A Single Christian Woman - Open Memoir - Ruminating on Evangelicals at the Crossroads: Will We Pass The Trump Test?

 

I believe Joe Biden is our best choice for President at this time, for a reason. We need his experience, his background and his accumulated knowledge. We need his acceptance that to do the right job for America he must welcome all people who sought a new life who have a variety of backgrounds. He does not care. He does not shirk from reckoning that even though He is a Christian, he knows that in leading in the separation of the church and state, that he must support the Constitution as written. I believe he is a good man and I have watched as he encountered emotional distress for those who have been or are in pain. He emulates Jesus in his constant concern and respect, no matter who or what they are or believe. This, then, it what I believe should be the role of the President of the United States. That, in itself, as an officer for the Constitution, his loyalty is to the nation first and not to his religion as defined here on earth...

I woke up at 1:30 AM, this morning remembering only that I had dreamed that I should go back to the book I had started: Evangelicals at the Crossroads: Will We Pass The Trump Test?

This book was published in 2020. I hadn't realized that as I began to read. It is presented in the form of a debate, perhaps for the individuals to whom the book is addressed, or, for himself, as well. What is then presented is a back and forth discussion on issues and, of course, primarily the past president. I had read over 40 pages, but, since I had realized that it was written much earlier, I decided to turn to the back chapters... where you would normally find some type of conclusion in non-fiction books.

I read a little, my mind wandering away from the book, finding myself also going back and forth in my thinking... It seems important that, for the majority of my life, I had little or no involvement with politics. It seemed to me I was living my priorities at that time. I worked, I participated in church in various ways, and in family matters. Indeed, it was only because of Donald Trump's infamous first video broadcasted that I started to listen...

My great-niece, who is now helping me as a caretaker, shared that she described me to her husband as a women's libber... I laughed, immediately thinking that I had never burned my bra or read Gloria Steinem... but that, indeed, from early life, I recognized the difference in being a woman in today's world. And, even, as girls played about getting married, I played at becoming a secretary. Of course, my sister was in business school at the time, so it was a natural selection. My point is that I envisioned myself helping somebody in a role that was supportive to others...

And that early ruminating led me to how the author of this latest book I was reading shared/wrote... For instance, homosexuality was referred to as sinful--no "buts" about it... Indeed, the entire group of these people who were different was lumped together as sinners, more or less... However, I had interacted with women who professed being gay. One of them was a cousin who is now deceased. When she told me she was gay and getting married, I asked her just one thing--was she still in church? That is, was she still a Christian? She responded affirmatively and shared that she would be married in church...

Homosexuality has been in existence since before Christ. I have known homosexuals with whom I've been friends. I have known people who may or may not be homosexuals...(I never asked) and I've been friends or at a minimum willing to treat them as I would anybody else... I cannot think of any Biblical reference between Jesus and a homosexual individual. I do remember that in both the story of the woman who would be stoned by men, as well as the Samaritan woman who had a sexual background, Jesus merely acknowledged that he knew of that background and yet offered her His Love, His Light, His Truth... 

I have no doubt that He would never have placed these individuals into a stereotypical lump and condemned them... and, as many have gone even further in violence and murder...  But that is the history of 2000 years+ and we are a different culture, good or bad... But, with the example of Jesus, we learn that we must love all of God's children, no matter who they might be...

Thus, I would think that it is exactly how Pope Francis must have pondered, prayed, and recognized that Jesus would never have turned away anyone...

Key to this, of course, is based upon the separation of church and state. Let's take it a step further, the Catholic Church does not allow President Biden to take communion has been stated over and over...However, here's what has been stated recently...

Biden is welcome to receive Communion at churches in the archdiocese. Mr. Biden met with Pope Francis last month at the Vatican where Mr. Biden said the pope told him he was a "good Catholic" and should keep taking Communion.Nov 17, 2021

Notice that this statement is in the present tense--that is, he should keep taking communion...

I found Dr. Brown's writings as if it were an internal argument as to justifying what is/has happened. But that is just my feeling, perhaps, somewhat of my own bias against what has occurred. However, it seems to me that in all that has been done by republicans to provide "religious freedom" for Evangelical Christians, is that it is an attempt to dominate or control the lives of all people, whether they are christians or not. Going back and forth in justification is, again, in my opinion, an attempt to accept that Trump has indeed moved well beyond what the deal was...

Or, is it? What I believe the Pope is saying, and which I happen to agree with, is that God has created all people in his image. They are all God's children and it is only God's judgment which will decide their fate. And, in the meantime, rather than those who are religious in America being allowed to follow their own choices, just as they have, with their own beliefs, then all those who have different opinions or beliefs must be legally able to live in those positions/choices without prejudice.

Right now we are in the midst of a major problem. I agree with Biden it is a dangerous one. The question of our laws, our constitution, our country's freedom is, indeed, on the ballot. And that has ultimately been brought about from the hierarchy of the christian church... Think about how those who came to America to seek religious freedom, then went about forcing the Indigenous Natives to become christians... Think further back to the Crusades, the Inquisition, and, from a more openly hateful action, performed the Holocaust. 

Is not what the evangelical christians and the republican party, together, doing the same thing? Is it not that those now in office are purposely using the courts to allow discrimination? Consider, just one issue, as an example. A baker chose to not want to create a cake for a gay couple... My opinion is from my professional background. If you choose to go into a service organization, then you should serve all customers. By doing so, does not in any way, force you to accept what you don't believe. Indeed, it is merely doing your job. I find it ironic that it is christians, historically, who have been attempting to FORCE their religion on people... Historically, it has and continues to fail. Don't you think that those christians would begin to examine themselves and their decisions?

Indeed, by the end of this book. Dr. Brown continued to agree to disagree, but that he was going to vote for Trump... He proceeds to go on and on and on about his decision... Clearly the book was intended only for evangelical christians since there was no basis for consideration of choosing or not choosing Trump for president... Other than we all have our choice...and should exercise it.

While Brown refers to earlier beginnings such as Falwell and "family guy", the overview come across as wishy-washy to me. And, perhaps that is the key. Do we, as Christians, speak of love as the primary connection with others? Or do we see some "sin" that is to be squashed before they are worthy to even be called to "consider" to join a church? I don't have the answer... What I do know is that if, even at the beginning of the discussion of who to vote for, we are being told that our christian ideology must be part of the factor and therefore it's alright to vote for a known criminal, that...is...just...wrong...

Yet, it was indeed The Moral Majority, Jerry Falwell, who decided to enter into politics and start pushing... If you did not bother to watch the second video, in particular, about Pope Francis' statement, please do so now. Key is that the fact that, in my opinion, the Pope is clearly separating the church and the state, pointing out that he agreed that we are all God's children... and that as Americans we all deserve equal treatment... Remember, for instance, as soon as Trump became president, he attempted to ban Muslims from America. Two points come to mind for consideration. One, Trump is being praised in Brown's book for responding to the desires of evangelical christians. Thus, we must assume that refusing religious freedom to Muslims was a mandate of the evangelical christians... Is that not a logical assumption? Two, anybody and everybody is fully aware that Trump stuffed the courts with right-wing conservatives. Indeed, the first act, after each of the new justices said during their "employment" interview that they would not change precedent... they went ahead and did just that... (Roe/Wade)

Now, let's look at just the one action. The republican party, starting under Trump, went full speed ahead to, not merely initiate action in support of this change. No, they went all the way to create an atmosphere of fear, divisiveness, and medical emergencies! Decisions that are clearly NOT responsive to the needs of all Americans! Indeed, threats and overturning of judicial rulings are ongoing. Doctors do not know how to treat their patients, even if they see and have found a dangerous situation if a pregnancy is allowed to go through. This, to me, only means that a woman's life means nothing to either of these groups. Again, the logic is clear. Choosing to not provide for the common good of one American, while choosing to force to birth a dead baby or one who will die slowly afterwards, is, in my mind, one of the cruelest things that could be forced on a woman... For what? For some "Key Word" that has been used over and over and over to incite fear, hatred and division. I cannot make myself more clear. Neither religion nor the government should be involved in a women's medical issues. And, further, that the ONLY reason that it became an issue was because of one or more individuals wanting to have power over another!

My sister told me that if I was a Christian I must vote republican. To keep from arguing, I initially registered as Independent... then I saw what the republicans were really all about, and I changed my designation to democratic... I do not want to hear about the past, because I knew nothing about it as it occurred. Today, right now, is what I see... I see and hear one politician after another speaking out to help all Americans, regardless of their individual differences. That is the Democratic Party.

You know, folks, what I see when I look at Joe Biden is a man who cares about people... What I see when I look at Trump is a man who is a performer, who will change to elicit initial trust, and then demand allegiance as a would a dictator or monarch. And, in my opinion, the evangelical christian hierarchy, in choosing to support him, have created the ultimate individuals who could destroy America. Those who choose to demand their rights regardless of whether or not it hurts somebody else... 

Consider Covid 19. While Trump started the creation of an antidote, but then decided it was too difficult to handle, he moved to the opposite extreme, as a dictator does. He demanded that masks were not necessary. He made fun of people, He didn't care about the hundreds of thousands of deaths that occurred... And, even today, when I, in a simple attempt to point out that somebody could get a covid shot at the same time a flu shot was obtained, a man turned on me and screamed "NO!" into my face...

By the way, the woman he was with, probably his wife, immediately turned to me and explained that she had had a reaction and we talked together... Have you all noticed that it is women who are quietly and effectively and efficiently dealing with today's issues? No wonder I'm seen as a women's libber... I've fought through the male-dominated bureaucracy. I've seen how some few men treat women--thankfully not all. And I've seen men who play the game of kissing the ring. And, right now, in America, there are far too many kissing Donald Trump's ring as their god... their idol... their hero... but, never, their president of all Americans...

I have no background on Hillary Clinton, for instance. I do know that she won the popular vote over Trump. I do know that women across the nation went to Washington to march against Trump and that group was larger than those who attended Trump's inauguration. What that tells me is that we women see Trump as exactly what he is. And men who choose to use the Bible to demean women, rape--physically, mentally or emotionally--or believe that women in higher level positions through affirmative action is wrong, these then are those to question...

Dr. Brown also glowed in his praise of Mike Pence, completely unaware of the fact that we are in the years of 2000... It was quickly headline news that Pence would not work with women--no wonder they despise Hillary Clinton! Could it be because she forgave her husband and stayed with him? I don't know but it certainly forces you to wonder...

Because, this single Christian woman, through many years of working on a university campus, in more higher level positions, quite often had lunch with men. My boss, my peers, faculty members, staff members... Many of them married. Yet, Pence chose to not be burdened with temptation? And therefore women in such positions were either not to be allowed in those positions, or that they would be ignored as an equal professional woman with whom he was to act responsibly? Check out an article in The New Yorker about this issue that is certainly why women have become agitated by being forced to deal with the selection that christians made for their president! 

Finally, it seems to me that, after 2000+ years, that God would have expected his children to grow up. That is, to grow in His Spirit... I am reminded of the parable of the talents, where one chose to bury the talent that had been placed in his hands for safe-keeping, fearing his master. Yet, when the master came back, he took away that talent and gave it to the others who had invested the talents and worked to benefit their master. I think about this parable often... America, especially, has grown in many ways, especially as a result of science. Should we not have as a country, a world, grown in our religious maturity. But, just like the man who chose to bury the talent, many have chosen to bury the results of increasing improvements in all areas, including religious study... That is why I've come to accept the words of Jesus as my primary guidance. He, more than anybody, who was condemned to death by those religious rulemakers of the past:

Matthew 23

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them." Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted in the market- places and to have men call them`Rabbi.'

"But you are not to be called `Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth `father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called `teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are. "Woe to you, blind guides! You say,`If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? You also say, `If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.' You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. And he who swears by heaven swears by God's throne and by the one who sits on it. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices--mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law--justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Therefore you will be punished more severely." Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. And you say,`If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.'So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets.Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your forefathers! "You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? Therefore I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. I tell you the truth, all this will come upon this generation. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, `Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.' "

This scripture might seem to be addressed to the Jewish people, who lived at that time, and who were involved in the death of the Son of God. But, and I do not say this lightly... If the Bible is The Word of God as defined by evangelical christians and other sects, then, by claiming that, then this scripture must be, in my opinion, relevant to all individuals who live at any time. Otherwise, what relevance does this one passage have to anybody today?

So we see that pharisees and lawyers are to be obeyed but specifically told to not do what they do. Well, let's look back on the Trump presidency before Jeff Sessions was fired. It was at that time, that he quoted scripture about following leaders--essentially trying to say that we were to follow what the government and the president wanted, because after all, he had been appointed by Trump. It was during a time of migration of many immigrants who were seeking asylum. He announced a new policy whereby babies were to be separated from the parents... We all know how that went. Badly! Several issues became clear: The administration had no competency in creating, announcing, and then implementing a new policy! 

Not only was the policy outrageous, they had failed to create an implementation plan for tracking--surely a simply matter if they had thought about it!!! After all, I had implemented a plan to locate over 20,000 students each semester and I can't recall ever failing in that endeavor... So in a year, I would have about 60-80,000 students and faculty arrive at a specific designation... I would imagine that even as of now, there are still children lost somewhere and yet to be found and returned to their parents. This became a major uproar for the administration, who cried out Wall, Wall, Wall, all could be solved with a wall... Geesh! Get Real!

The same thing happened with Covid19. Trump did initiate arrangements with pharmaceutical companies... That's it! Once again, the job was half done by this administration and Biden's new administration had to work overtime trying to catch up with what should have been done by Trump's staff. We all remember the possible use of various methods, including using bleach(!) that had no connection with helping to cure a virus being thrown out by the president. We also remember that he admitted to a man who was writing a book, that he purposely kept information from Americans claiming he didn't want his base to know...

Do either of these instances have a relationship to the above scripture? Of course they do. In both cases, it was the children and the elderly who were affected the most, but many others died purely from exposure because the president made it a joke to wear a mask and his followers did not wear them...killing even more than necessary. I remember a town into which a group of motor cycle riders came for an annual event, all of which did not wear masks...

I think I've shared this at another time, but it needs to be repeated again. The short version? Check out the italicized reference in red above. Not all versions of the Bible include this reference (which is another reason that questioning the Bible as "The Words of God" should be considered. Aside from that, in another version and in a book that was once given me by a pastor about the family, he said if I agreed with everything in the book, I would be an acceptable leader for a group at church. In that book, I was told that the church was to take care of me as a single woman... I therefore went to my pastor and asked when they would begin to take care of me... The thing is that the idea was so victorian--so ancient a concept that I and he both started to laugh... However, to me, it was another step to my moving to accepting the Bible as being inspired by God and NOT the Word of God. I and many others have found so many contradictory things in the Bible, as well as those which are extremely disturbing, including murder and rape as instigated/condoned by a King, who was said to be favored among men. Key to me is that, I cannot accept that if God was writing a book, as did Jesus, in a sense, they would make sure that what was said would be at least understood and that the full historical text would be included... The above is an excellent example of the clarity of Jesus, don't you think?

In other words, my ranking of the Bible as the Word of God would be very low... I believe it is historical, includes poetry and important guidance as of the time of Jesus. There are many, many writers who have written on the Bible, trying to explain, interpret a book that has been translated, edited, rewritten...just as any book would be... Indeed, the Book of Thomas, which was Thomas' recordings of Jesus' actual words is not included... More importantly, with Jesus as our Messiah coming, He was to lead us from then on there. Indeed, He said that from time to time and with various forms of doing so.

I find Matthew 23 as very provocatively written. While it says to obey them (I believe this refers especially to individual church rules as laws, and, perhaps, civil laws...But that we were not to do what they do... and then proceeds to specifically identify the issues to beware of. 

And, if you do as Jesus says about Love and Loving, none of the above should be even still in existence for us to quarrel over, in my opinion...

But that, however, is exactly what Dr. Brown, in writing this book has done. He has pontificated about all of the sins of the past president, yet allows that while he is going to continue to vote for Trump, that he is willing for you/us to make your own decision, since it is a right to which we should be obligated to perform. That is, voting for the government of our nation. Yet, at the same time, absolving the past president of any of his actions while in office or during that period, which have gravely affected the nation we once knew: Respect of everybody's lives, liberties and our pursuit of happiness...

In closing, I find that I am not the proper audience for this book. It surely was meant for all those who call themselves evangelical christians, as opposed to...just...Christian. As an aside, there are thousands of different sects falling under the bailiwick of Christianity. I have not taken the time, nor do I have the interest at this point, as to what constitutes the identity of an evangelical christian. 

If, however, you are an evangelical christian and you have become concerned, perhaps this book could be useful. Given that the writer continued to support the past president throughout the book, for me, I cannot recommend it or other books who asked me to do what the Bible says. Because, simply, if the Bible followers have caused what has happened in America, then talk themselves into believing it is what God wants, believe me, I'm not willing to play that game of disinformation...

This is not intended as a review of the book. I will not be posting it as a review. As you know, I have found, that so many issues that happen daily have affected my original intent to write a historical life memoir. Instead, I am writing my book in journal form, as events come into my life... bringing in past information or memories as relevant to the specific topic. The 50 or so pages I read were sufficient for me to reject the premise as one I would ever consider.

God Be With You

Gabby

Jennifer Chase Presents The First Girl, Eleventh in Detective Katie Scott Series, Perhaps the Most Favorite?

 

McGaven drove to St. Joseph’s Church located in downtown Pine Valley. He was scheduled to meet with semi-retired Detective Richard Jamison—who handled most of the church’s local donations and headed up the support groups for police officers. He had been the detective assigned to the missing person’s case for Abigail Andrews. It was customary in the opening of cold cases, if at all possible, to speak with the investigating officer at the time of the report. McGaven’s mind wasn’t completely on the case as his thoughts fell back to how Katie was doing in the search and if there was progress being made. He had sent her a text earlier but hadn’t heard back. She was in a rural area and the signal was most likely sketchy. There was only a sprinkling of cars in the church’s parking lot. McGaven stepped out of the sedan, glancing around him. The area was quiet and deserted. Walking to the back door entrance, there was a large white pickup truck with boxes neatly stacked in the back. The door was slightly ajar, so McGaven pushed it open. “Hello? Detective Jamison?” “Yeah, come on in,” came a voice. McGaven walked through the back area where boxes, bins, and large storage containers were organized by group and size. He still didn’t see the detective. “I’m over here,” said the voice. McGaven passed boxes identified as household, kitchen, clothes, and medical, until he came across a man in a corner organizing more boxes. He looked to be in his late fifties, heavyset around the middle, and wearing jeans and a T-shirt. His silver hair made him seem older, but his young-looking face said otherwise. “Detective Jamison?” said McGaven. “I’m Detective Sean McGaven.” “Yes,” he replied and came to McGaven to shake his hand. “Nice to meet you.” “You too. Need a hand?” “No, thank you. I’m just getting some boxes ready for pick up.” McGaven looked around and was impressed by the dedication that the former detective had put into this work. “I just made some coffee. Would you like a cup?” Jamieson asked. “No, thank you, I’m fine,” said McGaven. “I’ve had four cups already this morning.” “Where’s your partner?” “She’s on a special assignment today.” “Too bad. I wanted to meet her. You know… you two are quite the topic among us old-timers.” He smiled and moved a box to sit down on and gestured for McGaven to do the same. “Really?” “Of course. A one hundred percent cold-case solve rate is impressive… and not to mention Detective Scott is quite the dedicated officer.” McGaven laughed. There had been so many situations they had been involved in—and some he hadn’t been sure they would survive. “Yes, she sure is…” 

“So, what’s on your mind about the Abigail Andrews case?” the older detective asked. McGaven coordinated his thoughts. “Well, we just reopened the case and have spoken to Mrs. Andrews and looked through some of Abigail’s things. We’ve read through the reports.” “And you want to know my gut on the case. My impressions.” “That would about sum it up. If you can remember.” “Oh, I remember everything about my cases, especially when they were like the Andrews case.” “What do you mean?” asked McGaven, his curiosity piqued. “Everything about the case seemed off. The initial report, the car location, and the area around it.” “We visited the area where the car was found, and it did seem strange. If there was foul play, why didn’t the perp hide the car? It would have been easy and probably no one would have ever noticed it—especially at that location.” “You mean down the ravine?” “Yes.” McGaven reached for his phone and pulled up a photo of the butterfly necklace. He showed it to the retired detective. Jamison put on his glasses and looked at the photo. “You found it where?” “Down that slight hillside.” “I see.” He nodded. “I remember those butterfly pieces of jewelry in her room at her mom’s house.” He examined the photo longer. “You think this was the girl’s?” “Don’t know for sure. But one of the forensic techs is searching the area—just in case there is anything else that might have belonged to her. It could answer some questions, like if there was indeed foul play or not.” “What else could it be?” said Jamison as he looked at McGaven over the top of his glasses. “We’re just reviewing evidence and eliminating things—trying to generate new leads.” The older detective sighed. 

“Not to rain on your parade of a perfect cold-case solve rate, but this may be the case you can’t crack.” McGaven chuckled. “I’ve thought that same thing about some of our other cases, but we manage to solve them. But we can only try.” He wasn’t going let anyone derail their cold case at the beginning. Jamison scrutinized McGaven for a moment. “I like your attitude and your resourcefulness.” “What other things stuck out to you?” “Well, the victim’s friends for one. We couldn’t really get solid alibis, but we searched both of their homes and work. Nothing we found seemed suspicious. But each one had the opportunity to make her disappear.” “You mean Anthony Drake and Teri Butler?” “Yeah. Teri seemed genuinely upset that Abigail had gone missing and her car was found. But the boyfriend—Drake—acted a bit cagey about some of the questions we asked. I think it was more due to the fact he had been arrested on some minor substance use charges.” “What about the mom?” “Nothing panned out from there. She seemed truthful and there was nothing that waved a red flag. And don’t forget Mr. Andrews was still alive then. He was angry and frustrated. I get it. I’ve had my own problems with my kids in the past. Thankfully they’ve straightened up and are living great lives now.” He smoothed some tape on a box and seemed to be rehashing things from the investigation over in his mind. 

“Do you think that whatever happened to Abigail was because of her lifestyle? Or was it something else? Like wrong place, wrong time?” “At the time I leaned toward her lifestyle. We couldn’t get a beat on why she was at that location to begin with. We worked the case from the perspective that it had been someone close to her, like family and friends. I actually thought we’d find her body too.” “That’s what makes this case difficult,” said McGaven. “The body is everything. It’s what puts the pieces together of what happened and then leaves the who and why for us to figure out.” McGaven thought that was a good way of describing it. “If you were working the case today… what would you revisit first?” He waited patiently for the detective to answer. He already knew what he and Katie were going to do, but still, he respected the detective’s opinion and experience. “I think it starts at the car and finding a connection to it, whether it be some other location, someone who was linked to it, or one of the farms near where it was found. We did a canvass twice, but never turned up anything.” He took his phone and made a note in his day reminder. “I have some of my personal notes from my cases that might have something that would help your case. I’ll email them to you.” “Thank you.” 

McGaven felt that Detective Jamison had been consistent with the reports, which meant he did remember his cases well. “Was there anything about the car you noticed at the time? Like if there’d been car trouble?” “No, the keys were in it, which seemed odd.” “Did it start?” said McGaven. “It did, but there was an intermittent starter problem. You know, like when the alternator is failing. It was possibly what happened to her that day.” McGaven nodded and thought it was an interesting point. “Anything I can do, let me know,” said Jamison. “And if I remember anything else that might help, I’ll be sure to contact you directly.” “Thank you, that would be great. It seems like this case doesn’t have much to go on, but I’m optimistic we’ll find something.” McGaven smiled. “After hearing and reading about your partner, I don’t doubt it.” He stood up. “I’m sorry that I wasn’t more helpful. Oh, and please, let me know if you solve it.” “Of course.” 

“It would put an unsolved case to bed for me. One less thing to obsess about. You’ll understand when you get older or when you retire. There are always those cases that haunt you.” “I appreciate your time. And it helps to get more perspective on the case. Thanks again.” As McGaven walked back to the car, Detective Jamison’s words rolled through his mind. The body is everything. It’s what puts the pieces together of what happened and then leaves the who and why for us to figure out.

~~~

So many books, so little time! I've been reading Jennifer Chase books for nearly 15 years and have always enjoyed them. (Search Jennifer Chase in the right-hand column to find reviews of other books.) But, as her talent, experience, and creativity has grown, so has her completed books! Wow, The First Girl is an outstanding thriller! It is complex, excellent with location scene descriptions, and keeps readers hooked until the very last page! If I were younger, I would start from the beginning and move through to catch up on this series. Above is the trailer for the 10th book where you will find that the main character, Katie Scott's fiancée has disappeared... So readers will be hearing of Katie's emotional loss as she strives to keep her mind on her latest cold case.

And, as Katie finds it harder to keep her mind on point, I, too, found a reminder as the evil is discovered that has gone on for years resulting in violence--death--against others... Hamas terrorists merged with what was happening in the book...

I love characters as a primary reason for reading fiction. In this series, Detective Katie Scott, together with her partner,

Detective McGaven are a duo that can't be beat. Scott has an intuitive methodology to her actions, while McGaven provides the logical, the rules-based point of view. I chose the lead characters from the earlier television show Ghost Whisperer, where the roles seem to match the book description of the two... The team are permanently assigned to cold cases. One of the reasons is that Katie is related to the head of the office and other officers have had feelings of nepotism... In this book, though, as things get extremely complex, one officer, in particular, began to see exactly who and why Katie is in her position, and it has nothing to do with anything other than her unique qualities...

But in this book, perhaps as a carry over from the previous, the villain is exceptionally conniving, so much so that Katie has been unable to grab hold of any pieces of the puzzle to begin to put the case together... Until she realizes that they couldn't look just at what was happening. They needed to go back to The First Girl--the beginning and then move forward.

Deep investigation resulted in a possible location where the villain once lived. Katy was once again instrumental in using her extraordinary perception tools, finding a hidden basement which led outside into an area where bodies were found... This was after an accidental location of burial of a girl and her dog was discovered. Only to learn that these were not the only sites of burial... Indeed, still another site was discovered when they found Katie's fiancée, who had been held for months, until he had worked to sharpen plasticware from previous meals and was ready the next time that somebody came...

Readers are left up in the air, though, because almost immediately Chad left to recuperate at his mother's home... But how could Katie recuperate. After all, she had been just as affected about Chad's abduction. And, once he was discovered, there were times when somebody was following Katie and even ran her off the road... Who was doing this--and for which case!??

And then there is the star of the show for everyone... Meet Cisco, a K9 dog with whom Katie served with in the military and who is now constantly by her side... In fact, it was through his efforts that the first site find was made...

...[from] his ex-workers, he confirmed that Dayton would probably stay close and not completely leave the area.” “Why? It seems stupid.” “People who get away with things so long, like Dayton has, have this arrogance and high-mindedness that they like to sit back and watch the police—even clean up clues or people who might get in the way.” “Well, he’s sitting back now.” “Take me to him,” she said. “I don’t know. Shouldn’t you call it in?” “I’m not calling it in until I have proof. Then we would be bringing all the cops here attracting too much attention.” Katie was ready to go, and she wanted to get her hands on Dayton. She could never get the images of those bodies out of her head. She wanted to get this guy no matter what it took. Nick studied her for a moment. “We need to check things out, but you have to promise me that you will call in your troops.” “Of course.” “I mean it, Scotty.” “I will,” she insisted. “I don’t want anything to go wrong to make this guy walk.” “Okay.” “What about Cisco?” “I wanted you to bring him so that you wouldn’t be alone.” “You mean so I would have backup.” She smiled.

And, of course, the statement about getting away with things reminded me of the anniversary, tomorrow, of the January 6th Insurrection... Remember, there are ongoing arrests, but there are still many who have not yet made it into the courts for the accountability that we all want, but is still being denied by MAGA minority followers.

For me, reading fiction novels where the police work to bring the guilty in for  accountability is ensured is not only important but gives us a sense of satisfaction which we greatly need these days... And, Jennifer Chase gives me those respites from reality that is needed to keep going, knowing that we must work to ensure accountability continues in America as many are using disinformation across the nation to create a violent atmosphere, which, has proven to be a continuous period in today's world that must be stopped! Watch our President on television today remembering what happened on January 6th!

God Bless,

Gabby

It's Hard to be a Christian - In America... In Today's World... How Do We Proceed? Is a Theocracy What America Should Be? An Open Memoir - A Single Christian Woman

Even as I was writing and posting yesterday's post, I knew it could lead to... questions... and perhaps an unacceptance of what I shared. I recognize that... but the first video that popped up this morning as I was thinking how to proceed thereafter, was the above Frank Shaeffer video. It's an important one which may cover many of the questions you could be having these days...

I have no idea just how many books it would take to document what has happened; however, I have chosen to follow this man who continues to update information of how exactly given his background, involvement, and then his decision to remove himself from exactly what was evolving... Much of what he discloses in just this one video interview, is, in my opinion, just how those who call themselves christians are using us to garner contributions into private pockets... Take heed about Schaeffer's opinions about Pelosi's replacement in the House of Representatives.

You know, folks, a member of my family recently called Pelosi "evil..." without explaining why such a feeling had been made. It seems to me that everything that is being attacked right now is just a continuation. Others have referred negatively to our president without, again, explaining exactly why they feel these ways. In fact, there has been considerable disinformation about the president's character that is spewed across the nation, without any specifics or without documentation. One has already been debunked...

Many have chosen to pull away rather than be associated with Christianity. I find I cannot do that. Mainly because it is a false existence. I believe God is Real and He is Part of our Lives if we Allow it. That key last part is the issue. When you open yourselves up to God, and He has accepted You as His Child, then He will guide us on all things. Sometimes, I will admit, in the past, I "chose" not to follow what He was telling me... Then, knowing, that with His giving us Free Will, perhaps it was to be expected, especially when we are younger and trying to find our way in the world in which we live. 

Now, in my opinion, there is a key issue that must be faced, just as Frank Shaeffer had to do to pull away from His father's beliefs and actions. IF WE BELIEVE IN CHRIST, HE TELLS US THAT WE MUST LOVE ONE ANOTHER...

I would clarify, for myself, that I have found that, in trying to do so, I have sometimes failed. However, in failing, I also accepted that it was my failure, not anybody else's. When I reach this point, I often find that I am unable to proceed without bringing in the emotional damages which resulted in a change of brain chemistry... To accommodate to this, however, what I have mostly done is just to withdraw from an individual with whom I am unable to effectively communicate. I do not change my basic love of that individual, rather I acknowledge to myself that if I am unable to interact in a courteous manner, I will not, insofar as possible, seek retribution, vengeance, or, even, an apology... You know, folks, I have found that very few people remember the simple word, Sorry.

How did we get to the point where, in most situations, there is little kindness, respect, or just common courtesy in our interactions?

This is what I know. I have met, known, or heard through the internet or on other media options, people of all races, religions, and sexual orientations. If they did not share that information openly, I would not normally even be able to identify those differences. I have loved and/or found friendship from all of these individuals, who are different in some way from me. I believe this is what Jesus requires of us...

Therefore, while I choose to believe and remain to be a follower of Jesus Christ, I, just like Jesus did when he interacted with the Samaritan Woman... I strive to care for each and every individual I interact with. It is difficult, maybe impossible, but that does not change my desire to follow Jesus as He has asked us to do...

I have sung Fill My Cup, Lord for more than 50 years, and it never fails to remind me that Jesus turns away from nobody... I believe He came so that a Theocracy was never to be accepted. I know there are problems in the World, but discriminating and choosing who to reject, first, rather than to show love toward all is not why Jesus died for our World...

Joe Biden has shown that he cares for all of the world. Right now, I believe that those who seek power over anything--and those to me are the leaders of Russia, Iran, the Prime Minister of Israel, and the United States past president and present republican party representatives--will continue to turn away those who Jesus came and then died for... Over 2000 years have gone by, cycling in and out of Theocracy in the Crusades, the Inquisition, with the Indigenous People here in America...and now anybody and everybody that are different than those who claim to be a christian. Theocracies have failed, simply because the basis of that itself is the exact opposite of what LOVE in Christ demands...

When...will...we...accept...and...act...on the Words of Jesus rather than words of men who lie, discriminate and use violence against anybody they wish...

What I know is that I Have Decided to Follow Jesus! I Speak Jesus...

I can never at this point reject Jesus... My family is republican... My family and friends may believe that a Theocracy is what America needs. I do not believe that is what is needed. There is much that bothers me about America, but none of them are those things that the republican party and evangelical christians claim is needed to make American great again.

Whether you choose to accept that the Soul of America is in danger, I will still follow Jesus who asked us to Love our Neighbors as ourselves... In my mind, that, at a minimum means to do no harm to anybody... I believe in what France saw in America so many years ago, based upon what and who we were at that time... That time obviously is no longer what a minority of America wants...

It has been shown over and over and over that the republican party refuses to work together to solve and create a methodology for managing the Immigration process... THAT IS THE PROBLEM! And, in my opinion, Trump's statement that he considers immigrants a blood danger to America is only symptomatic of the rhetoric of this party that cannot be accepted!

Do not allow religion to speak for you... Do not allow, your family or friends to speak for you... Do not allow a totally unqualified past-president, who has already been found criminally guilty, which has been fully documented ad nauseam. Do not allow repetition of lies over and over and over to detract from what you believe is Truth. God is Truth and does not lie...When we were given just two sets of words to guide us (Love the Lord God with all your heart and soul and Love ALL neighbors as ourselves.) then stop and think carefully why everything that could negatively affect the America we have lived in for hundreds of years... suddenly is not the thing that should guide our nation...

Do not be confused when somebody talks about the history of the democratic party. Evidence surely has been given that a party does not remain the same year after year. If my information from Republican Gomorrah has not yet shown you, then I encourage you to forget about party affiliation and just evaluate which party AT THIS TIME is working for the good of ALL people, just just those evangelical christians who seem to think they have full claim of God and His plans for America...

America was not even in anybody's eye when Jesus was born. I understand when I speak of being guided by the Holy Spirit that you have a right to question... Remember that I have already said that I think myself closest in temperament with the Apostle Thomas who was called Doubting Thomas. Be assured before I write anything, I have made every effort to first document my thoughts and opinions and, hopefully, shared them with documentation. I will continue to do so. Books already read and reviewed have shown that the decision to act to move toward Theocracy was far before Trump was even in the picture. 

Remember, no matter who you are, God sent His Son to die for you... He had no specifications outlined in order to have that action occur. Nor should we humans be able to undo what God established through Jesus as to how we were to forever thereafter act... If you don't feel love from somebody...you have, in my opinion, every right to seek and find what you need... I suggest Jesus as a choice for you to consider...

God Bless,

Gabby

I Am Emotionally Damaged - Response to Excerpt from Metal by J. F. Lawrence - An Open Memoir - INTERRUPTED BY GOD!

 

Wall needed to elevate to the top of the survival pyramid and learn how to be ready all the time. The question was, would the long-term stress of looking after her wear him down and crack him like a damaged boiler? As if sensing his thoughts, she said, “Burnout isn’t an option. The spoils go to the resilient. You can’t just win once. You have to survive and keep rebounding to win every time. Diligence is the price we pay for living.” He saw that in some of his army buddies. Ethiopia, while called a peace-keeping mission and not a war, broke too many men and women. PTSD followed them wherever they went, which made reintegrating with civilization difficult. He worried about their frayed edges and heavy consciences even more now that they would have to battle for survival. Would a return to war, albeit without the Army, break them or thrust them into leadership roles? He suspected both.

~~~

It's been a tough week or so, I've had a couple of bad interactions which set off depression for me. (I'll be writing about them this week.) But, today, I want to talk about how the above excerpt affected me... as it relates to my ability to deal with interpersonal communications.

Wall, in this case would be me. He had been duped, betrayed and made to feel that his work, his major project for many years, was, perhaps not worthless, but rather, that for him personally, it seemed that many years of his life had been "wiped out." And, in the book, he had helped to create something that had destroyed the world as they knew it...

From 1963 through about 35 years, I had been treated as a valued member of West Virginia University. I was able to interact with thousands and thousands of faculty, administrators, staff and students in various positions as I climbed an ongoing career ladder. It should be noted that each step higher was normally based upon expanded duties and/or level of responsibility or supervisory duties.

Initially, I used the participatory management style of supervision. A job description was provided, training then followed, and the individual was free to act on their own initiative based upon gained experience. During this period, I moved from a records clerk/secretary position on through levels of clerical and management, and then on to directing of an office which included about 30 different people at any given time.

When I moved from Secretary to the Provost for Instruction, I, in essence, continued to work with him in the new office where I was responsible for scheduling and management of classroom facilities on three main campus (including the Health Sciences Center and Law Center) as well as negotiating the uses of the university's athletic facilities between the academic program, athletics department and the intramurals programs. Once that final move occurred, my work week moved much higher than a standard workweek. 

Class schedules had to be done within a deadline for printing the next semesters' schedules. Mostly, I would be simultaneously dealing with issues for all three semesters, actually four, since we had two summer semesters. 

During down times from scheduled I developed classroom utilization patterns which were then used to develop more efficient room time and station (seats) utilization. These reports were sent to all deans so that they could use them for the upcoming scheduling activity. 

Soon my use of the other function of the office, maintaining an inventory of all campus facilities, including land, buildings and rooms. I was promoted to manager of the entire process and hired additional staff to deal with the additional workload.

During that same time, an organizational change was made which merged the University Architect and his staff under one office...During that time, I became responsible for graphics creation of maps and needed reports to document all utilization across the campus and across the state, including farms, and branch campuses. I was made Assistant Director of the Office which was now called Facilities Planning and Utilization. In theory I was responsible for half of the office...

In practice, that soon began to evolve...

Facilities Planning was essentially the former University Architect's office who developed and managed capital construction....

I stopped writing yesterday... The Highest position that I held at the University was Acting Director... But I quickly realized that simply creating a list of positions held was not what I needed to do today... I needed a break to get from thoughts in order... So I played my new favorite song, for now...

You know, folks, in the past and in the future, and especially within an apocalyptic thriller novel, there is bound to be some rich guy who is hungry for power and decides to use other people, not caring that they may, or will definitely, be damaged in some way and often with death... In fact, because this is well known, nations across the world, in reality, actually have to plan for the potential of those who choose to seek power, regardless of anybody else... Or ensure they will be killed if they "do not comply!"

The following is a message from God, I believe... It is not what I intended to write about... certainly not, in this Memoir, rather than my A Single Christian Woman...

I just started another non-fiction book, which I normally read slower, switching to fiction when I need a break...but, I was actually shocked by what I was reading!

Why? Well, it's been out quite a number of years ago! He was saying all the things I've felt or said from the beginning... So, why aren't Evangelicals listening?

Well, I found that this book is available on UTube! In fact, it is running live right now... so if you wish to pursue this, sign up to follow Michael L. Brown, and you may be able to listen to the whole book. However, in the meantime, here's just one of the quotes that you should consider as to the Test as Brown presents in the book.

No name stirs up more emotions than the name “Trump.” No name stirs up more dissension or triggers more disagreements. And no person alive today is more widely loved or hated than Donald Trump. This presents a unique dilemma for evangelical Christians, a group historically known for its strong moral stands on family, character, and the sanctity of life. What are we to make of President Trump? How closely should we be associated with him? To what extent is he an answer to prayer? To what extent a blessing? To what extent a curse? If we fail to stand with him, are we missing a gift from God because we don’t like the packaging? If we do stand with him, are we diminishing our Christian witness in the eyes of the nation? What do we do with Donald Trump? Evangelical journalist Warren Smith puts it like this: “The real story of Trump’s presidency will not be written until he is out of office, and we learn whether Trump delivered us from four years of Hillary Clinton, or whether he doomed conservatives to 40 years in the political wilderness.”1 That is saying a lot. President Trump has surrounded himself with evangelical leaders. He has a strong evangelical Vice President and perhaps the most evangelical cabinet in history. And he welcomes prayer and receives it humbly. At the same time, no president in memory has a less evangelical past and behaves publicly in a less evangelical manner. One of my evangelical colleagues was asked by an interviewer how he would evaluate Trump’s presidency so far. He answered, “On policy, I give him an A-. On demeanor, I give him a D.”2 And a Pew Research article posted on March 12, 2020 stated that, White evangelicals largely see Trump as fighting for their beliefs and advancing their interests, and they feel their side generally has been winning recently on political matters important to them. But when it comes to Trump’s personal qualities and conduct, many express mixed feelings. Even among this strongly supportive constituency, most do not view Trump as a very religious, honest or morally upstanding person (though many white evangelicals say he is somewhat religious, fairly honest or fairly morally upstanding).3 I reduced my own assessment to a simple formulation. Much of what Trump does is praiseworthy. Much of what Trump says is cringeworthy. To this my wife Nancy responded, “But saying things is often doing things as well.” Quite so! Who Is Right?

~~~

While I was listening to the video, heat began to rush over me. I'm sitting here jittery, because I posted the following on two different videos about this book.  Now, I am back and, hopefully, you will understand that when this happens I do not do it on purpose. Please, believe me... I AM has spoken through me. Read the words as they came to me--some of it was my thoughts (about King David) and nothing that I perhaps haven't said before...Except the following words poured out of me... 

 Thank you for writing this book. I have just started reading it but, as a book reviewer, I was here on UTube to see if there was a book trailer. I found your entire book, which I thought was great since I write for my readers who may or may not even hear about the books or not be able to afford the cost. In any event, when I tried to include on my blog entry for today, it wouldn't permit it... I encourage you to think about sharing this book widely. Since 2015, when I first heard the infamous vid of Trump bragging about grabbing a woman, I was Never Trump. Since then I have not changed my mind... and I've allow His Holy Spirit to guide me in what I am doing on my blog, Book Readers Heaven. A Key Point, I think, that you are missing. I hope your book explores abortion further because in my opinion, this is where you are losing we Christians who have considered this from a woman's viewpoint. I am not pro-life; I am pro-choice. In saying that, please, you must assume that we do not wish to abort children! Yet that's what is being implied by Evangelical Christians. If you all have NOT seen news articles about what is happening when Trump/Republican Party has been allowed to use, in my opinion, God to distribute disinformation regarding this matter, then I advise you all to do some research. Consider the teen who lost her baby in the commode...She has been arrested!!! Consider the woman who does not have a viable child to live... She even when to court and the judge ruled that she could have the abortion...but Texas politicians overrode that judge!!! It seems to me that you all have made a deal with the devil. I've watched this happening over the years and I've tried in every way to professionally bring the issue forward without as you acknowledge getting threatened by fellow Christians... This hate is NOT of God, I have often stated through the last years, but your group keeps moving forward! You are forcing women across the world to turn away from Christianity on this one subject alone...forget about all the other things that we find offensive about Trump... Pro-Choice was legal before you all got involved to allow women to consider issues about her "specific" need in relation to pregnancy... By refusing to acknowledge that Christian women have NO right to pray about it, but just make the decision... well, from a purely medical standpoint, you all are FAILING in recognizing the complexity of a woman's body and what are all of the issues that could occur. And, by choosing Trump, who has obviously no concern about a woman himself, you have allowed fanatical republicans who are purely in it for power to push a button that is or should be between the woman and her God... Consider further that by doing so, you have opened up a can of worms that, in my opinion, is wrong. It seems to me that you all are totally ignoring the fact that God has created all of us and he has given us talents...let's choose science as an example... God gave people the ability to perform surgeries... That, Sir, has greatly changed since early times of Christianity. By refusing to consider the advances of science--the advances that many of you use for medical reasons... yet, refuse to allow doctors with God's gift for helping his patients...in my opinion, you are disrespecting God Himself... By using the Bible ONLY as a decision-making activity, you are in fact, ignoring all of the gifts that have been given to us since the birth of Christ. Surely, this is NOT what God wanted??? We must give some recognition to where we are today and consider the difference in time... For your consideration, I recommend you consider the fact that King David had a man murdered in order for him to possess his wife. THEN, he allowed one of his sons to RAPE HIS DAUGHTER! not one word is in the Bible about what happened to that young girl... When his father didn't act on behalf of his daughter, a brother murdered his brother who had raped the girl... CONSIDER THIS, SIR, IF YOU ALL REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING BUT READ THE BIBLE, THEN YOU ARE ACCEPTING THAT MEN DON'T CARE IF THEIR DAUGHTER IS RAPED. FURTHER, YOU ARE ACCEPTING THAT IT IS OK FOR A BROTHER TO RAPE A SISTER...CONSIDER THIS: The 10-year-old girl in Ohio who was raped in incest, was refused an abortion in that state. NOW, after women acted because of what the republicans are doing, the state has changed the law for that state that abortion is permitted! Let's take it a step further. BY using the Bible as Truth, you are allowing men to rape their children, because they read it in the Bible... Don't you think by NOW, incest should no longer exist... Yes, that 10-year-old, knows different... I know different... I know of other young girls who know different!!! I believe that the Bible is Inspired...but that it was written by man... Even the Words of Jesus is rarely used as the subject of sermons...Yet many claim that they are Christians... I say that if Love is not the primary reason they use as a basis for their lives, then they are NOT Christians... However, I am NOT a pastor... Don't you think it's about time that churches/pastors start talking about the reality of today's world, rather than to mandate laws that are specifically ignored by a "favored man of God"? No wonder the young are turning away from God... No wonder people like me--I'm 78--and a victim of incest... after seeing what you all have done by GOING BACKWARDS IN HELPING WOMEN TO CONSIDER ANY PART OF THEIR LIFE, BUT ESPECIALLY THE MOST INTIMATE OF THEIR RELATIONSHIPS, THEN WE ARE TURNING AWAY FROM THE CHURCH!

I HAVE NOT TURNED AWAY FROM GOD. I BELIEVE HE IS USING ME, RIGHT NOW, IN WRITING THIS MESSAGE TO YOU... HIS SPIRIT IS UPON ME. STOP WRITING BACK AND FORTH, BACK AND FORTH, CONSIDERATIONS ON WHAT YOU ALL HAVE DONE... BY NOW, AFTER THIS BOOK CAME OUT YEARS AGO, YOU SURELY HAVE SEEN THAT THOSE IN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HAVE CHOSEN TRUMP, THE HATER, THE RAPIST, THE INCITER OF VIOLENCE... And you keep asking about passing a test? Even as you write, you have failed God's test, in my opinion. I am God's child... YOU all have put me through much turmoil by choosing a man who has been offensive to women since day 1... He's been convicted of rape! Yet you keep asking the question... No, Sir, I believe God is saying to you, Evangelical Christians, have NOT passed His test...

I believe America MUST ensure Trump is Never Able to Hold Office Again! Further I believe the entire party has been corrupted...please do your research and vote accordingly, hopefully to vote against this Political Party...

Remember, God is a God of Truth and Love

Vote against Hatred and Violence!

Gabby

Happy New Year by Poet Extraordinaire Regis Auffray With Musical Accompaniment

 

Happy New Year!

A troublesome year

Two thousand and twenty-three

In so many ways 

In these troubled times

It is hard to concentrate

On the positive 

The white dove of peace

Chased by the eagle of war

Finds no place to land

Perhaps one can find

Through the portal of one’s soul

Some semblance of peace

When I was a child

The concepts of war and peace

Never crossed my mind 

It appears to me

The stairway to heaven is

In need of repairs

Throughout history

Precious peace has been on hold

While Man wages war

Another new year

Yet again peace eludes us

As conflict prevails

While most understand

The futility of war

The latter yet thrives

 It seems redundant

The same wishes every year

For peace and healing

Wishes from the heart

Expressed over millennia

Ever more needed

The new year is here

It seems only yesterday

I was doing this

Wishing friends and family

And every being on Earth

A Happy New Year

  © Regis Auffray

And From Book Readers Heaven, I add, for Hope, Truth, and Peace

For All!

God Bless

Gabby