Our Youth and Their Loss of Faith

     Researchers from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga recently conducted a study in which they examined the characteristics of atheists and agnostics.  Among their findings was the interesting fact that many of the faithless find some sort of benefit from participating in the "rituals" of church attendance.
     According to the report on this study at ChristianPost.com, those who fall into this category, are nonbelievers who may have a philosophical appreciation for certain religious teachings, who like being part of a community, who want to stay in touch with their ethnic identity or who simply find beauty in certain religious traditions, symbols or rituals.  In fact, one participant in the study participates in church services and sings in the church choir, but doesn't believe in God.
     Another interesting finding from the study was that college was often a turning point in the lives of those who would become nonbelievers.  "We heard time and time again that, for many of the folks who identified themselves as nonbelievers, college seemed to be a milestone in their life's story. College seemed to be a transition point."

    Now, what Christian parent hasn't worried about this exact scenario?  You send your children off to college to get a higher education, only to find out that they've lost their faith along the way.  Bestselling author Eric Metaxas tackled this dilemma in a recent article, also for ChristianPost.com.  He writes that, apparently, there exists such an organization as Secular Students Association on college campuses across the country.  And it is into this vacuum that Fixed Point Foundation steps in to question students on the changes to their faith.  (Fixed Point Foundation sponsors highly publicized events at universities, schools, and churches around the world. Fixed Point is an expression of the Church speaking into the culture, challenging the unbelief of skeptics and restoring the Christian’s confidence that the Bible is precisely what it claims to be—True.)
     At similar events across the country, the Fixed Point Foundation asked members of the Secular Students Association to tell them about their "journey to unbelief."  What they found was surprising.  They expected to hear from activist atheists, and instead the typical respondent was like Phil, who had grown up in church; he had even been the president of his youth group. What drove Phil away wasn't the lure of secular materialism or even the restrictions placed on him by Christian moral teaching.  It seems that his turning point came when his church changed youth pastors.
     Phil's loss of faith coincided with his church's attempt to ingratiate itself to him instead of challenging him.  It seems that the church traded a youth pastor who "knew the Bible" for one that pandered to the culture; who taught less of the Bible while showing how "cool" he could be.
      Phil was like many of his contemporaries who professed to have lost their faith; they were kids who had attended church but "the mission and message of their churches was vague," and manifested itself in offering "superficial answers to life's difficult questions." The ministers they respected were those "who took the Bible seriously," not those who sought to entertain them or be their "buddy."
     And that, I'm afraid, is the rabbit hole that the modern Church is in danger of leading all Believers down --- not just the college-aged. The competition to fill seats has fed into a morbid fear that church attendees might become bored; hence, the need to entertain them and astound them with the latest technological wizardry, or at least a hip coffee bar.  The rest of the time is spent worrying about if the "Christian message" will turn the kids/adults off.   What they don't realize is that if a Believer is truly seeking the truth, and he receives "Christian lite", then his disappointment turns to disrespect and he begins shutting down to the message altogether.  Playing down the truth of the Christian faith results in apathy, which makes it easier to abandon the faith in the face of a diluted and less convicting teaching.
     As one of the students remarked, ""Christianity is something that if you really believed it, it would change your life and you would want to change [the lives] of others. I haven't seen too much of that."  So if they aren't seeing it in their home churches, what makes us think that they will see it on a college campus?  If we cannot equip our children with an unshakeable faith and commitment to their Lord by the time they leave home for the hallowed halls of intellectual elitism that serve as our institutions of higher learning, then what chance do they have of standing against the spiritual darkness that pervades such academic systems?  Listen to Phil again .... he did not want vague and superficial sermons; he wanted serious Bible study from leaders who "knew" the lessons to be learned.  Bottom line?  He wanted to know the truth about God; not some "feel good" line. Isn't it time we turned back to the basics, teach the truth of the Word, and live out our belief?  We can't afford to see another generation abandon their faith.

Luke 8:13    "And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away."







   

John 16:13

Because I am a Christian, I choose to dedicate my Sunday posts to the worship of my God.  I love to explore the Bible and listen to what God is trying to tell me about how to live this earthly life.  I hope you can glean some Truth from my words and apply it to your own life.  Blessings!

However, when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, 

He will guide you into all truth;

 for He will not speak on His own authority,

 but whatever He hears He will speak; 

and He will tell you things to come.

     This Scripture has great personal meaning to me in this season of my life.  I will be honest in telling you that I have become disillusioned with the Modern Church.  Throughout the last few years, my husband and I have sought a church that would tell us the Truth .... that would actually teach from God's Holy Word and guide us to a greater understanding of Jesus and the Father.  We wanted more than the "feel good" messages of God's love and grace.  We wanted to understand more of the roots of our faith and what, specifically, Jesus wants to tell us for this time and place in history.  

     Unfortunately, we found that the churches we were attending were actually leading us away from our spiritual roots and either into a new belief system that discarded the ancient truths, or into a form of ritual and mechanical worship in which we didn't even feel the presence of our Lord.  Both were virtually mind-numbing.  We wanted to be fed with God's Truth!

     That's where John 16:13 comes in.  We have both been blessed by the Holy Spirit as He has become our guide and our revealer of Truth.  As we have asked for more understanding and knowledge, the Spirit has complied and led us where God would have us go.  I truly believe that God determines our maturity and ability to handle more knowledge of Him, and breathes His truth into our souls through the Spirit.  

     I am reclaiming knowledge that the first century Believers knew about our faith.  They were the closest to the Apostles and the early church fathers, and their faith was based on understanding how God's ancient covenants with his chosen people merged with a renewed covenant through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Through the Holy Spirit, I am learning that man has contributed to a loss of the depth of God's Truth through the translation of the Holy Scriptures from Hebrew to Greek to English.  

     That does not mean that I discount the Bible, as it stands, as God's Truth!  It simply means that I want to rediscover the complexity and the scope of what was lost through the ages.  For instance, we modern Christians tend to separate the Old Testament and New Testament; often proclaiming that we are under the "New Covenant" of Jesus Christ, and the laws and the prophets of the Old Testament do not pertain to us.  But did you know that the Hebrew name for the Gospels and the books that follow (Matthew through Revelation) is B'rit Hadashah.  B'rit means "covenant", and Hadashah means "renewed" or "a cycle of restoration", or "to return to a previous state".  Therefore, a more accurate title for the New Testament would be "Renewed Covenant", or "Renewed Relationship", not "New Covenant".  

     If Jesus came to renew our relationship and covenant with the Father, and not replace the old one, shouldn't we understand everything we possibly can know about the previous relationship?  Instead, the modern Church acts as if the only thing that matters is knowing the resurrected Christ.  But if the Holy Spirit is guiding and leading you, as He is my family, then you already know that Jesus appears and speaks to us throughout the Old Testament as well.  Wouldn't you want to know everything about this relationship He is trying to renew?  

     So I am so grateful that my Father in heaven gave the Spirit the authority to speak to me; that He is revealing not only the Truths from the past that have been hidden from Believers, but that He promises to tell us of the things to come.  Has my hunger to know Him been satisfied?  Not in the least!  As He reveals more of Himself, my appetite just keeps growing... and the taste of His Truth is, oh so sweet to the soul.

Renewal and Regeneration

     We are all tired.  It's not easy to adapt to this changing world and face a new and declining reality.  But face it, we must, and this post is a warning of sorts ... to the "sunshine" realists; those who purport to be awake and prepared for the times in which we find ourselves, yet so easily slip back into their normalcy bias.  We cannot afford to "coast" when things seem calm and routine.  It is exactly that conventional mindset that will lull us into a state of complacency; a feeling of uncritical satisfaction in which we tell ourselves "I've done enough" or "Maybe things will be OK."

     I'm seeing it everywhere; from friends and family, to business associates, to the church pulpit.  Folks are definitely aware that we have entered a new concept for our country and the world.  They sense that it is harder to live life freely and independently; that there are forces that want to limit a wide array of rights and privileges, not only here in America, but across the globe.  And yes, it is still frightening to many of our fellow citizens.
     But instead of standing and protecting those rights, they continue to go about their daily business, with one eye on the headlines and the other focused on maintaining their customary existence.  I know how hard it is to step outside that comfortable box; that not everyone can afford to fly to rally's across the country to register their objections.  I also know that it costs money to do the things that the "experts" tell us need to be done to secure the safety of our families.  Food, alternate sources of energy, a viable water supply, self-defense, getting in better physical shape, growing a garden ... they all take what seems like an insurmountable amount of time, money and will-power.
     And there is the inevitable heavy heart, as we ask ourselves, "how the hell did we get here?"  Not only do we need to find the ways and means to accomplish new tasks and develop new skills, but we have to fight the despair that comes from our new reality.  I'm not saying it is easy!  And it doesn't seem to matter if one has a big bank account or small.  I know those who would have no trouble outlaying the cash to prepare for the future, and yet they think their money makes them exempt from any hardship that's coming.  But money alone won't get you there!
     So we all have to do whatever our finances, skills and drive allow us to do.  If that means you can only afford a few extra dollars a month to allocate towards extra food and "How-To" books; or you have no extra money, but can spare a few minutes to make a phone call to your congressional representative -- then that's all you can do.  But we have to keep moving forward!  We cannot rest in our comfort zone!  If you are a teacher, continue your education; learn how to live a sustainable lifestyle, and then teach it to someone else.  If you are an outdoorsman or hunter, do you have all the instruments and tools to provide shelter and food for your family?  If you're an economist or businessman, do you see how the shrinking dollar will effect not only the nation's and the world's economies, but your own family unit?  Can you enlighten your neighbor and help them protect their assets?
     Believe me, I fully realize that there is no set of political solutions that will solve this nation's difficulties.  I know we have a Spiritual problem.  That is why, it is essential for Pastors and Church leaders to ask themselves this question ... Are you using your pulpit to tell your flock the truth?  And I'm talking about the Truth, with a capital "T", as well as the secondary truth of the decline of their nation.  Are you revealing the Truth of God's faithfulness through His coming judgments as spoken through the Prophets?  Or are you just tickling their ears with messages of love, mercy and grace?  Are you keeping His church holy by condemning abortion, defending marriage between a man and a woman, and calling out immorality throughout the land?  Or are you afraid to offend some government institution and endanger your tax status; or perhaps you have a major donor that will turn off the spigot if you bring up these politically incorrect subjects?  Maybe you should read the Book of Jesus's Revelation and see how he calls out the leaders of the First Century Church.  We, in Twenty-first Century America will be held no less responsible!
     I am not advocating that we all live our daily lives with a black cloud over our heads, and mire ourselves in doom and gloom.  But this is not the time to let up on perfecting our new reality, or growing our relationship with our Creator and being obedient to His calling.  I'm not promoting the idea that we all retire to underground bunkers and live off the grid, nor am I calling for a march on Washington or demonstrations in the streets.  But I am calling for a renewal of our minds and spirits to the truth of our circumstances.  We must consciously enjoy the blessings that God provides each day, while being prepared to manage a variety of difficult living environments, remaining in spiritual covenant with Him, and educating ourselves in regards to our rights, our representatives, and our redresses.
     God has not given us a Spirit of despair or complacency, but rather one that is hungry for increased knowledge of Him.  Let that hunger thrive in you and move you forward.  I think you will find that you can navigate this new reality with clarity, purpose and courage.

Proverbs 1:32-33      "For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil."

Shame on Texas!

     I am deeply saddened and yes, even angry, over a couple of situations that have happened here in Central Texas.  The first is the case of Justin Carter, aged 19, who like so many people in this technological age, has no clue that social media is anything BUT a harmless expression of our First Amendment right.
     And I say, "like so many people" because Justin's naiveté is not limited to those of his generation.  I can't tell you how many people my age that I have seen disclose political commentary, pictures of their latest firearms or commodities purchase, and angry rhetoric over everything from another person's race, to their sexual preference, to their faith -- or lack, thereof.  People wake up!  Are you paying attention to the changing landscape in our world?  Because if you aren't, let Justin's mistake teach you a lesson.

     Justin is currently on suicide watch in a jail cell in New Braunfels, Texas because he made the stupid decision to get into an argument on Facebook over the online video game, "League of Legends".  His adversary called him insane, after which Justin made a most inappropriate and morally wrong comeback about shooting up a school and eating the hearts out of kids.  He then finished his post with "Lol" and "j/k" ... Laughing out loud and just kidding.  Was that about the most ignorant, foolish, insensitive and immature statement he could have made?  Absolutely!  I would use those words to describe his actions and probably some worse than that.
     But does his comment warrant a bond of half a million dollars, and a possible 10-year jail sentence?  Because that is what Justin is facing.  In fact, he has been sitting in a Comal County jail since February, after someone filed a complaint about the comment, a search warrant was issued, and then a warrant for his arrest was carried out.
     According to Justin's father, Jack, his son has suffered "concussions, black eyes, been moved four times from base for his own protection.  He’s been put in solitary confinement, nude, for days on end because he’s depressed. All of this is extremely traumatic to this kid. This is a horrible experience.” CNN reports his father saying that his son is “very scared and he’s very concerned that he’s not going to get out. He’s pretty much lost all hope.” 
     Should there be consequences to Justin's careless and callous remarks?  You bet!  But $500,000 bond?  His attorney says he hasn't seen bonds that high for rapists and murderers in his entire career!  And what about the hateful and threatening Facebook comments made in regards to George Zimmerman or those made during the last election about "cracker babies" that have come and gone with no repercussions?  Where is the justice in this case?  And why is this kid being singled out and punished to this extent?  The world just seems upside down! 

     Then the other event that has me deeply troubled is the reaction to the abortion battle going on in my state.  Both pro-lifers and supporters of abortion have descended upon the state capital in Austin to make their voices heard.  All the drama centers around a proposed bill which would ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, require that the procedure be performed at ambulatory surgical centers, mandate that doctors who perform abortions obtain admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles and that even nonsurgical abortions take place in a surgical center.
     Although I am completely against abortion, I must ask ... how is that restricting anyone's abortion rights?  For the life of me, I cannot understand any reason that a woman could not make up her mind about killing her baby before the 5th month of pregnancy.  I understand that only five out of 42 clinics in Texas qualify as ambulatory surgical centers and they are in major metropolitan areas.  That means many clinics would need to relocate to meet ventilation requirements and to have the space required for operating rooms and hallways.  But shouldn't that tell us that perhaps there are far too many "clinics" that should not be performing this procedure?  Has everyone forgotten the appalling conditions found in Dr. Gosnell's so-called "clinic"?  What's wrong in at least setting a standard for proper operating procedures and locations; for making it as humane as possible for the child whose life you are ending?
     But I think I've found my answer in the way the opposing groups chose to support their position.  As the pro-life supporters sang Amazing Grace, the pro-abortion rights group harassed them with shouts of "Hail, Satan!"  I suppose that if you can abort a baby that is 5 months or older, then there is no room in your heart for love, and it would be easy to praise Satan and proclaim him as your god.
     I know that must sound judgmental and cruel.  But, as Jesus is my witness, I cannot get into the heads or hearts of these women!  They are so deceived!  They have been led down a path full of lies and false promises.  Satan has convinced them that with control of their bodies comes autonomy and power.  But in worshipping themselves and their bodies, they have lost sight of the fact that they are killing a part of themselves.  That baby is an extension of them and they have, in effect, terminated and eliminated it.
     They will be forever changed, whether they realize it or not.  Satan deluded them into destroying a part of themselves; all in the name of women's "rights".   I have to give him credit; Lucifer has done a good job of convincing millions of women to worship at his altar of "choice", while blinding them to exactly what was being sacrificed on that altar.... millions of babies that God trusted to their bodies.   And I can't help but think that even a child conceived from rape or incest is a creation of God; the one and only Creator.  Satan cannot create, only God can.
     And so it makes me sad to see that my beloved state of Texas is home to such outrageous and monstrous demonstrations of injustice and immorality.  But I guess if I wanted to extinguish honor, justice and decency in this country, then a good strategy would be to strike at the heart of its existence.  If you can defeat it in Texas, then it makes sense that the rest of the country will follow, right?  I pray that God will give Justin and his family strength and peace to withstand their ordeal.  And I ask God to remove the scales from the eyes of those who willfully destroy His creation.  And please, God ... won't you bless Texas?

Amos 5:24    "But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."
   

It's Independence Day!

     I prefer to celebrate today as Independence Day, instead of Fourth of July.  I want to recall the true meaning of this day, instead of observing the façade.  We've made it all about a day off from work, fireworks, hotdogs, and a day at the beach.  We've forgotten what it MEANS!
     Independence:  free from outside control; not depending on another's authority; not depending on another for livelihood or subsistence; capable of thinking or acting for oneself.  Those who established this great nation certainly fit that description.  Two hundred and thirty-seven years ago today, fifty-six brave men made a bold Declaration, in which they "mutually pledge[d] to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."  And what was so precious to them that they were willing to make those sacrifices?  INDEPENDENCE!

     They were very clear about how they wanted to live their lives, and were able to enunciate the "repeated injuries and usurpations" of their unique American rights and liberties.  Indeed, the Declaration of Independence lists a long inventory of the Americans' grievances against the Crown.  The bottom line was this: they were not willing to live as vassals of the king's government.  They knew that their natural rights of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness were being restricted and they were willing to stand up to an oppressive and dictatorial regime.
     As Americans of the twenty-first century, are we still capable of recognizing when our independence is being threatened?  Are we made of the stuff our ancestors possessed?  I believe we are!  I have seen a renewed patriotism and loyalty to our founding principles, and a desire to return to the self-sufficiency and self-determination that were the hallmarks of our forefathers.  In 1776, Americans were ready to stand on their own and throw off the burdens of exorbitant taxes, regulations and unjust laws.  They yearned to be a free people, responsible for their own successes and failures; not subjects of a despotic tyrant.  King George III underestimated this hunger for freedom, independence and liberty.  And he underestimated their firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence.  
     I still believe that God can guide the future of this country, just as He shepherded its founding.  If you have read a historical account of the eight long years of our fight for independence, you will see His hand at every turn.  From the first shot at Bunker Hill, to the last one at Yorktown, there was no way we should have ever defeated the great fighting force of the British Empire!  But God had a plan for America; He chose us to show mankind that they were designed to live in freedom.
     So as we celebrate the historic signing of the document that changed the world, let's not forget that the brave citizens of those colonies did not accomplish this on their own.  They could not accomplish it on their own.  And let's remember that the country was divided among their loyalties.  Historians think that only about 40-45% actually supported breaking away from Great Britain, while 20% were counted as Loyalists, and another 35% remained neutral.  Just like today, they were not a cohesive populace.  We can sometimes become discouraged that we are no longer a "united" nation.  But God can still work His miracles and use His power and authority to re-establish us as His beacon of light to the world.
     That's what I choose to celebrate today!  I am proud of our history, and proud to be an American.  I commit my strength, influence and energy to preserve what God and those amazing 56 men set into motion so long ago.  God Bless America!

And I invite you to watch this emotional video that celebrates those who help ensure that we remain independent and free.  They need our prayers and our support.  Bless them, Lord!

Galatians 5:1    "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."

America: How The Rest of The World Sees Us

     As I scan the headlines, I can't help but notice that the perception of America as the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave" is damaged among the peoples and nations of the world.  One of the reasons can be laid at the feet of the NSA.  Reports that European Union offices and computers were hacked has resulted in leaders of the EU intimating that trade relations could be effected.  Germany's Foreign Ministry has actually summoned the U.S. Ambassador to do a little explaining.  French President Francois Hollande also threatened to block negotiations on a transatlantic free trade treaty, and allies from Belgium to Italy and throughout Europe have used the strongest language possible to register their distaste for alleged American spying.
     But it's not just government heads that are suspicious and mistrustful of our motives and actions.  Fugitive CIA whistleblower Edward Snowden released information to the German magazine Der Spiegel, in which he said the US had monitored phone lines and bugged embassies of European countries.  Editorials are appearing in the magazine lamenting the German peoples' lack of faith and doubt in the American government.  Having lived through the Nazi and Communist subversion of their own government, they are now openly warning Americans to wake up from our complacency and see the threat to both our liberty and our security.  While acknowledging the need to collaborate on both sides of the Atlantic to pursue and prevent organized crime and terrorism, the article admonishes that "it must be done in a way that strengthens civil liberties and does not reduce them."
     And it's a pretty sad commentary when a German citizen writes an editorial that chastises and corrects the President for his incorrect use of a quote by one of our Founding Fathers.  Malte Spitz got it right when he wrote, "Perhaps instead of including a quote from James Madison in his speech, arguing that “No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare,” Mr. Obama should have been reminded of the quote from another Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, when he said, “They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”  The German people have made it very plain that they have no intention of relinquishing their liberty, and no intention of repeating their historical mistakes by blindly trusting leaders who promise security through a reduction of freedom.

     But it is not only Europe who has become disillusioned with how America is conducting its affairs.  Opposition groups to Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi are accusing the US of "being partner to a conspiracy to keep President Morsi in power."  The mass rallies in Cairo's Tahrir Square are evidence that the populace is disillusioned with the lack of promised democracy.  As far as the $1.3 billion in military aid the U.S. government gave the new Egyptian leader, the rebels are now furious.  "America and the Brotherhood have united to bring down the Egyptian people," said Hassan Shahin, a member of the Tamarod, or "rebel," movement.  To prove their point, the protestors have stormed and ransacked the Muslim Brotherhood headquarters and given a time demand to Morsi to abdicate his presidency.
     And it's only a hop, skip and a jump to the powder keg in Syria.  I don't think I need to remind you that we have made some questionable alliances and some poor decisions in the midst of their civil war.
     Of course, our relations with Russia are surely to be strained as Putin appears to be offering asylum to Ed Snowden, in direct defiance of our government's demands.  Of course that hasn't stopped the two Super Powers from signing agreements that will allow trained Russian "experts" to provide security at mass events.  (This is according to an article by the Ministry of the Russian Federation of Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters).  So can we now surmise that we are no longer capable of providing our own security or cleaning up after a natural disaster?  Try telling the folks in Moore, Oklahoma or Joplin, Missouri that!
     All in all, the headlines of the day show a disturbing trend in regards to the image, perception, and actions of America.  We used to be the nation that everyone looked to for inspiration; and our influence and impact were sought after.  Now it appears as if we are mistrusted, doubted and down-right duplicitous in our foreign relations.  I am inclined to believe that the slide from the original vision for America has been occurring at a gradual, yet steady pace over the last century.  My fear is that somewhere in the near future, we are going to wake up and discover that the gradual decline has become a full-blown plunge.
     Now, more than ever, we need to return to the values and purpose for which this nation was founded.  Regardless of what the peoples of other nations think of us, Americans still know what freedom, virtue and honesty look like.  It is up to each of us to embody those principles in ourselves, instill them in our families and export them to our communities.  Now is the time to show the world what we're made of!

Proverbs 10:9    "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out."


   

In Defense of Paula Deen

     I know that even my headline will draw the ire of many across this land.  But at least it grabbed your attention, right?  And I'm hoping it will make you want to read more, and find out exactly what I mean.
     Let me start by saying that I am, in no way, supporting the derogatory term Paula Deen used; you know the one ... that depending on what race you are, can either be a sign of brotherhood, or a hateful and abusive term.  Simply stated: no one in the 21st century can claim ignorance over how this word will be perceived; especially if you are a white woman from the South.  BUT, I am amazed that this is the only thing people are focused on!
     Everyone in the media seems to have forgotten the facts of this situation: namely, that she admits to using the word in a court deposition to "describe the man who held her up at gunpoint when she worked as a bank teller in the 1980s."  Does that make it right?  No!  But how many of us could say that we wouldn't perceive someone who held a gun to our head in the most negative light imaginable? I don't care what your race is, where you come from, your gender or what color your eyes are --- we would despise that person and you're going to describe them in the most despicable manner you can; it's a natural release of your emotions.  That is called being human; in all our sinful, shameful ways.

     And how is it different than someone of another race deliberately referring to George Zimmerman in the most insulting way she could think of ... as a "cracker"?  I don't hear America screaming that this is discrimination!  But I have heard murmurings that Paula Deen's sin is greater because it is just another manifestation of "white privilege".  Hogwash!  A sin is a sin is a sin!  If you have wronged another person, either by word or deed, there should be consequences.  Once the error of your ways has been pointed out, you have apologized for the hateful remark, and society has exacted its proper "punishment", you should be forgiven.  Whether you continue to display offensive actions will determine if, and how quickly, you can reclaim your place in a magnanimous society.
     But that is exactly the problem.  We are no longer magnanimous.  We are no longer generous or compassionate towards those who fall from grace.  Paula Deen's pound of flesh has turned into a banquet for the vultures who are just itching to devour every ounce of her soul.  It's not enough that she has been humiliated and portrayed as a bigot and rascist.  It's not enough that her successful business has been destroyed, and her future looks nonexistent.  
     I've heard no mention of her efforts, along with Smithfield Foods, to deliver 25,000 pounds of protein to Hosea Feed The Hungry and Homeless, an Atlanta-area hunger relief organization.  And what about her Bag Lady Foundation, which she started specifically to assist “women and families in need”, in part by “aid[ing] individuals, communities and like-minded organizations to empower those facing a range of challenges resulting from poverty.”  Do you not think that many of those who have benefitted from these poverty programs in the South might be a member of the race she has been judged to have offended?  As far as I'm concerned, her actions speak louder than her words.
     And shame on Smithfield Foods for terminating their partnership; and how cowardly.  They could have stepped up and worked with her to show the nation that she is more than one careless, ignorant remark.  They could have shown another side of Paula Deen and helped a human being redeem herself.  Instead, corporate greed won the day.
     And I'm going to go out on a limb here, but I believe that there is a segment of this country who so hate what she stands for, that they will stop at nothing to vilify her reputation and put her "in her place".  The arrogant, insolent Elites of this country, cannot abide a simple, "countryfied" woman from the South who through hard work, persistence, and a faith in God, is able to build a dynamic and hugely successful business.  She couldn't have possibly "built that herself"!  And because she did, they are gleefully and delightfully tearing it all down.
     What a sad and disgusting society we've become when we will not give someone forgiveness when they ask for it.  Whether you believe in God or not, there is a place and a need for forgiveness.  For me, it comes down to this:  how can I expect God to forgive me for all the wrong things I've done or said, if I cannot forgive another?  And if you need to take God out of the equation, then ask yourself this:  If you cannot find it in your heart to give Paula Deen another chance, are you willing to accept the same ruthless and intolerant treatment the next time you step outside the line?  Think about it, my friend.  It's only a matter of time before you offend someone, and which reaction do you want ... mercy or callous cruelty?

Isaiah 44:22     "I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you."

   

Success Based On Failure: What I Learned From Travis Haley & Ron Avery

     As I settled into my spot under the tent on that first morning of Adaptive Handgun One, I looked around at who my fellow classmates would be.  We ranged from active-duty military and law enforcement, to college students, businessmen, two artists and a princess (you know who you are and you know I love you!) and a handful of women students.  Our age range began in the early twenties, and I'm proud to say ended with me, at nearly 60.  But age, rank and position in the business world didn't matter here.  We were all there to become our personal best.  Then the men we had come to learn from arrived, and we began a three-day journey that would expand our minds and our skills.

Travis (left) and Ron

     But first, just in case you aren't aware of who our instructors were, let's get that out of the way by listing their official creds.
     Travis Haley is a veteran Force Reconnaissance Marine with 15 years of dedicated real world experience including: combat tours in the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. He also served as a special operations and security contractor before partnering with Magpul as founder and CEO of their training division, Magpul Dynamics; and as CEO of the parent company, Magpul Industries.  Travis then left the company and developed his own enterprise, Haley Strategic Partners.
     Ron Avery has consistently ranked among the best shooters in the world, winning events in national, international, and world championship competitions; he is currently USPSA Grand Master in Open and Limited divisions.  But he is so much more; he is a veteran deputy sheriff, police officer and  valedictorian of two police academies, along with having spent 30 years as a professional trainer and consultant to all branches of the military, select government agencies, hundreds of federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies and countless clients in the private sector.

My husband with Travis

     So to say that our instructors are the best in their field, is quite an understatement.  If you have ever taken a gun training class from Travis Haley, then you know it's more than just learning how to point and shoot correctly.  You will not only learn more than you thought you ever could about how to handle your gun, but also how to handle your life.  So as I recount the high points of my three-day voyage towards becoming a more accurate shooter, think about how these exercises can apply to your total life experience.  And I say "high points", because this post would be endless if I discussed everything I absorbed.

     To begin with, you will notice that our class was titled "Adaptive Handgun".  Travis was able to combine his three fundamental principles of handgun shooting (Feel, Eyes, and Finger) with Ron's scientific principles of biomechanics to give us a whole new perspective on how to properly shoot a pistol.  I have taken several pistol training classes over the last few years, but for the first time ever, I was introduced to the concept that shooting my pistol is a process of reactive responses to the shooting cycle.  Everyone in the class knew the basic principles of shooting:  Get your grip; see your target; get sight alignment and sight picture; when you're ready to take your shot, squeeze the trigger consistently; let the gun go off.  But the genius of this class was the breakdown of those processes into specific steps, and then assessing and adapting our failure points in order to get the success we want.  Doesn't that work in life, too?  No matter what your path is in life, doesn't success come from adapting our procedures/methods/systems, as we prioritize our risks?

      If I try to describe to you the steps we took to break down the shooting cycle, it will sound far too simplistic.  But that was the beauty of this class... we were taught how to break down the cycle, discover our failure points, and modify them until we could successfully repeat them. 

     We had to develop a plan in our mind on how we were going to accomplish our goal, be able to identify where our cycle broke down and fix it.  All this was achieved with deliberate practice. 

     And practice we did!  Each step was repeated twenty-five, fifty, a hundred times; as we were reminded that "repetition ... mindful and purposeful repetition ... builds good habits, which encourages problem-solving."

     Are you able to see the benefits of applying these principles to your entire life?  It's about assessment and moving forward.  As you assess the point at which you failed (whether on the shooting range or in your life), you can make adjustments, gain control of each situation, and move on to the next step (and the next) until you are able to calmly and consistently achieve your objective with precision and accuracy.  

     We didn't do anything fancy or aggressive or dynamic; it was all fundamentals -- stance, proper grip, sight alignment/picture, trigger control, accepting the recoil, picturing where the sight settled after the shot, and follow through (let the bullet leave the gun and hold).  We built a good solid foundation on which to improve our skills through mindful and deliberate practice.
     At the end of our class, we were asked to assess ourselves, and I have to say that after listening to 24 of my fellow classmates, it pretty much came down to grip (which was related to recoil management) and trigger control (which correlated to accuracy).  It may sound like a cliché, but after three days in the sweltering heat, and countless repetitive drills, I now know that "practice will make perfect" .... if you just dedicate the time and develop the mindset.

     As I told you in Friday's post, those three days had a profound effect on me.  I not only look at the art of shooting from a different perspective, but my attitude about life has advanced to a new level. Travis and Ron showed me how to look at things differently.  They encouraged us to apply these principles to every facet of our existence.  This life is short and we are responsible for making it what we want it to be ... no excuses and no giving up.  We need to go about our lives intentionally and with purpose.  We need to listen, pay attention and figure out where and why our processes are failing; and then be tenacious in fixing the problem.  We need to always be willing to learn something new.  Remaining static and institutionalized, rather than open and imaginative, is the fastest way to being passed by in life.  They warned us to never become complacent; to always reach for the next rung.  With an ability to assess, modify and repeat until successful, we can count on accomplishing any goal.  

     Re-read that last paragraph ... these two men transferred a lot of knowledge to us in three short days; knowledge that was derived from their life experiences.  Travis developed a little catch-phrase during our class time on the range; one that sums up the results of putting our training to use .... when you are able to assess and adapt, success will follow.  And I don't think I'll ever forget his voice in my head:  "If you will do these things ... It's like magic!"

Isaiah 42:16    "And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them." 

      

       

     

Matthew 10:34

Because I am a Christian, I choose to dedicate my Sunday posts to the worship of my God.  I love to explore the Bible and listen to what God is trying to tell me about how to live this earthly life.  I hope you can glean some Truth from my words and apply it to your own life.  Blessings!

Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth.

 I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.

     This is one of the more disputed verses in the Bible.  Those who see Jesus as the embodiment of grace, love and mercy find it difficult to imagine that our Lord could ever condone warfare or violence of any kind.  They interpret the "sword" as the Word of God.  As the disciple John tells us, In the beginning was the Word .... and the Word was God.   Jesus's gospel of the Kingdom will come as a sword, piercing our hearts, and killing (if you will) our sinful nature. 

     Those who study eschatology prefer to interpret this verse as a precursor to the revelation John was given on the island of Patmos.  He was introduced to Jesus as He who has the sharp two-edged sword ... In this book of the End Times, Jesus is given all authority to judge mankind.  He will still be merciful, loving and full of grace; but He will return to punish the wicked and those who have rejected Him.

     I do not think that this verse implies that Jesus or God despise war.  In fact, the Old Testament has numerous examples of God initiating and controlling war in order to further His plan.  He supported His people as they engaged in war.  He told them to go to war in order to destroy evil that had come upon the earth.  In the New Testament, Jesus admonished His disciples that wars and rumors of wars must take place.

    Which brings me to a little side note.  This country that I love so much has been engaged in a continuous war for nearly 12 years.  There has been lots of death and dying, and I am sure there are those who say that what members of our military have done is wrong and unforgivable; that our God is about love and peace, and cannot abide all the killing.  

     Whether these wars are justified or not, is something I am not qualified to criticize or condemn.  But I know that my God abhors Evil and God can use our soldiers to execute His judgment today, the same as he did thousands of years ago in the land of Canaan.  Please don't make the mistake of thinking that I believe the last 12 years have been a holy war ... my eyes are open to the machinations of men in power.  It is simply my belief that the peace and the sword Jesus talks about in this verse are His to administer; and He is able to use the peace-makers and the warriors to His benefit.  It is in His character to be both Shepherd and Judge, and it would bode well for the world to keep the warning of Matthew 10:34 in mind.

Part One: Smaller Isn't Always Better

     It's been awhile since I've discussed my proud membership in Gun Culture 2.0.  This past week I spent three unforgettably informative days on the shooting range with Travis Haley and Ron Avery.  On Monday's post, I will give you an in-depth account of how mind-blowing that event was.  As part of a growing segment of America who have discovered a never-before-experienced passion and respect for gun ownership, it was probably the most significant time period I've ever spent.  But you'll have to check back on Monday to find out why I feel this way.
     Today, I just want to talk to all the women who, like me, have been traversing this new universe of gun ownership, and often feeling tossed by the prevailing winds.  If you are like me, you start off owning a larger frame firearm (such as a Glock 19, 9mm), because you were told it would be easier to manage.  Or maybe, you are like others I have come across in my training, whose boyfriend, husband or father talked them into a .38 revolver for its simplicity.
     As I began shooting more, and becoming more proficient with my weapon, I felt comfortable enough to get my CHL license and seriously consider carrying a firearm for protection.  But I know you will identify with the problem of how to actually conceal it.  Those bigger framed guns just don't work for us women and how we dress.  So I began to move from owning range guns, like the Glock 19 or 17, to Carry guns, like the Glock 26 and the M&P Shield.

    I knew that these three days of training were going to be intense; applied pressure with lots of shots down range.   For me, taking the Shield to the class didn't make sense, since mag capacity is only 7 or 8, meaning lots more loading of mags.  (CAVEAT:  This line of reasoning does not necessarily hold true for everyone.  Another woman friend of mine took the class with her small M&P Shield and was able to perform really well.)  I felt I needed more experience/training to really concentrate on the fundamentals, and I would gain the most from taking the class with my Glock 26.  While I knew that it was considered a small pistol (and used by lots of men for carry), I thought it would be an adequate range gun and give me more advantages to learn the principles we would be taught.  But I learned something else, too.  My Glock 26 just doesn't qualify as a range gun for me.  ( I repeat:  For me).  To get the true benefits of training, I need to go back to a Glock 19; possibly even a 17.  Here's a comparison chart of the few reasons that explain my thoughts:

Range Guns                                                                         Carry Guns

1.  Longer barrel, longer sight radius                                     Short barrel, short sight radius
Consequence:  It is harder for that bullet to stay on track out of a short barrel if you are shooting long distances; more difficulty in calling my shot and hitting where I want to on the target.

2.  Longer Grip                                                                       Shorter grip
Consequence:  You can get a firmer grip when you have more real estate to hold on to.  The larger guns offer a more substantial grip.

3.  Larger magazine capacity (15-17)                                      Smaller mag capacity (7-8)
Consequence:  If the bad guys are shooting at you, how many bullets would you want at your disposal?  Shooting larger capacity mags on the range gives me a better practice and training experience.

4.  Easier to manipulate                                                            Harder to handle
Consequence:  The tighter springs in the Carry guns make it much more difficult for a woman's hand to do a chamber check or lock the slide.  I want to learn how to handle the gun quicker and more efficiently.  Why make it harder on myself?

5.  Recoil is less                                                                        Recoil is more pronounced
Consequence:  If the recoil is more severe in the carry gun, trigger reset and follow-up shots occur slower.  The range gun delivers faster follow-up shots.

     So here's my new way of thinking:  We women are an important new component of the gun culture.  We are learning to defend ourselves and getting the proper training.  Weapons manufacturers are catering to our needs with smaller guns that fit more comfortably in our hands and are easier to wear concealed.  And, yes, that meets the concealed carry aspect of our needs.  BUT, after these last few days, I have come to realize that a smaller gun DOES NOT meet my needs on the training range.
     The object of training is to acquire proficient skills through practice.  Why would I want to handicap myself with a gun that is harder to manipulate, recoils more, and makes it more difficult for me to achieve my desired goal?  The reality is that I'm paying serious money for 3 days of training, so I want a gun that will maximize my training.  I don't want to suffer the stress of learning new gun handling skills while battling the stumbling blocks of a smaller carry gun. Why not take as many problems out of the equation as possible, so I can get the results I want?
     Does that mean that I will have less ability with my actual carry gun?  No.  Not if I transfer the knowledge I learned with the range gun to the smaller gun.  This means time and dedication.  Lesson learned:  Range guns maximize training time; skills transfer to carry gun on my own time.  There are different purposes for different guns.  There are definite benefits to choosing the correct range gun, and this is just one of the lessons I learned this past week.
     Travis Haley and Ron Avery are intense dudes, and standing in 100 degree heat while receiving pearls of wisdom simply added to the sizzle.  Tune in on Monday for the details!

Luke 6:40    "The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher."