“Were you in a bad mood when you wrote this? It doesn’t sound like you…”
My parents called to ask me if I was okay after I sent them the draft of the post I intended to publish tonight.
It was about the inauguration. And I wrote it having not gone jogging yet, so yeah – let’s just say the level of “snark” was off the charts.
So I decided to scrap it. Hence why it’s eight o’clock and my post is an hour late. I decided that if I was going to put something out there for you to take the time to read, it needed to be actually worthwhile, and not a one-way-ticket to Destination Downer.
There was a lot of talk about “unity” yesterday. I’ve written about it before:
And frankly, my thoughts haven’t budged. It’s still a “conform, or we’ll label you XYZ-ist/phobic and blacklist you from society” kind of a tone, as evidenced in yesterday’s inauguration theatrics.
Which does, make me sad.
And to be honest, I’ve found myself harboring a lot of negative thoughts about President Biden. Particularly about how he is advertising how Catholic he is, and yet openly platforms for, and votes to go against the Number One teaching of the Catholic Church: the sanctity of human life. I find myself holding so much anger and, truthfully, resentment that he is on the global stage, under the brightest of spotlights, and absolutely shitting on Catholic moral teaching, while parading his faith.
It really, really makes me upset. And I’ve been carrying a lot of negativity on my heart, as my parents clearly picked up on in the draft of my first post.
But hanging out with my boyfriend last night for dinner, he said something to me that really made me reconsider everything. He said, “Will you give him a chance?”
Will I give him a chance?
*Sigh.* Why is he such a good man?
Yes. Yes, I promised him that I will.
Because that’s the thing that I feel God trying to teach me right now: tolerance.
Ironic, isn’t it? Because, tolerance is the actual ticket to unity…which, for all of its airtime, I have yet to hear anyone mention.
I’m spending so much emotional energy focusing on Biden’s short fallings. On his platforms that go against my beliefs. On the horrific pro-abortion legislature he defends that literally makes me want to throw up. (I’m doing it again…)
Tolerance…
Not everything is a strict black/white dichotomy. That’s what got me in trouble with my perfectionism, and it’s manifesting now in my standards for others.
I need to remember that, a) we all have short fallings. (Hello, my list is a mile long with the deceptive and manipulative past I have with my eating disorder.)
And b) that we are all, at the end of the day, children of God, made by the same Father.
Biden: made by God. Harris: made by God. Me, you, everyone: made by God. And that means something. That means that we are ultimately on the same team. And though, yeah – some may have fallen off the path, or have made/are making terrible decisions –myself not excluded– we should strive to see one another as sibling of Christ, first, and then through that lens, consider the differences.
Because I’m telling you, if I spend the next four years harboring the same negative feelings as I do right now, I’m going to end up with grey hair, chewed off nails and a drinking problem.
So my challenge to myself, and you’re welcome to join me, is that from now on, whenever I learn of something Biden did that makes me want to scream, or feel hopeless about where this country is headed, I will just stop the negative thought dead in it’s tracks, and hand it up to God in prayer.
“Offer it up,” as they say.
Because, as St. Augustine – the saint that Biden cited in his address – reminds us, there will always be tension between the city of heaven and the city of earth: The earthly city springs from love of self and indifference to God, where the heavenly city, is born from love of God and indifference to self.
And therein lies the truth: We were not made for this world…we were made for heaven.
And the closest glimpse we have of heaven — besides the Mass — is love.
Which is what I’m really going to try to practice more of, here.
Love.
Join me.
(And for those who are interested, I am publishing the original post on Patreon.)
“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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223 responses to “Check Your Snark at the Door, Sister”
I am with you 100%. Not excited about some of his decisions, but I know our Lord can handle it!
Hi Heather!! Thank you for this encouragement. You’re absolutely right – the Lord can and will handle it!! Hugs and love xox
I’m with you 100%! Not excited about our new Pres’s decisions, but I know Who is truly in charge. We belong to a King from a different country and are just His ambassadors here. :- <3
So true!! Thanks again for stopping by 🥰🥰🥰
Ha – oops! I fat fingered my keyboard, hit a combination of keys by accident which somehow switched windows, and I didn’t realize my first post went through. Sorry about the dupe!
All good!!! 😉
I have to say that I tabled my political post for the time being! Until I can word it a bit more gently… I’ll be praying you have peace at this time so your nails and hair stay in tact, and so your soul find rest. Thanks for being honest! Jesus the King of Kings, will never leave his throne.
Thank you Kara, I’m right there with you!! And I’ll be praying for you too! Maybe we should start a knitting support group – knit our frustrations away!! Hahah Hugs and love xox
As a human, yes. As long as he’s alive, there’s a chance for God’s grace.
As a politician, he’s had near as makes no difference half a century of chance. His record speaks for itself…
You’re right about that. As long as He’s alive. And that’s a great point. Thanks Matt for this awesome perspective! Hugs and love xox
This person does not deserve to be our president.
Sadly I think you’re right. Gonna honor my promise to my man and just pray extra EXTRA prayers for him and his soul. Thanks John for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Carolyn, Mr Biden may well be the most prayed for man in the office of the presidency in recent history. Every vibrant Christian I know has been doubling down in prayer and is committed to doing so going forward.
I heard and experienced so many unexpected (unrelated to the inauguration ) blessings on that day that I felt certain I heard the whisper of God saying, “Don’t look at him, look at Me!”
I don’t think it’s wrong to call out a policy that disrespects life and/or liberty. But we must be very clever and honorable when doing so. This we will learn as our Father takes us through the woods in the ‘winter’ of Biden but in the Sunshine of God Himself.
I believe I’ve been prompted to seek out and support young people of faith precisely like yourself to encourage them in their courageous path. You are the future. We need your energy, your enthusiasm.
I too felt betrayed by the policies of Biden on day 1, while simultaneously being emotionally inspired by his speech, and the music of Amazing Grace as well as the beautiful new poet Laureate’s words.
It’s a strange thing we’re being asked to do. To love and hope while experiencing sorrow. I expect this too is part of the grand plan. Thankfully there has been no transition of power in heaven. All is proceeding with God’s knowledge and in His Sovereignty.
Count on my support as we learn to trust our Father together.
Thanks for your honesty.
Oh wow I love that – don’t look at him, look at Me! Wow!!!!!! That is so powerful. Thank you Amy for that incredible perspective. I fully believe in the power of prayer, so may we just life up his term to the Almighty!! And you’re right – it is a strange thing to be asked to do. Exactly like the cross – extreme sorrow coupled with love and hope. Yes, you’ve got support in me as well!! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for always being open with your thoughts and feelings…and also for the perspective of offering everything up to God. I’m feeling a lot of anxiety about what is to come, but I know it’s not going to get me anywhere…and God is above all people, even the person in the highest political position. As my pastor mentioned this Sunday…every person will one day have to answer to God for the how they lived their lives. I made sure to listen to the inauguration speech yesterday on my own first, so I did not have my opinion influenced by someone else’s. The things that make me feel uneasy are the things I must take to God in prayer, because living in fear is not going to help my health at all. Thanks for the post!
Hi Ellen, oh gosh thank you so much for your encouraging words. You’re so right – God reigns supreme, and we will all have to answer for the path of our lives. amen – be not afraid! Hugs and love xox
I appreciate your thoughts. I’ll try to keep my snark on hold as well. I have concerns about President Biden, but I think it’s blind to think that President Trump followed Catholic teaching. Many viewed him as Pro-life, but that was about the fetus only. He brought back the death penalty, had little issue with separating families at the border, and failed to fully grasp the magnitude of Covid on the elderly and immune-compromised. My point is that both men had their issues . . . man is a failed-being, we all need prayer and God’s grace. As always thanks for sharing, appreciate your perspective. Thanks for the post.
Thank you friend for your thoughts. Oh I definitely had issues with President Trump as well, but he at least had the most prolife administration ever. That was something I truly celebrated. Both men had their issues, as we all ar elrodicts of the all. For me, protecting the unborn is at the top of my political list. Thank you again for stopping by ! Hugs and love xox
People were being separate from their families at the border LOOOONG before president Trump came alone. Just like most everything else reported about him over the last four years, the atrocities of previous administrations were blamed on him.
I’m with you, sister! I feel the same way, and it will be hard to do, but I agree that giving it to God is the best thing to do. Blessings!
Thank you Ryan! You’re right – hard to do, but certainly our best option!! (Gotta protect our nailbeds and cuticles! Haha) jk jk have a great night!
Difficult post to read. Biden is the better choice of the two. He needs some head space to get family friendly policies in place.
Thank you Gerry for sharing you thoughts on this. I am definitely giving him a chance, and praying for him along the way! Hugs and love xox
Girl, I love your blog so much!! I have been struggling with much of the same feelings you mention. I will join you! I will give it to God! ❤️💛
Hi Teresa! Oh gosh you’re so kind to say that, thank you. Yes! We’ve got to offer it up, as they say! Hang in there friend! Hugs and love xox
It may be time for you to choose between the two churches. The church of pedophilia and cover-up, of protecting Nazis and helping them escape, of antisemitism, of Irish nun schools that beat girls and killed their babies of riches and financial scandals, where children fathered by priests are called “children of the ordained,” etc.
Or the church of the golden rule of loving thy neighbor of forgiveness of helping the poor and disenfranchised. The church of the Berrigan brothers, of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, of Thomas Merton, of Bishop Juan Gerardi, of Sister Helen Prejean, and the many, many others who have devoted their lives to understanding and enacting the true teachings of Christ.
If abortion is the single focus of your concern, I hope you would broaden your horizon and look more deeply into meaning and action in your life and the world.
Hi Steven, I appreciate you joining the conversation. Respectfully, i do not see the churches in the same light. Abortion is not my single focus, but it is certain a huge consideration. Hugs and love xox
I have been thinking a lot about what Paul write to Timothy about praying for all leaders so we may live peaceful lives. When Paul wrote that, it was probably when Nero was Roman Emperor. As in the guy who fed Christians to lions in the Colosseum. I wonder what some Christians thought when they heard God wanted them to pray for Nero etc.
We are called to pray for Biden even though we do not agree with his policies. Not easy to do at times I must admit
Thank you so much for sharing your heart on this. Yes. We must absolutely pray for him!! Not easy but a must! Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
Thanks for sharing ❤️
Thank you katie! Hugs and love xox
I like that. (But I also want to read your first draft…)
Haha thanks Greg! Hugs and love xox
relax about Joe, would you prefer someone who did not put their beliefs out there, or a fraud, who gives you the answers you want; the post is the parable of the vineyard, the father asks the two sons to work in the fields,check it out, you will be glad, as for abortion; no human being wants it, it’s become part of a life too convenient and the hardships mothers often have to endure. Joe Biden wants to lead people to the light, stay in the zone, keep on blogging, amen
Thanks for sharing your heart on this. A powerful perspective indeed. So glad you stopped by. Hugs and love xox
the darkness wants us to walk in fear, while those who believe, challenge us to rise up, amen
amen
Caralyn, I hope you don’t mind if I share this link to a wonderful sermon that my husband and I listened to tonight. I believe it will be insightful and encouraging to you – at least I hope so. These are difficult days but we can greatly encouraged as we think of God’s plan. Blessings!
https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/GTY178/2020-clarity-reflecting-on-gods-goodness-in-the-last-year
Thank you Patty for passing this sermon along. I look forward to listening to it! Hugs and love xox
I too, have been feeling pain
Despite being in Australia and so far away from it. There are so many deep cries for justice, and so many concerns about censorship, etc.
I agree – ‘offer it up’; and with *sighs* too deep for words.
I was watching a sermon/presentation on Romans 8:26-30 just this morning, and so quite pertinent.
Thanks David. Will have to check out Romans! Hugs and love xox
Hmm…
On Romans 8:26-30; and about Holy Spirit, and music.
(The seminary YouTube link is not public, so I cannot share here…)
It gets me thinking 🤔, because, in addition to *prayer* – I think ‘evangelism’ matters.
And for me, this expression has to do with Holy Spirit, and music…
I am taking steps… 🙌🏼
🙏🏼
Great!
I struggle with the same things. However God reminded me that Satan feasts on negative, angry thoughts and that I need to focus on His light and be the light. It is hard every day, but I am trying.
Thank you Jane for sharing your heart on this. You’re right! Gotta focus on His light! Hugs and love xox
It’s still so unimaginable to try and understand how you can lament losing a politician who “supported” something do dear and important to you as the sanctity of life is, while having to know that his respect for life has an implicit “white” attached to it.
But, I wholly endorse the challenge you’ve given yourself to give your current objections about a candidate who keeps the state out of a woman’s reproductive choice but seemingly values all people equally: black, brown, mixed, red, white, yellow or any color nature has to offer.
I know the “life” argument is too full a head a hairs for us to split, but I think if you can recognize that there are things you can do to share your convictions without expecting the government to be the deciding validator that the next four – 12 years won’t be as bad for you as you fear. (And, yes…I’m assuming Biden is happy to be a one term president and then hand over the reigns. 😊)
This post was inspiring. I can easily apply it to many other areas of my own life, thank you! 😊
Thanks Galby, I’m glad this hit home with you. Yes – we’ve got to seek tolerance. And love. Hugs and love xox
I appreciate you. ❤️
Something occurred to me a while back while I was reflecting on your post, about how no one has really mentioned “tolerance” yet. It will be interesting to see if maybe we can be shamed – for lack of a better word – into unity by focusing on that goal and if maybe the byproduct of that is achieving tolerance without ever mentioning it. If we can get to the point where we unite around our commonality, then the things that divide us might be cast back into perspective, allowing us to accept the differences as the small divisions between us that they are.
I think we’re all gonna experience a lil collective PTSD (Post-Trump Stress Disorder) after having gas poured on those differences by him for the past half decade.
🥰🥰🥰 very interesting thought!
I gave in to temptation. 🤦🏽
These comments make be throw up in my mouth. Where was the tolerance when Trump was in office? What a bunch of hypocrites.
If Trump only liked white people why did he do so much for EVERYONE? Many people of varied ethnic backgrounds became republican under Trump because they finally woke up from the lies and left the democrat plantation. https://fortune.com/2020/11/06/trump-support-black-latino-men-rappers/
Trump is the only president in the last few years who did not drag America into a new war. THAT benefited everyone.. ALL people of ALL colors. Trump brought peace to the middle east. Lots of brown skinned people over there too. Clearly you only listen to the lies of MSM. Unemployment decreased across the board under Trump not just for white people. Trump loves America and all Americans even the ones like you who have no love for him. He made America great for everyone.
This deserves more LOLs than WP likely allows characters in comments, and I want to make sure my response isn’t cut off:
A) Trump was the *only* president in “the last few years”, as you put it. Quick refresher: few = 3 and presidential terms are 4 years.
Pass or fail – which number is greater?
B) Perhaps your failure to clear that low bar of understanding is why you would be so easily influenced by the overt bigotry, dishonesty and gaslighting of the Trump administration and his former pals over at Fox News Entertainment.
C) Trump is the first president to leave office with fewer people employed that when he entered the White House since the 1930s, so I’m not sure where you’re getting your jobs numbers…are you counting alleyway blowies or something?
D) Look up insurrection, which was what Trump was impeached for last week, his second in a year – there’s really not a lot of ways a reasonable, credible and learned person (none, perhaps) can defend that as not being an actual act of war. So, ya boy Trump? He attempted to incite a civil war on American soil. That’s something we’ve been on the wrong side of many times in our history IN OTHER COUNTRIES. Trump encouraged people in their efforts to start a second American civil war – this is who you’re defending to me? I question your patriotism and allegiance, ma’am.
E) White people don’t have the market on stupidity and gullibility cornered, so, yes…I understand he has supporters of all skin colors. I’ll take quantity AND quality over whoever you’re putting up to support that dumpster fire of a human being any day. Because people who see Trump for what he is are far better people and (so, so sadly only slightly) more numerous than those who are still swigging Trump’s juice – without realizing it’s Russian hooker pee.
Thanks for coming to my TEDtalk, Karen. What would help make America better is if you’d just think a bit before you speak – but that’s much more difficult to do than my action plan looks…which you’ve amply demonstrated.
I do agree with Trump on one thing. When he called his insurrectionists “very special”…I think they are. But in a way that gives them a unique classroom, not in a way that actually makes them superior to any other American or, y’know human being.
PS: I’m sorry, Caralyn, snark is my preferred tool for addressing stupid. Sometimes people need to not be coddled in order to see the error of their – what they call – thinking.
You’ve been very effectively brainwashed.
Thank you for acknowledging I have the necessary parts for brainwashing. What *do* you keep under that MAGA hat…just curls?
P.s. It is sad that you do not see yourself in your words.
Oh, Karen…I do see myself in my words. I know I’m not perfect. I win some battles and give in to temptation on others.
Case in point, while I did allow myself to impugn your intellect based on your words here, I *didn’t* surrender to the temptation to recommend you lie on your back while throwing up in your mouth.
See? I value lives, too.
Amen
34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’ John 13: 34-35. Christians should obey Jesus’ two great commands; to “love God with all your heart,” and “love your neighbour as yourself.” Christians in the early church, seeking to ‘love their neighbour’ even adopted those infants unwanted by their neighbours.
Thank you for this powerful response. yes – love God and love neighbor!! thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
I Love You Sis 🥰🥰🤩🤩
Honestly, you write my favourite posts, very lovely and from the heart.
Much love and greetings,
Janina Gough
Hi Janina! oh gosh thank you so much, you’re kind to say that. glad this resonated with you! Hugs and love xox
Thank you 😊
🥰🥰🥰
🥰🥰🥰🤩🤩🤩
We are with you 100% thank you so much for your post a beautiful day for America
thank you friend. Hugs and love xox
[…] Check Your Snark at the Door, Sister […]
thank you passing this along! Hugs and love xox
This sure should increase and empower our prayer life. If I pray every time those socialists anger me, I will be so ready for Jesus to come! Imagine! I feel bad for them, though we Christians will be protected (eternally speaking) by God but they will be pouring eternally-burning coals on their heads. Just focus on God. He is truly all we need. Jesus is coming soon. Love you as always, precious, beautiful friend. Hugs! XO 😄 ❤
Hi Tonya! Thank you so much for sharing your heart on this. You’re right – we need to become prayer warriors! You’re right – we much focus on God because He really is all we need. So glad you stopped by! love you my dear friend! Hugs and love xox
Hang in there and close to Jesus. “Our redemption draws nigh”.😄❤
Amen!!
Excellent post. I, too, am working to stop the negative train. I have snoozed a lot of folk- not because they have a different opinion than they do- I agree with them- but because I just can’t feed on it.
thank you so much Holly! I agree, it is not good to dwell on such negative energy. gotta focus on the positive! glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
Beautifully said Caralyn 👏🏾 I certainly needed to hear this today. You were not alone in your feelings and will not be alone going forward as we begin to truly put our trust in God. 🙏🏾 great post! Hugs and Love XoX
Aw thank you kamina! I’m glad this resonated with you! Amen – we can put our trust in Him! Hugs and love xox
We sure can ♥️ hUgs and lOve
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
I have struggled with similar thoughts and felt convicted to pray that God would help me to see Biden and Harris as He sees them. Whatever they may claim to believe, I believe they are lost and am praying for their salvation and that they would rule the country in righteousness. Recently I read an old post of mine from November that has encouraged me regarding all of this, which says something similar to what some of the other comments state here–God is in control.
“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord ; he turns it wherever he will.” Proverbs 21:1 ESV
God’s purposes will prevail!
Thank you Colleen for sharing your heart on this. That’s a great thought: to see them the way He sees them! So glad you stopped by. Hugs and love xox
Hi, I didn’t read all of it this time, mainly becauce it’s before 07am in Norway… But I want to share this with you;
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.
Matthew 5:14 NLT.
Yes we need tolerance in ourselfs and for the world but we also need to remember to be the light. 😉
Oh friend that is so true. Thank you so much!! Hugs and love xox
Very well expressed thoughts on a complex situation. All you can do is hope. I’m indifferent to it.
Thank you Derek, you’re right – hope! Hugs and love xox
THIS is an excellent post, Caralyn! 😀
I will review it later, but I want to point out a little tidbit here / now: you cannot (or will not, do not, or something like that) *PUBLISH* to Patreon. You can only *SUBMIT* to Patreon (that’s a very important distinction).
Donald Trump (AFAIK) is NOT ALLOWED to submit to Patreon, Twitter, Facebook, or most of the “irrational media” landscape (I’ve defined that concept over @ remediary.com [in case you’re interested 😉 ] ). IMHO, the “publishing” concept should no longer include the possibility of censorship. Granted: I doubt that censorship is not exactly IMPOSSIBLE on the “world wide web”, but there is little or no reason for enlightened authors to submit to irrational media. That is a choice which I feel Immanuel Kant would surely also disapprove of.
I wrote a post very much related to this. It was unfortunately not well received. I also wrote another post about the poor reception @ wants.blog/2021/01/19/i-want-my-own-interests-to-be-represented-here-as-well-as-the-interests-of-others (and I also linked to the original post — both of which I actually published on sites I myself maintain).
🙂 Norbert
Thank you so much! Oh interesting thoughts. Norbert, you will find it interesting that this post was censored from Facebook, believe it or not. Very disheartening, scary stuff. Hugs and love xox
OTOH, here’s some GOOD news: @ one public wifi (where I sometimes go online), where they often censor “religious” stuff, BBB is *no longer’ blocked! 😀
Oh that’s so great!!! Thank goodness!! Thanks for letting me know! Hugs and love xox
Trump really got to you. His poison will take a while to get out of your system. Sounds like you are on the right path.
Firstly, your parents and your man seem very cool and God has set them as your anchor.
Secondly, I love that God’s thoughts are not like ours. You are blessed with His message that the Biden presidency is a lesson in love for us all.
I am right back grieving as I was in the Obama years. Prayers for our national leaders without joy. Yet what the evil one means for bad, God purposes for good. My faith, hope, love and joy rests on Jesus.
He’s our King. ❤️ your blog!
~Sherron
Thank you Sherron, for your kind words. Yes! My parents are my anchors for sure. I am very blessed! Amen! He is our King! Hugs and love xox
Brilliant post! I have been feeling these same emotions and I’m not American! Yet as you say tolerance is definitely something we as believers in Christ should Express. Gods word says to pray for those who are in authority, yes it’s hard and goes against our fleshly desires of screaming out and shutting them down, but we need to be a light in this present darkness. Great post and credit to your boyfriend for asking such a question!
Every villain does not see himself as the villain. Every villain sees himself as the hero in the story..
This is the entry into understanding what makes someone do certain things that we call – horrific.
Every dictator, Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, Hitler, etc., did not see themselves as villains when they were slaughtering thousands. Stalin, did not see himself as a villain when he killed millions..
All these men saw themselves as the heroes and believed in the cause of their actions – like Thanos from the Avengers movies.
Thanos according to the story needed to wipe 1/2 the population of the Universe in order to save it from over population, etc.
I think that the person that created this Covid virus did the same.
There is a real person in the world that is responsible for millions of deaths in the world and yet no one wants to utter his name (they are not allowed to)… Soros, George Soros. This guy knows he is the villain and he is OK with that. This is literally the Bond-like villain that is pretty much untouchable. He is also the man who funds the Democrat party and behind much of their “woke” policies.. Why? He has openly stated his hatred for everything that America stands for. And now, you have his puppet in the White house. Think about that for a moment.
I think that the key word is tolerance. What I just described above is something that you cannot change and most likely just gives us an insight to what is really happening behind the scenes. So when something happens and you cannot change it, what do you do – tolerate it. Find ways to cope.
I will say that as much as the word “tolerance” has been preached, it has lost all meaning because while people want to be tolerated, they refuse to tolerate. Think about the liberal that wants us to listen to the lectures about the joys of socialism, but will stage protests and try to disrupt a meeting where someone is discussing conservative values, etc. Its a form of tolerance with a double standard that we have to agree with; whether we like it or not.
Yes.. that is what is happening right now.
Give Biden a chance.. That is the message that I hear being preached right now by the Democrats. To which my answer is.. “In the same way that Democrats gave Trump a chance for the last 4 years?”
Basically, they fear that Republicans are going to do the exact same thing that they did to Trump in the last 4 years and they have made plans to make sure it doesn’t happen.
Hence the entire reason for the word “tolerance” being promoted with the subtle message, “conform OR die.”
“We are going to restrict the voices of those who disagree with us so that no one will know how stupid our ideas are. We are going to restrict the truth, so that no one knows what we are really up to.. We are going to divide the people more with racist, sexist, ridiculous rules. We are going to work to stay in power indefinitely – and you MUST like it.”
This was the real message of the inauguration. This is the real message of Biden..
And so how do we change it? We change it simply the same way that Christ changed the world and asked his disciples to do the same.. with Love. The real Love..
Love the unlovable and change and win the hearts of the people; one person at a time. Then and only then will people see the error of their ways.
I would encourage people to get involved with the movement #WalkAway. They are focusing on doing the same.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I had to google who George Soros was – at fist I thought you were talking about my acting teacher who has a very similar name! Amen – tolerance. Hugs and love xox
Soros? Anti semite much? Straight from White Nationalist propaganda to your blog. Julxrp, you are part of the problem of this country.
Has your boyfriend heard about the fable of the fox and the scorpion? The fox gave the scorpion a chance and it destroyed them both. Biden ran for president 2x before and failed… with good reason: he was unworthy then, and he is unworthy now. Even Obama kept him out of sight as much as possible during his disastrous 2 term S-storm from which we are still trying to recover. The man is a security risk, a buffoon, a charlatan and an ignoramus. Give him a chance and we’re all doomed. Biden seems more concerned about undoing the good Trump has done, grinding and ax, and ‘making America globalist again’. It’s a good thing your boyfriend got such a great deal on an apartment. He is going to need the extra money for the taxes that are coming to fund Biden’s special interests. Many of which will go against logic and morality.
Biden and his cronies will usher in an unrecognizable America. A kind of America our fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers and husbands fought so hard, and many died, against happening. It is the beginning of the end.
Hi Melissa – I will ask him but I doubt he’s heard the fable! Haha but wow – that. Is. Powerful. I absolutely agree. It is so sad. We are all going to end up a lot worse off financially, because of this. You’re right. We took for granted how incredible he made our economy flourish. Thanks to the media, that part of his presidency was erased and only the pandemic-induced economy collapse was focused on, and then the dem governors and politicians did everything they could not to open the economy up and businesses up until after the election. It was completely manufactured. But the fact is, other than the last year, the economy was booming. We’re now going to have to face what socialism and wealth redistribution does to our pocketbooks, and it’s going to be tough. TOUGH. Sorry for the rant. lol. Hugs and love xox
Rant all you like. I get it. Your post is the first I have commented on. I’m trying no too but wow the comments just blew me away. I think it is the mean spirited hypocrisy that gets to me. I was right there doing it when Obama was in office but I refuse to do it to Biden. Someone has to be the example. Certain responses are swill. I will not lower myself to that level.
BTW I hope you know I was being sincere about that fable. Your boyfriend sounds sweet but sometimes, and this certainly applied to Trump, we can be a bit too trusting at times. That fable is the perfect example. Trump was a gentleman. The press acted like wolves and tore him apart. Kathy Griffith should be in jail as should a number of celebrities who called for his execution. Oh dear… here i go a ranting again. Have a lovely day. I hope you and your man do something grand.
Thank you again. Yeah people definitely feel passionate about this. Oh my gosh – Kathy Griffith!! I KNOW!! I wrote a piece about it at the time https://beautybeyondbones.com/2017/06/01/dear-kathy-griffin/
Talk about something to rant about!!! You too – have an amazing weekend! (We’re hosting a small get together with another couple and a friend tonight! 🥰) Hugs and love xox
St John’s gospel can be pretty much summed up as “Follow me. Love each other.”
Love each other? Sister, I’m in!
Yes that is very true, Penny! All for love around here!! Couldn’t be spelled out more clearly in the Bible, either! Thank you for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Hugs and love xox
Yes my thoughts have been on same page and I too have said I need to be tolerant
Let’s give our system a chance
Thank you Lisa, I’m glad this resonated with you. Yes – tolerance! Hugs and love xox
I also am troubled. I have difficulty identifying whether it is a [insert religion] [insert political party] or is it [insert political party] [insert religion]. Looking at actions, I believe that politicians tend to follow the dogma of the party before the tenets of their religion.
Incidentally, I was also shocked looking at some research by Statista showing that over 50 percent of those getting abortions in 2014 identified as Christian. (Twenty-three percent identified as Roman Catholic.) See: https://www.statista.com/statistics/656640/abortion-distribution-united-states-by-religion/. Why doesn’t the church’s teachings regarding abortion resonate with this group?
Thank you JC for sharing your thoughts on this. – I have never seen that statistic before. I will have to look into that. But I will say, there are a lot of people out there who, like Biden, are Christian in name only. They will fill out their religion as such on a census, but in terms of their lives and action, they are agnostic. Just my two cents. Thank you for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
Who are you to judge who is Christian Caralyn?
BBB Don’t think for one second you need to tolerate evil! As a christian this is one thing the world tries it’s best to tell you to be kind and considerate to. If we truly love and fear the Lord we hate what He hates and love what He loves. (Psalm 139:21,22). God does not tolerate and look kindly on the murder of millions of His children which Biden just signed an executive order worldwide to fund abortions!!!!!!!! Jesus said when we stand for Him we will be hated, but to remember they hated Him before they hated us (John 15:18,19). Biden does not have the best interest of the world in mind and his agenda will not be bringing unity.
Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. (Psalm 97:10).
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. (Proverbs 8:13).
God Bless and keep you strong in your walk with Him BBB.
Julia
Thank you Julia for this wonderful encouragement! You’re right – He hates what He hates and loves what He love – and we should too. You are absolutely ABSOLUTELY right. I needed to hear this this morning. Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs and love xox
Well said.
Thank you Marland. Hugs and love xox
Your welcome, and thanks for the love and hugs!
absolutely! xox
xox 🤗
I have seen some of the comments on this post that are what I would classify as rude. I see the way you respond with grace and tolerance. You live what you speak from what I can tell. Those that responded rudely showed their character. I am sure they live as they speak as well.
Thank you Teresa, I appreciate you noticing that. I fall short all the time, but I do try. Hope you’re having a lovely weekend. Hugs and love xox
Well put. As a recovering alcoholic, I was reminded that we are all made from the same God. Tough pill to swallow depending on the circumstance. Thank for the reminder. Tolerance. Breathe. Offer it up. Thank you for the wonderful post ❤️
Thank you Lisa, you’re so right – we’re all in the same family of God. Amen – thought depending on the circumstance. Gotta keep praying for the grace!!! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!! Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, I’m going to challenge you on a number of things here, so please bear with me. I’ll try to not get too verbose!
First, don’t be upset about being upset. It’s your love of God that’s showing! You see someone in great power being hypocritical about his faith, which does nothing but reduce Jesus. Either someone will be put off Jesus, because a “follower” of his is so duplicitous, or they will accept JB and be led astray by his example, causing them to sin.
King David wrote of being “jealous for the Lord” and acted accordingly, sometimes to the point of shedding blood as with Goliath. You keep saying “upset.” Let’s be honest and not hide behind language – you’re pissed off! David was pissed off too; both of you for good reasons. The trick is deciding what to do with that PO-edness (that a word??)
OK…I’m writing this as I read your article piece by piece, so right now I have to correct you and your boyfriend, because – in my opinion – you’re using unsound reasoning.
“Give Biden a chance?” I used to teach Problem Solving/Decision Making for a Fortune 100 company. When trying to decide between a selection of alternatives, the first thing is to identify your “drop-dead” issues. These are absolute, inviolable requirements that an alternative MUST meet, or it “drops dead.” It can have a lot of advantages, bells and whistles, and shiny stuff, but if it doesn’t do the essential and required, it’s GONE!
Does Biden have any good points? There might be some in there somewhere, but are any of those worth his stance on abortion?? (the correct answer is “no”) Abortion is a drop-dead requirement for a President of the USA and even more so for a Catholic. Biden is a grown man who should know better, and he consciously went off the rails on this.
Next – Tolerance. This is how you lose yourself. Yes, tolerance can be good as St. Paul pointed out – those who eat meat should tolerate the vegetarians and visa versa. But tolerating someone who’s a proponent of abortion? No tolerance. Remember; it’s a drop-dead requirement. Even St. Paul practiced zero tolerance in his churches. Otherwise good people who mis-taught the Gospel and doctrine were to – lovingly – be rejected by the church until they straightened out. Think Biden falls into that category. No tolerance.
Maybe I’m misreading your intent in the comment, but for now, my friend, I’ll say you’re wrong when you say not everything is black and white. Everything concerning sin is most definitely black and white. Remember: abortion = drop-dead issue = a resounding “NO” of Biden.
WARNING – I’m offering the following as an illustration, NOT a comparison.
Hitler did a lot of good things for Germany; he resurrected their destroyed economy in record time, got the trains running on time, and even is responsible for the final look of the iconic VW Beetle. Should he have been tolerated, because he got a lot right? NO! Because he got the drop-dead issues spectacularly WRONG!
Back to the black/white/perfectionism/ED thing. Your reasoning here is definitely flawed and unfair to yourself. Your ED perfectionism has nothing to do with calling a sin a sin. Period. Your perfectionism/pride was a sin. It’s a bad comparison to equate that with recognizing sin and making a black vs white call on that.
Here’s the trick; your anger is a good sign that you’re jealous for your God and those unborn victims. BUT don’t let it consume you, as you alluded too, harboring negativity. USE it to drive your balanced response (no snark), which you did here.
Ah, yes. Give the negativity up to God. There you go!
Sorry – I got verbose anyway. If I misread your intentions on any points, I apologize.
Hi Jeff! Thank you for this awesome response. I always love when you offer some challenges for me. They never cease to make me think and reconsider. You’re right! That’s exactly what I was feeling – the hypocracy reduces Jesus. You’re right – I’m pissed! Gotta use that PO-Edness and put it to work for good. I agree – the answer is no. Zero tolerance for abortion. I am right there with ya. That is so powerful. Thank you for this incredible insight and perspective Jeff. You’re awesome. Gotta give it to God!!!! Hope you’re having a great weekend so far. Big hugs to you and your girls! Xox
I’m glad my comments worked for you instead of bothering you. BTW – I read the original at Patreon and commented that I didn’t find it snarky at all! You were just calling a spade a spade. I prefer that sort of communication, because you’re less likely to be misunderstood! Plus, if there was some snark, that’s a type of humor, and one of the legit uses of humor is to effect social/behavioural correction. At least according to my literary criticism prof. HOWEVER, if you’ve been reading the news, Biden fired the heads of three federally funded TV organizations, because he thinks they had turned them into Republican-supporting stations. Several more articles today also reporting on censorship of conservative voices. Maybe we should watch ourselves just a bit! Lord, have mercy!!
Thanks Jeff! Yes – the Patreon post was definitely a lot more direct. To be honest, I prefer it too. I love raw honesty and being able to really feel a person’s heart. Oh YIKES. that is frightening about those firings. That is on topic with tonight’s post actually. ruh-roh. Lord have mercy, indeed!
Things are starting to take an ominous turn!
They really are!
Try this to see if it makes a difference: https://plandemicseries.com
Thank you Beth, I look forward to checking this out! Hugs and love xox
I share your frustration/anger. Yet all of this mess makes me trust in God even more. Change is the norm on earth. God’s kingdom never does.
Hi Rollie, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. You’re right – He is unchanging!! Hugs and love xox
Struggling with a lot of the same things. Couldn’t agree with you more about their definition of “unity” (conform to their ideals or be labeled a bigot and shunned forever). Thanks for the reminder to pray instead of complaining… it takes a mental shift for sure, one that I’m not even close to mastering!
Thank you Krista, I’m so glad this resonated with you. Amen – we’ve got to cling to Jesus in prayer! Hugs and love xox
I felt this post on a very deep level (ESPECIALLY the *sigh* 😂) But I think that a little bit of benefit of the doubt like your special man says isn’t a bad idea. I’m in for it – no idea how long it will last, but I’m in😄
Thank you Vera, I’m so glad it resonated with you. Haha yes – I’ve been sighing for here recently! Haha I’m in too! Hugs and love xox
My blogging topic today just covered this very thing!! I realized my negativity over the election outcome was rooting within my kids and I’ll be darned if I allow that hate feeling to filter through my house over the next 4 years…prayers to finding peace and compassion in the midst of setting a better example as a Christ-follower. God, in His divine control, has this all perfectly planned!
Hi Ali! Oh that’s awesome, I can’t wait to check out your piece. I agree – we’ve got to pray for peace!! He is in ultimate control! Hugs and love xox
Hi, Caralyn.
Your Kentucky friend here, again.
We are now faced with a real challenge as Christ-followers. Recognize that this administration will reveal hearts as never before. We are called to love even our enemies! (Matthew 5:43-48) While Biden may not really be “an enemy,” Pelosi and Shcumer I wonder about. She claimed as a “good Catholic” that she was praying for Trump every day, but her disrespect for the office, her abject hatred for the man and her determination to hurt him in any way she can, suggests these were the prayers of a hypocrite cited by our Lord in Matthew 6:5.
But immediately after He taught us to pray the Disciple’s Prayer … “forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” THE most difficult challenge our Master ever gave! Because that means we must pray FOR and forgive Nancy, and Chuck, and Biden and Harris.
Recall Corrie and Betsy ten Boom in the German concentration camp in WW2. Betsy instructed her sister not to hate the German guards who were abusing them, stripping from them ANY human dignity, treating them worse than they did their dogs, even worse than they would treat a rat in the compound. Yet Betsy said they had to LOVE the guards, else how would they win them to Jesus? Now THAT was hard love. To love an enemy. But that is what we are called to do. Jesus did not give us another option.
See https://capost2k.wordpress.com/2015/02/22/marked-by-love-part-4-to-love-an-enemy/ for some practical thoughts on how we can accomplish this command.
love and daily prayers,
c.a.
Thank you friend – you’re right – we’ve got a huge pickle on our hands. And that’s so true – that’s the hardest part of our call as Christians. Gotta offer it up. Looking forward to reading your piece! Hugs and love xox
Hi. I understand where you’re coming from on two fronts. As a hard of hearing man, I wrote a post on audism. Not autism, but audism. But so much anger went into it, I never published it.
Two: I understand how you feel about Biden. I learned a long time ago that just because someone says they are a Christian, does not make it so. I honestly don’t know where he stands with our Lord. I am not qualified to see into his heart.
I do believe that under his command, many bad things will happen. I also believe that these things have already been written about in the Bible. This means that the day Jesus will call us up, is getting closer! So I will try, again I will say ‘try’ to not worry about Biden, and will instead try to focus on our Lord and Savior.
Thank you friend for sharing your thoughts on this, and for sharing your story. You’re right – a title does not a Christian make! amen gotta focus on Jesus! Hugs and love xox
I think we’ve given him a chance for 47 years and he’s destroyed lives. And within 30 minutes of his presidency he destroyed more lives by ending the Keystone XL pipeline and the border wall. Jobs were lost.
I get the conservancy and it’s nice to save the environment but the people are more important. I’m upset about this whole election deal and how Joe came to office and at the same time he started flying executive orders left and right when we are in a pandemic. These orders were not for the American people.
Negativity is a touchy subject here. But if your boyfriend is a Christian he should know better than anything else that Biden and tbe rest of the administration is evil. These people choose to go against Gods wishes and as a result, people suffer for it. He may not be as involved into politics as you or I am but I pray he understands that these politicians are bad and bring harm to others.
Sometimes we need to be angry or negative about something to bring change too. Its hard to be positive when you are criticizing someone but sometimes prayer isnt the only thing we need to do. But also communicating it in such a way people understand can bring positive changes. I can go on but I have to return to work but we’re in dark times at the moment.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. Definitely joining you in that prayer. There are harmful HARMFUL effects to the policies he’s enacting and undoing. Heaven help us! Hugs and love xox
Exactly. We are dealing with some evil people right now. We need Gods protection right now.
Yes, we definitely do!
You said it well.
Thank you JB I appreciate that. Hugs and love xox
You are welcome BBB A appreciate you. Hugs and love to YOU.
xoxoox 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
xoxoox 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂xoxoox 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂xoxoox 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
I think we all deserve to be a bit guarded in these times of change. Yet, as you know, the One of all knowledge is with us, and He never changes. As for snark levels, we all are guilty. Texas hugs : God’s grip – Alan
You’re so right about that Alad – God never Changes! thank you for the encouragement! Hugs and love xox
I love your honesty, Caralyn. And M & D know you oh so well. Likewise, It sounds like your bf is a keeper since, among other things, he gave you a really good challenge. Excellent post. I’ve been praying hard all week too. Keep the faith; it’ll all be alright in the end. Have a good weekend ❤️
Hi Mary! What a nice surprise to see your name on here!! Thank you so much — haha you’re right, they know me oh so well!! And yes!! Steven is a gem, I am so grateful to have him in my life. He is my “even keel” as my dad would say! haha. Yes – these coming years, we’re going to have to be prayer warriors, that’s for sure. And it’s true! God is in ultimate control, and we can place our total and complete trust in Him. Sending so much love from NYC! Thank you again for stopping by! xoxoxox Caralyn
The bible says not to be angry without just cause and you have valid reasons to be angry. However, God is NOT surprised by anything that is happening in this country and we are getting what we deserve as a nation. We’ve taken God out of everything and He’s allowing this to happen and the bible says these things will happen and HAVE to in order for Jesus to return. He came to divide NOT to bring peace because it’s OBVIOUS the world does not want Him. He also says His kingdom is not of this world. I do not allow myself to watch the news and try to limit my time on social media. It’s destructive to your peace especially because we have NO CONTROL over anything.
With that said, I understand the sentiments of your boyfriend in a sense as he’s saying to calm down. So, with that he sounds like a great guy and a great balance to you. haha!
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. You’re right – we’ve taken God out of the picture, and we’re reaping what we’ve sown, unfortunately. And hehe yes! He is a great man and my “even keel” haha Hugs and love xox
Humans are notoriously bad judges of what will make them happy in the long term. That’s why so many people make bad decisions – they picked things on impulse that they thought would make them happy Right Now. But, things rarely turn out as people expect, and quite often, when you get what you thought you wanted, it turns out to not be what you thought it was going to be and doesn’t lead to where you thought it would go. That’s what’s behind so many bad romantic relationships, people picking the wrong jobs, even committing crimes – it all seemed like a good idea … at the time.
Take it from someone who’s been through some bad times and unexpected health problems – human beings can’t predict the future. We just can’t. People don’t fully understand all the implications of their decisions, both because they didn’t fully understand what they were agreeing to in the beginning and because situations often arise that nobody really predicted. Some things that I used to see as dead ends and job failures actually turned out to be points in my favor because there were things I didn’t know about my own health at the time. I saw it all as failure because I didn’t get where I wanted to go, but if I’d gotten what I initially wanted, it might have hurt me more in the long run because of what I didn’t know was coming. Even though I didn’t know it at the time, I really needed to hang back to be where I needed to be when the crisis hit. There were things I needed to understand and deal with in order to move forward, and it turns out that when I started moving again, it was going to be in a direction that I never thought I would go and which actually might suit me better in the long run than what I wanted before. If I’d tried to push forward in the wrong direction, I could have done myself far more harm and ended up in a much worse position. At this same time last year, we were just starting to get the indications of what 2020 was going to be, and who knew we’d still be struggling with the coronavirus today? Even though we didn’t know we were going to be in this situation, it doesn’t change the fact that this is something we have to deal with before we can move forward. We don’t have to like it, but we still have to do it.
But, the good news is that, just as unexpected bad situations arise, life also has the possibility of unexpected, happy surprises. You may never really like Biden because some people, personalities, values, and approaches just don’t mesh. But, if he does a better job of organizing the pandemic response, something that he’s apparently already starting to do, that would pleasantly surprise you, wouldn’t it? It’s only his second day, so it’s way too early to see how that’s going to pan out, but that would be something to look forward to, and it would allow us to move on to other things that are difficult to focus on right now. Biden might not be what you want right now, but it’s possible that he could do what we need. After that, we’ll just have to see what’s next. But, it is possible that it may turn out better than anticipated, even if it’s unexpected.
As for abortion, there’s more than one way to make progress on that, and it’s occurred to me that solving one set of problems might unintentionally solve another, whether anyone intends it or not.
Thank you so much for sharing your heart on this. Wow, such powerful insight here. You’re right – hindsight is always 20/20 when it comes to decisions. I’m hoping for a happy and unexpected surprise! Hugs and love xox
Hindsight is 2020 … so painfully appropriate for the past year.
you’re right about that…
The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it whichever way He wishes. Proverbs 21:1
That is such a powerful verse. Thank you Silvana for sharing it. Hugs and love xox
I must say, I’m quite grateful that President Trump is no longer the President. Nevertheless I know God used Him and I covered him in prayer as the Lord mandates us to pray for those in authority. For me it’s refreshing that President Biden is our Chief and commander and I will cover this new President in prayer as well. God will use Him as well as the only one that is right is God. No political party is more “saved” than the other if you will because for me Trump’s pro life stance was erased when he encouraged people to overthrow the government, who’s life was he caring for then? I thank God for this country and I thank God that I get to do my part in continuing to intercede on behalf of our new Commander and Chief.
Thank you for sharing your heart on this. you’re right – we are instructed to pray for those in power. joining you in that. Hugs and love xox
I just have to pray for him, and remember that a grateful heart is a content heart… so my thankful journal is going to grow exponentially as I focus on who God is and what He has done!
Hi Linda, thank you for sharing your heart on this. Yes – I will definitely join you in prayer. amen – gotta keep a perspective on the power of gratitude! Hugs and love xox
My heart, and soul, just needed this- thank you.
THank you Brittany, I’m so glad this hit home with you. Hugs and love xox
At the beginning of every quilting class I teach I say something to the effect of, “I’m snarky but not mean, look at my face.” Snark can be an effective tool sometimes. For example when a quilter is new to a technique is frustrated that she’s not quilting it as well as she’d like sometimes stopping their thinking with, “yeah you’ve been doing this for three minutes so you should be totally perfect” gets her attention and helps bring into focus the fact that learning a new technique takes time. Sometimes it goes over like a lead balloon.
As a cohort we as Catholics have a long way to go as far as building, repairing the culture wherein life is sacred from womb to tomb. Some of this recognition needs to happen in our own Church as reminders that while we are one Body we all do different things, have different gifts. For example: my husband and I worked with formerly homeless men to get back on their feet and experience their dignity as people no matter how they got there. Each one was wounded in some way. I’ve witnessed the beauty of these men experiencing their dignity and the transformative effects in their being, and also the heartache and loneliness of not being able to connect with their family. As our focus was this we were, at times, criticized for not doing x, y, or z because this is what pro-life looks like.
There are moments when those of us in the pews regularly don’t know ministries offered for the care and well-being of others from local food-pantries to homes for women in crisis pregnancies to help them through. We often forget that when we see a need it is not on our parish Priests to solve that, it’s up to us. Whether it’s “founding” a new ministry, entering into the work of one already established, or some combination thereof. Each of us through our Baptism & Confirmation are called to ministry of some kind and are given the gifts to do that ministry. It is up to us to say, “Yes” and respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. For those of us in the pews too, it is our responsibility to pray for those in leadership to be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and for their further conversion. WE all have areas in our life that are in need of conversion.
While our lineage is full of people who perpetrated some horrific things – our current moment is rather ugly in this regard. We are also filled with people – once great sinners – who did beautiful things. We are full of women who called Popes to do the right thing, who are brave and holy responding to the call of the Jesus. Our most recent St. Teresa of Calcutta among these holy women, seeing the need and responding. I know she struggled very deeply.
Caralyn wanting to give careful consideration to your words as they are a public witness to those in the throes of ED is a good and holy thing. I have the same consideration with my language as well publicly, privately, and internally. When I turned 40 the f-bomb became part of my vocabulary and it’s been hard to extricate it from said vocabulary. This is one way for me to be transformed through prayer and a conscious effort to allow the Holy Spirit to work at transforming my heart and mind.
Thank you for your ministry through BBB for helping to clarify how we can respond to our sisters and brothers with eating disorders and body dysmorphia. This yes to healing is a journey.
Teri
Hi Teri, wow what a powerful response. thank you so much for sharing your heart with me. let me start by saying that I would love to take one of your quilting classes!! And wow that sounds like an incredibly moving ministry that you and your husband were a part of. thank you for the incredible encouragement. There really is power in prayer, and power in the people in the pews! Yes, the priests are the “face” of the public church, but it is the people in the pews who are the body of Christ and make up the community of believers, and so therefore, we need to be His hands and feet. This was so moving, thank you. Hugs and love xox
I appreciate your honesty, and that you are taking the challenge of your special guy! As believers we should still do what we were called to do when any other president was sworn in: Pray for our leaders. I must admit I was on my knees when the pastors were praying, for what they were asking for God to do was straight out of scripture. That is what we as his people are called to do: Follow OUR king in love, in mercy, in forgiveness, in living justly and caring for our neighbor. Leaders will differ on what that looks like of course… and no one will ever have perfect policies that line up to every little detail of the kingdom of God. I also can’t help but think of Solomon.. in all his wisdom, and as great a leader as he was, seeking God for wisdom.. he still did some things God told them not to do (get horses, chariots, lots of women.. Deut 17:16-17).. and God still used him to lead his purpose forward. I am not one to say “this is God’s choice” ever in an election, mind you, so that is NOT what I’m saying here. But God can use anyone, and I will pray for them just like I did for our previous president. I know you will too, I’ve seen your heart in your writings. Blessings my sister!
Hi Tama! thank you so much for your kind words! yes! we are to PRAY for our leaders. I truly believe in the power of prayer! joining you! Hugs and love xox
Wow this is almost the exact process I’ve been going through these past few days/months. But have definitely been struggling with it! Glad to know I’m not the only one. So grateful that you shared this!
Thank you so much Georgia, I’m so glad this hit home with you! yes! we can give our worried hearts to God! Hugs and love xox
I feel your pain and anger, unfortunately. It’s because, even though I’ve been saying to many of the the guys in church, Government can’t save you, only Jesus. I seem to forget my own preaching. Lord forgive me! I am reading through the Sermon on the Mount recently, and it has been very helpful. God Bless you and remember…. Even when we don’t feel him, he’s working, even when we don’t see him, he’s working, he never stops working, he NEVER STOPS WORKING. ❤️
Thank you for sharing your heart on this. what a beautiful reminder – He never ever ever stops working! Hugs and love xox
I know the term is perhaps overused… but be a happy warrior (being miserable or negative doesn’t accomplish a whole lot – even though we all mire in it @ times, we are just humans). We all have our doubts but have faith in what you know is true long term. Faith Hope Love… the greatest of these is love… but sometimes we need to rely on the other two a bit more…
Thank you David for this wonderful response. you’re right – a happy warrior. Definitely calling on all three right about now!Hugs and love xoxo
You’ve given your readers lots to think about here. Well done.
thank you so much, I really appreciate that. Hugs and love xox
Your BF is right. Watching from where we are in the world, fact checking and being careful not to use news with a bias, I can tell you that this administration seems 150% better than the previous with how it is going to look after those that have less. And that’s the first commandment, that we love one another and treat others as we would wish to be treated.
I by far do not agree with all our PM, Jacinda Ardern, advocates for, but I am grateful for her calls to unity, compassion and generosity.
Take care!
Thank you Paula! Yes – my bf is a good man! Very interesting to hear how his politics are being reported outside of the US! thanks for the insight! Hugs and love xox
I love your blogs, your honesty, and your perspective–probably because you say things in such a way–that I am struck by your eloquence in your truth telling!! I don’t know you–but I am so proud of you–so proud of your fearlessness and your faith!! Thank you, just Thank you!!
Hi Katie, thank you so much! oh my gosh, you’re so kind to say that. wow. I am so touched!!! love you dear friend! have a wonderful day! Hugs and love xox
Praying you have a wonderful day!! Praying you keep writing truth and hope!!
and you as well! xoxoxox
You are the sweetest!! Thank you!
xoxoxo 🙂
None of us are perfect. Yet, deep in our souls we have been blessed with others who offered grace and a chance. Hang in there, and don’t worry . . . I have the gray hair!
Thank you friend – you’re right – we are all so blessed! nor perfect! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
I’m also anti-abortion/ fully pro-life (and vegan), and unaffiliated with any political party. Bottom line: President Biden is a decent, honorable man who will protect human and non-human animal lives in many ways, as well as protecting G-d’s natural creations on earth. He may back pro-choice laws, but his efforts will save millions of children and impoverished people already alive. Let’s give him a chance.
Hi friend, thank you for sharing your heart on this. I will definitely give him and chance and pray for his heart. Hugs and love xox
Glad I found this blog. Your story is inspiring. I truly LOVE hearing stories on how finding Jesus has saved so many lives!
I also love this post because I am pretty “anti-government” in a way, on both parties. I really just think our government has been falling short (regardless of who the president is/was) for a long time now. Biden was not my first choice of president but (in my opinon) neither was Trump. I find that reminding myself every day who is truly King in my heart is the key to finding peace, love, and acceptance for the things happening in this world, with the intention of making a true difference.
Thank you for affirming that Christ’s love is always the way to go!
Hi Frances! oh my gosh, thank you so much for your kind words! Yes! i owe my life to Jesus, and am grateful every single day for the second chance He’s given me! Yes – Christ’s love is definitely that! Hugs and love xox
I’m afraid Joe Biden is nothing but a mouthpiece for the far left that has taken over the Democrat party in this country. I’m not sure he even knows what state he is in at any given time but I feel it’s not his fault with what is happening in this country right now. Whatever your beliefs, whatever your politics, we as a nation are heading down a road that may lead to divisions not easily repaired due to the inadequacies of human nature. Step back for a moment and realize we will not always agree, not always find middle ground on which to stand, but let not those themes dispel what is the same with us all. We are Americans and we love our freedoms. Let not our disagreements hinder what was written in our founding documents that all men where created equal and liberty is the freedom to live ones life as we see fit as long as we don’t interfere with others. Common sense should rule the day not emotional outbursts that try to force differing beliefs upon those that disagree. Read the constitution without bias and you will see the adaptability to whatever time we live in and settle for an equal abhorrence for violence we should all strive for.
I am absolutely right there with you. Thank you for sharing your heart on this. Yes – our constitutional rights of equality and liberty and freedoms are what need to be central to our policies, and I pray that those foundational rights be protects. Hugs and love xox
I also would like to say how nice it is conversing with you again. You followed me in the past during a very difficult time in my life. Remember “Weird Guy With The Dog?’
absolutely, yes! xoxoxo
This is a wonderful post. I am on the opposite end of the political spectrum as you – a Liberal – but I enjoy and follow your posts, because I find you fairly level-headed and tolerant. For true unity to happen, it really requires tolerance and empathy on all sides of the political spectrum and a willingness to see the other sides’ viewpoint. I feel that has been sorely missing the last few years. Let’s hope it’s a more positive way forward in the coming years. A little snark and venting does help too! 🤣
thank you so much Ab! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this, and for your willingness to “reach across the aisle!” It’s respect and a willingness to have an open mind that is going to heal this country, so thank you for leading the way in that!! Yes! I will definitely join you in that hope! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for your thoughtful perspective — we can only hope that we all learn a bit more tolerance ♥️.
thank you so much for sharing your heart on this, Emily! Yes! Joining you in that hope! Hugs and love xox
I’ve been preparing myself for the day Republicans would lose the White House since the day Trump got the party nomination in 2016. Simply because I knew there would be a time that all the hate conservatives received for supporting him would be flipped. Preparing for now, when I can make a choice on whether I want to spew that same level of hate back, or turn the other cheek. I know it’s so hard to do right now but this is our greatest challenge, to not greet Biden the way people have and continue to treat Trump. We are better than that. Hate the policy not the person. This is the time we can show love. Check out Proverbs 25:21-22, it should be familiar 😉
Hi Matthew, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. YOu’re so right – we need to take the high road and turn that other cheeck! Amen – just like how we are called to love the sinner, hate the sin! Hugs and love xox
“And therein lies the truth: We were not made for this world…we were made for heaven.” Though it was really kind of the Creator to share you with this fallen world, prior to assigning your tasks in His heavenly kingdom!
Pax,
jbt
Thank you JBT! yes! We are just passing through this life, on our way to our ultimate destination: Heaven! Hugs and love xox
This is a great post. I remember to do the same with the man who’s just left.
If you think about what you’ve just written – and see the man – I was in exactly the same place.
Except people were eager to look beyond the man and find him prophesied in the book.
I left all social media in 2016 – except WordPress
It was very difficult.
By the end – I was actually playing for him – and the other half of the country.
But it was difficult.
I realised at the end that we have a lot to ask for from our Churches.
Because we forgot about love.
It is brave of you to talk of tolerance. Tolerance has become a flash word in Christian Identity Preaching.
We are living in a mess.
We have to see each other and give ourselves a chance.
We have to live outside this world – and beyond who we are.
We have to give being Christian – whatever Christian – a chance.
And let Jesus lead.
I appreciate this post.
Thank you so much Kreemer for this heartfelt response. You’re right- we have to let Jesus lead. That is great advice. Hugs and love xox
https://enlightenedosho.wordpress.com/2021/01/26/osho-dang-dang-doko-dang-6/ 😛
looking forward to reading your post.
Judas was made by God as well. God has a history of using people filled with darkness and deception to glorify his will.
Biden isn’t just dark. He’s disabled this making his phoney “presidency” truly frightening.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this, Stacey, that is a very frightening truth!! Hugs and love xox
I am still seeing how our new president does.
same here. thanks for sharing your heart. Hugs and love xox
I’ve wrestled quite a bit about responding, hence my very late response. I’ve thought about how to respond and I keep coming back to my own heart. Am I “in love” as I speak what I think is the truth. It took days to find that place. The place where I am just saddened by the division, the bitterness, the anger and pain. And I guess that is my message we need to speak the truth in love, but love isn’t something we muster up, it’s not something we try and do. It’s a fruit of the Spirit. Trees don’t stand on a hill and try and push out apples, it’s a function of the sun they drink in above and the water and nutrients they soak in from the ground. I hear bitterness with a hope of being loving and that’s a great start, but to be “in love” we have to look at what is keeping us out of love. How am I taking this personally and why? How have I allowed something to grip my heart so strongly that I think someone other than God can take it away? When did I stop loving my enemy and started trying to beat them? What am I really afraid of? What wounds are activated in me? Why can’t I see my neighbor and be MOVED with compassion if I think they are living a lie? Life and death, governments, laws…they are nothing in the light of Christ. We can raise the dead and if we have not love it is meaningless. Pass all the laws we want, win all the elections that we want and if it is not “in love” it’s all a waste. Love is deeper than watching our words and smiling, it is a death to self and life in Christ.
“4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. 6Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. 7It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.8Love never fails.”
They are your neighbors…love bears ALL things, endures ALL things…
Hi Clifford, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. What powerful words. We need to be driven by love, that is for sure. Glad you stopped by. Hugs and love xox
Boy, girl, You have it so right! Know that your thoughts are in unity with my thoughts. The HS along with you, points out how strong is my failure to love. What is my commitment to Life without a commitment to Love? Thanks, awesome sister, for using your talent for writing to remind me of that!
With love, Gloryteller
Thank you friend! I’m so glad this resonated with you!! Gosh you’re kind to say that!! Sending hugs and love xox
If you read the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar was an evil king, yet God called his attention. As Christians, we are commanded to pray for our leaders regardless of party affiliation. God bless and be encouraged.
oh wow – that’s so encouraging! thank you! you’re right – prayer is powerful and that’s what we’re called to do! Hugs and love xox
God isn’t American – President Biden doesn’t represent God and he certainly doesn’t want Christ as ruler because he would never have run for office if he did.
Christians are only Christians if they follow Christ. Negative thoughts about governments are natural. Being a person with faith in Russia is a challenge – many have been tried on crazy charges.
The comment from Paul in Romans is Don’t be moulded by the system – change your thinking and become a Christian. He also said in the last days it will be hard to be a Christian.
Don’t habour negative thoughts or feelings because in time this person will be history. Open your thinking to the Bible’s teaching and start adjusting to the promised Kingdom of God we all pray for because it certainly won’t be run by America, Russia, UK, or any other national group.
Now’s there a challenge.
Thank you for this powerful response. That is very true – we mustn’t live for this world, but for Heaven. Hugs and love xox
Amen to that!!
thank you Jo! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Wow, extremely well said!! Amen!! You’ve done a great job of expressing what so many of us are feeling, yet we know that God’s word holds true…we are called to pray for our leaders, and looks like they really need it! Am praying for their salvation, for God to soften their hearts, for God to bring revival to our nation. As one of the earlier commenters noted, we need to look to Jesus, not to the circumstances or people we see–He is our King and will hold us in His care. If we keep our eyes on Him, we’ll know true peace!
Thank you so much! I’m so glad this resonated with you!! Yes! Jesus is King! Hugs and love xox