My name is Ruth.  This is my story, though it could be Angelita's story ...or your story.  I am enrolled at Oakland Community College in Union Lake.   I live in one of the apartments next to campus.   I only recall one act of violence ever happening here before I enrolled in the college.  I'm not sure who it all involved ...I just know my friend Stephen was the victim, and I'll never forget the day he died.

I am not a stranger to violence ...though there is not often anything much stranger.  I could never understand the depths of anger.  I grew up in a house where dad constantly beat Mom and me.  My dad is no longer alive. He was involved in something most of us don't really think much about ...organized crime.  That's all I know. And to be honest, I never wanted to know more.  I just know that some of it wasn't organized.  My dad had a bad temper, and he seemed not to be able to help himself.   So Mom and me ...well, we were beaten often.

I believe it was meant by God for me to live next door to Angelita.  I'll start with the first day I met Angelita.  There is laundry room which the apartment building provides.   That's where I will begin the story.

As I enter the laundry room, I see this young girl.   She looks about, maybe thirteen ...max.  She is doing laundry while taking care of her baby brother.   The baby begins to cry.   She seems to be having difficulty, both getting her laundry together and comforting the baby at the same time.

"May I help you?" I ask the busy young girl.  "I'm okay", she replies timidly.  "I insist", not waiting for an answer, and picking up her huge laundry basket, "My name is Ruth,"  The baby now quieting down, she smiles reluctantly, "My name is Angelita ...and oh, thank you."   When I get to her door, a man appearing to be a displeased father, quickly grabs the laundry basket from me and places it just inside the door.   While still blocking the door, he quickly ushers Angelita and the baby inside. He reaches inside his pocket, handing me a five dollar bill, "This is for carrying the basket up."   Attempting a slight smile, I reply, "No, that's okay ...it's my pleasure to help." His mannerisms remind me of how my dad used to be, so when he says, "I insist!", I take the money.  But I barely have enough time to say, "Thank you", before he closes the door.

That night I have a difficult time falling asleep ...and when I do, I dream about my dad; and I dream about Angelita's dad, and how much he reminds me of how my dad used to be.  I want to talk with Angelita again, but I don't really want to see her dad again.  I resolve to be patient.   I'll wait for another chance to meet her in the laundry room.

The problem with my plan becomes evident.   After two weeks of laundry piling up, I have somehow not been able to catch a time when Angelita is doing laundry, even though I go out of my way to walk past there every chance I get.

I am thankful I've been able to sleep good this past week, but now the dream returns; or should I say ...nightmare.   It is 4:00 a.m., I haven't slept much, and I'm so tired ...but I'm thirsty too, so I get up to get a drink of water. Was that a door I heard shut?  It sounded like the hallway.  I quietly open my door, and peer down the hallway ...to see Angelita carrying that huge laundry basket.   Quickly, I get my laundry.  At least, I will get a chance to talk with Angelita.  I'm most certain we can talk alone ...since it's doubtful anyone else is up at this hour. At least, I hope her dad isn't.

Angelita appears surprised to see me.  She appears scared ...but then she smiles, "Hi, Ruth!"  I am rather hesitant also, "Hi, Angelita ...how are you?"  She doesn't answer, but I am beyond my hesitance, "How is your baby brother?"  Angelita seems to frown a bit.  I hope everything is all right ...that I haven't said something untimely.  Then Angelita's soft dark eyes look into mine, as if searching for understanding and love, "That's not my brother ...it's my son."

I am really taken aback from all this!  "You look quite young ...may I ask?" Angelita's smile softens, as her forehead furrows up ever so slightly, as if she's embarrassed to say, "I'm ten."  It just slips out, "You're ten what?"   "Ten years old."  It is the answer I hear ...and which I fear.  Angelita seems desperate, as if she wants me to understand, for anyone to understand, "It all happened when Mom went to college.  She told me all about it a couple of years ago, just before I got married."

This is so insanely unbelievable to me, but I just listen to Angelita's soft sincerity, "Mom's best friend at college was friendly ...like you.   Mom was happy when her friend introduced her to some of her family.   They were friendly too.  And one of the men ...he was friendly, and rich. He bought Mom things, and it made her happy.   He told Mom she had to join his religion for them to be married. She told him she was okay with it.  She didn't mention it to him, but she told me that at the time she didn't know anyone who took their religion seriously anyway, so could see no harm in it.  Mom said it was the happiest day of her life when I was born.  And things were good for a while, but things began to get strange after that.  Mom thought he had a lot of money, but he began to owe money after that.  Mom said it was the religious law that he pay ...and I was part of that payment, when I turned eight years old."

I want to ask what kind of insanity is that ...but I am too stunned, and I just listen.   Angelita has a tear come to her eye, but she wipes it away, perhaps not wanting me to care too much ...being too dangerous, to risk having me insist on getting involved.   I know how it is ...as I was afraid of my dad.   But this isn't her dad, like I had previously assumed.   This is too crazy ...she had said the man I'd seen was her husband.  And I could tell that she fears him. Those brief seconds I was in his presence, I feared him!

Angelita attempts to be convincing, "But it is better not to fight the law ...trying does no good, only bad."  I have to say something to her, "Angelita, what could be worse than this?  I've never heard of a religion like this!  Who taught you this?"  Angelita desperately tries to help me understand, "I can't tell you. It is forbidden, not to talk good of the religion ... to talk bad of it.  And since I've already told you bad, I can't say what it is."

I have to know more, so I ask, "Does your mom believe in this?   Do you still see your mom?"   Angelita wipes away another tear, "No, she's gone.  They say it was a thing of honor."   She wipes both eyes, while still trying to hide her full emotions, "But to answer your question, no, Mom did not believe in it.  None of us believe in it ...I mean, none of us women do.   How could we?"   Angelita smiles through her tears, "But it doesn't really matter what us women believe.   There is a book containing a lot of hard to believe stuff.   But the men follow it, and the one they follow lived over 15 centuries ago; which I don't see as a problem.  It is only what they say he was like, that is troublesome.   They say when he was over 50 year old, he married a six year old girl named Aisha.   Mom said it doesn't matter whether that is true or not ...it is what the men believe, and that is what they follow.   Us women don't know if that is true, but it is true that they follow it, and that is all that matters."

I can't handle all this!   I must tell her, "I know you say you can't tell who this is ...that they follow, but I can tell you who I follow.   The One I follow walked this earth as a man more centuries ago than what you mentioned, but this man is in every way different from the one you describe.   I can think of no way they are alike.   I am speaking of Jesus."

Angelita smiles, "Mom told me about Jesus.   She said many women who are in torment, cry out to God ...and they feel a sense of peace at that time.   They know the One they cry out to is not the one they have been taught about ...because they know that truly God does not approve of all the things we go through ...the real God gives us peace inside our heart ...even if peace isn't all around us.   So many don't know the Name, but they can feel Jesus ...and those who hear the Name, are often not hearing what is true; but when they hear what is true, they accept Jesus.   They just can't let it be known that they know the truth."

Angelita does appear to have inner peace, but I am sure she has inner turmoil as well.   Angelita smiles, "I enjoy talking with you, Ruth.   I enjoy talking with someone who knows Jesus."   I am thinking about what to say next, but I am so overwhelmed, the words just don't come.   I still find it unbelievable!   I can't imagine what Agelita must be going through ...and only ten years old!   This is a terrible crime!   Yet, the way she stands before me ...the way she talks and reasons, she appears way beyond her age in intellectual maturity.   More so than most adults I know.  Angelita's laundry is done.   She stacks her dry clothes in her huge basket and begins to carry it to the door, but she puts it down on a table.   She reaches for the phone that is mounted on the wall near the door.   She puts it up to her ear for only a second, then rests the phone back in its cradle.  She turns back to me and smiles, "I want my son to know Jesus too ...I don't want him to grow up to be like his dad."

I finish my laundry, and busy myself doing little chores around my apartment until it is time for my first class at the college.   Being in class doesn't change much though. It seems I can't concentrate on anything other than what has been on my mind.

When I'm through with my last class, I feel like taking a ride. It is a warm sunny day. I decide to bicycle to the cemetery.  It is a ways, but I want to visit Stephen.  Knowing he is in Heaven, I find peace, not only in knowing that, but in the peaceful surroundings where his body was put to rest.

I stay there a long time.   I take in the beautiful sunset.   Then I let the cool evening breeze refresh me as I bicycle back to my apartment.

I usually take my bicycle inside the apartment, but I'm tired, and don't feel like washing the sandy tires.   As tired as I am though, I can't fall asleep.

I am thinking of Stephen, but I'm also thinking of Angelita ...and what she'd said to me today, about not wanting her son to grow up like his dad.

Eventually, I do apparently fall asleep. I must have fallen asleep because I wake up ...to a panicky voice.   It sounds familiar, but I'm still groggy from sleep.   I can't even find the correct side of the bed to crawl out.

I don't reach the phone before the answering machine takes the call.   I have Caller-ID, and as I reach for the phone, I see it says: LAUNDRY ROOM.  I quickly pick it up, but too late.   I listen to the message.   It is Angelita ...and something is dreadfully wrong!

I quickly dress.   It is quiet across the hall in Angelita's apartment, but I hear a commotion outside.   I hurry to the outside ...thinking I heard Angelita scream.   I run to the other side of the building.   I see someone riding a bicycle ...it looks like Angelita, and a car is about to hit her!

The car is going fast!   It runs her right over, then veers off the road and hits a utility pole.   I rush over ...it is Angelita!!

Other neighbors hear the crash ...and the police soon arrive, just before the ambulance.   The police let me ride in the ambulance with Angelita.  They are transporting both her and the occupant of the car.  I glance over, to see who it is that had run her over ...it is her husband!

I try not to think about it, but I can't help myself ...I'm only human.   I pray for Angelita, but I don't pray for her husband.   I know I should, but I'm too busy trying to fight off the thoughts that I hope he dies.  If he lives the courts may find him not guilty ...he may say it was an accident.   I want Angelita to live ...and to have a life, and the only way that can be guaranteed is...if he dies.

The ambulance has a police escort, and our speedy trip to the hospital goes smoothly, but as it is ...both die.

The police want a statement from me, as I am a witness. I tell them the truth, and that seems all they need from me. The police drop me back off at my apartment.

The truth of Jesus has already set Angelita free. I feel her smile shining down from Heaven ...an encouraging vision, after a terrifying experience. My emotions are all over the map. I fight the thoughts concerning her husband.  He would have assuredly went to prison, but he is dead, and probably in a much worse place.

I am still shaking from what I had witnessed ...still finding it hard to believe that I'd seen it.  I can't handle all the emotion.   I just want to go to bed ...and stay there for several days.   I can't get that terrifying phone call out of my head.   Then something comes over me ...the baby!!   Where is the baby?   Suddenly, I know where.   Angelita would not have left her baby in the apartment in  harm's way.   The laundry room!!

I run to the laundry room ...and there I find her baby, sleeping within a blanket, within one of the washers. Quickly, I gather the baby up, still within the blanket, sleeping peacefully. I think I see him smile, as I cuddle him in my arms ...or it could be just my imagination. Then I notice a note pinned to his blanket. No one is around, so I read it aloud: "I want my son to not only know of Jesus, but to know Jesus like you do, Ruth. I want you to have my son."

It takes several weeks, but after having showed the police the note ...they were very helpful in directing me through the proper local channels, and I celebrate this day that the court gives me custody.   I am disappointed, with the fact that I'd not asked Angelita her son's name.   How could I had not asked?   But I hadn't ...and now I am faced with having to choose a name.   That actually is rather easy though.   As I visit the cemetery, I imagine asking Stephen permission to use his name ...then I visit Angelita's grave site to inform her of my choice, "I'm sure you would approve, Angelita."   But it is not a "grave" site from either Stephen's perspective, or Angelita's ...as they are in the presence of our Lord.   And I also have a wonderful sight, not only to the future, but to the present joy I find ...looking into the loving eyes of little Stephen.

Okay, I'm not Ruth ...that just worked well for the story ...sort of could work with the first version of "So Loved ..."

Several questions you can ask yourself:   What do you say if you feel you've done nothing wrong, but the majority of people feel you have?   And how do you feel about that?   Do you feel you can adequately explain yourself?   Or as my wife would say, are you blinded by your own perceived brightness, the "sheen" not allowing you to see (or "C") clearly?   Are you in denial, and unwilling to face certain facts that even you would admit to ...if you were to answer truthfully?

“To me, consensus seems to be the process of abandoning all beliefs, principles, values and policies. So it is something in which no one believes and to which no one objects.” ...quote by M. Thatcher

Another quote by Margaret Thatcher: "I always cheer up immensely if an attack is particularly wounding because I think, well, if they attack one personally, it means they have not a single political argument left."   If  having made your point, if they start name-calling and insulting, then you've probably already made your point.  Usually reasoning something out through a commitment towards mature conversation ...brings most things to some sort of workable solution.   But there are those who don't like to discuss things with an even playing field of reason, and a sincere commitment towards listening to what others have to say.  Unresolved, the issues usually simmer. If there is any hint of wrongdoing ...it is ignored. If anyone else dares bring it up, anger rises quickly to the surface.  Any admission of guilt has long since been abandoned ...but not forgotten, as the anger evidences that.

What does it take, to bring you to the point of admitting you are wrong?

With a man named Saul, from Tarsus, it took a different sort of blinding light ...it was not his own "sheen"; it shined forth the brightness of truth.   And though Saul couldn't see ...he actually saw for the first time.   It was not with his eyes, or even with "his" heart.   He saw the truth of God's heart.   God knew that Saul could be set in the right way.   God even helped Saul shed his old way by giving him a new name ...Paul.   The Apostle Paul did not allow his horrible guilt to drive anger, bitterness, or any furious claim of injustices.   He was driven to undo the wrong he had done.  There was no one who fought so diligently "for" the cause that he had previously fought against.

Many of you have taken a similar path.   If you've taken (illegal) drugs, then be the one that foremost speaks against drugs.   If you've had a violent past, speak against violence.  If you've committed adultery, then speak against the entrapments associated with it (you may need to use a different language, as in some circles adultery is neither clear what it is, or clearly not wrong ...though it "is" clearly wrong).  If you've had an abortion, then stand up and admit what you've went through ...and stand against abortion.   Don't let guilt tell you the lie that tells you that you can never be forgiven.   The Apostle Paul knew he was forgiven, and you should know it too.  The only thing that I can see that would get in the way of freeing you from the guilt is yourself.   But you must see the truth.   If you continue to argue for the rights of abortion, how can you free yourself from the guilt?   The Apostle Paul did not deny what he had done ...and he repented.   He changed!!

A man brought his dog to a counseling session.  The counselor had many clients who did this ...as he really liked dogs.  The client said he had a problem with guilt.  The counselor then proceeded to go through a long discourse on guilt, on how it is unhealthy to allow guilt to run your life.  Finally, after spewing forth all he had learned in getting his professional degree, the counselor paused and asked his client what he felt guilty about.   The man said he felt guilty about kicking his dog.  The counselor asked how long he had been doing this, and the man said, "I've been doing it for three years, ever since I got the dog.  But I've also been kicking the dog for this past hour."  Of course, this had been all done unbeknownst to the rambling counselor. The counselor admits, "As a dog-lover, I have to say I'm quite angry ...but I have to realize you have a problem.  And you've taken the first step in coming to me for help.  I'm going to take the next step, and take your dog from you.  It's my only recourse."  His client replies, "I suppose you should.  I know it's wrong to do what I do."  The man comes back to the counselor the next week and says he still feels guilty.  The counselor is wiser this time, asking, "Why?"  The client says, "Well, last week I felt guilty for continually kicking my dog ...but I still feel guilty."   The counselor asks, "Why, you are no longer kicking the dog.  I took the dog away from you. You didn't get another dog, did you?"  The client simply replies, "No, but I still feel guilty for  having kicked the dog."  The counselor says, "You have to forgive yourself."  The man admits desperately, "I can't!  I feel that if I owned a dog, I would still kick it ...the only reason I've stopped is because you took the dog away."  The counselor says, "Well, you've already admitted you are not good with dogs, so you just have to forgive yourself.  We all have faults and short-comings, and things that we just are not good at.  You just have to forgive yourself!"   The counselor then proceeds to talk the remainder of the hour about the entrapments of guilt.  For the next six months, the troubled man continues to faithfully come to his counseling sessions, and listen to his counselor ...but he cannot resolve his guilt.  But each following week, he faithfully comes in again.  The counselor asks him the same question at the beginning of each session, "How do you feel?"  The man smiles for the first time, "I feel great!"  The counselor, too professional to be thrown by this different answer, asks, "What do you  mean by that ...do you feel guilty anymore?"  The man smiles, "I no longer feel the guilt!" The counselor smiles, relaxing back in his chair, with a sigh of relief, "It has taken longer than I anticipated, but I am happy that you've finally been able to incorporate all that we've been talking about."  The man looks puzzled, but then smiles again, "Sorry, but all that talking that we did ....it didn't help."  Surprised, the counselor asks, "What did help then?"  The man smiles bigger than ever, "I got a job at the Humane Society. I've been working particularly with the animals that have been abused.  I really love animals ...and I've finally ...forgiven my dad."  The counselor asks, "That's wonderful ....simply great!  Am I to assume that your dad kicked the dog too?"  The man simply replies, "No, my dad loves dogs!  He'd never kick a dog ...he kicked me."  Now this seems like a tremendous breakthrough for the counselor.  After the session he takes notes for a possible book he may write, and he most certainly must use this ingenious idea with his next client, a child predator. (Okay, we have to STOP HERE!!!!)   This would bring chills down my spine.  You don't allow a person to work out this sort of problem by exposing (no pun intended) them to more children. They actually did this at one place  I worked ...and I don't know why anyone would ever think of doing something that insane.  I thank God something serious didn't happen ...and they did correct it, after an outcry of reason.  There has to be wise discretion ...never permitting certain things, and permitting others with caution.   There have been some things with measured success ....such as drug counselors who are recovered drug addicts (as long as they are fully recovered, without a tendency to fall back).  And a person who has had an abortion, is often the best testimony to help those realize the emotional healing process ...while at the same time, discouraging others from having an abortion.  Often the best way to be free from the guilt, or emotional torment ...is by helping her get involved in a pro-life movement.  The Apostle Paul did not let the fact that he had persecuted Christians, not that long before, discourage him or get him down.  It did not hamper his work with Christians ...or from enlightening those who were not. God used him greatly!  The Apostle Paul not only realized what he had done wrong, but now he passionately stood against the wrong.

You've probably heard many stories like this (and so have I), but here is one more ...

A girl from from a very poor family within the inner city, has a teacher who has really impacted her life.  (I had a teacher, or two who made me so nervous I felt impacted ...but that's another story, or shouldn't be a story at all.)   In this story, the teacher had a positive impact on her life.   And with that encouragement, that young girl felt she could be somebody, and she went on to become a school teacher.   And she got the "Teacher of the Year" award for her success with working with a difficult group of students in the inner city, that most everyone else had given up on.   The success was because her own life had been touched, and she wanted to reach out and have a similar effect upon others.

It's for the most part, all about character.  Some who've been helped, want to help others.  Others who've been helped, want to continue to be helped ...they want another hand-out. Of course, we all want to feel special, and we "are" indeed loved by God.  But what do we do with that?

I don't know if it was Twitter, Facebook ...or some other profile or blog that I read, but it simply stated: I love Grandma and I love Jesus!   Now, stating that you love Jesus, is that more than listing yourself as a Christian?  Observing that he has a thousand friends ...I guess that would be Facebook.   That's a lot of people to witness to that you are a Christian.   As I read on, I see he's a fan of a wild-eyed Ozzy.  Okay, maybe he wasn't wild-eyed ...maybe he just looked that way. I don't like to unrighteously judge anyone.   Perhaps something happened to his eyes that day ...perhaps an accident.   Perhaps he got something in his eyes ...like juice, from a bat he bit the head off of.   Then the favorite TV show is Beavis and Butthead.   I think of Philippians 4:8, which states:  "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."   I know the reference is not: "truly and purely ridiculous".  But maybe I'm missing something ...no, I know I'm missing something!   I read further, past the stated associations ...to what the person says.  I believe what a person says, should reflect something about the person ...and since we all make mistakes, I think it's fine if we later feel obliged to correct those not well thought out public statements.   I am pleased to see that this "Christian" does not use the Lord's Name in any less than respectful manner ...though there is much cursing and profanity in the choice words used.   Now, this is actual on-line witnessing ...witnessing to those 1,000 friends.   So, I'm confused, not about any foundational beliefs, but with the reconciling aspects of it.   We know Jesus reconciled everything ...Jesus covered our debt.   What I'm trying to do, is reconcile the thinking ...this is not judging; I'm just trying to understand.   I know it's not like having a Jesus credit card, where I can flash it ..."I'm covered".   I'm trying to understand where the love of Jesus is ...where I'm glorifying His character in what I do and say ...and the love of His Word, with my words ...being a witness to what He said, and what His apostles said while they were filled with the Holy Spirit ...continuing to speak God's Word, as Jesus returned to Heaven.   We all have our moments where we fall away from God ...and He will work to draw us back to Him.  What really scares me is whether we could so thoroughly move away from Him that we would not be drawn back (because we are so out-of-touch, not because He no longer wants to touch our heart) ...or is it that we really had never accepted Him in the first place?  Had we only joined the intrigue, to show that we are a part of the "program"?   In the Book of Acts, the report of the acts of what the apostles did, it is said that they, standing as servants of the Lord, requested that they be granted the "boldness" to speak His Word, and to be able to perform signs and wonders and healings, in the Name of Jesus.   I get a beautiful picture in my mind as I read how the place was shaken when they were assembled.   I think of the programs presented at our various gatherings together ...whether it be the packed stadiums of big name musicians, sporting events, or protest rallies.   But they had gathered together to pray ...and it is said that the multitude of them that believed, were of one heart and of one soul.   But Ananias and Sapphira, seeing the "program", decided to join in doing what others were doing, but by not really doing the same.   It appears they were doing the things that the Holy Spirit had compelled other to do, but doing it in part only, and to exalt themselves, not to the glory of God.   I admit that I don't often glorify God with my acts ...so what makes the discerning difference here?   Is it in my admitting it, that makes the difference?   I do sincerely try to do better.   Is it that through my own admission that I don't elevate myself in the eyes of others ...to make myself look good?   Or am I better to admit with "boldness" that I am part of all these ...how can I say it, or would I say it; that part of these things, that I know are not of God, are so very much a part of me.  Do I brush it off, by saying, "God knows how I am"?   And with this statement, do I hold the Jesus card to show "I'm covered"? ...with little effort to change, or improve my relationship with Him?   My wallet is filled with so many membership cards, I am uncertain which one I will pull out at any given time.   All these thoughts travel through my mind, as I wonder at what time we will reach the point when we will only know Jesus by name.   I have just read Matthew 7:21-23, and am now reading Luke 13: 10-27, where some religious protocol was challenging Jesus, favoring their own program.   Jesus didn't invite them to come, and sin no more ...Jesus said to them, "...I never knew you; depart from me ......"

I firmly believe Jesus knows us ...it would seem that He is saying we never really knew Him.   It's the relationship that we develop.   If we don't follow what He says, don't even attempt to do what He desires, and our behavior is contrary to what He inspired the apostles to be ...then where is the relationship.   We do not have to be persecuted like His apostles were to have "relationship" ...it's in relation to what He said.   I didn't always follow after my earthly father ...and my dad would say I love him, and I'm understanding more and more how he loves me, and has loved me ...and mom too.   Many sinners (we are all sinners) would say they love Jesus, and Jesus obviously knows us.  We have confessed some things ...and on occasion repented, some of us with tears.   That's all good, but that in itself does not account for what is really important ...that we acknowledge Him for who He is, and accept His life into ours.

I think everyone has played "Simon says" ...

Do you want to play "Simon says"?   Well, here is what was first said to Simon: "There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.  And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both.  Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?"   Now Simon says, "I suppose that 'he' to whom he forgave most."   And Jesus said, "You have rightly judged."  (or if you believe Jesus spoke as King James, "Thou hast rightly judged.")   Do we feel God can rightly judge?   It would be absurd to state that He can't.   But in many ways, aren't we judging every day what He has said ...in essence, judging by how serious we take it?   I think it's critical that we discern what He says ...that we allow the Holy Spirit to show us what he says ...and means.   I don't have the right to judge anyone ...but God does have that right, and He will judge. God is righteous and fair.   And Jesus is the only way to Heaven.

Questions are good ...ignoring the question, not so good. Though we all know faith is the best! Yet, can we say that questions often build faith?

I don't believe we are out of line to question about the person on a deserted island, who has never heard about Jesus ...or the seven-month old who tragically dies, or even to consider an "age of accountability", inclusive of the mentally ill, who may not progress with understanding like we do.   But I am assured that God will be righteous in His decisions.   What does it benefit me to debate those issues?   It is God's business, not mine.  What God has included as my business, is to tell the "good news", the gospel of Jesus.   So if I know of someone who hasn't heard about Jesus ...I get to tell them the wonderful news.

Forgive them, for they know not what they do ...yet, when they do know, shouldn't we see a little gratefulness for the knowing?

In a way, why would I even engage in a dispute over the fact that Jesus is the only way?   If you haven't heard, then I share it with you; and if you have heard, then you don't classify as not having heard.   Those of you who dispute it, can't dispute something you haven't heard; but in disputing it, you have heard, and rejected it.   That sort of makes you extremely ungrateful for what Jesus has done.   If you are drowning, and someone comes to rescue you ...do you say, "No thank you ...I'm rather thirsty anyway.  I think I'll just drink this entire lake."   Maybe it would be better to swallow your pride instead.   And maybe it would be better to be a little thankful that Jesus saved us ...providing a way for us to get to Heaven.   It was way more intense than in my analogy though.  Jesus suffered a horrible death in the event of saving us.

There was no way for us ...until Jesus.

We do not get to Heaven by good works, a special credit card, or membership at some elite club ...it's made available by Jesus.   The Bible, God's Word on how He relates to us ...shows us beautifully how He deals with our sin through forgiveness.   He also clearly shows us how to turn our life around.

Forgiving ...

There are many people mentioned in the Bible who really messed up ...and I can relate, and am thankful for that.   And I see restoration through admission of guilt and repentance.    We have a forgiving God.   In the Bible, Peter asked Jesus of his brother, "How oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?   Til seven times?"

Can I forgive if I'm angry ...or do I calmly take the proper steps, while forgiving?

How many times do I let the neighbor's dog poop in my yard?   I may not want to put up a fence in my front yard.  How long do I tolerate rocks being thrown through my window by the neighborhood teens (or just plain hoods)?   How tolerant am I to the threats to my children?   I know I'm asked to forgive seventy times seven, but some actions need to stop now!   We do have laws to curb such things from happening ...and I'm thankful for that.   But there are those who believe the laws should change.

Teaching our children about good change ...

I've been studying History lately ...Homeschooling. I was never interested in History when I was in school.  To me, it was just names and dates.  But my parents raised me to have a sense of responsibility, and now, with our own children, my wife and I have decided to tackle Homeschooling.  So here I am, with the History book.  I've found out quite a bit, but one thing in particular, is that you learn so much more than you ever have before ...when trying to teach something to someone else.  This particularly true because children ask many questions, especially our children ...and I feel obliged to provide them with the answers.

Sometimes we have to teach the good ...and the bad.

Our oldest son is studying about the World Wars.   As a child, I didn't care much ...I just knew we'd won the wars, and that's what really mattered.   Not that winning is everything, but often it's very important who wins.   I was also raised with a church background, and I realized that it made all the difference in the world ...that when Lucifer led a rebellion, that God won.   That's a whole different story, but I did express my thoughts on that in a book I wrote, entitled "The Evolution of Confusion".   That's the biggest war that is  going on ...being waged in our minds.   But back  to what we usually call the World Wars .......

We studied that a Serbian revolutionist assassinated the heir to the Austrian throne.  Austria declared war on Serbia, and World War I began.   As usual, everyone has their opinion on how things come about ...and usually those opinions are influenced by who we listen to, and who we listen to are usually those who are influential ...at least influential to us.   But concerning World War I, within months, Russia agreed to help Serbia ...and Germany, siding with Austria, declared war on Russia.   France agreed to help Russia, and Germany declared war on France.  Germany didn't respect Belgium's neutrality, so England declared war on Germany.   But nations often don't have a consensus within themselves, and sometimes even stranger things happen.   The German's supported Lenin, who circulated anti-war sentiment, while at the same time stirring up trouble.   An election was held, but Lenin could only muster up one third of the legislative assembly (one third, where have I heard of that ratio before?).   The people were clearly anti-Communist, but to further the cause of rebellion and revolution, the schools tried to raise up a future generation of loyal Communists.   The goal of the revolutionists was to convince the people that what they were doing was for the good of society as a whole (sort of like collective salvation: does that sound familiar?).   Meanwhile, on the other front, at the German's defeat, that government collapses.   But even through the coming years, with a masked appearance of a recovery in Germany, they were still suffering under the burdensome war debt. And a Worker's Party emerges ...supporting a socialistic approach and agenda.

Meanwhile, in America, credit was easy.   And people functioned by overspending, thinking credit was good, not considering it as living in debt.  It was the "Roaring Twenties"!!!

Oh, by the way ...

Oh, by the way, the Worker's Party ("workers unite!") ...and all that good stuff; what became of that in Germany?   Yes, out of that, emerged someone who understood their economic and social needs ...someone who could unite the workers to deliver them out of their economic and political woes.   That someone was Adolf Hitler.   Now, throughout history, the Germans have had extremely intelligent people, just like us in America.  What exactly do those signs in Madison, Lansing, and Columbus mean?  What do you sign carriers mean by revolution ...and equating it to Egypt, perhaps Libya ...or who knows who else is admired?   Do we know who will emerge?

Have we learned from our history?

There are those who advocate revolution, at whatever cost, to achieve their self-seeking goals, with the rest of us having little or no insight into what the consequences will be.   In view of supporting revolution, there is no accountability for any extreme radical participation ...the blind analysis is that they are on our side, so that's all that matters.   Then when society falls headlong into a violent lawless state (of no union) ...do we scratch our head, and wonder how we lost so much through the course of demanding our rights ...and living under the pretense that we won?

Let's see what you won!!

Unions are protesting, attempting to claim victory ...and then it is our turn to see what we will win!   Some of you remember the TV show entitled, "Let's Make a Deal".   The contestant had to make a choice, not knowing what was in the box, or what was behind the curtain.  The Wizard of Oz, has a quote, "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!"   Well, we may not know what is behind the curtain, or "who" is behind the curtain (or present movement), but it may be curtains for us!  Who are the "bedfellows" that are supporting it, and do you know why?

Again, tell me if we are winning?

Sometimes in life, we are shocked by what goes on. But if we believe in ourselves and our government, we can have some faith that the law of our land will correct the wrong, or at least take measures to correct it.  When this doesn't happen, our world is in complete turmoil.   When we are horrified by something, we should do all we can to correct it.  Here are some more things that have happened ...without significant effort to correct it:   An eight year old girl is married to a 39 year old man; a ten year old girl hides at her aunt's house, but is found and returned to her 80 year old husband; a twelve year old girl, who was forced into marriage, dies during a painful childbirth, that also kills her baby; a twelve year old girl commits suicide after being forced into marriage; a thirteen year old girl dies as a result of beatings by her 71 year old dad; a sixteen year old girl is buried alive for talking to boys (not allowed to talk to non-relatives); and girls are threatened, brutally attacked, and killed each day for simply going to school.

Are we there yet? Are we winning? We must be wise enough to recognize the signs!

There's a movie starring Julia Roberts, where she plays the part of a wife who clearly would be happy having just an average normal life.   But she has a husband, whom you really begin to hate as the movie goes on.   He is an abusive husband, ...and the movie is entitled, "Sleeping With the Enemy".   There are many other films within that category, that would make you angry, because even though you know it's just a movie, you know there are isolated cases out there where it does happen.  But the cases I've read about that are a result of honoring Shariah law, make the movies I mentioned seem mild.  And those cases aren't isolated ...there are many of them.   It has also been said that individuals, corporations, or nations can be "in bed with" ...in a business sense, with the likes (more accurately, dislikes) of these types also.

Here is more of what we could win ...all in the name of cultural diversity, and by just being politically correct. Is this what it means to be tolerant?

At 16 years old, the parents arrange their daughter's marriage.  The husband viciously beats his wife throughout nine long years of marriage.  The wife can take it no longer ...and flees.  She doesn't get far before her husband catches her.   He beats her again ...and though she hadn't even seen another person during her attempt to get away, she knows he doesn't believe her, or is so angry he doesn't even care.   He will accuse her anyway, and attempt to beat her into submission.   But he sort of did that on a regular basis anyway, so the short time away was worth it for her.

More winning?

Runaways are the majority of 200 housed in a women's prison.  If you run away from home, you will probably be raped before you are put in jail.  Then, if you are well off, you go to prison.   Those not as well off, will be returned home again ...some facing possible honor killings by being stoned, stabbed, or beheaded.   Many young women, girls in their teens,or often younger, commit suicide.   some burn themselves, but survive ...being relegated to Cinderella existences (but life is not a fairytale, so no happy ending), while their husband remarries ...perhaps another untainted innocent teenage girl.   For the burn victim, this is often the better existence.  Though often, the burn victims are not suicidal, but burned by the husband ...or other family members who join in on the horrific crimes, without proper testimony to hold them accountable, of course.

Does this all seem unbelievable?

It all happens under Shariah law.  It may be only 10-15% of Muslims that believe in this ...but that percentage is much higher than I feel comfortable with.   Within revolutionary times, often it is not a large percent that rises to power.   If there was a vote, and there are those who don't like the result, they revolt ...not the majority, aiming to revolt, not re-vote.  I'm going to list some of the things Shariah law is inclusive of, and you tell me if you'd like a random 10-15% of our children to be subjected to it in America.   Shariah law includes: beatings of disobedient women and girls; amputation of body parts for criminal offenses; polygamy and forced child marriages; a required testimony of four male witnesses to prove rape; stoning of adulteresses; execution of homosexuals; capital punishment for those who oppose these laws; execution for those who leave this religion ...(the rest, I can't bring myself to even describe).   Let me take just one example, of the previously mentioned ten year old who hides at her aunt's house.   That commonly is called desertion, and is often equated with adultery.  There is a saying, "When a bird is sitting in a tree, if no one throws a stone, it will not leave its nest."   But within the courts of Shariah law, in reality, the woman's word is worthless.  And if she attempts to testify, she can face further punishment for her accusations, which are for the most part not acknowledged and therefore deemed as false.   She could be stoned ...ignoring the fact that there is always "two" involved.   But it is not likely there will be witnesses, or what male witness would be willing to step forward to oppose their guilty peers.   Where is the accountability of the men?   In contrast, Jesus said, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her."    We may aspire to the principles of what Jesus taught, but who is it that is calling for "change"?   Is this far from our own reality?   You may think so, but honor killings and attacks are on the rise in Great Britain ...inclusive of torture, rape, and murder.  And do you know what sort of things are being taught in our Universities as viable ideas and acceptable ways of thinking?

Not in our country, you say?

Less than two years ago, a 15 year old girl in California barely survives a brutal gang rape ...raped by up to six guys, while up to a dozen people watch ...and film it on their mobile phones!    The horrific gang rape lasted for about two and a half hours, then she was beaten ...and left for dead.   Does this shock us in America?   Well, this would not be an isolated incident under a nation supporting Shariah law.   Will we stand by while it tries to make its inroads ...into our country?   If we do, it will be the likes of those who stood by in that California incident ...that may be ushering in our future.   Do you stand next to a person carrying a sign that says we want what they are fighting for in Egypt ...Libya ...or perhaps where?    Where on earth do you find the ideal way to live?   What nation throughout history provides us with the best example?  If we don't like our present system, are we confident who would rule the one we fight for to replace it?

I feel we shouldn't label any group of people as "all the same".   Although a lot of them are the same, there are those like Lot, living in similarly intolerable Sodoms and Gomorahs.   We need to pray for all the women and children living within the confines of Shariah law.   So many women endure more than I can even imagine ...and their silent prayer being: "How long must I endure!"  They want a Savior, but to even show interest, it may mean death.   So many don't know about Jesus.   They want to be saved, any way they can, but they don't know!  All they know is ...they want it to end!

How many of us realize that we are created as "eternal"?   But does that mean we are to suffer eternally?   If we believe that our God, and our prophets are directing us correctly how to live ...then wouldn't it be reasonable to assume that any afterlife would be consistent with that same characteristic way of life?   So, what hope would women have under Shariah law?   Many of them have no hope now, so why would they want to continue in hopeless torment?   I contend that they wouldn't ...but read how Jesus responded to similar situations, and I'd say they'd want Jesus.   Many of us mess up our lives, but we most often demand a second chance ...perhaps a third, and fourth.   But the women subjected to Shariah law have to plea the fifth (Amendment), to survive.  They must remain silent, and live their silent horror.  Many of them know of only two existences:  Their present horror that many are convinced is nearly inescapable; or the only escape ...death itself.  Those who know of the promised eternal life with Jesus, dare not reveal that they know, for fear they may not endure the days living up to that glorious future. They want the horrific days to end ...to cease to exist.   And these days will cease to exist in Heaven.  What a glorious truth they can keep in their heart ...if they only know of it!   The seemingly eternal evil that they often must face each day ...will be forever gone.

What kind of insanity is it ...that dictates their self-justified punishment upon women, in the form of unimaginable horror.   And what kind of lessons are the children taught, when the very one who nurtures them, loves them, and cares for them ...is the very one who they are taught to inflict pain and unwarranted punishment upon ...and to hate anyone who tells them this is wrong.  Do you feel the horror of what these women (and children) have to go through?   Most of the women have been robbed of their teen years ...some not even reaching that age.   And we call for a revolution in our country, to usher in what ...Shariah law perhaps?   No way that will happen, you say?   Do you know the person carrying the sign beside you?   Perhaps they admire Lenin, Hitler, or Mao ...and what they've accomplished.   That person beside you ...do you know what lengths he/she will go to ...to achieve the ends?   Yes, all wrapped up in a neat little "Care" package, preconceived in present-day progressive thinking, ...yet, the surprise is not progress, but the backward ideologies of ignorance; as we continue to ignore what history has taught us.

Do you know to what lengths they will go to ...to achieve their ends?  In America we fought a civil war, to not only attempt to safeguard our union (as in nation, not unions), but to protect our freedoms too ...to all men, women, and children.   To believe in freedom for every individual, it would mean that we should abolish slavery.  Even though some masters treated their slaves very well ...I am against slavery, because I believe every human being should be free.  And each one should have the same basic freedoms.  The slaves who were treated well by their masters, had the option to stay ...but now could be more accurately be called servants ( we choose also to be servants of God ...He never makes us slaves, we are only slaves to sin).   So, for the same reason that I am against slavery ...I am even more against Shariah law, because it ignores the freedoms that women should have.  Similarly, if some women are treated well, that's great, but it should be their choice.   Please tell me if  I'm wrong, but under Shariah law, I don't believe women have freedom ...I don't believe they have choice.  Under Shariah law they are breeding a generation calloused beyond hope, with no conscience, and more vicious than any animal on earth, yet claiming absurdities beyond.   Calling cold, hot ...down, up ...and the truth, a lie.  Yet, calling the most horrific lie, the truth.  And we stand by, not only ignoring it all ...but blindly endorsing it???