book, I have a section “Generation to Generation,” which is what I want to focus on in this blog and here’s what got me to thinking about this topic . . .

Last week, our neighborhood well pump was clogged for several days. We were asked to reduce our water usage: no watering yards and gardens even with temperatures in the 90s, no dishwasher, laundry, even showers. It was a hardship, but we were all in it together, including the board members who are our neighbors.

Periodically, we have water issues, or the power goes out, in our rural mountain community. It makes you realize how much we take for granted when normally we can turn on the faucet and run water or flip a switch and have light. Things we don’t typically thank God for on a regular basis until we don’t have these necessities and we pray to God they’ll be back working soon.

This made me think about how blessed we are with all the things we take for granted. Things that are typically readily available to Americans that aren’t available in other countries. I remember when one of our daughters lived in Italy, the heat in their 4th floor apartment during the winter was regulated. They had no control over it. There was no air conditioning in summer heat. No ice.

Air conditioning, ice, and cold drinks were things visitors to the World Cup marveled at here.

Now there’s a Socialist/Communist mayor in New York City telling New Yorkers to set their A/C units to 78 during a heat wave while the temperature in his office is cool and comfortable. He wants to tax the rich to pay for all the free stuff he offers while he budgets for a raise for himself and his staff. That’s the difference between socialism and a free Republic. In our neighborhood water situation, we all suffered together, even those in charge. Under Socialism, those in charge–the government–and elites never suffer, just their constituents.

So like you, I’ve been wondering why the younger generation is so enamored with a government ideology that wants to take away their individual rights and make government their god? I’ve come to believe it’s because one generation isn’t passing down to the next generation why America is such a blessed country and why they’re so blessed to live here!

We’ve let social media and liberal schools take over the role of parenting. Where are the parents of the weird and freaky young people protesting in the streets and making TikTok videos about tearing down the country that allows them to say and do things that would put them behind bars or worse end up like the 50,000 killed in Iran?!

Were those kids ever taught the Bible?

Did their parents take them to church?

Did they pray at home?

I’ve always said it only takes one generation neglecting to pass down a heritage to the next generation for a way of life or belief system to vanish.

Is this what’s happening to freedom in America? That chilling fact underlines the magnitude of our responsibility to share the goodness of God with our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and for them to do the same: “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it” (Pr. 22:6).

*The Bible Is the Thread that Ties Generations Together

When we think about what our churches are ‘leaving behind’ for our cities, we shouldn’t be thinking of ministry plans or church buildings, but kids. The children in our church are the first ones that God has given us to win for the Gospel. Because they are the inheritance we are leaving for our city, the single most important task we have as a church is to teach the next generation the Gospel. –Dr. J.D. Greear

The Bible is a resounding call to remember God’s goodness throughout all generations. It’s a recorded history of our Christian faith reminding us why we believe and what we believe.

Thanks to the saints who have gone before us, you and I have the privilege of reading the same Scriptures and biblical accounts our ancestors read. Now it’s our job to ensure that God’s unchanging Word prevails and reigns through future generations. We need to pass on the hope we have in Christ by equipping the next generation to read and understand the Bible and accept Jesus as their personal Savior—not encumber them with rules easily broken, but guide them toward a relationship they wouldn’t forfeit or jeopardize for anything or anyone.

The Bible is a thread that intertwines us with previous generations who didn’t have radios, television, smartphones, computers, Skype, Google Hangout, chatgbt, texting, What’s Up, tablets, FaceTime, or even electricity or running water! They heard Bible stories told to them or read the Bible by the fire or candlelight, the same Bible you and I read today. No other book in history has traversed the centuries, crossed cultures, and enjoyed such worldwide renown—even people who don’t believe in God acknowledge the Bible is a historical book.

Praise God, some states are recognizing this as they bring the Bible back into school curriculum. From the first writings of Moses in Genesis, to the last recordings of John in Revelation—and every prophesy, disciple, and apostle in between—there’s a charge to remember God. Yet, each writer knew we would have a propensity to forget God’s words and forsake His ways unless one generation passed down the biblical truths to the next generation and lived out those truths.

God specifically and repeatedly tells His people to pass down to future generation all the awesome wonders they saw Him do because the younger generations weren’t there. The same goes for the history of our country. This younger generation didn’t live through the horrors of 9/11 perpetrated by the Islamic terrorist organization al-Qaeda against the United States when nineteen terrorists hijacked four airlines. Then flew one into each of the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon, and the one headed for the White House was overtaken by the passengers and crashed into a field. Over 3000 people died in the attacks and rescue efforts.

Yet, because that story isn’t told often enough, New Yorkers have elected an Islamist Democrat Socialists of America (DSA) mayor who is hiring and endorsing members of the DSA that wants to dismantle and destroy America from the inside. This is a dire consequence of one generation not teaching world history to the next generation.

One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. Ps. 145:4

Each generation has become more and more lax in upholding, enforcing, and passing down God’s truths, which have been the foundation of America since its inception. Even though there are those that deny that truth, they’re either uneducated, liars, atheists, Communists, Islamists, or a mixture of all.

When I hear people lament about our corrupt world today, I encourage them to read the Bible. The truth is our world has been steadily deteriorating morally ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. Each generation pushes out the boundaries of sin and immorality a little further in the name of a progressive, tolerant culture, which is now progressing to embrace communism with the Trojan Horse of Democrat Socialists of America.

The twentieth century’s sexual revolution has made sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, and abortion “acceptable.”

My state of Idaho was one of the first states to enact the strictest abortion banning law in the country after SCOTUS put the responsibility on the states. Today, we have Prop 1 on the November Idaho ballot that would be one of the most radical pro-abortion baby-murdering laws in the country! Prop 1 is originated and funded by liberals, the abortion lobby, and Planned Parenthood which left Idaho after our abortion law eliminated their baby-killing business.

Satan never stops!!

The Twenty-first century’s norm now becomes casual hookups, unwed pregnancies, transgenderism, gay marriage, attempted gender change, and taking a pill ordered online to flush your baby down the toilet! What one generation does in moderation, the next generation does in excess, and sadly that’s been true since the beginning of time.

There have been periods of revival in our history, usually at times when culture has sunk to an all-time moral low or there’s a national crisis like 9/11. Suddenly, much of the world turns to God and begs His mercy and grace. As people flock to churches, unity and synergy bring communities together seeking God’s peace and comfort. But when the shock deadens over the moral atrocity, or the crisis passes, the church attendance steadily declines and the liberal agenda regains momentum.

As a nation, we said we would never forget 9/11 but as a culture, we did forget. Islamist DSA political candidates can go on media interviews suggesting America deserved that horrific attack, and few people call it what it is: insurrection or even treason!

We’re now in an era of political violence where a young man trying to share the truth through debate with the next generation is assassinated by the very generation he was trying to reach. Instead of universal mourning for the murder of Charlie Kirk, evil liberals and radicals cheered.

But our hope remains that, as bad as it is, God is still on His throne. Even though the world moves farther away from God, there are still people who will seek God, and we need to be ready to share the Gospel with them. The church is NOT dead, but it needs to awaken from its slumber.

As Christians, God calls us to live holy lives separated to God, separated from the world, and separated for God. Our responsibility is to help a generation that thrives on conforming want to conform to God’s standards and not to the secular world!

Don’t think you can’t make a difference. You can. Sure, you can’t transform the whole world, but you can make a difference in your world.

Steve Green wrote a song with the chorus, “Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful.” Someday we’ll all just be a memory, but let’s make sure that memory points everyone to Jesus.

In your sphere of influence, starting with your family and church family, tell them everything you’ve seen God do and about His unchanging truths. Influence the next generations to love and obey God with born-again, Holy Spirit-filled hearts, and to remember the goodness of our Great God!

My people, hear my teaching;
    listen to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth with a parable;
    I will utter hidden things, things from of old—
3 things we have heard and known,
    things our ancestors have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their descendants;
    we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
    his power, and the wonders he has done.
5 He decreed statutes for Jacob
    and established the law in Israel,
which he commanded our ancestors
    to teach their children,
6 so the next generation would know them,
    even the children yet to be born,
    and they in turn would tell their children.
7 Then they would put their trust in God
    and would not forget his deeds
    but would keep his commands.
8 They would not be like their ancestors—
    a stubborn and rebellious generation,
whose hearts were not loyal to God,
    whose spirits were not faithful to him.
(Ps. 78:1-8)

*A portion of The Bible Is the Thread that Ties Generations Together came from my book, Forsaken God? Remembering the Goodness of God Our Culture Has Forgotten.  

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Standing Triumphantly Against the Spirit of Deception

It’s easy to become overwhelmed with the deception in the world today, sometimes even in the church. If you have the Holy Spirit living inside you, and every true Christian does, it’s easy to decipher the enemy’s attempt to deceive. Sadly, many are falling into Satan’s sly trap.

A favorite tool of the enemy is using words and semantics to hide evil. Here are some examples:

  • “Pro Choice” means pro-abortion. A woman choosing to have her baby never calls this “pro-choice.” She says, “I’m going to have a baby!” No baby chooses their own death
  • “Women’s Healthcare” is used to disguise abortion where one of the patients, the baby, always dies. Murder not healthcare.
  • “Trans rights.” Trans is a concocted word to describe a mentally ill or perverted man or woman who feels they have the right to impose their confusion or perversion on others. They don’t have that right.
  • “Immigrants” or “Undocumented” used to disguise illegals who broke into our country illegally.
  • “Calling Islam a religion.” Islam is a political deadly ideology whose goal is to wipe out Jews and Christians, and to replace the Constitution and rule of law with Sharia law.
  • “Democrat Socialism” is a soft word for Communism. They added “Democrat” so they could run as Democrats in elections. When they win, they’ll drop Democrat and destroy the Democrat party from within.

Democratic Socialists of America have officially adopted a radical platform that includes:

1. Abolishing the Senate

2. Granting full amnesty to all illegal aliens and noncitizens allowing them to vote

3. Replacing the President and Supreme Court with bodies subordinate to Congress

4. Defunding and destroying the Department of Defense, the Pentagon, and our military

5. Ending ICE and deportations allowing open immigration

6. Defunding the police

7. Government control over housing, industry, and private property

The deceived try to defend “Democrat Socialism” as taking care of the poor. Do you see anything about helping the poor in the above platform? Under socialism and communism, everyone becomes poor except for the elites in control of government and the money.

The Democrat Socialists’ plan is to destroy the Constitution and Bill of Rights and replace our Republic with a socialist state.

Already Mamdani, the Communist /Islamist NYC mayor, is calling for a 16% increase in his annual salary and a raise for other senior government officials while not providing any of the “free stuff” and “affordability and “progressive economic policies” he touted in his campaign.

Communists, Socialists, and Islamists lie and only the undiscerning believe them!

People my age lived through the threats of the cold war and Reagan’s famous “Mr. Gorbachev tear down this wall” between communist East Berlin and free West Berlin. We were taught in school America’s true history and the perils of communism, yet there are actually boomers today deceived by Communist propaganda.

America is no longer in a political battle between Democrats and Republicans. It’s a spiritual battle between good and evil.

The discerning and the undiscerning.

One side believes our rights come from God and government exists to protect us. The other side are atheists who do not believe in God but believe government is the highest power, their god, and your rights are whatever the people in charge decide to let you have.

Ronald Reagan famously and discerningly said, “Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem!” Amen!

They can change the label: Socialist. Democratic Socialist. Communist. National Socialist. Fascist. Islamist. It all means the same thing: loss of individual rights and freedom.

Remember, NAZI stood for the National Socialist German Workers’ Party.

USSR stood for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Cuba was sold as a people’s revolution and became a communist dictatorship that generations of people risked their lives to escape.

The point is not that every socialist is Hitler, Stalin or Castro. The point is that every generation seems to produce another group of people who think THIS TIME they can give government enormous power and somehow human nature will be different.

It never is.

Discerning people know Socialism/Communism’s rudder is envy, jealousy, and the desire for power.

Lack of Discernment Fuels Conspiracies

Last week, during the preliminary hearing, we relived the horrors of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Much of the incriminating evidence presented against Tyler Robinson was known last year. Robinson’s confession in person, in letters, and texts. The rifle wrapped in a towel with his DNA. His own parents recognizing him in videos before and after the murder convinced him to turn himself in to the authorities.

Yet, since Charlie’s untimely and tragic murder, ridiculous deceptive conspiracy theories have been highly publicized and believed by the undiscerning.

Conspiracy theories are prevalent against Israel, Iran, Jews, Christians, Patriots, and just about anybody. Before Senator Lindsey Graham’s cause of death was even known, the media and social media was rampant with conspiracy theories.

And that’s the heart of most deception!

Lying, deceiving media that gives voice to the devil and people who should know better like boomers, Christians, bloggers, podcasters, and even pastors falling into the devil’s trap.

How Do You Resist the Spirit of Deception?

Resisting the spirit of deception requires vigilance, discernment grounded in God’s Word, and prayerful reliance on the Holy Spirit.

The Bible repeatedly warns believers about deception. From the earliest chapters, deception is portrayed as a tool of Satan, as seen when the serpent deceived Eve in Genesis 3, leading to humanity’s fall.

The Apostle Paul cautions in 2 Corinthians 11:3 that believers’ minds can be led astray from devotion to Christ, echoing the danger of subtle deception. Paul also instructs in Colossians 2:8 to avoid being taken captive by human philosophies or empty deception, highlighting the importance of grounding faith in Christ rather than worldly ideas.

Jesus Himself warns in Matthew 24:4-5 about false prophets who will mislead many, emphasizing the prevalence of spiritual deception. Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many.“

The Holy Spirit is essential for discernment, as Jesus promises in John 16:13 that the Spirit will guide believers into all truth. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.“

Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the Armor of God: the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Tools to stand firm against the devil’s schemes.

Dave and I pray the Armor of God every morning. I’ve often said, I might not be alive today had we not started this spiritual practice when we were first married 33 years ago! I highly recommend you add it to your devotional time if you don’t already.

1 Peter 5:8 tells us . . . “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.“

Sadly, many people you and I know have been devoured by CULTure. I hope and pray it’s not you.

Believers are instructed in 1 John 4:1 to discern whether information aligns with Scripture.
“Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.
“

It’s important to remember though that even the Devil knows Scripture and people like James Talarico, the heretic running for Senate in Texas, has misused and misinterpreted Scripture. He actually is part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which is not a church of God. 

My Faith Votes “Friday Five” on 7/10/2026 discussed the 226th General Assembly, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) approving a resolution supporting expanded access to gender-affirming medical care for transgender individuals and opposing state laws that restrict such treatments, particularly for minors. The resolution also builds upon the denomination’s recent approval of an amendment adding gender identity and sexual orientation to its constitutional anti-discrimination provisions, pending ratification by its presbyteries.

As Christians, right away your discernment antennae should go up not only against the deception of this denomination, but Talarico falsely portraying himself as a “Christian.”

Unfortunately, there is a growing challenge facing many churches today: whether we will stand on the unchanging truth of God’s Word or allow CULTural pressures to redefine what God has already established.

There’s no redefining or reinterpreting Scripture that plainly teaches God created mankind “male and female” and while every person is worthy of love, dignity, and compassion as one made in His image, we must also lovingly uphold His design for humanity.

The enemy delights in sowing confusion, division, and deception, but Jesus declared, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

Jesus is our discerning guiding light to separate truth from the enemy’s lies.

Psalm 37:1-3 encourages us to . . .

Do not fret because of those who are evil
    or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither,
    like green plants they will soon die away. 3 Trust in the Lord and do good;

Practical Steps to Stand Firm and Triumphant Against Deception

Prayer and Spiritual Warfare: Targeted prayers, especially during quiet or reflective times, can break the influence of deception. Prayers can include asking God to expose lies, dismantle strongholds of deceit, and protect your mind, will, and emotions from demonic influence. Seek the Holy Spirit’s intervention and clarity.

Scriptural Grounding Against Deception: Regular study of the Bible equips believers to recognize false teachings. Being rooted in God’s Word allows you to distinguish truth from lies, even when deception appears subtle or convincing. That’s why it’s vital that Christians read their Bible daily more than listening to the news or scrolling on social media, which can be so deceptive. 

It isn’t enough to sit in church on Sundays. If you’re not opening your Bible everyday . . . you will be ripe for deception. 

Nehemiah 6 illustrates how steadfastness, prayer, and discernment help resist manipulation and false accusations. Stop right now and read how Nehemiah stood firm against deception. I love the Book of Nehemiah. 

Renouncing Deception: Actively rejecting lies, false visions, or misleading influences through prayer and declaration strengthens spiritual protection. This includes renouncing any agreements with deception, whether knowingly or unknowingly, practically or even in your mind. I actually find myself denouncing lies in the name of Jesus that I hear on the radio or TV.

Walking in Love and Truth: Love for others and adherence to God’s truth serve as defenses against deception. By prioritizing Scripture over human opinions and worldly philosophies, believers maintain clarity and spiritual integrity.

However, some are so deceived, words will never change their mind. Only the Holy Spirit can do that. So earnest prayer is the hope they someday see the truth.  

Whether the deception is political, conspiracy theories, media propaganda, social media, or even in your family or church, this is no surprise to God. Numerous Scriptures warn us to depend on the Holy Spirit, not the CULTure of the world.

    Prayer to Stand Strong Against Deception

    Heavenly Father, in the Name of Jesus, I thank You that You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I take a stand against any deception trying to take root in my mind, heart, and soul. I bind every lie and shatter every false vision sent to mislead me. Holy Spirit, search my heart and reveal any area where I have believed a lie, replacing it with Your unchanging truth. Please help me to always walk in discernment, love, and faith, protected by Your Word. Give me Your Words to use when standing firm against the evil of the enemy. I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11) Amen

    Please leave a comment here.

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    Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday and How It’s Being Destroyed from Within

    We were at an 80th birthday party chatting with one of the couples we know from church. They said they were leaving Thursday for Washington DC. I asked if they were going for the 250th celebration and they both excitedly responded “Yes!” They were in DC for the 200-year celebration and said it was fabulous! They’re expecting 250 years to be even more spectacular.

    These sweet fellow boomers both show their respect for America by dressing in red, white, and blue from shoes to shirts for all the patriotic holidays. They love the Lord and they love America. So refreshing contrasted with the boomers at “No Kings” protests and other anti-American events. The same boomers who were taught in school the true history of America, unlike the current younger generations.

    Our senior generation knows that the celebration on July 4th is about freedom from a real tyrannical king and foreign intervention in our young colonial republic. We’ve also lived through the threat and fall of Communism and should therefore be voting against the Democrat liberal party that is opening the door for Socialism, Islam, and Communism to take away the freedoms so many veterans have fought and died for over the years.

    I don’t understand such stupidity and ignorance, but I’ll save more about that for the end of this blog. For now, let’s take a closer look at what our dear DC bound friends are going to celebrate this weekend and many of us will celebrate in our own hometowns.

    What the 250th Anniversary Represents

    The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, and in 2026, the nation marks 250 years of striving toward the founding ideals of liberty, equality, and self‑government. The anniversary invites reflection on how those ideals have evolved — and how they’ve been challenged — across generations.

    How Americans Are Celebrating

    Across the country, communities are planning events that blend history, culture, and civic engagement:

    • National exhibitions — museums and institutions showcasing the founding era.
    • Local festivals — parades, concerts, fireworks, community gatherings, picnics, BBQ’s.
    • Educational programs — schools and libraries teaching the story of 1776, hopefully.
    • Historical reenactments — bringing Revolutionary War moments to life.
    • Civic initiatives — encouraging volunteerism and community involvement big in our small community.

    I Love This Poetic Reflection

    America rises at 250,
    a long breath drawn across centuries,
    a nation still stitching its story
    into the wide cloth of time.
    She stands where history meets horizon—
    thirteen stars grown into fifty,
    a chorus of millions
    carrying hopes that once fit
    in a single room in Philadelphia.
    She is contradiction and courage,
    grit and grace,
    a restless dream that refuses to sleep.
    From the quiet ink of the Declaration
    to the thunder of cities that never dim,
    from prairies that hum with wind
    to coastlines that cradle the dawn,
    America moves—
    always becoming, never finished.
    At 250, she does not ask for applause.
    She asks for remembrance.
    She asks for honesty.
    She asks for imagination.
    For the hands that built her,
    the voices that challenged her,
    the hearts that believed she could be better
    than her hardest days.
    And so this milestone is not a monument—
    it is a lantern.
    A light passed forward
    to those who will write
    the next verse of her story.
    America at 250 is a promise whispered:
    We are still learning.
    We are still striving.
    We are still free enough to try again.

    But Will We Remain Free?

    A Facebook friend, Debra Tucker, wrote about the threats we’re facing even as we celebrate our 250 years of freedom. There are evil forces from within that want to bring governmental and ideological tyranny back into America. Here are Debra’s thoughts, and I couldn’t agree more . . .

    “I’ve been thinking a lot about where our country is headed, and I wanted to share something that’s been on my heart.

    I keep seeing the same pattern, and honestly, it looks like a playbook for how to destroy a society from the inside out.

    • You make men weak.
    • You push women to be masculine.
    • You confuse the children.
    • You destabilize families.
    • You make dependency normal — like people can’t survive without the government.
    • You make indecency the standard, and call it ‘progress.’
    • You turn education into indoctrination.
    • You make truth offensive, so nobody can speak it.
    • And finally… you push God out of everything.”

    My Opinion

    President Trump issued a dire warning to the nation at The Faith and Freedom Coalition 6/26/2026:

    “This is the most serious threat to our country since its existence, in my opinion, 250 years ago… These ruthless communists will attack all religions, but in particular, Christianity.”

    “Isn’t it ironic, we’re celebrating a very important Birthday, and instead of speaking about Christ, Freedom, and Victories of all different kinds, we’re speaking about yet another threat to the Foundation of America. These ruthless Communists will attack all Religions but, in particular, Christianity—They always do. . . They will close your Churches; they will kill your people. This is what they’re about. This is the Greatest Threat to our Country since its founding 250 years ago!”

    Jacob M Wright added a thought regarding President Trump’s speech, “One part he [Trump] misses is the Islamic/Communist alliance. These two ideologies are ultimately diametrically opposed, yet form a tactical ‘the enemy of my enemy’ alliance. Their enemy is the West. Once they achieve the goal of its eradication, only one can win against the other. In the case of Iran in 1979, Islam annihilated the Communists and created the Islamic sharia dictatorship.”

    Before some of you might turn up your nose at the mention of our President, how you feel about the President should NOT influence how you feel about your country!

    I was appalled every single day of Biden’s stolen 4-year administration, as I was watching America being invaded by unvetted illegals many of whom came here to either do us harm or freeload from our generosity. Liberal ungodly policies were destroying our country, which made me pray harder and help get the vote out to change the trajectory we were on.

    I didn’t like the President, because I loved America.

    We’ve heard the World Cup guests to America saying on camera how deceived they’ve been about America from the lying propaganda mainstream media. They’ve been told what a horrible country we are and instead they find we’re the land of good and plenty. They couldn’t believe places we take for granted like Walmart and “COSTCO museum.” Free cups of ice and Big Gulps with free refills. One man said in exclamation, “You can buy bread, milk, and an air gun all in the same store!”

    They talk about how friendly and welcoming Americans are and the beauty of our cities, “each one like its own state.” They’re constantly pointing out to us how fortunate we are to have the freedoms we enjoy. The very freedoms the voters in New York, Maine, Minnesota and other blue states want to forfeit to Communists offering everything for free, while they take ownership of everything and make citizens slaves to poverty and a godless government.

    Be proud of this wonderful country God gave you to live in and don’t be intimidated by those whose brain and heart have been infested with godless hate and envy for the joy in the Lord you’re experiencing.

    When someone tries to intimidate you by slinging a slur like Zionist for supporting Isreal or Christian Nationalist for your love of God, family, and freedom simply respond, “Thank you. I receive that and I wear it proudly.” Or “Thanks for affirming me.” Or “Thanks for noticing.”

    Don’t take the bait and don’t try to debate. Just take their attacks as a compliment. They won’t know what to say. As the Bible instructs, it’s like pouring hot coals on their head.

    “On the contrary: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Romans 12:19-20

    Proverbs 14:34 – Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.

    We’ll be watching as much of the DC celebration as we can DVR and enjoying a play in the evening of the 4th at our local outdoor theater where we’ll watch an amazing fireworks show around 10:15 PM when it finally gets dark in Idaho.

    “God bless America, land that I love. Stand beside her and guide her through the night with a light from above! From the mountains to the prairies. To the Oceans white with foam. God bless America, my home sweet home!”—God Bless America

    How are you celebrating America’s 250th Birthday? Let me know.

    Please leave a comment here and I’ll reply.

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    Why God Created Fathers and Two Grieving Fathers!

    Next Sunday is Father’s Day when we honor fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, great grandfathers and maybe men who have been like a father to us. I’ve observed that sometimes we make more of a celebration on Mother’s Day than Father’s Day. Does that happen in your family?

    Sadly, many families are fatherless and Father’s Day can be a painful time. More than 20 million children live in a home without the physical presence of a father. Millions more have dads who are physically present, but emotionally absent. It’s been said that if classified as a disease, fatherlessness would be an epidemic worthy of attention as a national emergency.

    My father was a California Highway Patrolman killed with his own gun when I was ten. My mother never remarried, so Father’s Day was always tough for me growing up. But I divorced when my own daughter was only two-years-old and I didn’t remarry until she was nineteen and headed for college. So both of us were raised in single parent households without a father. We were one of the statistics.

    God’s Plan for Fathers in Families

    Spiritual and Emotional Purpose

    Fathers are created and commanded to share God’s love with their children, offering care, guidance, and protection from harm while helping children navigate life’s choices and challenges. They serve as a living example of God’s authority, provision, and protection, showing children how to balance strength with gentleness.

    Fathers should be the first heroes a child knows, influencing their emotional, moral, and spiritual development.

    My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. Pr. 3:11-12

    To Reflect God’s Character

    God is described as the perfect Father —a loving, merciful, just, and faithful disciplinarian. Fathers on earth are called to imitate this love and discipline, showing patience, kindness, and correction that builds character imitating God’s character.

    Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Heb. 12:7-11

    Practical and Relational Roles

    God envisioned fathers to be providers and protectors, performing both practical and nurturing tasks. They’re expected to care for the family, make important decisions, and support their children in everyday life—from teaching skills to offering comfort and encouragement. Their presence helps children feel secure and valued, while their guidance and measured discipline shapes character and resilience.

    Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Eph. 6:4

    Identity and Development

    Fathers play a crucial role in helping children understand their identity, particularly in terms of gender and personal development. Boys often look to their fathers for a model of masculinity, while girls rely on fathers to affirm their femininity and sense of self. This influence helps children grow into confident, well-rounded individuals secure in how God created them.

    If we had more fathers taking on this role in their families, there would be far less identity and gender confusion among children.

     The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. Pr. 23:24

    Biblical and Kingdom Perspective

    From a biblical standpoint, God calls men to fatherhood as part of His plan for building and managing a family, reflecting His kingdom principles on Earth. Fatherhood is a responsibility that mirrors God’s governance, teaching men to lead, nurture, and cultivate a loving household while preparing their children for life and spiritual growth. Raising children to be progressively independent of their parents and permanently dependent on God.

    Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Pr. 22:6

    Summary

    In essence, God made fathers to protect, provide, guide, discipline, and inspire, combining strength with love, authority and discipline with care, and practical support with emotional presence. Fathers should be a role model in the family, shaping children’s lives and reflecting God’s character in tangible ways that children can follow in their own lives.

    Specifically to boys fathers are created to be the role model of masculinity, leadership, and spiritual as well as physical strength. A father of girls is to be the role model of the kind of husband she should one day seek who treats her with kindness, respect, and reflects godly life principles.
     As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. Ps. 103:13

    The Father of Lies!

    Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! John 8:43-45

    I described earlier the ideal plan God had for fathers and families. But because of the fall when sin and evil entered the world in the Garden of Eden, our culture often follows Satan the father of lies resulting in abusive, abandoning, or absent fathers.

    Maybe you had a father like that and it’s hard to think of God as a Heavenly Father. Please know that God is a loving caring Father who wants to help you carry your burdens.

    God is Our Heavenly Father

    The Bible Wisdom Hub has a great discussion of God, the Father, in the Bible. Here’s an overview and would make a great Bible study.

    The term “Father” is mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible, carrying various meanings and connotations depending on the context in which it is used. In the Old Testament, “Father” often refers to God as the creator and sustainer of all things, emphasizing His authority, care, and love for His people. The paternal imagery is particularly prominent in the Psalms and the Prophetic books, where God is portrayed as a caring and protective Father to His chosen people.

    In the New Testament, the term “Father” takes on a new dimension with the introduction of Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus frequently addresses God as “Father” in his teachings and prayers, highlighting the intimate relationship between believers and their heavenly Father. This relational aspect of God as Father is central to Christian faith, emphasizing the idea of God’s paternal love, mercy, and provision for His children.

    The concept of God as Father is further developed in the writings of the apostles, particularly in the letters of Paul and John. Paul speaks of believers being adopted as sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ, emphasizing the spiritual kinship and inheritance that Christians have as children of God. John, in his Gospel and epistles, emphasizes the Father’s love for His children and the importance of living in harmony with God’s will as obedient children.

    In the New Testament alone, Jesus referred to God as “Father” around 165 times. This emphasizes the importance of the father-son relationship between Jesus and God in Christian theology. The term “Father” is mentioned over 1536 times in the Old Testament, reflecting the significance of this relational aspect of God’s identity and His role in the lives of believers.

    Whether as the Creator and sustainer of all things in the Old Testament or as the loving and merciful Father in the New Testament, the concept of God as Father serves as a foundational theme throughout the biblical narrative, shaping the understanding of God’s character and the believer’s identity as His children.

    Overall, the theme of God as a loving and caring father is prevalent throughout the Bible, emphasizing the intimate relationship between God and His people.

    My Earthly and Heavenly Father

    In the opening, I mentioned that my beloved father was murdered. The next year, I was invited to a church youth camp where the Pastor’s wife and my camp counselor sat on my cot and said, “We know you’ve lost your earthly father. Would you like a Heavenly Father who will never leave you or forsake you?” They helped me work through my grief and brought something good out of tragedy as I accepted the LORD as my Savior. After all these years, I can still remember that moment of God becoming my Heavenly Father.

    I pray that when I go to heaven, I will again be reunited with my earthly father, but I am so grateful that my Heavenly Father watches over me and guides me through my mistakes and victories, heartaches and celebrations, and literally led me to the godly man I married 33 years ago who became a stepfather to my daughter.

    One of our grandsons had personalized bookmarks at every place setting at his wedding. On my husband’s bookmark our grandson wrote, “You must’ve been a great father to raise my awesome dad!”

    Two Grieving Father’s Stories!

    “𝘈𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥, 𝘐’𝘮 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺. 𝘐𝘵 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦. 𝘋𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦.”

    Jeff Metcalf, father of Austin and his identical twin Hunter, spoke publicly after Karmelo Anthony was convicted of stabbing Austin to death at a Frisco, Texas track meet in April 2025. Austin was 17. What Metcalf said in the interview was not about the sentence or the verdict.

    𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐤𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞.

    Almost a decade ago, Jeff Metcalf was diagnosed with cancer. Doctors did not expect him to survive. “𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘺𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘰. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘺, 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪g𝘩𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘺𝘴, 𝘐 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯.”

     𝐇𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐢𝐭. 𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝. 𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐨𝐦, 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰, 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝.

    At a press conference after the murder, Austin’s dad tried to extend a Christian olive branch to the Anthony’s to say he forgave Karmelo and offered to pray with the family, but the Anthonys had the police remove him. The person who lost his son was then harassed, swatted 6 times, and the victim of DARVO, Deny Accuse Reverse Victim and Offender.

    Watch this Christian father, Jeff Metcalf, speak to Rob Schmitt on Newsmax after the trial and contrast him with how the father of Karmelo Anthony is reacting.

    Here is wise advice from a black man to black fathers, but it applies to every father and parent…

    “Dear Black Americans wondering what to tell your sons after what happened to Karmelo Anthony:

    This is what you tell them:

    Do not be like Karmelo Anthony.

    Do not bring a knife to school.

    Do not bring a knife to a track meet.

    Do not fight at school.

    Do not bully, threaten, or provoke other students.

    Stay out of trouble and walk away when you can.

    Teach your sons to respect people of every race. Do not teach them to hate white people because of their skin color or because of things that happened in the past that today’s white children had nothing to do with.

    Teach them self-control, accountability, and the value of human life. Being angry does not give anyone the right to pull out a weapon.

    A school fight should never end with one child dead and another spending years behind bars.

    Stop making excuses after tragedy happens. Start teaching our children how to avoid the tragedy in the first place.”—Terrence K. Williams, black comedian being quite serious.

    One father will be visiting his son’s grave on Father’s Day, and one father will be visiting his son in jail. It didn’t have to be this way.

    “The world needs more kind people in it. And if you can’t find one, then be one.” Jeff Metcalf

    PS: There won’t be a Monday Morning blog next week as I’ll be spending time with our son who is coming to visit us for Father’s Day. Have a blessed Father’s Day. Remember to honor and celebrate your Heavenly Father EVERYDAY!

    Please leave a comment here and I’ll reply.

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