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The President, His Mentors, Our Future

September 19, 2012 by ezerwoman

Some people I know are saying, “I don’t like either Obama or Romney, so I’m not going to vote.”  Others are saying, “I can’t vote for a Mormon, so I guess I’ll vote for the one who says he is a Christian.”

This year’s presidential election is not about electing a Christian.  It is about electing an American.

To those of you who follow this blog, I ask one thing: Please inform yourselves about both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.  Get to know their mentors.  Learn who influenced them through life and shaped their worldview.  Then ask yourself: Which man more closely shares your vision of the United States of America?

I do not believe that Mormons are Christians.  However, I would rather be ruled by a loyal defender of this American republic than by a man who wants to remake America in another image.

Dr. Paul Kengor is the author of The Communist, subtitled “Frank Marshall Davis: The Untold Story of Barack Obama’s Mentor.”  The media doesn’t seem interested in Kengor’s book, although it is “meticulously documented and fair,” observes Sheila Liaugminas (Sheila Reports, MercatorNet).  Kengor writes, “It is scandalous that so little attention has been paid to Frank Marshall Davis and his influence on our president . . . Frank Marshall Davis’s political antics were so radical that the FBI placed him on the federal government’s Security Index, which meant that he could be immediately detained or arrested in the event of a national emergency, such as a war breaking out between the United States and the USSR.

“Obama’s memoirs feature twenty-two direct references to “Frank” by name, and far more via pronouns and other forms of reference.  Frank is a consistent theme throughout [Obama’s book] . . . He is part of Obama’s life and mind, by Obama’s own extended recounting, from Hawaii – the site of visits and late evenings together – to Los Angeles to Chicago to Germany to Africa, from adolescence to college to community organizing.  Frank is always one of the few (and first) names mentioned by Obama in each mile marker upon his historic path from Hawaii to Washington.”

Kengor writes that Davis worked diligently to “trash the Democratic Party.”  Then, “like many American communists,” [Davis] decided to join the Democrats” because he had “nowhere else to go.”  Communists, like Davis, patiently sought “alliances with Democrats much closer to their collectivist thinking.”  Kengor’s detailed documentation reveals that Davis has a 600-page FBI file.  In that file is an April 1950 report stating that “members of the subversive element in Honolulu were concentrating their efforts on infiltration of the Democratic Party through control of Precinct Clubs and organizations.”  These communist subversives, said the report, were pushing “their candidates in these Precinct Club elections.”  Kengor explains that it was a “long march to transform the Democratic Party from the party of Truman and JFK to the party of Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama.”  He continues, saying, “[I]n a quite fascinating twist of history, Frank Marshall Davis, as a ‘Democrat,’ would go on to influence today’s Democratic Party standard-bearer: Barack Obama.”

I wonder.  Did the Democratic National Convention meeting in Charlotte appear to conclude that it is government – not God – who takes care of the people?

It has been said: We become like the company we keep.  The mentors in our life matter.  The people we let influence us matter.  I want to know what makes the next leader of the free world tick.  I want to know who has influenced the next Commander in Chief.  I want to know what has shaped the man who will sit in the People’s House.  Don’t you?  So, it’s a fair question: If you seek to open the life story of each candidate, what will you find?  What is their worldview… and why?

Please.  Take note of how Obama and Romney each see the proper size and role of government.  Take note of how Obama and Romney listen — or do not listen — to Catholics, Missouri Synod Lutherans, Southern Baptists and other believers on the Lord Jesus Christ.  Take note of where they stand on the sanctity of life, marriage, and personal/religious freedom.  Take note of how they view Shariah Law vs. U.S. Constitutional Law.

Take note… then vote as if the lives of your children and grandchildren depend on it.

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Lord Jesus With Us Abide

September 14, 2012 by ezerwoman

Thanks, Alicia, for reminding me of The Word that stands… no matter what.

“Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide, for round us falls the eventide. O let Your Word, that saving light, shine forth undimmed into the night.

In these last days of great distress grant us, dear Lord, true steadfastness that we keep pure till life is spent, Your holy Word and Sacrament.

To hope grown dim, to hearts turned cold, speak tongues of fire and make us bold to shine Your Word of saving grace into each dark and loveless place.

May glorious truths that we have heard, the bright sword of Your mighty Word, spurn Satan that Your Church be strong, bold, unified in act and song.

Restrain, O Lord, the human pride that seeks to thrust Your truth aside or with some man-made thoughts or things would dim the words Your Spirit sings.

Stay with us, Lord, and keep us true; preserve our faith our whole life through – Your Word alone our heart’s defense, The Church’s glorious confidence.”

Lutheran Service Book, 585

Posted in Faith & Practice, Life issues | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment »

This Election: Test of Fire

September 14, 2012 by ezerwoman

I’m not a Catholic, but I encourage you to view a TV ad created by the Catholic Church.  It speaks to this period in our nation’s history.  It speaks to every citizen who values their freedom of religion (not to be confused with the freedom to worship).

I care very much about this country and the direction it chooses to go.  I care because I’ve been blessed to be an American.  I would like for my grandchildren to enjoy such blessings as well.

I’m not impressed with party politics — Democrat or Republican.  Like George Washington, a candidate should be chosen because of what he stands for.  Like Washington, he should be tested by fire.  Washington didn’t want to be president, but he knew much was at stake.  Things like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (definition: the desire to do right things).  The White House is the people’s house.  Anyone taking up short-term residency should fall on their knees under the sheer weight of responsibility.  They should do what they’re called to do as if their life depends on it, then return to real families, neighborhoods, school districts, and congregations.  Oh, and a real wage for honest labor.

At stake this election year is the very foundation of America as we know it.  A foundation forged by fire.  Would you please take a moment to watch?  Then, vote as if the liberties you prize depend on it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=D9vQt6IXXaM&hd

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Human Nature and Modest Clothing

September 10, 2012 by ezerwoman

Clothing — or lack of it — remains a lively topic wherever I go.  Age doesn’t matter.  Both younger and older women argue that it’s a woman’s right to dress however she pleases.  Calling oneself a Christian doesn’t seem to matter, either.  I am always encouraged, however, when someone in the secular world views women and their clothing in a sane and sensible way.

The results of a Princeton study found that when men were shown images of women dressed in bikinis, the region of the brain associated with analyzing a person’s thoughts and feelings was deactivated, and the part associated with objects of use (like “tool”) lit up.  In the minds of these test subjects, the women were quite literally objectified and dehumanized.  (Source: Verilymag)

“Well, ” a woman might respond, “that’s not my problem.”  Another might ask, “But, what about the male responsibility?”  The answers, from my Biblical perspective, are these: 1) We live in community, therefore, the choices we make invariably affect those around us, and 2) Men do bear the responsibility of practicing self-control, but so do women.   A woman can deny reality all she wants, but the truth is that she is always helping a man one way or another — for good or for bad.

Janet Sahm, writing in Tiger Print, also references the Princeton study.  She praises one-piece swimsuits and modest clothing in general.  She does so “in recognition and understanding of a reality about human nature.”  Men and women are attracted to one another, but most often view each other in different ways.  “Would anyone doubt,” Sahm asks, “that, in general, men tend to be more visually stimulated than women and are susceptible to using and viewing women as objects?”

Some of my gender want attention.  They want to be the object of a man’s desire.  Others become temptresses of men because they are naive about the different ways male and female brains are wired.  Sahm makes a strong statement to both, be they women of faith or women of the world.  “Let’s not forget that, as people, we’re all susceptible to using one another for our own gratification.  For a man, it may be to solely focus on a woman’s sexual values, leaving the rest of who she is fade into the background.  For a woman, it may be to fantasize about a man she’s just met, crafting a romanticized imaginary future that’s sorely in need of a reality check.  We’re in this struggle together.”

Yes, we are.  So, here’s a fair question for all of us women: In the midst of life’s struggle, how do we choose to help?

Within each of us is the beauty of personhood that grows more lovely with time.  Character attracts attention in a way that the flesh never can.

“Without saying a word,” writes Sahm, “what you wear influences how people respond to your beauty.  Perhaps it’s not that bikinis reveal to much, but too little.”

Appreciation to Tiger Print, a blog of MercatorNet, 7 Sep 2012

Posted in Biblical manhood & womanhood, Faith & Practice, Relationships, Sexy or holy?, Vocation | Tagged , , , | Leave a Comment »

Parental Rights

September 7, 2012 by ezerwoman

Monday, September 17, is the anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. Constitution.  ParentalRights.org urges us to visit the offices of our senators.  Why?

Proponents of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities (CRPD) are pushing for a September vote in the Senate.  This treaty, writes Michael Farris, is bad news for American sovereignty and American families.

Farris, president of ParentalRights.org suggests the following “talking points” should you write, call or visit your Senator:

  • Under Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, the CRPD will become the “supreme law of the land,” overriding anythin to the contrary in local, state, or federal law.
  • Parents of disabled children know better than anyone what it is like to have bureaucrats and officials second-guessing their every decision.  Article 7 of the CRPD will take away their right to be the ultimate decision makers for their child.
  • The Understandings adopted by the Senate are poorly worded and do not have the legal effect proponents claim they will.  The so-called “private action” understanding, for instance, does not uphold “current” U.S. law.  Omission of the word “current” means the U.S. will be obligated to make changes in our law in order to fulfill our commitment under the treaty.
  • Ratifying the CRPD would be the first time we have obligated our nation to recognize social, economic, and cultural entitlements and privileges as “rights” under domestic law.

For more information, visit Parentalrights.org

Posted in Citizenship, Commentaries of others, Culture Shifts, Parenting & Education, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Politics and the People’s Voice

September 7, 2012 by ezerwoman

Do you believe that political leaders — red or blue — suffer from hearing loss?  Or is it worse?  Do they intentionally disregard the people’s voice because they have an agenda different from ours?

This You Tube was passed on to me.  Be patient through the commercial and stay tuned to “behind the scenes at the RNC and DNC conventions.”

Click HERE.

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Sexuality and Sterilization

September 7, 2012 by ezerwoman

Open forum here.  Your thoughtful answers to my question are coveted.

What civilization would sexualize daughters and then provide free sterilization services?

People with opposing worldviews bemoan the fact that we are sexualizing American girls.  One group worries about the sexualization of girls but promotes more sex education as the answer.  The other group promotes abstinence but uses sex education to do it.

Is there a connection between sexualizing children — completely inundating them in school and culture with a steady stream of information on sex, sexuality and sensuousness — and a national health care mandate that covers contraception and sterilization for girls as young as twelve?

Is something foul afoot?  Does a power or principality despise new life?

A CNSNews reporter asked former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi a critical question: “One of the services that health care plans have to offer free of charge (under the HHS mandate) are sterilizations . . . do you agree with the federal government mandating . . .”

Congresswoman Pelosi cut the reporter off, saying, “You know what, I told you before, let’s go to church and talk about our religion.  Right here we’re talking about public policy as it affects women . . .”

Government-sponsored free sterilization services should set the pants of Biblical thinkers and people of faith on fire.  It should set the pants of every parent on fire.

Under the HHS mandate, every health plan except those held by houses of worship (what about the church-run school or organization?) conceivably must not only cover contraceptives, but sterilization for children as young as twelve.  But, it gets even more serious.  Many states require parental consent for the sterilization of a minor, but as CNSNews reported, some don’t.  In Oregon, for example, girls as young as fifteen can now undergo sterilization procedures without their parents or legal guardians knowing a thing.  All they have to do is sign a consent form.  (Source: www.breakpoint.org 9/6/12 and CNSNews.com 8/10/12)

On my library shelf is a book by Edwin Black entitled War Against the Weak.  He states, “I find it abhorrent that a 15-year-old girl who’s not old enough to consent to sexual activity, who’s not old enough to consent to buying a beer, who’s not old enough to drive herself to the hospital could possibly be considered old enough and mature enough to give informed consent for her own sterilization . . .”  Black is a student of history.  He has done his homework and connected the dots between population control, abortion, sterilization, and eugenics.  By the way, the subtitle to Black’s book is “Eugenics and America’s Campaign to Create a Master Race.”  Some of my fellow Lutherans and other believers on the Lord Jesus Christ have studied under men like Paul Popenoe, once a leader of California’s eugenics movement.  Here, I think, is a topic for another blog.

What civilization would sexualize its daughters and then provide easy access to abortion and free sterilization services?

What does this say about the sanctity of human life?  About our identity and purpose?  About being male or female?  About marriage?  About the act of sex?  About family and society?

Have Christians, too, been deceived?  Are we unintentionally dehumanizing sons and daughters by putting them in the same category as animals: “After all, we’re afraid they’re going to do it anyway”?

Have we enabled the divorce of sex from procreation?

Have we bought the lie that we are “sexual from birth” rather than the truth of God who tells us, “I have called you by name, you are Mine . . . You are set apart to be holy, even as I am holy”?

How do you answer?

Posted in Biblical manhood & womanhood, Citizenship, Culture Shifts, Faith & Practice, Identity, Life issues, Parenting & Education | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

The President and God’s Little Ones

September 6, 2012 by ezerwoman

Susan B. Anthony, a women’s organization of which I’m a member, has recently produced a television ad to run this election season.

As the grandmother of a granddaughter born only six days ago, I think it’s worthy of your attention.  Please watch by clicking HERE.

Posted in Citizenship, Faith & Practice, Life issues | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment »

More Than a Girl

September 3, 2012 by ezerwoman

Ezerwoman has been quiet.  There is so much “life” happening and a great many opportunities to do what an ezer does: help.  That means so little time to blog.

Today, however, there is new life to welcome.  Will you rejoice with me?  God has blessed our family with Leah Elizabeth, the first daughter born to our son, Jon, and daughter-in-law, Angie.  Leah is greeted by three brothers: Jaden, Ethan and Andrew.

This girl child will bring a new dynamic to her family.  I see the tears of gratitude from her mother: How she’s longed to mentor grace and femininity.  I sense her father’s awareness of his new responsibility as the guardian of his daughter’s virtue.  I hear the triple sigh of her brothers: Will there be dolls in our trucks, tractors, and go-carts?  Most certainly, this child’s identity as a girl will be both celebrated and tolerated.  But, she is more than a girl.

Leah is a precious soul.  She is known by God before the beginning and woven together by His very hand (Psalm 139:13-16).  God calls her by name (Isaiah 43:1).  She is His own.   She is “set apart as holy” (2 Timothy 2:21) even as her Heavenly Father is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).  How can this be?  Because of God’s “own purpose and grace, which He gave [her] in Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 1:9).

With her baptism, Leah will be a daughter of God because of what Jesus Christ has done for her.  That washing with water will be “an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21).

What is my role?  To pray for my granddaughter’s good conscience.   To help her remember Whose she is.  She is God’s creation.  A treasure in Christ.  Her purpose far exceeds what the world expects.  She is called to proclaim the excellencies of Him who brought her out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).  This identity will never change, no matter the circumstances in her life.

This identity – none other – will make a difference for Leah.

And for every life that touches hers.

Posted in Biblical manhood & womanhood, Identity, Parenting & Education, Relationships | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment »

Don’t Throw Life Away!

August 17, 2012 by ezerwoman

On September 14, a lone man with a gun walked through the doors of the Family Research Council (FRC) in Washington, D.C.  He did not have good intentions in mind.  When confronted by the security guard, the man took aim and shot.  Thankfully, the security guard was not fatally injured.

Apparently, the young man who opened fire was involved with a LGBT group.  It’s been reported that he held a grudge against the FRC because it exposes the homosexual lifestyle as harmful.  The FRC takes a strong stand for Biblical marriage and family.

A faithful friend of our family is on staff at the FRC.  Upon learning of the shooting, I was quick to text my friend.  I wanted to know if he was safe.  As God would have it, my friend was working on a manuscript from home.  He had made contact with his fellow staff members and, later, his friend the security guard.

What follows are excerpts from my friend’s e-mail to me on August 16.  His thoughts are of the young man who pulled the trigger.  My friend wrote:

. . . First, it should be obvious the fellow needs a refresher course in the Golden Rule.

Second, don’t throw your life away, young man, for such stupid stuff.

I visit a friend in prison regularly.  It’s an eye-opener.  I doubt we’d have much crime in this country if everyone visited prisons.

This wretch will not have a good time as a gay activist or volunteer in prison.

The logic of his stance is we are hateful so he shoots us.

Now all the gay groups have rallied to say their “thoughts” are with us.  Fine.  Good for them.

And we don’t support “hate crimes” legislation, so we’re not hollering “hate crime!”

All crime is hate crime.

It would help if the gay groups would agree to stop calling us a hate group just because we oppose them overturning marriage.

We’re not going to stop backing True Marriage.

No, my FRC friend for life, we’re not.  We can’t.  Why?  Because the God who instituted marriage and family defined them.  We either stand on the created order of His Word, or fall into chaos.

Posted in Biblical manhood & womanhood, Commentaries of others, Faith & Practice, Identity, Vocation | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment »

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