Veritas

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

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Truth.

A simple concept, that is yet, so foreign in 2021.

Like you, I spent most of yesterday watching the news in horror, disgust, disbelief and disappointment. My phone was blowing up, with every chat group I’m in, pinging messages of appalled bewilderment at the disgraceful and shameful actions of the extreme right protestors and rioters at the Capitol. Rioters. Peaceful protest is one thing…a good thing. An exercise of a constitutional right. But violent destruction of property and harm to people? That is not. That is deplorable to the core.

All day yesterday, I knew I was going to have to write a post about it today. And here it is 4:30 on Thursday, and I’ve dragged my feet in procrastination, because what could I possibly say of value to add to the conversation. I’ve been praying hard all day, asking for direction, and one word kept popping up in my head: veritas.

Which is latin for truth.

To be honest, the first thing I associated that with was, “In vino, veritas.” And so for a hot second, I thought the Holy Spirit was nudging me to get a little tispy and let the words flowwww, but I reeled that in real quick.

But in seriousness, one of the most concerning things that hit me today, was this question: Where can I turn for the truth?

And, though this is a Christian blog, in this instance, I am not talking about the “capital T” Truth, but rather, actual truth – straight facts – about news, politics, current events?

The news media, social media — every station has a bias. Every station, no matter if you’re watching the liberal media on ABC, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, the View, any of the “Tonight Shows” — they all have a blatantly left slant to how they tell the stories, and which stories they tell. Whereas FOX news, The Daily Wire and other fringe conservative outlets, all have a right-leaning slant.

It’s impossible to get the straight story.

And on social media, it’s even worse! People (myself included) tend to follow likeminded voices, which thereby reinforce one’s own biases and viewpoints. You scroll through your feed, and you are continually affirmed and further indoctrinated by what you believe — based on the “facts” strategically given to you by a “power that be.”

Further to this, as we’ve witnessed in the last 24 hours here, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are making no bones about where they stand, silencing conservative voices, including the President. Which – is no surprise here. Facebook has been censoring my prolife articles for years, literally. Anything I have put out there, defending the sanctity of human life – banned.

So clearly, social media is just as bad, if not worse, than the media outlets.

I am, admittedly, a FOX watcher. Watching anything else, frankly, makes my blood boil, listening to how they spin stories, or omit news all together. (Hello, Hunter Biden?!) But yesterday I had a very eyeopening experience, witnessing how “both sides” were covering the nightmare on Capitol Hill.

Like I said, I spent all day watching FOX, and I felt I had a pretty good understanding of what went down. Then, I went over to a friend’s for dinner, and a significantly not-FOX station was on, and I was absolutely bewildered by the difference in narratives I was seeing. It was like a completely different event happened. First of all, they were strategically calling the protestors “MAGA supporters” – thereby painting any one who voted for the Republican party one of the protesting radical right wing delinquents — and by their own deduction, a white supremacist. Further, the entire dialogue was focused on how things would have been different had the protestors been POC, and the difference between the BLM riots this summer, and the events of yesterday. I don’t think I heard the left-leaning media mention once that a woman had been shot and killed. Nor did they give any more than a brush off of the President’s speech.

It was just wild how differently the story was portrayed, depending on which station you were tuning into. And I would have never realized that, had I not been “forced” to watch both.

Which leads me back to the word that was placed on my heart: veritas.

How do we know? Who can we trust?

We can’t trust the media. We can’t trust the politicians, clearly. (Remember being instructed to only wear a mask if you’re symptomatic at the beginning of Covid?) And we can’t trust the censoring social media, either. And it’s no surprise that the American people have lost trust in all three! The mainstream news media’s “credibility rating” has plumbetted since 2016, absolutely bottoming out in 2020. The senate has an approval rating of just 15%! Fifteen percent!! And conservatives are fleeing from Facebook like the plague, switching to the alternative platform: Parler.

We are in desperate need of truth.

Because each side is staunchly committed to their believed truth (myself included), while in actuality, completely ignorant to the actual reality. Nobody has both sides of the story. And as a result, people are only half informed, leading to their infuriation because they don’t have a balanced view of things.

This polarity, and lack of balance, coupled with the frustration over Covid isolation and restricted freedoms leads people to the boiling point. Add to that, the media and politicians purposefully feeding the split in the country: it is a perfect storm to create havoc in the country. And we witnessed that yesterday, and all throughout the summer.

None of it right. None of it justified. And yet, one can see all the contributing factors to such disgraceful unrest.

At the end of the day, nobody is willing to listen to the “other side,” and no one is willing to explore new opportunities. And therein, lies our deepest problem.

But without access to truth, we are doomed to be caught in the perpetual cycle of neighbor vs. neighbor, parent vs. child, “us” vs. “them.” And frankly, I don’t know how much longer we can sustain such a volatile and hostile social structure.

So. What are we to do? I am genuinely asking. Because the first step in seeking a solution, is a) recognizing the problem, and then b) having creative cooperation to do something about it.

What is veritas? And where, in 2021, can we find it? And most importantly, how can we bridge the divide and come up with real solutions to heal our nation that has torn itself in two?

I pray that we come together as a nation where everyone feels seen, heard, safe and respected.

May God bless you, and God bless America.

“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5

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256 thoughts on “Veritas”

  1. “creative cooperation to do something” Bingo, I think. You nail it with this. The trick, though, is how one or another of these cooperating people decide to let their guard down, or break whatever ice needs breaking. That’s usually where something breaks down, I find, because other things are felt to be at stake. A compromise is only ever a win:win because it’s a lose:lose, and that makes humility a crucial yet weighty catalyst.

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    1. Thank you Scott. Yes – we’re going to have to come together and put our thinking caps on and seriously get creative! you’re right about that. thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. Hugs and love xox

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    2. Biden has committed to being the President for every American, whether they voted for him or not. Honestly, that should be a minimal expectation of the job, yet the last four years from the blue state where I sit has been an exercise in impressive scheduling: Trump devoting equal time to stoking the fires of distrust of the MSM and then attacking liberal run cities and states all to foment dissent and distrust in our country.
      There’s a marked difference in style between these two men. I think the first creative thing we need to do is support our President and give him the chance to succeed. It won’t be an overnight success, but having been urged to do the same thing for Trump four years ago by his supporters – who believed that he’d magically behave like a President once sworn in – but I bet you’ll be able to nurture your creative cooperation longer with Biden than I was able to with Trump. Trump lost mine within 72 hours when he signed that racist, inequitable and grossly inconsistent travel ban EO. And I wasn’t surprised by his actions, since they were so aligned with his behaviors as a candidate. What surprised me was how his following praised, enabled and defended it.
      For. Four. Years.
      The people who showed up at the capitol complex were the “very fine people” he’s been signaling to since his days as a candidate. Acting shocked and surprised by that definitely looks creative and patting each other on the head about your shock and surprise is the wrong kind of cooperation.
      I know God dictated the Ten Commandments to Moses and that Jesus’ disciples wrote the Bible based on their experiences following the son of God…but Maya Angelou – a mere human – had many more writing credits under her belt. I implore you all to consider just one thing she wrote: When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.
      I’m still unable to wrap my head around reasonable – particularly spiritual – people being able to look at themselves in the mirror after casting a vote for such a reprehensible human being as Trump. Contortionists look at you and say, “Now that’s flexibility”. 🤦🏽

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      1. I genuinely appreciate you taking the time to offer a substantive response.

        Separate to that, however… has something I said led you to believe I’m a Trump supporter? Or even a U.S. citizen?

        My reply to this post was me trying to practise what I preach, that was all. I hadn’t wanted to invoke specific politics so much as prompt thinking and encourage discussion, so at least here we are doing that – again, I appreciate your response, so thank you.

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      2. Scott, I placed my comment as a response to yours since you and Caralyn were discussing something that specifically resonated with me – both in my observations of GOP hypocrisy and the “forgiveness” their followers provide them, even in the absence of even the most crocodile of tears. But, also because of my own experience trying to “give Trump a chance” as his MAGAts encouraged me to do after he was sworn in. Since that’s what I’m expecting people to do for the Biden administration now. I just think the return on that investment will be much better for the masses and the planet versus America’s ~650 billionaires, which seem to be the only people who benefitted substantially from the Trump administration. Since he’s so keen to measure his success as a leader by how well the stock markets are doing – which he calls “the economy” – consider Biden to be what I think will look like Warren Buffett and Trump to be no better than a knock-off Bernie Madoff in my analogy. 😉

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      3. To be honest, I didn’t vote for Trump in 2016 and did in 2020. The reason is because while I abhor his personality, he is just one man, whereas the entire Democratic party is united behind a platform that supports abortion, which I consider murder. Trump was unseemly, but for many of us, he delivered on putting conservative justices on the highest courts in the land and doing a number of other things he promised.

        Honestly, I like Joe Biden over Trump, certainly. I didn’t like either of my choices this election, but then again, I rarely do.

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      4. Thank you for sharing that. I know voicing any opinion publicly can be a daunting endeavor these days.
        Honestly, after reading your comment several times, I just don’t know if your rationale demonstrates the complexity involved in politics and the decision making involved or an just an oversimplification of a complex decision. I call that latter possibility a result of analysis paralysis, when the consideration of an issue has so many facets that the resulting decision is barely more deliberate than throwing a dart at a wall of potential options.
        I do hear that you made your decision based solely off of one religious reason, which I disagree with far more than I agree with. I admit, though, that my religious upbringing and education inform my decision making to this day and will always be a part of that complex process of interpreting variables before arriving at a response. But the defense of my actions will never be “Because: The Bible”.
        I’m glad you knew better in 2016.
        I hope your reasoning for 2020 works out for all of us better than stacking the court with questionable candidates for the last 4 years did for Trump when he relied on them ~5 dozen times to pull a legal election victory out of a hat for him.
        And I do hope that we can come back together as a united people under a Biden administration.
        But for you, personally, I do sincerely hope you base future decisions of such impact for us all on more than one issue. Or that if you do, that issue is something like “Is this person actually fit to serve?” or “Would this person reflect well on me if I chose them as a friend?” Because without knowing you I think you deserve far better friends than this racist, misogynistic, vile bigot and our country deserves a qualified and experienced leader. I’m sure you believe in an afterlife as well as heaven and hell. I hope you find yourself in heaven after a very long life, but I am also sorry that I won’t be there to see the moment of clarity and realization when you realize Trump there with you and…why. 😬
        When that happens, remember your 2020 vote (maybe include it in your act of contrition, just to be safe) and also think of me: eating at a table for two in hell with a poorly mannered Trump for eternity. That would be my hell. 🤦🏽

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      5. Well that got dark pretty quickly! 🙂 I’m not just pro-life because of religion. I’m pro-life because biologically, I believe life begins at conception and no philosopher I know has had a good excuse, to me, for why it doesn’t. I don’t want to get into a debate about choice and a woman’s body here, though. That would take forever. Just know that I consider abortion murder and that places in greater context my political views.

        If i’m right about abortion (and I know that’s a big “if” for you) then it’s worse than even slavery. Imagine you lived in the time Abraham Lincoln was running for president, but instead, Abe is not the eloquent, upstanding man he really was, but a lying, conniving, horrible person who, nonetheless, was more against slavery than any other candidate. Now imagine he was running against a very upstanding man, faithful to his wife, virtuous by all accounts, but who held with utter conviction that black people should be enslaved because they are subhuman. And he was backed by a party that supported the same thing. Who would you vote for?

        That gives you an idea of the kind of predicament social conservatives like me are in, and the case could be made that the gamble voting for Trump paid off. Roe v. Wade is, unbelievably, in sight of possibly being repealed, or at least chipped away which, to my mind, means thousands more unborn lives could be saved.

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  2. And look who was voted into office. We know via the Bible that times will get worse, but also that in the end, we Believers win. He is mighty! 🙏🏻

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    1. You’re right, John. Times will most certainly get worse. But you’re right- He has overcome the world! thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on this. Hugs and love xox

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  3. I wish there was an actual answer to this question. There is such a division right now, that if you even mention compromise and hearing both sides, you are suddenly racist, ignorant or intolerant. My heart hurts for this country and the world my children will one day inherit.

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    1. me too, Kristie. An answer and a “quick fix!” But i think it’s going to take a lot of deep introspective work and compromise as a country. thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. Hugs and love xox

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  5. I am with you Caralyn, It’s nearly impossible to discern what was actually happening yesterday. I did see some examples of photos and video of some of the things that happened. One being the guy with Viking horns seen at BLM protest earlier in the year and the other that the Capital police just moved the barriers to let them in. I don’t know if any of what we’re being shown on either side is true. So I am cultivating silence and waiting. I have been led in the past and my faith is that when it’s time- Whatever my role is it will be obvious. “Be therefore…”

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    1. Hi Jeff, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. You’re right – it was nearly impossible to get the straight scoop. Yeah, we’ve just got to pray, and wait for more information to come to light. Yes – be therefore! glad you sropped by. Hugs and love xox

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  6. Unfortunately, all the media are corrupt traitors, even many on Fox. You will rarely find truth on any news station. It is all propaganda designed to tear our country apart. The only real truth that will remain through all eternity is God’s Word. Our government is filled with traitors on all sides. I wrote a post today about what really went down yesterday. It was also a strong warning to America to repent. As you know, Jesus is our only hope. I could say more about the deep state and the leftist traitors who are turning our country communist, but I will stop there. All I can say is we are watching our country be destroyed and we must be in prayer. There is no fellowship between light and darkness, so there will always be division between those who love God and those who hate Him. I will never submit to the darkness of socialism or communism. Only God can fix this, but sadly the majority of Americans have rejected God. We are being ruled by wicked people who call evil good and good evil. The double standard hypocrisy against Patriots is disgusting. May God have mercy on us all! God bless you, Caralyn!

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    1. Hi Ryan, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. You’re right – all sides – Fox included – have deep issues, and agendas. You’re right – i don’t understand why or how that could possibly be an agenda, but alas, it is. Amen – He has already overcome the world, and THAT is a truth we can put our money on. That, and prayer. thank you so much for your encouarging words. Hugs and love xox

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    1. that is so wise, Amber. thank you for that little nugget. oh gosh – what timing! HS played a role in that! 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  8. It’s so heart-breaking for me to watch my country be torn apart so needlessly by our divisive media and politicians. Something desperately needs to change, but it’s just that much harder to effect real change when the truth is so suppressed and confused. It’s almost impossible for individuals to report news (regardless of the source) without unconsciously injecting their own biased preconceptions. It seems like an impossibility for our country to ever be united again, but I know all things are possible, and I’m praying that the truth will come to light in all matters and that our entire country will be willing to seek peace and understanding no matter what. Thanks for this post!

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    1. Hi Heather, it really is just devastating. I am in total agreement. You’re right- we’ve got to pray through it. thank you for sharing your thoughts and your heart. Hugs and love xox

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  9. I am really glad you wrote this. It expresses a lot of my sentiments, and I myself feel heard in reading this. I think we need to get back to upholding values and the law. No one should be exempt from these things. Also, we need to pray like crazy! May God show us His mercy, but may we also open our eyes and come to true repentance as a nation! God bless you!

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    1. thank you so much Colleen, i’m glad it struck a chord with you. You’re right – we’ve got to get back to basics indeed. joining you in that important prayer! Hugs and love xox

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  10. About your blog, I’m one of your Canadian readers, “strategizing” here, to keep at playing with blogging. An extraordinary blog you’re composing, what a great job. It seems like the perfect setting where you are, like when viewing NYC on YouTube, from here in Canada, and figuring how the time that an attacker greeted you, saying you would be advised to be down–and seeing it for yourself on the Internet!

    Not the usual brand of kitchen blogging. You know, I heard of a YouTuber, the other day, observing that if you take an ill-advised public stance on the Internet, like, for example, a public point of view on vaccination, you know the stance is going to take you somewhere you might not have wanted to go. When you reminded me tonight that Facebook isn’t happy about your pro-life views, it reminded me of what I know, about dissenting voices on the Internet.

    I hope you continue to write with conviction. Allow me to wish you well, and may many more positives reach your life cone. God bless.

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    1. Thank you Odell for sharing your thoughts on this. I appreciate your kind and encouraging words. They really mean a lot. You’re right / dissenting voices on this internet seem to get squelched, thats for sure. So glad you stopped by. Hugs and love xox

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  11. This is the best post I have read in a while. With opinions at every corner, the real question we must ask is, “Where can I find truth?” I have been disillusioned with the news networks and biased individuals. Bias has even made its way to America’s pulpits. I am driven now more than ever to deliver truth, whether it is related to Scripture or life in general. Jesus made a very powerful statement that is recorded in John’s gospel – “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” The vast majority of people are bound by lies. It’s time people know the truth and get set free.

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    1. Thank you so much Matthew, for such a glowing comment! Yes – the whole media machine is in the business of disillusionment. So true! Jesus warned us of this! We must seek out that truth! Hugs and love xox

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  12. Good thoughts as usual. Maybe we should pray the news media moguls are converted to Christ and become desirous of fair and balanced reporting, seeking truth rather than political positioning. Without that, as you state, people gravitate to where there influences take them, tending toward the two extremes opposed to each other, not listening, just reacting. The truth will set you free, Jesus said, and that takes on many faces.

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    1. Thank you Rick for sharing your thoughts on this. you’re right – there is power in prayer, and it changes things! awesome insight, thanks! Hugs and love xox

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  13. I’m so grateful to see this and I could not have said it better. It seems that so many bloggers are lambasting ALL Trump supporters today for being domestic terrorists and white supremacists and I feel called out simply for quietly holding a different view. The truth is so hard to come by in the modern age and so few stop to question the reality of what they see on the television. I hope and pray that people see the light and that we can all find the truth–real, objective, and unifying truth. Thank you for courageously speaking up.

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    1. Hi friend! oh thank you so much, i’m so glad this resonated with you! You’re right about that – the truth is hard to come by! i agree – i was saddened to see ALL republicans get pummeled by the media and on social media. it is hurtful to paint with such a broad brush. glad you stopped by. Hugs and love xox

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    1. Hi Steven, facts are what I am seeking, and I pray others are too. thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox

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  15. I typically wouldn’t attempt to insert levity into such a polarizing topic but maybe it’s needed? Can this be counted towards 2020 and not 2021? I mean…it’s tied to the election can we just lump it into 2020 so 2021 isn’t sullied so early? I had such high hopes for 2021 :o/

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    1. Hi Travis, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. Haha, yeah- I’m with ya – let’s keep think in the 2020 column. I have hopes for 2021 too! Hugs and love xox

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    1. amen to that, Chrissie! He knew what was coming, and gave us a heads up! thank you for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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  17. Thank you for this – I can’t say much more than 2021 is in desperate need for prayers and I hope we find the veritas sometime soon!! 🙏

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    1. Hi Vera! Thank you so much for sharing your heart on this. Yes, i certainly agree. prayers for 2021, i have hope for it! Hugs and love xox

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  18. Well said. As an aside, I’m horrified that FB has censored you :/ Sadly, what I’ve come to is to know that I can only control myself. At my core, I prefer peace and reconciliation, so my heart leads me there with friends on the other side of the aisle. Sadly, that value isn’t always reciprocated. Since I can only control myself, as best as I can I’ve decided to avoid posting on FB about political issues. My feed is flooded with political posts, entertainment like TV shows and movies often weave in politics, we just can’t get away with it, and it’s exhausting. If it’s exhausting to me, it has to be exhausting to others, so I choose to post things on FB that give people a break from politics, with the assumption that if someone REALLY wants my opinion on an issue, they’ll ask 🙂 I scroll past posts that fire me up; nothing I say is going to change that person. So in my own way, I’m hoping to remind people of my humanity; I’m not a political party nor a politician; I’m a human being that has a heart for refugees and quietly will help when asked, a person with a heart for animals that has fostered dogs and held strays safe at my home until their owner is a found, a helper who will pick up a hitch-hiker or the truck driver who ran out of gas, the friend who will follow up on a health issue or personal crisis and be there, the friend who gets everyone together when we’re all home, etc. It’s too easy to paint someone as a right wing or left wing monster, so I want to remind people of our humanity.

    I also refuse to join the chorus of ‘If you support ‘insert here’ then you are part of the problem and you can remove me from my friends list!’ Or any variant of that. It’s divisive, and saddens me that I see so many people resort to that. I won’t call a politician nor their supporters a name, like Trumptards or Obummer. I try, boy do I TRY, to refrain from divisive commentary on social media, as I think that’s where a huge part of the problem lies.

    I also try to follow journalists who are more independent. I’ve enjoyed Sharyl Atkinson’s work. I will read news articles that a friend shares that has information I may not have read about in my own, biased resources that I follow. I also follow who I view as more independent politicians to see what they have to say: Rand Paul, Tulsi Gabbard, Dan Crenshaw-straight shooters who seem unafraid to speak the truth.

    Again, well said, about a very difficult topic.

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    1. Hi PJ, thank you so much for this thoughtful and powerful response. you’ve brought up so many great points here. You’re right – we can only control ourselves. And i love that – i think at the end of the day, that’s what we’ve got to come back to : the humanity of it all. I’ll have to check out Sharyl Atkinson – I have not heard her name before. Great advice. thank you again, friend. Hugs and love xox

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  19. America is deeply screwed up. And no, there’s only one truth in what happened. The people who stormed the Capitol were all crazy conspiracy theorists and Trump supporters. It’s people like you that keep defending trump after all this bullshit that are enabling these things to happen. Jesus has nothing to do with this. In fact, Jesus’s name has been used (such as this case) for unspeakable atrocities throughout history.

    I love reading your blog simply because it let’s me k how what convenient excuse white evangelicals are making for the strange political bedfellows, who happened to be thugs and criminals like the guy who smugly broke into Nancy Pelosi’s office.

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    1. Hi Nick. Let me be clear: I am in no way defending Trump on this. His comments that helped instigate this were wrong on all accounts. The rioters who stormed the capitol should be held accountable to the highest extent of the law. And for the record, I am not an evangelical. Nor did I say that Jesus had anything to do with this. If you’re going to insult me, please, at least speak truth about me. Veritas. Hugs and love xox

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    2. Have to say, Nick, I think you’re seeing what you want to see in her blog post. What I came away with was that we’re in a hyper-polarized age, with nothing but biased news sources that create an echo chamber for us, and unless we have actual truth without the biases, there’s no hope in bridging the divide. I in no way read that she was supporting, defending, or excusing Trump or the rioters. I think you may want to see what biases you come into this with, what’s clouding your judgment to keep you from clearly seeing what she’s actually written.

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      2. Everyone knows the news media is biased. That’s nothing new. But if that’s your takeaway after what happened, then you yourself have a bias. Besides, if you voted for Trump, then you’re complicit in this. Everyone knew this is what he’s about.

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  20. GOD COMEBACK PLAN!!!!
    All this thing are happening because of we have turn away from humanity and we are valuating the Law of the spirit. 1John 3:9 when the flesh overcome the spirit we commit see that bring distruction as results

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    1. oh wow, that’s a powerful thought! thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on this! Hugs and love xox

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  21. Good post!!! All summer long as cities were burned and businesses were destroyed most media and local politicians told us to be patient with the protestors. We should “feel their pain.” Unless you are one of the 70+ million who feel your vote was stolen and if left unchecked will lead to no more fair and “truthful” election you don’t feel their pain either.
    For many at the protest it wasn’t about Trump, it was about any future election.

    So far today I have heard no one cry out for the unarmed, patriotic, 14 year U.S. Air Force veteran who was shot in cold blood.
    Say her name, Ashli Bobbitt

    I learned long ago not to back a wild animal or a foe into a corner unless you’re willing to face it’s coming out of it when it does.

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    1. Thank you so much Tony! you’re right – this summer alo brought distruction. And one thing is true – rioting of any kind is bad. And i agree – we need to be mourning Ashli too! thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. Hugs and love xox

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      1. We have so many divisions in our nation that has escalated considering each other enemies. Jesus said to love and pray for our enemies. The real enemy is playing those who don’t know God for fools,
        Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

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      2. You’re right – love and pray for our enemies. And that’s so true – this is spiritual warfare – no doubt about it. Hugs and love xox

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  22. There have been a small number of people who have been quite judgmental in criticizing the way you expressed your view on the current situation. I just want to express appreciation for your gracious non-inflammatory responses to them. I appreciate all the people who are trying to bring peace to a difficult situation regardless of what their political viewpoints are. I find myself praying that regardless of what is happening in the world, when Jesus comes I hope I can be like him. I think he’ll care a lot less about our political views and a great deal about how we speak to and treat our fellow human beings. Love one another.

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    1. Thank you Heather, that really means a lot. Yeah, I knew this post may ruffle some feathers, but I really tried to be as diplomatic as possible. I agree – peace is what we need a lot. Amen – there is power in prayer!! Joining you!! Yes! Love one another! Hugs and love xox

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  23. We need to pray that a more peaceful democracy can be restored to our country. We need to pray for an end to lofty beliefs in conspiracies and the spreading of falsehoods. We need to come together and put down any rhetoric that leaves the door open for anything like what transpired yesterday. We need to unite as we did after 9/11; then against foreign terrorism, but this time against terrorism within. The Good Friday Service petitions include prayers for these things, as well as for those in public office. We need to pray for better and America can do better. God Bless with big hugs.

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    1. Hi Miguel, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. Yes that’s an important prayer – a peaceful democracy and a better America! Joining you in that my friend! Hugs and love xox

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  24. I wrote a blog post yesterday called “Men Will Let You Down.” Unfortunately, I think for too long we have put our faith in Men (the government) and not God. I don’t know what the answers are, but I know that social justice isn’t it. Perhaps all this is happening because God wants us to turn to Him and show His love whenever we can. We can’t make someone listen, but we don’t have to let them change our message or our hearts. Men don’t keep us “safe,” only God can do that. There is no “safe space” except to rest in God’s grace. Start with having patience with one another. They want us to be separated. They want us to hate each other, and I am not willing to do that. Besides, after the past few days, I don’t plan on watching the news, not that that will change their ratings. They get paid whether they have viewers or not. The media is not going away. But we don’t have to listen to them. Peace be with you.

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    1. Oh how interesting! You’re right – we need to shift our faith and put it in God. And you’re right, Lisa – only God can do that! So glad you stopped by. Hugs and love xox

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  25. Good perspective, dear girl. Narrow it down to two people at a dinner table. One is telling the truthful concerns. The other is laughing, snickering, and calling the other names coated in sarcasm, with times of selective deafness. After dinner, four years go by at this same table without a break from the harshness, mockery, and hatred. It would be super human for the one voicing concerns not to deplete all edges of endurance & react. I don’t think this unrest will be other any time soon. God’s grip to us all – Alan

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    1. Thank you Alan! I appreciate your thoughts on this. I’m afraid you’re right – that the unrest will be around for a while. I pray it ends soon! Hugs and love xox

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  27. Since you’re asking… I think you know that we dropped our cable years ago and only have the internet. We spend very little time looking at the news. The trick to sifting for truth is not to be immersed in the news. Be detached, above it all. An imperfect analogy; you can see the lay of the land better from altitude. Face it – it’s mostly repetitive so don’t stay with it. It’s a waste of time. Before cable news you had a noon report and news shows at 6 & 10. Period. That’s all we really needed. Might you miss something in the intervening hours? Yes. Will any of it change your life? Extremely doubtful.

    Stay away from US news sources. I was a Fox watcher like you are, but you correctly pointed out their bias. Use off-shore news. I read the London Daily Mail Online a couple times a day, and even then I rarely read entire articles. The headlines tell you the gist of it. If I want some additional detail or context, I’ll open the article. Other than that, I keep scrolling through the headlines until I reach the bottom. Julie also uses the New York Post web site – it’s a bit more balanced than the Times.

    Piers Morgan is a British commentator who, while liberal, I have found to be even handed. Again, a non-American viewpoint can be very useful and probably more truthful. Same principal as going to counseling in a way; an outsider will see you more objectively and hence more clearly.

    Then let it go. I have a life-long friend in California who is uber liberal. He hasn’t left me alone about Trump for the last 4 years! Last time we spoke I told him I’ll talk about anything accept politics and COVID. You try to have those conversations, I’ll simply hang up. Try again later. Challenge yourself – and your friends – to expand their world beyond what the media is feeding us 24/7.

    Do your own digging. I realized early on that the trick to understanding COVID risk is to know the mortality rate – deaths / cases. The figures are published here and there on the news. So I know that it peaked several months ago at about 5.4%. Last check it was a hair below 1.7%, and that’s cumulative. The current rate must be below 1%. Deaths are peaking, but so are the number of infections. Mortality is still low, so individual risk is low. Compare the 19181 Spanish flu at 15%-20%. See? Be your own reporter instead of a fledgling in the nest, beak open, waiting for the networks to feed you. 😊

    Two more things, and I’ll sign off. I promise! First, I sent you an email about a video I saw re. positivity vs negativity. I thought you’d find it interesting. Second, I’ll send you a link to another video someone sent me – an interview from someone who was in the Bush senior administration about COVID and the 2020 election. It’s 48 minutes, but if you give up watching news all day, you’ll have time! At least watch the first 15-16 minutes.

    And that’ll teach YOU to ask what I think! 😁

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    1. Hi Jeff! Thanks for this awesome response! Yeah / I think it’s definitely wise to keep the negative news out of the home. No place for that downer. Be detached. I like that. Off shore news – that’s a great idea. I’ll definitely check out the London daily news. I do know Piers Morgan. I like his accent. Haha haven’t honestly listened to much of his content, but I will give him a shot. Then let it go – AMEN. that’s the most important thing!! And be your own reporter – YES! Awesome – thank you! I’ve been super busy this week and have a backed up inbox but I look forward to watching those videos this weekend! Thank you for passing those along! Sounds super interesting. Haha you’re too funny – I always love hearing your insight!!! Glad you stopped by, Jeff! Thank you for sharing such awesome perspectives. Have a great night! Hugs and love to you and your girls! Xox

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    1. That’s a great piece of advice. You’re right – this is spiritual warfare, and there is definitely power in prayer. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox

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  29. Reading your post I thought of what Pilate said when Jesus was standing in front of him-“What is truth?” He said that to Jesus who is the truth, the way and the life.

    Sadly we are at a point that truth in general will not be allow to come to light in the USA.

    Yesterday was an example of that for me as Biden strongly denounced the rioters because I remembered when cities in America were being destroyed, including Minneapolis where I lived some years ago, he would not denounce it or denounce Antifa saying it was only an idea.

    My thought was I guess rioting only matters to the left when it hits close to home otherwise it serves their purposes like last summer when they would do nothing.

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    1. Thank you for sharing that. Yes! He is the truth!! And you brought up some really powerful truths about Biden. Sad. Hugs and love xox

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  30. I’ve been under this brain fog since like Monday and I haven’t been clear headed with this situation. Not sure if I’m dealing with a spiritual attack or something but I hope to get out of it soon. Sad to say but we may be headed into another civil war because really we are in a battle between good and evil right now. Its history repeating itself.

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    1. Oh gosh I’m sorry to hear that! I’ll definitely be keeping you in my prayers! I really hope that’s not the case! Thank you for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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      1. Thank you, Dayquil or Nightquil seems to make it better though I’m still fumbling around with words and numbers a bit. It’s not the Coronavirus though thankfully, but I do get some pretty nasty migraines which is what it sort of feels like and of course Walmart doesn’t carry much migraine headache medicine so they are no help. And the maximum strength headache ones don’t seem to work great, works ok but Exedrin seems to have issues with quality control, their doses varies which they had to yet again pull off the shelves. Their last ones worked though..

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  31. I agree with you on most things but I would not listen to anything on Fox either. I applaud you in your search for the truth. The left and the radical groups were totally to blame but nothing will ever be done about it.

    Your approach is comforting. I wish you continued success.

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    1. Thank you for sharing that. Yeah – all stations, even fox, have biases. Gotta keep seeking the truth! Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

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  32. Thoughtful and well said. Much of the country feels as if their votes have been stolen. I am one of those. I am hankful for those who are working for peace. goodness and truth, and praying for the survival of America as a free nation under God.

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    1. Thank you friend. You’re right – 70 million people. I also am one. I agree. Gotta pray for our nation and its leaders. Hugs and love xox

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  33. There are three sides to every story… his side, her side and God’s side. Thr only one true is God’s side. It is literally the only source of truth of what happens. So to know the truth, we stay close to God and in the Word. Then when something happens, we pray and ask God about it and hear what He whispers into our mind via the Holy Spirit. Then we know if we need to. It is often enough to know God n knows the truth and He will make sure justice is doled out in time. Love you, beautiful friend. Do not doubt Him or that truth is out there and will win. Love you as always. Hugs! XO 😄 ❤

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    1. You’re so right about that Tonya – three sides, and Yes! God’s side is the truth! Now is definitely the time to stick close the the Word and to God! I love that so much – His gentle whispers are our life source. And that’s so true – He will bring justice in time. Love you too Tonya! Thank you for stopping by and sharing your beautiful wisdom with me! I appreciate you!! Have a great night. Hugs and love xox

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  35. Actually the country isn’t as divided as most are being told. Historically the rhetoric today is soft compared to the 1800’s. The divisions are being perpetrated by both sides of the political & religious spectrum just like they’ve been throughout history, today it’s just in our face 24/7 via the net. 100+ yrs ago it was there when it came riding into town.
    Today violence is rising, but historically violence, though localized, has always existed in this & other countries. From the Mississippi burnings to Kent State, from abuse & war with native Americans & slavery to Japanese internment camps in the US, from the Salem witch trials to Mormon violence to others, violence in America and everywhere is part of our fallen nature.
    The Mayans are beating hearts of prisoners.
    Native Americans warred thousands of yrs before we got here.
    Islam violently swept across Christian lands 1400 yrs ago.
    African & Asians & all peoples have warred since the fall, today, it’s just in our face 24/7.
    America & the world is in what some call The Fourth Turning. A phrase used to describe historical precedents of major changes in culture, society, religion, & economics. The Turnings aren’t just one event but series of events, usually over yrs or decades, with occasional spurts of speed to hurry things along.

    If you’re looking for veritas in 2021, look first to Scripture, then within your own heart as the Spirit gives you wisdom & direction, then stand aside from the corrupt & sinful world & focus on what you know is true. Unless you’re wanting to be swept away by their “Turning” step outside their paradigm, seek truth where you know it exists, keep ministering as the Spirit guides you but remain separated from the sins of the world.

    In my mind, this current episode of the 4th Turning is going to either lead to the Second Coming or if not, it’s going to be similar to Europe entering the feudal Dark Ages. Knowledge & understanding are being stripped away from the people, hatred & animus are being accentuated by self professed intellectuals, although the oligarchs are pushing the Great Reset & global governance localised economies are starting to spring up, although advertised fear is now the norm it’s quickly being dismissed by more people.
    Turnings are usually accompanied by major economic, religious, & political shifts as well as natural disasters, regardless, if people wish to remain free they need to renew the Spirit of their mind & prepare, not being caught up in localised emotionally destructive events.

    Just my thoughts.
    God Bless.

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    1. Thank you for sharing this powerful food for thought. Lots to digest here. Very interesting. You’re right – the first place to find truth is in the Word, followed by the Holy Spirit. Amen to that! I appreciate you stopping by and for this thoughtful response! Hugs and love xox

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  36. We do not repeat the truth as much as echo the exaggeration. Any form of journalism is second hand. Networks and the newer versions of journalism have to compete with lower budget “normies” with millions of followers. So. Without spectacle there is no…”truth.”

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      1. Maybe, you mean less perspective more than less truth. If we thought more critically we would have less division. We’ve disagreed more than we’ve agreed respectfully. Mostly. 😂 It always appears these things happen on a loop only if you see them as a loop. Anyone, is a victim of something. I’m Native you know, that’s like our whole history. 😂🤭 Democracy is a team sport if Trump won, I’d still die for my country. We will have to overcome this and see and respect each other again.

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      3. I also blame the decline of literacy. I have four library cards. I read books in five languages. I’m not, the problem but depending on where I’m standing…haha. Much of what’s reported by media is public information. The Mueller Report came out the same day for everyone not in uniform. We should be able to identify things and research them accordingly.

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      5. Meh. It’s alright. Something single guys do besides sit in the bar all the time. 🤭 I just, think we have a lot of info for or against anything. No one reads. No one. 😂

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      7. CSPAN. I know it’s not all super right wing or, popular. It’s unbiased they even let both sides have heated conversations twice a day. Moderated of course unlike our presidential debates.

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      9. Don’t get too excited. It’s like watching a nature documentary minus Morgan Freeman. 😂 Lots of detail on the process and sociology of the political system.

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      11. What you’ve created here over the years is impressive. Don’t sell yourself short on small losses.

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  37. To find the truth is a difficult task when much of the media solely provides opinion and analysis of the facts rather than the facts themselves and many people do not realise this.

    There are a few news outlets that are of very high quality that report solely the facts. Personally, I rely on Reuters for this but the AP is also a great option. As challenging as it is, with the “echo chambers” created by our social media accounts we must all make an effort to source our facts from a reputable source and then understand the different perspectives and opinions on those facts by watching media stations that support more than our own left or right leaning politics. Only then can we learn to respect those differing opinions, challenge them respectfully and find the desperately needed common ground to solve the challenges facing society.

    There is a great diagram which helps present the major media outlets in terms of the quality of their reporting (facts vs opinion). I’ve found this really helpful in my own search for truth.

    https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eo-r7gAUcAIolAr?format=jpg&name=large

    The world looked on in horror at the events in DC that can only be described as an assault on democracy. We truly hope America can heal its divisions and it’s democracy, as if the greatest democracy on earth can’t get it right there’s no hope for those of us living in “shithole countries”. You’re setting an example for the world.

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    1. Thank you Lindsay for sharing your heart on this. And for the great reccos! I’ll definitely check out Reuters and the Ap! Awesome – I can’t wait to dig into that diagram!! You’re right – it was an assault on democracy. Bingo. Glad you stopped by. Hugs and love xox

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  38. Hello my dear amazing lady, A very touching thoughts. Yes we are now nearing to the last days of times. Let’s not be deceived but strengthen our guards. Hope you can have a glimpse of my article “The clashing of truth and lies “ and “ Beyond what you’ve seen and heard “ thanks
    Stay safe and blessed ❤️

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  40. {{{Caralyn}}} I am sending hugs to you. I know you are a thoughtful person who looks at our political issues through a lens that is different from mine. But I respect your opinion and commend your honesty in terms of where you stand in this troublesome political arena. Your comment, “At the end of the day, nobody is willing to listen to the “other side,” and no one is willing to explore new opportunities. And therein, lies our deepest problem., “ made me sad. I switch between CBS, FOX, CNN and PBS, trying to understand all sides of the political issues. Truth is in there somewhere, hidden in the corridors that connect the various points of view. People like me are trying to make sense of what is happening in our world, concerned, open to being educated, and looking for common ground. The actions of some in the past several days have me deeply troubled. I continue to seek answers, look for positive steps forward, and ask for God’s guidance. We just have to find ways to unite in search for God’s desired path forward for us all. I hope you will look at my “Embrace Peace” post – and join me in prayer with my “Embrace Unity” post today. Let’s unite in our common desire to see God’s will be done. God bless you! Hugs 🤗JanBeek 💕

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    1. Hi Jan! Oh gosh thank you for the hugs and the prayers and the kind words! This is such a thoughtful response. Yes – seeking God’s guidance is the way to g for sure. Joining you in that beautiful and important prayer! Hugs and love xox

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    2. Hi friend. I haven’t heard of that – I will definitely check them out. Thanks for the recco. Hugs and love xox

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  43. This is very interesting to me as someone who only sees what is going on in the States through the UK media – who of course are biased too. Perhaps watching both news channels is not such a bad idea? Perhaps the truth lies somewhere between the two? I think one thing that makes it even more confusing is that there are strong Christian leaders who I have a great deal of respect for on each side too. It does make me wonder whether there actually is a right side and a wrong side or whether regardless of which flawed man or woman is in charge the world will get worse but thankfully Jesus will ultimately reign? In my opinion we have to place a lot less faith in governments and a lot more in God. We need to look for the truth in the Bible and not in the media. We need to show everyone (regardless of their politics) love and respect and pray for all our leaders. No one party or person is going to get everything right or wrong. I just pray that whoever is in charge that God will speak to them and that their hearts will be open to what he has to say. Thanks for your post. It’s nice to know that some people are still seeking truth.

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    1. Thank you for this heartfelt response. You’re right – watching a verity of sources and then trying to patch together the truth is a great idea! Yes – love and respect for all! Hugs and love xox

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  44. The news outlets especially the major ones actually do a good job. Each has an emphasis and perspective that are good to keep in balance. I watch FoxNews and MSNBC both. It helps me to understand better differing points of view. There are actually very few really objective newspersons anymore. But they are useful for understanding the question behind the question.

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    1. Thanks Gerry for sharing your thoughts on this. That’s a great idea to get a balanced from both sides! Hugs and love xox

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    1. Amen to that, Cindy. Faith, hope and love! And yes – we need a lot of love right now! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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  47. Amen! All I can say is that God is in control and He knows exactly what He is allowing. We need revival and as Christians to stand on biblical truth no matter what! I mean our children are watching us and how we react to every situation. Is this how we want the next generation and the generations that follow to be like? Thank you for your insight and may God keep you amd bless you. May He shine His face upon you and give you peace!!!!

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    1. Hi A! Yes He is! God is in control. TJ’s m you for your beautiful prayer! Amen. Amen and amen!! Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

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