Dear Bloggy Friends,
As I have prayed about what to post today, the Lord reminded me that He has given me a platform as a mentor to many. First and foremost, I have an obligation before Almighty God to share His heart with you, as I have done hundreds of times in the past regarding things like “How to Hear God Speak”, His thoughts on Finances and Tithing, His attribute of Complete Faithfulness, Remembering His Faithfulness with Memorial Box Mondays and His thoughts on Adoption, the Hungry, the Poor and the Orphan.
I do not take our Place Called Simplicity lightly, nor do I take my duty here flippantly.
As I further pondered, prayed and fasted, I felt like the Lord said, “If this was your last election day alive Linny, would you want to be remembered as remaining silent or are you willing to speak up for Me?”
Hmmm. That is a powerful thought.
Because really, no one likes to be disliked. No one {in their right mind} likes to be trash talked. Most don’t get a kick out of offending others.
So since this silver-haired Mom of Many will one day bow my face to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and answer what I did today to declare righteousness and Holiness, I have to share His heart with you.
Almighty God is the only one I truly have to answer to. He, alone, has blessed me with a position of influence over here at our Place Called Simplicity and He alone has mandated that I influence for righteousness and Godly values and Biblical truths. I have never compromised that position and I will not begin today.
So, if you have an idea where this is going and your blood is beginning to boil, then I urge you to hit that little red “x” in the top corner of your page.
Here’s my heart, which I am confident reflects God’s heart:
Recently, I have read some popular blog posts that are ‘liked’ and “shared” by thousands, however, there is a disturbing message being propagated: a trending now toward ‘winking’ at sin. It’s kind of done in a cute’ish’ way that makes some probably giggle or roll their eyes in that “she’s so cute kind of way”.
However, Almighty God, the maker of heaven and earth, the defender of orphan and widow and the savior of mankind is not winking, giggling or rolling His eyes.
No, instead, His heart is deeply grieved.
The platform He has graciously given to some for influence is {at times} being used to further good things, yet mixed with messages that do not honor Him.
Sweet friends – here is a truth from God’s Holy heart:
The Bible MUST be our final authority in every.single.decision.we.make.
There is an arrogant mindset that says:
“God is love so our job is to just love, love, love. Shut our eyes to sin. Ignore it. Wink at it. Giggle about it all, after all, ‘everybody is doing it’ and we don’t ever want to offend anyone. Never. Not ever. Besides, it’s not politically correct to call anyone out for their sin. Don’t forget I snuggle with my sin and I don’t want anyone calling me out on my sin.”
And although it is true that God IS love, He is patient. He is slow to anger. BUT He is also a God of righteousness and He is a God of Justice. Read His book. It’s all in there.
For instance, He makes clear points to those who support the notion that it is okay to take innocent life.
Friends: It doesn’t matter that it is 2012 – It is never, ever, ever, ever, ever okay to take innocent life.
Never.
Not in any circumstance.
He is the giver of ALL life and He is to be the only taker of life.
Period.
Some might say, “Whoooa, Linny, don’t go getting political on us.”
Oh, but friends, this is not about politics. This is about the truths of God’s HOLY word.
His word never changes. Not once has it changed.
Men and women throughout history have tried to water down the meaning of His words, but they are unable.
The same God who said that all life is to be protected, still believes 5,000 years later that all human life is to be protected.
I am well aware that there are many post-abortive women stopping by our Place Called Simplicity. Many of my dearest friends are post-abortive women. There are also men who helped their wives, girlfriends, sisters or friends have an abortion. This is not about condemnation. God forgives. He heals. He turns ashes to beauty. If you have asked Him to forgive you, He has done so.
Yet, if you have abortion in your past, it is not okay to support it “for the next gal”….
Remember? God’s word never changes.
Two wrongs don’t make a right.
And the truths of God’s word are not democratic, nor are they republican.
They are God’s truths.
Sadly, tomorrow, many will vote “party lines” or on an issue that they deem most important.
However, those who call themselves “Christians” which means “Christ-followers” have a responsibility, if wearing the name “Christ-follower” or calling themselves “Christian” to stand before Almighty God and stop and think:
“Christ never compromised on values.
To be a Christ-follower means I must not compromise either.
God did not tell this person one thing and the next person the opposite.
In fact scripture says that God hates “differing weights.”
God will not tell one “Christ-follower” to vote this way and
another “Christ-follower” to vote another way.
He will not.
Because His word never changes.
And the only thing that matters is God-honoring Biblical values.
Period.
When we vote for a president,
we must vote Biblical values not party lines.
And yes, I believe that one day we will stand before God and give an account for each thing we did – including voting in an election.
As a silver-haired Mom of Many, I will one day bow my face to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the only one I truly have to answer to. He has blessed me with a position of influence and has mandated that I influence for righteousness and Godly values. I have never compromised that position and I will not begin today.
It is no surprise to any who have been hanging around our Place Called Simplicity any length of time to remember that naming our treasures is serious business to our hearts.
We pray hard and chose names that reflect a powerful meaning from the heart of God and/or reflect a significant person in history who completely honored God with their lives.
So it was when we chose the name: Graham for our 5th child and second eldest son.
Graham was named after Billy Graham…one of the greatest evangelists to ever live. Billy Graham became such a spiritual giant that his name is known around the world, whose blessing and counsel has been sought by many leaders around the world. Billy Graham has appeared at over 400 crusades in 185 countries. His ministry is unprecedented worldwide.
Never a hint of moral failure to his name, Billy Graham has kept himself above reproach, honoring God Almighty above all else.
Non-compromising in his values, because they were Biblical values, thus over the years Billy Graham’s thoughts on life haven’t changed. He based everything he did on the Bible and friends, do you understand? Biblical values never change!
One interesting note: Billy Graham is an outspoken proponent for blessing and praying for Jerusalem and in specific, the Hebrew nation.
I think that many good people today do not understand that God’s word has many scriptures that all resonate the same thing: Praying, protecting and speaking blessing over Jerusalem and God’s chosen people {the Jews}is a mandate from God and doing so will bring you blessing. Not praying, protecting or speaking blessing over Jerusalem and God’s chosen people the Jews will definitely have it’s consequences.
God is clear about how He feels about Israel as a nation and His chosen people the Jews. It is a powerful truth that has been long overlooked by most. But we cannot allow this Biblical truth to be overlooked any more. God is not kidding when He speaks His word throughout scriptures.
Today Billy Graham {who is about to turn 94 the day after the election} took out an ad in newspapers across this great land.
It reads:
The legacy we leave behind for our children, grandchildren and this great nation is crucial. As I approach my 94th birthday, I realize this election could be my last. I believe it is vitally important that we cast our ballots for candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the nation of Israel. I urge you to vote for those who protect the sanctity of life and support the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman. Vote for biblical values this November 6, and pray with me that America will remain one nation under God.
When I hear the name Billy Graham my eyes always, always, always well with tears. Billy Graham is one of the most respected men of my heart. His uncompromising message of the gospel of Jesus Christ reflects God’s heart. The favor Billy Graham has experienced in his life is because Billy chose to honor God with all God gave him to do, and God has blessed Him abundantly.
I urge you to fast and pray.
Tomorrow is only to be about Biblical values – so there are just a few questions that we need to ask:
Which candidate will do their best to protect human life according to God’s Biblical values?
Which candidate will work hard to protect Israel and the Jewish people according to God’s Biblical values?
Which candidate will honor marriage {between a man and woman} as God meant it to be in His holy word?
There is no doubt in my heart that America’s future hinges on what happens tomorrow.
The election process is a privilege.
Thank you for allowing me to make myself vulnerable and share my heart. Although I certainly pray that this is not my last presidential election, I know that should the Lord call me home sooner, I have spoken God’s Holy Truth today and I will stand unashamed before the throne of Grace.
From Phoenix, Arizona,
Linny
I've already voted. Early. For Obama.
I don't cast my votes on only one issue. To me, God sees all sins, and there's plenty to go 'round. I considered the entire range of policies / positions of each candidate and voted accordingly.
Amen and Amen.
Keep up the God work, Linny, and thank you for taking a stand.
LINNY! Have I told you lately how much I LOVE YOU???!!!! Thank you for standing UP for TRUTH! It is SOOOO important, especially in this day. I went to an Orphan Sunday/Presidential Election church service at a different church from the one I usually attend on Sunday. I was SOOOO grateful that the pastor stood up and spoke on truth. He talked about how both candidates are imperfect, BUT one clearly stands out as being closer to God's desires in a leader and the 5 most important BIBLICAL reasons to vote for a person and not a party. It was so refreshing and as he said that many may become offended and a few may even leave the church, I thought to myself, "I think you may have just gained one member" (well 6 actually) 🙂
After the service there were some people set up in booths from adoption agencies, a social worker, and the Choose LIfe people. Part of me felt like crying, but I was beaming because I was so happy to be around like-minded people who care about the same things that burden my heart! I have been the woman with a "choice" and I shared my story with the Choose Life people and told them, this is a child, not a choice!
I SO DON"T understand how some people reconcile their spiritual beliefs and being a Christian with being PRO-choice! It absolutely breaks my heart into a million shattered pieces. I have a pretty good friend who I just found out is a "woman for Obama" and I choked on my own spit. It has changed my feelings about her and she's a pretty dear friend.
The sermon on Sunday and your post today make me feel like I am NOT standing alone in this crazy world we live in. There are STILL people in this world who care about the same things and KNOW the truth. These are not your opinions, these are not my beliefs – THESE ARE HIS – our ALMIGHTY SAVIOR!!!!!!!!
I'm so passionate about it. Like you, I don't condemn women who have made such a tragic "choice" because I know that they have deep, deep scars to contend with. I just wish they could hear my story of redemption and what a beautiful gift I was given in the midst of a painful time.
Thank you my friend!!!! <3
You are a blessing my sweet, brave single-mama friend!! I love you too…and thank you for standing for truth in an unpopular time in history…you do not stand alone….we're in this together! xo
So beautifully said, sweet friend!
Good message Linny!
I definitely think that this country, as we know it, could forever be changed after this particular election. I pray that it is for the better!
Linny,
Thank you for your words of wisdom and mentoring that you give all those who stop by your blog. I think this was very well written and biblical post. The pastor at my church did a sermon very simalar to this post, yesterday and as I was reading you entry I kept thinking, "This must be a God thing you would have thought she was at my church taking notes."
Thank you for being willing to share so much of your life with us.
Abigail
Abigail {I love your name!}
As I told Dana below: {and I am copying and pasting cause Ruby needs her diaper changed {yummm}
Your pastor sounds like a God-fearing man – encourage him – he will need it in the days ahead. Sadly, having been senior pastors for 20 years, we have seen more 'willi-nilliness' than God-fearing.
We have had so many men on our staff who knew more lines to movies then scripture verses and regularly referenced the 'hysterical movies lines' but never mentioned one verse they knew from memory!!
So – PRAY for your pastor and his wife and family and ENCOURAGE him….pastoring is difficult and even with a staff, he may, perhaps, stand alone there as well. Assure him that you have his back!
Bless you Abigail…and no doubt, as your name means: You are a joy to your Father!
May God bless you as you speak truth and encourage others to seek truth.
Linny, this was beautifully written and so honest. I wish others shared your beliefs related to this. Thank you for giving me something to ponder.
Thank you for sharing from your heart. I appreciate intelligent and honest dialogue on the issues and I read your post with as open a heart and mind as possible. I really struggle with elections, because it seems to me that one side does better on Israel and sanctity of life questions, while the other side does better on taking care of the poor and not living by the sword. NONE of these issues should be compromised, but I don't think any party gets it right completely. I might not have drawn all the same conclusions as you, but I'm earnestly seeking after Christ too. I'm praying that whoever wins tomorrow, that people will be drawn to Christ by how his followers act.
At least you have a choice of a candidate who speaks for God's values to some extent. Here we have no candidate who does so.
We have a choice of the lesser of two evils for sure. If there was someone who stood for God my choice would be easy. Also there is a very convoluted preference where the votes from losing candidates go to someone else. I don't understand it, don't like it and voting is compulsory.
Thank you. For your honesty and grace. And for standing up to speak Biblical truth. That's something that isn't all that popular today. I agree completely with what you said here. These same thoughts have guided my direction during this election process and will control my actions tomorrow. You make me feel less alone in doing so. What a gift.
Incredibly said Linny! I am so proud of you for taking a stand and using your strong voice to share what God has laid on your heart.
Well said Linny! I am incredibly proud of you for using your strong voice to share what God has laid on your heart. It is a crucial election year and we as sons and daughters of Christ need to take a stand for His values and morals and stand behind the candidate that also represents those same morals and values. Love ya!
I'm not leaving this comment because I'm expecting you to publish. In fact, I'm hoping you won't so your legions of followers don't publicly attack me the way you let them attack Sarah on your Facebook page. Bigotry wrapped in prayer is still bigotry. Letting people attack and bully someone simply for disagreeing with you isn't a very Christian thing to do. Your self-righteous attitude is so frustrating. I don't have a problem with you being a Republican. I have a problem with you telling me that my salvation rests on my vote for President and that you know more about my walk with God than I do. So you've lost a follower. It's not that I think you'll care, I just want to explain myself. Goodbye, Linny.
Thank you for speaking Truth! God is well pleased.
Thank you for speaking Truth! God is well pleased.
Thank you for sharing your heart. ((hugs))
I often wondered if Graham was named after Billy Graham! What an amazing name! We have the Billy Graham library right near my house!
Amen!!!
Thank you for sharing the Truth, Linny! I appreciate and respect that! May God have mercy on this nation….
Hi Linny
OH you get a big hug from me and a bigger AMEN! I am so with you. My friend you will bow before Him and He will say "well done". Thank you for again, Being a Voice!
voting the Bible tomorrow!
laurie
Standing with you Linny. God's word does not change.
Love in Christ,
janet and gang
You go girl!
You go girl!
Thank you! I appreciated this post I found today, about using the 10 commandments as a measuring rod (scroll down to near the bottom of the post): http://www.mymidlifemotherhood.com/2012/11/how-my-faith-informs-my-vote.html
amen, Amen, and AMEN! Thank you, Linny!
It is good to know that you see the arrogance in people too. I have felt many are blinded by their own and others behavior. My friend of over 20 years whom I have helped and loved as a sister simply dumped our friendship when she came into a big inheritance. Both her sons were married and did not choose my daughter so she had no more need of us. Her little boys were no longer little so she did not need my help. The turn in her personality has astounded me. God gave us our friendship as a gift a precious gift that many do not receive. There will come a time when she will think she needs me again. But I will be helping others who do not take my love and care so lightly. Thank you for the thoughts you put in your blog today.
Amen Linny! There is an amazing article you can google. It is written by Christopher di Vinck. The title of the essay is The Power of the Powerless. The essay is about his brother Oliver and I think he wrote it in 1983.
I do appreciate your sharing your heart on this – I am undecided as to whether I can cast my lot with either candidate. I have been googling today to find out everything I can. We have several family members married to sweet, kind Mormons. The bottom line is they do not believe Jesus is God. While this may not be a spiritual election the fact that Billy Graham (a hero of mine) removed the Mormons as a cult on his website after meeting with Romney has me very very troubled. There is a spiritual and not just moral battle going on. Yes we will answer to God.
Love you, Linny. May God continue to bless you for listening to God and following His lead. <3
Amen sister!
Thank you Linny for your post. I know how sensitive so many are to this topic and that you are "putting yourself out there" by posting this. I will be fasting and praying as so many are for the election tomorrow. May God's will be done!
Amen, Linny. Thanks for having the courage to share Truth. God bless.
AMEN sister!
You are so right, Linny, and thank you for speaking from your heart on this most important issue. Abortion is not a political issue, doesn't even have to be a "religious" issue – it is for everyone a MORAL issue. I will never understand as long as I live how anyone, ANYONE, can think it is okay to take the life of an innocent, obviously living child. How women, mother's even, can push to give women "control of their own bodies," knowing how precious that little growing human is. The control should have come in before a baby was formed. THAT is the choice that should be allowed. Once there is another human being, there is no choice outside of murder but to let that child live. This is strongly stated but is is spoken from the deepest part of my heart. People fight harder for animal rights – and I am a HUGE animal lover with 7 pets – than they do for the rights of innocent children. It is a "war on women" and men that will never get a chance to live a life on earth, and it needs to end.
Awesome post! Thank you.
Amen Linny!!
Thank you for living your faith out loud! You articulated my thoughts so perfectly in words I could never have come up with! This is the first election where I have been deliberate in engaging friends and family in conversations to provoking them to think how their allegiances align with their faith. My bottom line has been no amount of "goodies" from the government can buy silence about the blood of innocent children shed for the sake of convenience or buying the lie that people's private bedroom liasons have no bearing on us (try telling that to the people of my almost bankrupt State whose liberal governor's first course of action was to mandate spending millions of dollars to revise all text books from elementary to secondary schools to include the contributions of gays and transgenders) or the convenient "replacement theology" in regards to Israel.
Thank you again for your sweet spirit and refusing to remain silent when it would be easier. You are such an inspiration.
Blessings.
Linny, Thanks for sharing your heart. We love you!
Well done good and faithful servant…
Great post Linny, thank you for having the courage to speak up.
Blessings,
Laurie
Linny I wholeheartedly agree! Our pastor has been doing a series of messages leading up to this election called "Inconvenient Truths". He's been taking key election issues like gay marriage, abortion, and where we stand with Israel, and he's been preaching very powerfully and honestly about what the Bible says about each of these issues and how we as Christians are to vote based on what God tells us in His word.
I would definitely recommend taking a second to check out those messages if you are unsure of what scripture says about one of these issues. You can find them at our church's website:
http://clevelandfbc.com/ministries/media/media-watchlisten/
Thank you so much Linny for being courageous enough to share this today and realizing that God has placed you in a position of influence for "such a time as this". I have been a "blog lurker" for several months, mostly because I don't have a blog, not too familiar with how blogging works, wasn't sure if I could comment without one! But today I could not sit back and be silent any more – My 18 y.o. daughter also reads your blog and we are SO blessed by your blog ministry and your precious family – The Lord truly uses you to touch us in such timely ways and many times something you post is a confirmation for something the Lord has whispered to me, etc. So thank you SO much for your obedience today and the time that you invest in others through your blog and of course the orphan ministy. You and your family have warmed our hearts for the orphan and we are excited about what the Lord is doing through you!! With much love, Kim Walls and family in Smithfield, NC
What a beautiful post of truth.
I come from a family where we didn't talk politics. So, to me, this is a very brave thing for you to come out and say. And it is a very true thing. Thank you for taking this platform (that God has blessed you with) so seriously. I do believe that you have a great influence here. Thank you for using that influence to honor God!
Linny, I am a longtime reader of your blog. I really respect your judgment and your thoughts.
I would like to share with you about how my Christian values propel me to vote for President Obama.
The Bible shows that God has a special love for immigrants. Jesus was a refugee baby in Africa. Throughout the Old Testament, there are four groups of people always mentioned together: orphans, widows, the poor and immigrants.
Yet in our country there are huge injustices taking place against immigrants. Thousands of children are separated from their parents when their parents are deported back to Mexico or other countries. Many of these children are now in foster care – families split up forever. It reminds me of families being split up during slavery.
http://newsok.com/after-parents-are-deported-what-happens-to-u.s.-born-kids/article/3704293/?page=1
There are millions of children and teens who grew up in the USA but were brought here without legal papers. Unless the DREAM Act is passed, they cannot go to college or become permanent residents. It is a system much like slavery. They are locked into a permanent lower class. Mitt Romney and the Republican party have consistently been against helping them.
It is not possible for most people in Latin America to legally immigrate to the USA. People would love to move here legally if they could.
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/world/2010-09-28-migrants28_ST_N.htm
For all these reasons, I am voting for President Obama, because he is much more compassionate towards immigrants.
Isaiah 10:1-2
Woe to those who make unjust laws,
to those who issue oppressive decrees,
to deprive the poor of their rights
and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people,
making widows their prey
and robbing the fatherless.
amen.
Thank you for sharing your heart. I agree wholeheartedly. Blessings.
Hi Linny,
I appreciate your opinion and really respect your judgment. I want to share with you why I vote Democrat – because I am pro-life.
I am really dismayed at all the politicians who claim to be pro-life but also want to end programs like free school lunches, Head Start, food stamps, etc. My friend is a single mom of two boys and just lost her health insurance because she earns more than $300 per month.
I feel that Paul Ryan does not display Christian values at all – his values are that of "survival of the fittest." This is from the atheist philosopher Ayn Rand, whom he has said that he greatly admires. His values are very much displayed in his budget.
http://www.bread.org/media/coverage/news/paul-ryans-policies-will.html
http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/brad-bannon/2012/04/27/paul-ryans-budget-inspired-by-ayn-rand-not-jesus-christ
In fact, the anti-poverty organization Bread for the World has calculated that each church in the country would have to spend $50,000 a year for the next ten years to replace Rep. Ryan’s $133 billion in cuts to food nutrition programs.
This quote sums it up for me:
"I do not believe that just because you're opposed to abortion that that makes you pro-life. In fact, I think in many cases, your morality is deeply lacking. If all you want is a child born but not a child fed, not a child educated, not a child housed and why would I think that you don't? Because you don't want any tax money to go there. That's not pro-life. That's pro-birth. We need a much broader conversation on what the morality of pro-life is." – Sister Joan Chittister.
All of this is why I am voting for President Obama. I feel his policies make it much more possible for a woman to actually raise a child instead of having an abortion.
Linny, I really enjoy your blog. Thank you for sharing your family with us.
ok… I wish I could change the font on the comments to scream a big AMEN!!!!!
Our pastor just finished his two part series on just these same points. The heart of God is begging His people to side with Him!
Thank you for sharing!
Dana,
Your pastor sounds like a God-fearing man – encourage him – he will need it in the days ahead. Sadly, having been senior pastors for 20 years, we have seen more 'willi-nilliness' than God-fearing.
We have had so many men on our staff who knew more lines to movies then scripture verses and regularly referenced the 'hysterical movies lines' but never mentioned one verse they knew from memory!!
So – PRAY for your pastor and his wife and family and ENCOURAGE him….pastoring is difficult and even with a staff, he may, perhaps, stand alone there as well. Assure him that you have his back!
Bless you Dana….
I love this. Thank you Linny.
Thank you for sharing your heart with courage and love. Speaking the truth with love is so difficult at times, yet so very important. Though we are different denominations, we have the same ideas about what is important in this election. I agree with everything you said, and am glad to say that today I voted my conscience, my faith, and my heart. Love and prayers to you~!
Linny – thank you so much for all you do. And thank you for putting yourself in an uncomfortable position. I know not everyone likes to talk about politics but I truly believe that, as Christians, we have a responsibility to vote and vote responsibly. I love Billy Graham's ad. If anyone can put something succinctly it is he. I pray the Christians of the nation come out in droves today and vote in a biblical, God-loving fashion. Again, thanks for bringing this to the forefront!
thank you!!!!!
Thank you for posting this – you have again so eloquently spoken what is on my mind! Thank you for always speakin with conviction, even if is not popular with all!
All I can say is "thank you, thank you…" We can't stop proclaiming the God of the Scriptures. He loves us so…we must not misrepresent His heart to please men.
Your post brought tears to my eyes…thank you, thank you. We must proclaim the truth of Scripture. God's love is so great and vast and must not alter it to please men.
Well said sister!
Well said sister!
and your words are 100 percent the truth….as I write from Ohio, I am ashamed…
"solid Christians" and even leaders in our area have shown me fruit …and I am ashamed. Please STOP the madness and examine what you are saying and doing in the name of Jesus…Thanks Angie for posting today….
Blessings
Tammy
http://www.beavoice.me
Amen. He makes it simple and cuts through all the issues when we just stay true to His heart.
Thank you for this.
Blessings,
Vicki
I have just arrived here on the day of election… I am so sorry with the results 🙁 I pray that even though our leaders may make wrong decisions, we, His people, will still continue to work behind the scenes, as the Holy Spirit leads, imparting His wisdom and restoration to broken lives.
Guess what!! when we arrived at the hotel, I was surprised and delighted with the HUGE ten commandments plaque right next to the hotel entry! I feel we are protected by the Almighty 🙂 praise His name!! 🙂
Thanks for being honest. It was right on and I am sure your comments are moderated because of posts like this.
Thanks for speaking the truth even when you know it will hurt and anger others. I can't even imagine what our churches and communities would be like if every pastor was as obedient with his/her words are you are.
Hugs as your sort through these comments.
Laura,
You are correct, I have comment moderation on so that I can make sure that nothing that would dishonor Christ is published. However, on this post, I have published every comment I have received.
As you can tell from the comments, clearly there were a few who seemed not-too-happy with the post. I spoke God's word and only His word. And His word stands.
The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the WORD of Our Holy God stands FOREVER and His word never, ever, ever changes – even when society says, "everything is acceptable"…His word, which never changes, still stands above all else.
Thank you for the encouragement and the hug, Laura!! I needed it! xo
Please don't make the mistake of believing that people who vote for a pro-choice platform are indeed pro-choice themselves and do not care for the unborn.
I did not vote for the candidate you did, and it's not because I'm pro-choice. I believe deeply in the sanctity of life – all life. So I will not support a party that ceases to support babies once they are born, who cares nothing about the "47%" of people, including young mothers who choose to have their babies, but need help from their government in supporting them and providing for them. I have had the privilege of ministering to teen moms in Philadelphia, young woman who chose to have their babies despite hard circumstances. My vote is for them and their well-being.
I will vote for the party that protects the health care of a woman I know, a mother of three and grandma of three, who was in danger of losing her health insurance when she got cancer. It has protected many other lives as well. It will help provide insurance to the young mothers I spoke of.
I will vote for the party who encourages good stewardship of this great land we live in, one who is mindful of the damage we've done, and won't support practices like fracking and mountain top removal.
I will vote for the party who least supports capital punishment, and other punishments that disproportionally affect minorities.
I will vote for a candidate who thinks that weapons made solely to kill people should not be in the hands of ordinary citizens – ever.
I will vote for a candidate who has ended one of our wars, who will end another, and who is unlikely to start anymore; a candidate who knows how to use the military wisely to resolve human rights conflicts without getting our soldiers killed. I am saddened that both parties support drone strikes that are killing civilians on the other side of the world in a country we're not at war with. That should never be okay, even in the name of national security.
So I do consider myself pro-life, but pro-all-life. I picked a candidate who I believe will best protect the lives of citizens here and people abroad, so beautiful kids like the ones I work with will have a chance to flourish, even in the tough inner city neighborhoods of Philadelphia.
Preach it, precious Sister!!! Amen and amen. PS…today is Rev. Graham's birthday. His son, Franklin, said that his Dad wants to speak one last time, but not at an actual crusade site, but on TV. How cool is that? It is his wish to do this in the next year. This is one preacher I NEVER tire of hearing, or get disappointed by…not because he is Billy Graham, but because he walks HUMBLY with His Lord and our Lord, and THAT is who never disappoints! Love you guys!!!
Nancy in CT (who just finished driving in blizzard like conditions…last week a hurricane, this week a blizzard! New England is SO entertaining!!!)
I understand where you are coming from but women will have abortions even if they are illegal. And there are lot of people who are not Christian who will chose to have an abortion-because you're religion says it's bad doesn't mean your religious views should stop others who don't share you're religion. Sorry this is a bit clunky! Please don't fell you have to publish my message-just know what is on my heart.
Thanks you