America is changing…….
I just got back from a great trip to St. Augustine with Sherelene to visit family and be at my grandson Ben’s high school graduation. We had a great time as a family being with Scott and Diane, Ben and Hannah and Hannah’s boy friend, Tim. We got to visit Sherelene’s sister Diane and her husband Ron, it was all swell, except for one thing, and this was not the fault of any of my family members, but something at the graduation, really bothered me a lot!
When we first sat down and hour and a half before the graduation ceremony, there were many hundreds to graduate that day!!! I started looking through the program, and as at all such celebrations lots of superintendents, principals, board members and other dignitaries each had an address to give. Then there was the Senior officers, the Valedictorian and Salutatorian. It was a long affair to be sure, but I noticed looking at the program, they sang the alma matter, they recited the pledge allegiance to the flag, they sang Star Spangled Banner, but no invocation?! I kept waiting for one of the many speakers to give some thanks to God, but He was not mentioned. Finally the principal gave his talk and used the nickel as his reference, he talked about all the things written and displayed on the nickel and their meaning to the graduating class, I got excited, I kept waiting, surely this guy would mention that right on the coin it said , “In God We Trust”? Nope everything on a nickel was described, except that!!!!
O.K. I understand it was a big diverse school and not all the students were part of my faith. I’m sure it would have made the ceremony three times longer if every faith was represented and God only knows, today, you can’t offend anyone!
I sat there feeling a great deal of pride in my grandson and a great deal of worry about the world he and my other grandchildren are about to go out into. We have become so politically correct that we have chosen that rather than complicate matters, we’ve decided, “let’s just eliminate God from our lives!” If we don’t someone may get upset.
I’m sorry but I can’t deal with that kind of solution to an over sensitive, self indulgent society that says, “don’t bother me with things I don’t accept or believe in!” I think everyone has the right and is permitted to believe and practice those beliefs as they so desire, even God has told us that He will not force Himself on us, we have that free choice. What I hate is that those of us that do believe, that do want to honor our God, that do feel those wonderful young people are a great gift to us, from our Heavenly Father, are expected to sit on our hands rather than upset someone else. I don’t believe in and honor God to upset people, that has nothing to do with my faith walk.
I know…… I’m old and old fashioned. I grew up when prayers were given before football games by local pastor, when teams prayed before and after a game, when schools had “Christmas plays” and sang Christmas Carols. I can remember when we said Merry Christmas to everyone, Happy Easter, and when we stopped to pray for families on Memorial Day and evoked God’s love on other holidays.
I don’;t want to offend others, I really don’t and I take no pleasure in saying anything that may ruffle someone’s feathers, but I’m kind tired of having my feathers ruffled too!
So here is what I’m going to do, I’m going to express God’s love in all the ways I can, be helpful, honor others, pray for them, and offer a helping hand. I’m going to continue to wish others a Merry Christmas, and say Praise God, and Bless you! I’m going to live my faith as it come naturally. Not to bug anyone, but because I truly am glad to be an American, a Christian, and be so Blessed in the life He has given me.. Why? Because my mother and father taught me to be thankful and always say thank you!
Thank You God, I still believe in you and I’m not ashamed to say it!
Blessings,
the pilgrim
This entry was posted on Monday, May 23rd, 2016 at 10:16 pm
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Despite the fact that this world has become very difficult for Christians to live in (and I believe it will continue to become more difficult), it is still His World. We look forward to that glorious day when Christ will return and claim those who truly do Trust in God, and the shed blood of His Son for their redemption. Thank you Bill, for your testimony, and your encouragement. And congratulations to your grandson on his graduation. Quite an accomplishment in today’s world!
Yes, I’m very proud of him! He’s a great young man! God will provide for us!
The world is not becoming more difficult for Christians, and certainly not this country. Christians in the US have it great: total freedom of religion, mass cultural acceptance, etc. Christians in the US can do anything they want. Christians dominate the social, political, and economic landscape. There are incredible numbers of Christian churches. The fact that at some graduation ceremony there is respect for other religions doesn’t change that.
Bill gets it right: if you have one prayer, then you need to have prayers of the other faiths represented out of respect. It’s not “political correctness”…it’s called respect.
Now certainly there are some countries in the world with real persecution of Christians. But it does then a disservice to in any way equate that with not having a prayer at a graduation ceremony. In the Bible it describes some examples of real persecution and difficulty for Christians; we in this country have no right to complain.
Christians should not be the ones complaining but the ones with an attitude born out of eternal victory. It’s a poor witness to the rest of the world when Christians in this country, who do have everything, complain about trivial points.
We should also rejoice that we have a secular government; we don’t want or need a theocracy. A theocracy would only corrupt Christians; it always has and always will. Also, in a theocracy, what happens if the religion enforced is not the one that you believe in? Then all of a sudden state sponsorship of a religion looks a bit different. Imagine if at every graduation ceremony, you had to listen to a Buddhist prayer, or Muslim prayer, etc. The only reason why we advocate for prayers at a public ceremony is because we know that this country’s culture would favor Christianity; we can safely assume that.
Be of good cheer.
Bill, another great post!
I find it interesting that as frustrated I am with NASCAR and a number of their decisions I heartily applaud their continuing the prayer before every race as I am sure that they are “offending” a number of their patrons but you know — I just don’t care.
Bless you for all that you do and please continue to offend any non-believer with the statements of your beliefs!
I pray that the lost hear HIS voice, I will repeat all He give me!
Too many people have taken the stance that Freedom of Religion means Freedom From Religion. I’m 99.999 % certain that prayers will be said aloud in the program at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga before hundreds of Scouts place flags on each American solder’s grave. Been there, done than and shed a few tears in the process. I plan to be there again on Saturday to remember and honor those that have served our country.
We have to find out place of peace and joy and serve others there!!! Good for you!!!
Amen.
So sorry we missed each other, I miss our visits, maybe soon!!!!
Amen!
Amen to you Dave
Your Observations are right on, Your example is correct and appreciated. Just read last night in 2 Th. chapter 2 that in the latter days there will be a great falling away. We had better start looking up and working to carry as many with us as we can. I know I need to work on my obedience in that area. Of course if everything was good we should still be doing those things shouldn’t we. We can rest assured in the fact that God has a place for us that is better than here and He will deal with this mess when the time is right. We just need to do what he has called us to do. He Is Alive and He Loves Us!
Today’s blog will deal with exactly this, good points!!!!
Bill,
I often label myself a “recovering” Catholic and so I’m not a deeply religious person. However, I do consider myself a spiritual person and I relate to God in my own manner.
I can understand your frustration regarding “freedom from religion” and in some ways it parallels the way many professional photographers feel about how the digital camera revolution has watered down the craft of photography. Yet, in both cases, nothing stops a person from being as close to God as they so choose or being the best photographer they can be. What others do or don’t do need not stop a person from expressing his/her beliefs or creating the type of photographs he/she desires.
I’ve followed your blog for several years and I don’t think for a minute that anything someone else said, did or didn’t do would create any separation between you and God. Similarly, I’ve admired your photographs and know that no amateur with an entry level camera will make your images any less enjoyable.
Just keep doing what you do best, Bill – regardless of how the world changes. That’s why we admire you.
Dan thanks for the kind words, I will stick with my marching orders!
I’m old enough to remember having prayer at the beginning of each school day, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. It was mandatory that you stand, place your right hand over your heart and face the flag. I was at a sporting event recently and when asked to stand and remove your hats during the National Athem, the two young teens next to me remained seated and continued to text. Both parents stood but did not say anything to their kids. When we got to the the words “bombs bursting in air” I wanted to drop a bomb up side the head of both parents. It would not have been the christian thing to do but, boy, it would have felt good.
It is mandatory that we, the seasoned citizens, grand parents and elders, continue to teach the young, someone must!!!!
Bill,
Thank you for your words of encouragement and guidance! Lately , I have felt the same way you have about honoring and worshiping God. Your words are inspiration and plan, that all of us who are tired of getting our “feathers ruffled” too can live by!
We all face t his together, we need to stick together and be there for each other!
Amen, Brother. We will continue to live our faith and try to reach others to do the same.
We’re all teachers!
Thank you Bill. I have grown tried of the modern day definition of meek being applied and followed by many. What you voiced immediately made me think “Blessed are the meek” and I mean the meek as the Lord Jesus Christ means it.
May the Lord Bless you and keep you. 🙂
Thanks so much!
In the book of Acts, the apostles prayed so they could be bold – and tell about Jesus no matter how much the government (Jewish) told them to shut-up. The church’s problem is that we are timid when it comes to voicing our beliefs. The folks in Acts worried not whether they were going to be fined, jailed, or beaten – they just spoke out for Jesus. That bold speaking out, in spite of threats, caused a revival that lasted 200 years – the church was “multiplied” daily! A fire is never going to flame up where there is no wind! The enemy knows that when we are intimidated enough to stop the wind (our voice) the Kingdom will be left to die. Forget the timid – they never are recorded anywhere in history! Let us pray for GREAT BOLDNESS! Only then will this country, or any country, be changed! Thank you Bill for being so BOLD!!
Well said, Carl. Thank you for that.
Agreed
Boldness is what we are called to be, not in your face boldness, but truth in Christ’s love. I think the more we stand for Him the more we will come under attack, I want to love first, but if the world hates my speaking the truth I say, “bring it on.”
Amen my brother 🙂
Always good to hear from you!
Bill, Thank You for being a stand up guy for Jesus! Your remarks are right on target. You are an encouragement to the rest of us, so don’t stop! Looking forward to meeting you in person in Oct in the Smokies!
Me too my brother!
Interesting that our church showed a part of “Agenda 2,” a video about the undermining of our country, this evening. Wonder if you have seen it as its first showing was in Kentucky? Really very scary, but, hopefully, a wake-up call to all believers.
Have not seen it, but want to!
I am with you Bill. I am proud to be a Christian. Jesus died for us because he loved us so. He was not embarrassed of us and I most certainly am not embarrassed of him or my faith. I do not wish to offend any one but I will not hide my belief in or love of our lord.
Steve
We all stand for Him together!
Proverbs 1:7 states: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
Fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Sadly our public schools are embarrassed by Him. At some point Christian parents have to ask whether it is wise to allow the government to train up their children.
It’s a question that every parent needs to consider deeply!
Bill,
As Christians, it is becoming more important to differentiate ourselves by our actions.
I am becoming more aware every day that the decision that matters is the one that I make.
He is calling us to be true to Him as we are true to ourselves.
Thank you for exemplifying this.
Sincerely,
Mark
To God be the Glory!