Election 2016 is now history! Do you feel horrified, happy, or helpless? Regardless of how any of us feels, it is obvious the American people have spoken that they want a radical change. Now that the election is over, it is time for the people of God to become even more vigilant in their prayer lives by continuing to pray for our nation and our president-elect, Donald Trump, who could be called the “People’s President.”
Many individuals, including some who claim to be Christians, are in the streets protesting. True, it is their right, but “why?” In our opinion, everyone needs to get off the streets and move on, looking up to the author and finisher of our Faith! God is, was, and will always be in charge. Scriptures declare that it is God who sets up and takes down those who rule over the people: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Romans 13:1
As Christians, we should not disrespect the office of President, regardless of who occupies it because God has told us to pray for all leadership. I Timothy 2:1-2 tells us “I urge you, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made of all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” Imagine the difference it would make if people who believed in the power of prayer would actually pray for our leaders – our President, Congress, governors, and local officials.
Radio personality, Laura Ingraham, said that when Trump won, it demonstrated a “rebuke or reviling of the current establishment,” and that Trump seems like a common sense measure to many who voted for him. In our opinion, that is a point worth noting. More noteworthy, Deidre’s pastor, Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin, preached an awesome sermon entitled, “God Has Spoken, Y’all Better Listen.” That couldn’t be more true, so if you feel you are in a stuck place, check it out and repent. We believe that God is in control, and TRUST in Him, encouraging you to do the same. Join us in praying for our nation, its leaders, and citizens as we attempt to put the pieces back together and heal.
Our blog post today reminds Deidre and I of two chapters in our book – Chapter XI which is entitled “Shame on You,” and Chapter VII which we called “We Agree to Disagree.” In the first, we described how social media, advertisements, videos, movies, and computers constantly flaunt so many negative things that they impact the minds of our children in a derogatory way. In the other chapter, we explained how sometimes we disagree over certain topics and realize that we have to remain true to who we are and move on, while retaining our friendship and love for each other.
What could have brought these two chapters to mind? Probably what is on many other people’s minds as well – the upcoming election! We would like to remind those of you who are Christian that we need to be praying and asking God how to vote before we actually go to the polls. I’m sure we realize that our choices are “less to none.” Whether it is a candidate who lies, steals, cheats, and refuses to follow security precautions or one who evades paying taxes, is said to have befriended the Russian government, or openly refuses to support our democratic process, we have to choose. However, we as Christians must be fully informed and decisive before we cast the final vote.
This is a time where we see daily how many are doing or approving of “what is right in their own eyes.” We used Proverbs 21:2 to illustrate this: “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.” Another scripture from Ch. XI is “. . . For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn away from the truth . . .” 2 Timothy 4:2-4 For Christians, our truth is found in the Bible, for as Pastor Rick Warren has said, “A lie doesn’t become truth, wrong doesn’t become right, and evil doesn’t become good, just because it’s accepted by a majority.”
This is a difficult time for many Americans. We know that our country has been going in the wrong direction for a long time and we want to leave our children a better legacy. God will listen to our prayers for our nation and will give us the President we deserve. We have to trust Him more today than ever before. Proverbs 3:5-8 says it all: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”
The time has come for those who call themselves Christian to act like it and pray for this country, our leaders, and citizens. If we are not willing to do so, then shame on us!
If you watch the video accompanying this blog (please ignore my expression!), you will meet Deidre and I just minutes before we shared our first convention presentation, “Be the Salt & Light in Your Classroom.” As we say, we were excited, nervous, but ready – we thought.
We had our Power Point presentation ready to accompany our words, the video camera was ready to record excerpts from what we said, the music was playing to welcome those who chose to come to our presentation. Then, we realized that our computer wouldn’t communicate with the projector, so there would be no pictures and the room was filling.
What do you do when the plans fail? You pray and continue; then watch God move as only He can which is what He did for us. It was a wonderful presentation with many teachers moved to tears as they realized how important they are and how God can use them in their students’ lives. We were as blessed as the participants!
Deidre and Sue – The Two Voices
Readers, we want you to join our voices! Please leave your comments, and feel free to find us on facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to get more information or book events.
Copies of the book can be purchased at https://onegodtwovoices.com/purchase/
You’ve heard the news reports – two more Black deaths at the hands of the police.
Twenty out of twenty-fours hours a day, the news media is pumping out the stories and we’re asking: “Is this good for any of us?” The Voices stand united in our decision to pray for the unrest, for our police forces across the nation, and that unity and dialogue will come. We need the facts before spreading rumors that only serve to inflame everyone.
We need healing! Our prayers go out to the families of the two men who were killed, and to the police officers who were involved and their families. We were not there, but God was. He alone knows every aspect of the situations. Those who would use a tragic incident for violent behavior are only hurting everyone, as are those who refuse to acknowledge the ongoing injustices. We will all be judged one day for what we choose to do.
Please join us as we continue to go to prayer to the only One who is the Source of help and change. We agree with Franklin Graham when he says, “The only hope for this country is God.”
I remember being taught at home and in the classroom that just because I have the right to do something, I need to think it over – is doing it right?
Even if you’re not an NFL football fan, you have probably heard about the latest football controversy that occurred before the last San Francisco 49ers preseason game. Cameras caught Colin Kaepernick sitting on the bench during the National Anthem. He explained later that he was protesting black oppression in the United States, especially by the police. Social media has predictably reacted with an untold number of tweets, Facebook posts, and editorials for and against his actions. My father and my husband both served in the U.S. Air Force, and many relatives on both sides of the family are veterans. I taught social studies and produced a patriotic Memorial Day assembly for the students at my middle school(s) for years. So I guess you know which side I’m on in this situation. However, I’m just SAD instead of incensed over Kaepernick’s action, because I’ve observed that once again we are divided by racial lines. On Facebook, several of my former students sided with Colin, seeing this country as one that is not a blessing for people who look like them. I taught them and still care about them, so I am conflicted about seeing my view as the “only acceptable ones.”
However, many in the news have no problem stating how they feel: Donald Trump said, “It is a terrible thing. Maybe he should find another country that works better for him.” Allen West took Kaepernick to task, citing his white parents, our black, biracial President, the last two Attorneys General, and the current Secretary of Homeland Security who are black, as are many police chiefs and officers. Former 49er player Glenn Coffee was exemplified as an NFL player who chose to leave the football field and its millions to enlist in the U.S. Army and defend our nation instead. And then there’s Philadephia Eagles player, Myke Tavarres, who plans to join Kaepernick and sit during the anthem at his next game. On and on and on it goes . . . and we are divided as a nation. I am reminded of the quote: “United we stand, divided we fall.”
I guess I agree most with what I saw written by Jim Wright, a Navy veteran and writer, who concluded his lengthy post by saying, “If you don’t like what Kaepernick has to say, prove him wrong. Be the nation he respects. America must be worthy of respect.”
We have a lot of work to do, but I believe we can do it – one person at a time. We have to be a nation that follows the law. However, as a Christian, I know God has all the answers. He will help us come together as we treat others the way we wish to be treated. That’s why it’s called the Golden Rule, not the silver rule.
Sue, Voice II
I totally agree with Sue in that we need to speak on behalf of a united nation and not a divided one. We are such a global nation now that we have to look to the good of every citizen in our world and it needs to begin with looking within ourselves. In our book, “One God, Two Voices,” Sue and I have a chapter where we agree to disagree. That is because we see things from our own point of views, upbringings, and experiences.
When I reflect on Kaepernick’s latest actions, I assume that he is expressing himself from a prospective I truly cannot understand. However, if he really wants to sit down due to black oppression, then he should sit down out of a game every time a black on black crime occurs, such as the recent shooting and murder of Dwyane Wade’s cousin. America has and will continue to pay for the sin of slavery, but some African-Americans can’t pick and choose when to cry “foul play.” Either you are for uniting us as a country or you become a part of what continues to divide us as a nation. That is why I strongly disagree with any American dishonoring any historical symbol of our country. I love our flag, the bald eagle, the Statue of Liberty and the twin towers that were blown to bits and pieces by acts of hate and terrorism. Any disrespect to any symbol upon which the power and principals of our country were built is extremely hard for me to understand or support. Furthermore, the source of exchange we use almost daily reads, “In God We Trust.” AMEN! Where and how does one separate and divide which symbols of America we keep, toss aside or disregard?
America is still “ONE NATION UNDER GOD,” whether people accept it or not. Our voices stand united as we admonish the Christian community to pray, repent, and continue to heal together as necessary.
Deidre, Voice I
Readers, we want you to join our voices! Please leave your comments, and feel free to find us on facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to get more information or book events.
Copies of the book can be purchased at https://onegodtwovoices.com/purchase/
One God, Two Voices 