When Things Feel Upside Down

Do you ever have that feeling life is upside down? Lately as I read the headlines and look over the fruited plains of the USA my sense is life most definitely feels upside down! As far back as I can remember being a citizen of the USA made feel proud. Yes I still have that sense of pride but something is going on that has raised my level of concern. It is not one thing that I can pinpoint. Yes there is the culture war raging. The media seems elite and out of touch with most folks. At least much of the media comes across to me that way.

This debate over the definition of marriage almost feels surreal at times. Thirty years ago who could have predicted that the homosexual community would become such a dominate force in our society? Children require a mom and a dad who are faithful and committed first to one another. Mark my words! If our society shifts from the traditional definition of marriage to allow anyone get married of a certain age the nation will not survive! If gays can marry then anyone can marry! If not why not? Marriage will simply cease to exist in any meaningful definition. Can you imagine the confusion for children? At the conclusion of this slide a question will have to be answered. What does it mean to be married in America? The answer will be, "nothing."

There are events unfolding around the nation that I never thought I would witness. Let me be specific. I never thought a sitting president of the USA would disregard the Constitution so blatantly. Who could have imagined an Army psychologist murdering his fellow soldiers in the name of his religion? I am referring to the Ft. Hood shooting. We are so overly sensitive to offending the Muslim community that it appears the military had a wolf in their midst but were unwilling to remove him from their ranks. Political Correctness rules the day. People become offended at the drop of an adjective! As a young kid growing up in central Pennsylvania we called each other names that now would land us in court facing a lawsuit. You think I am kidding but trust me we would definitely be in big trouble in today's hyper-sensitive environment.

Who would have thought a former Penn State football coach would be accused of sexually abusing several young boys? As a Penn State fan the whole scenario seems surreal. And who got the blame? Joe Paterno! He got fired for doing what? It continues to fascinate me how the leaders of the university board dismiss their legendary coach because of what he didn't do! Coach Rick Pitino had an adulterous affair, impregnated the woman, paid for her abortion and then was blackmailed for trying  to cover up the mess. He continues to coach at the University of Louisville. Tell the me the world isn't upside down!

I suppose this sounds like a rant but life doesn't seem to be on balance. It feels like the universe is being swallowed up. Yet there are signs that life will eventually even out. There is are many positives and blessings to be noted. For these things I am grateful. My hunch is the best way to handle the upside down feeling is to go back to basics and focus on the Lord. He remains in control even if it feels like everything is out of control. (Psalm 46)

Religious Liberty Takes a Huge Hit

Recently the Obama administration via Obamacare mandated to religious affiliated organizations that they would have to pay for contraceptives and RU-486 abortion pill. After the initial firestorm the administration backed away from the original mandate and suggested a compromise. But the compromise essentially shifted the cost to the insurance companies that provide the insurance for these religious institutions. The primary target was the Catholic Church. Their leaders have vehemently disagreed with the first mandate and the so-called compromise.

The truth about the mandate is that it assaults the First Amendment of the US Constitution. While I am not a constitutional scholar from reading the clause that prohibits the government from restricting the exercise of one's religion this health mandate certainly does just that! How can any administration dictate to any religious organization what they can and cannot cover in terms of employees? The fact that any government entity is forcing a religious organization to violate their own beliefs and conscience is beyond anything we have ever seen in our lifetime! When I first heard of the mandate my jaw dropped! Was I really hearing what the president announced and then the media reported?

When we speak of religious liberty it doesn't matter what faith is profess because we all in the same boat. If this health mandate is allowed to stand then any organization will be subject to follow. I am not Catholic but I share their concern over the loss of one of the fundamental right to practice one's religion without interference from the government. This certainly will "fundamentally transform" our nation from a democratic republic into a quasi-socialist democracy. Once this line has been crossed Katie bar the door in terms of what the government will do next in terms of restricting and regulating our religious practice.

It is time for Americans from all faiths to stand up as one to stop this radical agenda! We have no time to wait!

Surprises

Instead of writing about resolutions for 2012 I thought it might be fun to maul over surprises that often drop into laps. You know those birthday presents or unexpected phone calls from people from our past that simply pop out of nowhere. Surprises can be fun. They can be irritating. One thing for certain is that surprises will occur during 2012. Rather than discuss how we are to negotiate those pesky new years resolutions it might be more interesting to discuss how to react toward surprises.

First surprises can arrive as either positive or negative in nature. Being audited by the IRS is one of those surprises we would rather not experience. But you do your best to negotiate the hassle. The positive ones are definitely more enjoyable! I know that is obvious but sometimes folks will get out of sorts because something good happened but it interrupted their lives. There those surprises that can overwhelm you. Why is it that many folks who win the lottery end up more miserable at the end of the day? The surprise of winning a large amount of money through legalized gambling brings all kinds of challenges. Many people aren't prepared to handle the challenges.

Second surprises happen for a reason(s). Often we simply think it is dumb luck or fate that a positive surprise lands in our direction. However, when unexpected events burst into our lives we must pause to ask, "What is God doing?" That is not a bad question. Surprises are reflections that God is in control. I remember when Debi and I were students are Harding and every once in a while friends of ours would send a check our direction. It was always appreciated. I don't believe this was just a coincidence. God was taking care of us in His own mysterious way. Even the negative surprises can teach us lessons and strengthen our faith.

Third remember that surprises can be used for God's glory. If a large check finds your mail box you might want to bless the local church or some needy family. Surprises do not necessarily have to be used strictly for yourself. You bump into an old friend that you haven't seen in years. Maybe you can invite him/her to church services. Surprises do catch us off guard but if we take the time to think about it perhaps we can bring in kingdom's purposes. God will surely be honored by our choices and actions.

A Stress Free Christmas?

Sounds rather idealistic doesn't it? A stress free Christmas seems to be way out of reach! Who believes Americans can experience the Holidays without stress? While it may be impossible to enjoy a stress free Christmas wouldn't it be great if we could at least reduce the level of stress? Who wouldn't love a lot less stress during these hectic days? Black Friday, long lines, credit cards, buying the wrong gift and a host of other items clutter the experience we know as Christmas Time. What is an American to do? Some suggestions I hope will prove helpful along this line.

First, simplify the experience. What do I mean? Don't get so caught up in buying stuff that you miss the joy of the season. Keeping up with the Jones' reaches a fever pitch when this season of the year strikes. Every year we read or see stories where people are trampled or pummeled in a department store all because of crazed and covetousness folks who want the best deals! If we could de-emphasize the materialism of the season, maybe...just maybe we would feel less stress.

Second, remember that the Season of Giving is about being with your family and friends. This is the time of year when people think of the Christ Child in Bethlehem. Biblically speaking there is no evidence for Jesus being born on December 25th. The idea of gift giving originated with the Magi bringing gifts to the baby Jesus months after He was born. But let's remember it is not about stuff but rather people. We need to get back to emphasizing spending time with those we love. Laughing together and getting caught up with our family members makes for a rich experience during Christmas Time. Your stress level will definitely lessen if you keep in mind that the season is about family.

Third do something kind for a person(s) that cannot repay you. One year when all of our children still lived at home we served a meal at a local homeless shelter on Christmas Eve. It is one of the more memorable Christmas' the Confers ever celebrated. Use your imagination. If there is an elderly neighbor that could use a meal? Maybe there is a needy family that would benefit from some basic items. When we serve others Jesus statement clings to our hearts. "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

My hope is that you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Be safe and enjoy the ride!

Villans, Victims & the Media

Those of you who read my blog know that I am a Penn State Football fan. So what I am writing about needs to be taken into consideration in that light. I grew up twenty five miles from State College. After all sports is often associated with geography. Joe Paterno has been a hero of mine. I have his book Paterno by the Book with his autograph in it. So when the news exploded onto the pages of the headlines about the sexual abuse scandal involving former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky I was shocked, angry & deeply grieved. It is a sad, disturbing time for all of those who followed PSU football. A friend of mine sent me a text last week saying, "This is surreal!" We struggle to know what to think & feel. It seems so unbelievable!

First, I don't know all the facts. At first there seem to be a rush to judgment about Paterno and others named in the grand jury presentment. Even now I don't think we know everything that happened. The experts in the media paint the picture of secrecy and cover-up at Penn State. JoePa being swept up in this storm of controversy. Paterno reported to the Athletic Director about the one incident that was brought to his attention. Many have suggested that he should have done more. He was quoted as saying that in hind sight he should have done more. So it is hard to argue with that suggestion. People will discuss and debate for years about the board's decision to fire Paterno. I definitely have an opinion. Franco Harris disagreed with the board as I do. It would have been better if Paterno had finished the season and then retired as he had previously announced. Instead a firestorm erupted on campus and the scandal deepened.

The victims in the sordid, ugly mess are the ones the media and sports experts overlook. Child sexual abuse is the real storyline here. I don't discount the role administrators and coaches may have played in allowing Sandusky to prey on these kids. If this is true it sickens me! More of us need to do more to fight this insidious disease that blights our culture. I will continue to pray for the victims and their families as they attempt to find healing and peace for their lives. The victims need all the support and love we can give them. If you have ever counseled or talked with a person who has been sexually abused then you have some idea how devastated these people are. The pain, confusion, hurt and loss of innocence can be overwhelming for the victims.

The villan in the scandal is Jerry Sandusky. While there is presumption of innocence in our legal system the evidence in the grand jury presentment is substantial. Most of the discussion on the sports networks, talk shows and in sports media print was directed at Coach Paterno. After listening and watching these experts it became clear that Paterno is the culprit. The media needs to sell advertising and make money so many acted like sharks with blood in the water. I believe there have been a number of people out to rid the college ranks of Paterno. "He is too old. The game has passed him by. He is a figure head." I have heard most of the arguments for "Joe must go." The board now had a good reason to fire Paterno. Maybe they did the right thing. Perhaps I am too loyal to JoePa. But let's keep in mind who the real villan is in this mess. The villan is Jerry Sandusky, not Joe Paterno.

So many faces in the sports media have lost my respect. While JoePa has his faults I see the experts in the world of sports as revealing their true identity. Jesus said, "Out of the abundance the heart the mouth speaks." (Matthew 12:34) It is my view that I learned much more about the sports media from what they said than I did about Joe Paterno. Referring to Paterno as a "dirty old man in a trench coat" does not say much for the sports writer. Calling State College a cult and Joe Paterno a cult leader is no place in sports journalism. The sort of sensational sports journalism hit the airwaves and print media in tsunami proportion last week. It is time for folks to report the facts and let the National Enquirer do the gossip journalism.

Moral Courage in Crisis

My son loaned me the biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I knew of Bonhoeffer due to his book on discipleship. While I was aware of his death at the hands of the infamous Nazi regime I did not grasp his faith in God and how it led him to join the conspiracy to assassinate Adolph Hitler. As a person who claimed faith in Christ that might seem misguided. But when you learn the character and thought process of Bonhoeffer you begin to get your head around why he took the stance that he did in the face of unimaginable evil. It would be tempting for me to just be quietly opposed to the Nazi heresy but do my best to go unnoticed.

I respect Bonhoeffer's commitment to right and truth. Whatever he did was to be based upon whatever God was telling him to do. He would read the Scriptures to discern an answer to his prayer. While others either didn't understand his decision or disagreed with it once committed there was no turning back. Even before it was apparent to most Germans that Hitler was a nemesis to the country Bonhoeffer articulated the dangers with Hitler's antisemitism. Early on he recognized evil for evil's sake. While many Germans hailed Hitler was their "messiah" Bonhoeffer was able to see fraud & duplicity of the new regime. Isaiah 5:20 reads, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter."

I have not finished the book but I know that Bonhoeffer died at the end of rope just weeks before the Allies liberated Germany. But he knew the risks. What is amazing to me knowing the stakes were high Bonhoeffer obeyed his conscience. There was no way he would stand by or join the army while Hitler slaughtered the Jews and anyone else who stood in his march for world dominance. With such a madman on the loose Bonhoeffer believed God had called him to join the conspiracy to assassinate the sadistic, psychopathic leader of the Third Reich. Most of us would shrink from this dangerous mission. Everyone must given an account to God. (Romans 14:12) But the question, "What would I have done?" keeps rolling over in my mind.

If presented in the modern context with such a dilemma what would I do? Evil exists in the world and will continue until Christ comes again. But what are God's people to do when an Adolph Hitler appears on the world stage? Do we simply run and hide? Do we hope and pray that everything will get better on its own? These thoughts and questions need to be asked. There are moments in history when people who call themselves Christians are required to work through these questions and reach the firm conviction to do the right thing.

Now when I think of Bonhoeffer the memorable moment when Mordecai challenged Esther comes to mind. "And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

Freedon of Religion, Really?

I read today on the Drudge Report that a couple in Orange County, California have been fined $300 for hosting a Bible study in their home! I kid you not! Evidently the city of Mission Veijo has an ordinance barring private meetings in people's homes. Their claim is that the Bible study violates this ordinance. I might be wrong but I was under the impression that we have freedom of religion in the United States of America. But if this horrible policy stands my impression is completely off base. According to the U.S. Constitution we have the freedom to assemble. This is nothing more than the secular, godless state attempting to dictate and control the religious practices of the people. Chuck and Stephanie Fromm are going to fight this religious persecution. For this I am thankful. Please pray for this family as they press on to simply have a Bible study in their home. Who does the city think they are?

My dad would suggest "they are too big for their britches." But it goes further than that. Mark Levin's book Liberty & Tyranny addresses this type of serious problem staring our nation in the face. I for one do not plan to sit idly by while this kind of tyranny snowballs. People of faith must band together and defend one another. Some will argue the early Christians did not fight the government. But they continued to preach the gospel and practice N.T. Christianity in spite of opposition and persecution. When emperor worship became the dominant theme in the Greco-Roman World Christians refused to call Caesar their Lord. Jesus was their Lord. We live in a free society at least in theory. The Founding Fathers guaranteed that Americans of all religions would be free to exercise their beliefs. I recognize that they never intended for people to hurt others in the name of religion. However, if a person sought to practice Christianity in whatever form or Judaism or Islam they are free to do so.

I never thought a family would be fined in our nation for holding a Bible study in their own home! What I now believe is that this is just the beginning. I have been reading the biography Bonhoeffer. The Nazis led by the psycho-path Adolph Hitler started slowly. But one of the first moves he instigated was to create the Reich church where German Christians were under the thumb of the National Socialist Party. Eventually people were compelled to swear allegiance to Adolph Hitler as part of their religious faith. Bonhoeffer and others fought this outrage from the beginning. Once the government can dictate to people what to believe and how to practice their faith religious freedom has vanished.

If a community, state or national government has the authority to limit the religious practice of one family where does it stop? You may be thinking, "It will never happen here." I am sure the Fromm family in Mission Veijo, California believed that as well at one time. While it is an historical certainty that religious persecution has been around for thousands of years who could have predicted this kind of behavior from a city in the USA? How long will it be before the state at some level dictates to preachers and and churches that is unlawful to preach against homosexuality? When will it be against the law to stand for traditional marriage because it is considered discriminatory?

Folks it is time for people of faith to wake up! Prayer will be essential to winning this fight. But actions are also necessary. We better put Christian behavior into positive actions to defend folks like the Fromm family. If you recall Jesus overturned the tables on the moneychangers because they had abused for personal gain the purpose of the temple. (John 2:11-17) Righteous indignation can be a good thing if used for the glory of God. We can no longer afford to ignore the problem. Religious persecution has raised its ugly head. What are you going to do about it?