I really don’t understand my generation nor do I understand my parents’ generation. We cry out for ourselves. We want government health care, government assistance, government support. We worry that someone will take away Medicare, Medicaid, and access to inexpensive prescription drugs. “These are our rights!” we claim.
But, where are the arms of the government? Where are the hands? The heart? The soul? Where is the government when we need encouragement in times of loneliness, difficulty, or loss?
Government is not a person. It does not think. It does not care. It is only what the people shape it to be.
Government can only provide programs and assistance for its citizens when the citizens provide the funds. These funds are called taxes. We have to pay them… or suffer penalty of law. In other words, we are depending on the coerced charity of people who don’t know us and maybe don’t even care.
My generation had not a brain in its collective head when it demanded uninhibited sexual freedoms and legalized abortion. “I am a sexual being; therefore, it’s my right.” “I deserve to be happy.” “It’s all about me.”
Well, now what? Sexualized, “all about me” Boomers want their Viagra for “performance edge in the bedroom” AND a government health care plan. Tell me, Boomers, is there anything else we’d like on the backs of our children and grandchildren?
Government is an institution without a heart, mind or soul. It doesn’t know us. It is not in touch with us. It cannot love us or help bear our burdens. America’s older citizens clamor for care and support, but – duh! – what were we thinking? Fearing any inconvenience, so many of my generation aborted the living souls who would have grown up to care for us. My generation aborted the very flesh and blood that, unlike government, would have had bonded relationally with parents and grandparents.
We aborted those feared to be “inconvenient” or “burdensome.” But, allowed to live, those children would have lessened the fears of parents who may be labeled by a “death panel” as a financial burden to society.
God does not scratch His head, wondering how He will care for all the people. That’s what generations are for! Fifty million babies (the number of those aborted in the U.S. since 1973) would have pumped energy, creativity, and consumer dollars into a now dead economy.
People my age and older – who should know better – proclaim, “It’s the economy, stupid!” We dismiss what are called “social issues.” Well, dismissing social issues — the sanctity of human life, marriage, and family – helped create the mess we’re in. Refusing to dialogue about personal responsibility, moral ethics, and values made an already spoiled citizenry more selfish and lazy. Tolerant of everything except discussions of “right and wrong,” we listen to a sound bite here, read a headline there, and vote for whoever will send the most financial assistance our direction.
“It’s the economy, stupid!” No, I disagree. The economy is the way it is because we’ve been living off the investments of our Founding Fathers and every father who worked honestly and faithfully to provide for his family. We’ve been living off the investments of mothers who understood that a nation is built upon vibrant homes and children taught self-restraint. We’ve been living off the investments of others but, as my husband says, invested very little – if anything – ourselves. Now that’s stupid. And, as it’s been said, you can’t fix stupid.
A long time ago I was compelled to become involved with pro-life and family ministries as a volunteer. Although probably considered “illiterate” by university-types, I have been hungry to learn through reading and research. My worth cannot be measured by a salary, but I have been blessed to travel the country speaking with and listening to countless people from all walks of life. My Biblical worldview allows me to see all people of every color, ethnicity, and culture as part of the human family because they are all creations of God. That means that people – and the conundrum of social issues – matter to me.
Government can’t do what I do. It can’t do what anyone who cares for their neighbor can do. My arms have reached out to comfort women hurting years after their abortion choice. The Spirit of my Baptism moves me to love complete strangers with no strings attached. A great number of these “strangers” have become my friends and fellow sojourners.
With the desire to help eliminate costly health problems such as sexually transmitted diseases, pre-marital sex, and abortion, I joined with two other moms to start a caring pregnancy center (CPC). Every service we offer is freely and willingly provided, not coerced by compulsory “taxation.” When funds are needed, we work to raise them. We invite – never demand – our community to join with us in making a positive difference for people in times of fear or need. We provide at no charge the pregnancy tests for which Planned Parenthood charges (in spite of all our tax dollars sitting in their coffers). We mentor toward personal accountability and the stability of marriage.
Government is not a person. Government is without hands, heart and soul. Government does not love its neighbor as itself. Government can provide assistance only when its citizens provide the funds. And, in too many cases, government welfare tends to enslave the people.
For this reason, I’m going to the voting booth not to vote for a Republican or Democrat. Not to vote for one personality over another. But, to vote for leaders who will defend human life in the womb and, therefore, human life in old age.
To vote for leaders who will defend the sanctity of marriage as the institution created by God for a civilized world. Who will defend the freedom of more than worship, but expression of faith in daily life.
The economy will begin to fix itself when life, marriage and family begin to matter more.
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