Coming to Grips with My Reality TV Fascination

I think the time has come for me to admit it... I am a fan of reality TV. I've tried to deny it for some time, but as my wife and I were surveying our favorite TV shows I realized the majority of them were reality shows, for different reasons (we don't watch much TV, but much of what we watch, it turns out, have been/are reality shows). Kid Nation, though no longer on (great material for talking about matters of Faith with my children), Survivor (my all-time favorite! It always amazes me how far people will go, and how much they will sacrifice for the right price and better yet, to see those who refuse to compromise), American Idol (though this does occasionally wear on my nerves, I enjoy the back stories and those who use the platform for eternal purposes- such as Mandisa), Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares (I love watching family-run restaurants who are falling apart pull it together as a business, and especially a family), Beauty and the Geek (not last season's, but the ones before where "beauties" were challenged to look and dive deeper than superficial looks - didn't care much for the Geek makeover part, though it was entertaining to see), and some others on occasion (if time allows - I don't necessarily set the DVR for them).

Why I like reality TV.

I know "reality" is not reality; however, there is something to be said for taking real people as they are and putting them in pressure situations and seeing what they're made of. That is why I love Survivor so much - real people forced to be in close proximity with other real people in less than ideal situations to "outwit, outlast and outplay" the others for $1 million. What are they willing to do/not do for the LARGE sum of money? Will they lie? Steal? Cheat? Hurt someone? Deceive? Something I tell people all the time - trials reveal much about one's true faith. Scripture says it like this: "Out of the abundance of our hearts, our mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45). In other words - whatever we've filled our hearts with will come out (either trickling or gushing)... if it's selfishness, ungodliness, hate, contentious thoughts, etc. - then that's the abundance that will come pouring out (trials put our real-selves out there to be seen). If it's patience, kindness, gentleness, etc. (fruits of the spirit, Galatians 5) - then that's the abundance that will be seen and demonstrated in rough times and good times. I love to root for those who refuse to compromise their integrity, dignity, faith (though most people of faith on TV are not genuine, and often misrepresent Christ, and the church, entirely), even if it costs them the competition, the prize or whatever.

Some shining moments of Reality TV for me:

• American Idol. A girl ("Bikini Girl") shows up to her audition for AI two episodes ago in a TINY bikini (producers made sure to show her from all angles - cheap!). Usually when someone shows up in a gimmicky outfit it means they can't sing and just want to exploit themselves for 2 seconds of fame (being on the rejects video). This girl, however, sang fairly well and made it to the next round (WHY the bikini and cheap sell-out?!?!). My favorite moment for her audition came when the new judge called her out for exploiting herself (noting that the male judges won't remember/recognize her with clothes on) by asking her name "because to them all you are is 'Top' and 'Bottom'". Score one for modesty!

• So You Think You Can Dance. A youth pastor (if memory serves me correctly) auditions and performs a dance that tells a story from the Old Testament (I forget which one). As soon as the judges find out it's Bible-based the hating began and he represented well! He never backed down, he didn't become disrespectful, he defended his choice to have his female backup dancers clothed and told them he refused to give up his faith for a competition. Score one for true Christianity on TV!

• American Idol. A 27-year-old man lives at home with mom to take care of her due to her medical condition. No dating. No partying. No personal life. Is it a sacrifice? You better believe it. Does it consume his life? It IS his life - all he does is care for her. But he's a Biblical picture of what it means to care for "widows and orphans" (a challenge given to the family). I do not think he's a Christian, but it wouldn't be the first time a nonbeliever was used by God to "confound the wise." (Note: I'm not saying this is the case, but it certainly is a beautiful demonstration of real love.) Score one for real love and family!

• Survivor. Any time a contestant remains true from beginning to end, refusing to compromise who they really are (I'm not talking about the "this is who I am - I don't change for no one" arrogance, but true integrity). Score one for true integrity!

Shows That Grate My Nerves:

Any bachelor/dating/love/marriage show. It amazes me the lengths people go to to win the affection of some stranger and how poorly love is represented on the shows. Just pull some people out of their real lives (away from their family and friends who they will eventually return to) and give them alcohol, a hot tub, absurd getaways with a stranger, opportunities for sick make-out sessions and you have a romance reality show. *CUE my audible "BLAH" and cup of water because I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.* This is a blog post of its own, so I'll depart from this one for now (TEENS in my youth group - we will be going through this a little more in depth in the next couple weeks in a new series called "The Love Myth"; PARENTS - teach and demonstrate to your teens/kids what real love looks like).

Note for Parents:

Reality TV is a great tool for teaching Biblical values. As kids watch people make decisions and reap the benefits/consequences of those choices it provides a fascinating conversation starter (and a great way for you to check your own Biblical worldview). Often times we find ourselves rooting for who the producers of the show brainwash us to root for (the one doing the deceiving, playing the game - as if real life should not be a factor, the relationship that has only superficial foundations versus one that is based in a Biblical definition of love, etc.). I love watching appropriate Reality shows with my kids and talking about the Bible as it applies in real life! NOTE: This only applies to shows with any redemptive qualities to them. Many of the love shows do not have this and could be more harmful than helpful for young, impressionable minds. Also - don't forget about the more impressive lessons that can be learned by kids/teens by you TURNING OFF the TV and spending quality time with them!

That's all for now... blessings!!!!

WANT TO COMMENT ON THIS POST? Click here and join the conversation!

____________

President-Elect Obama and My Dad

To begin, I did not vote for Barack Obama. I think I've stated that in a past post, but in case I didn't there it is. Even though I didn't vote for him due to a difference of opinion in policy and such (no need in going into it), I am a fan of his in some aspects; in particular, his role as a father.

Here he is, President-Elect Barack Obama, a week from one of the nation's most historic inaugural ceremonies... making plans for the nation... making appointments to official positions of his cabinet... studying/reading/learning to better prepare himself as the next Commander-in-Chief (the Leader of the Free World)... and writing a letter to his daughters?!?!

Wasn't there a document needing his signature somewhere? Another appointment to make or meet? Another reporter to talk to? Another Staff meeting to attend?

Probably.

But instead he took time out of his schedule to write a letter to his daughters (one they'll most likely hold onto and cherish the rest of their lives - and even pass on to their children). If you haven't heard about the letter, you can read about it here. Now THAT is a real man! Busy... busy... busy... but NEVER to busy to take his daughters to school... love his wife... or write his daughters an affectionate letter expressing his dreams for them as growing young women.

Fathers, take note. It is an amazing privilege to lead your family. It also bears an enormous responsibility. Children (trust me on this) WANT to hear your heart, want you to lead them and want you to pray for and dream for them. I know this not only from working with teens, but from being one myself (as we all were once) and having a father (and mother) who DID write to me. I still have the letter my dad wrote to me on my graduation day from high school. It meant the world to me to have in his own handwriting his dreams for me... his affection expressed for me... and the pride he had in me for my accomplishments. More than that - that he took the time to sit down and write such an endearing letter truly touched me, a rough, know-it-all (all the while not knowing hardly anything) 17-year-old ready to tackle the world. Even better, still, is how much he loves, cares for and cherishes his wife (my mother).

President Obama and I may not agree on most policy, on the origin or maintanance of real freedom, on the decisions needed to be made to undergird the moral structure of this country, but we do see eye-to-eye on one very key fact: there is no unit, group or sphere of influence more essential than the family (created by God in the very beginning)!

I respect President-Elect Obama... not because he's the President-to-be and not because he tells the country they ought to reconsider the importance of family (in particular the parents), but because he LIVES his message. He is a real man - not because of the policy he signs or rejects, but the way he mans-up to lead his family. Now I pray that he leads them in the only direction that never fails, always hopes and never perishes: the Creator, God (through His Son, Jesus Christ). After all, what's it profit anyone to gain the whole world (education from the best institutions, wealth, fame, powerful positions, etc.) and "lose their soul?"

Even moreso, however, I admire, respect and love my father for being the kind of man who in all his military training was still soft enough in heart to pour out his heart to me in letters... to sit and have heart-to-heart talks with me... to love me unconditionally... and ultimately show me what a real man looks like.

Take heart, men. It's a new day in America... not because we have a new president, but because we have men like my dad setting the standard for their families - without press corps, media outlets and newspapers covering their every move. Just doing their God-given job and doing it proudly. Thank you President-Elect Obama for also being that kind of man, despite the national pressure.


________________

Time to Man Up...

BACK FROM THE HOLIDAY BREAK! On to the C2 Blog...

Men (all those of the male gender)... it's time to man up, check your pride for few minutes and hear me out.

Over the last several years I've noticed a sudden increase in boyhood and a sharp decline of genuine men in society. Manhood today is a joke. It's so rare for women to see true gentlemen that when they encounter one, they have no idea how to react or think. Almost uniformly women have lowered their standards for men for a variety of reasons:

1. Because they, themselves, act as "girls" and have no expectations other than purely self-centered ones (don't believe me, watch some of these ridiculous "women" parading around reality television... I digress)

2. They think the only way to keep a "man" is to meet his expectations (so they adjust to him and his standards)

3. Wishful thinking – hoping the boy grows into a man (unfortunately this doesn’t happen as regularly as we think it does)

I could keep going, but I think you get it. So what’s the point? I’m sick of seeing boys parading around as men. These boys range in age from teens to the elderly. They’re single, they’re husbands, they’re fathers, and they’re grandfathers. Why do I call them boys?

1. They focus on boyish things and put everyone else second to their whimsical “needs” (cars/trucks, houses, money, fame, random hookups/sexual relationships with no thoughts of commitment, living with a girl versus showing her he’s truly committed by marrying her, time with the other “boys” instead of being at home with their wife and kids, being lazy and making their wife work as well as take care of the home and kids while they do as they please, etc.)

2. They have no respect for women. In some instances women are nothing more than sexual objects. And don’t get me started on this culture that refers to (and wants) this precious gender whom God created to be a “helper” and companion for man as “ho’s,” b******, and other degrading names (SIDE NOTE: women, seriously - stop letting them get away with it!). Fellas – ANYONE can do the physical stuff… only real men know how to truly captivate a woman’s heart and attention. It’s not a game and women aren’t a prize to be won. They’re a valuable treasure!

3. They have no chivalry – no honor – no integrity – no dignity. Instead they live by one motto: “I’m a Man!” NEWS FLASH: Real men step up, own up, man up, serve (especially their wife and children), love, live right (even when no one’s looking), teach by word and example, and live by THE standard (God’s Word). They lose their pride and put on the coat of humility. None of this “because I’m a man” garbage. Real men step up.

Why such a harsh tone? Because sometimes the situation calls for it. Over the last several weeks I’ve seen some pretty horrendous things (with my own eyes) and had similar stories shared with me by family and friends as I’ve shared my heart with them. Here are some of these “men’s” shining moments:

- Standing in a Taco Bell line waiting for food, a 16 year old male publicly gropes his girl friend as they wait for their food. No thought of the fact that her body belongs to her future husband (and his hands to his future wife) or the fact that he’s degrading her publicly!

- Several instances of a boy “showing” his girl friend how much he “loves” her by hiding the true nature of their relationship in the backseat of his car, taking her clothes off and exposing her (and him) to public embarrassment as they are caught. How romantic! How patient! How kind!

- A married man making lewd comments to married, female coworkers, masking them as “a joke.”

- A wife eating leftovers at work and sharing with her coworkers that her husband made them and the room of women begins to fall in love with her husband for loving her that way. They say “my husband never…” or “I wish my husband would…”

- A husband who won’t take care of his own children – leaving it to the wife or family. Discipline? Forget it. Feeding them? Too hard/time consuming. Getting them ready for school? Not my job. Kids being kids and making noise? Too much to handle – someone else deal with them.

That's just a sample - I've got far too many examples to post on one blog.

Even non-Christian recording artist Beyonce wrote a VERY POWERFUL song recently about this topic, called “If I Were a Boy” (note the “boy” part of the title… not “man”). In it she sings about how she would live if she were a boy, like those in her life. Never heard it? Listen to it here (lyrics are here):

Men, this is an indictment on us, the God-chosen leaders! What happened?!?! How did we come so far?

Where do we go from here?

I am not perfect, nor am I everything my wife deserves on a daily basis. But I promise you, my heartbeat is to “put away childish things” (1 Cor. 13:11) and grow as the man God has created me to be. How do we do that?

First – swallow the pride! If we cannot humble ourselves there is no hope. If we cannot see that we are part of the problem, we’ll never be part of the solution. 1 John 1:8, 10 – “if we say we are without sin, then we deceive ourselves and the Truth is not in us…” and “we make [God] a liar.”

Second – repent! Time to change. Confess to God in the stillness of your room your shortcoming and boyish heart and ask Him to change you. Ask that He help you see how to be the man He’s called you to be… the man your wife/future wife deserves… the example your children ought to see. 1 John 1:9 – “if we confess our sin, [God] is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”

Third – MAN UP! Realize the calling God has placed on our lives. The tremendous responsibility He has placed on us as leaders of our homes.

This is my hope and prayer for you, gentlemen. I am praying for you.

Blessings,

Christian

A man learning daily to put away childish things.

___________________________

Christmas Hope

Just a quick word to wish all of you a Merry Christmas. Thank you for visiting this blog and especially to those who are frequent visitors. Since July the C2 (Christian Squared or ChristiantheChristian) Blog has been accessed over 1,300 times (over half of which are repeat visits, or "regulars").

Also, to share a little hope for those struggling this season - as cliche as it sounds, God the Creator of all truly cares and has a plan for you. While cliche I know (mostly because of how many people say it who do not truly know God), I say it quite expectantly because of the promises I see in Scripture and two situations I've recently encountered of God redeeming "hopeless" people.

SITUATION ONE
I met a couple struggling in sin together. Without going into the details, it's sufficient to say that both were ready to walk out on each other (matter of fact, the husband did a few times, but returned). When I met with them they told me "we're done. This is our last hope before we pack it in for good." Instead of pointing fingers I challenged both to look at their marriage in a new light (to see what God thought of them and what He was doing in their marriage). They are still far from being out of the dark, but after speaking with the wife last night - things are going much better! Why? Because for the first time in their marriage they are looking at God's original design for marriage and learning to love each other selflessly.

SITUATION TWO
This one hits far closer to home because it's MY situation. I've come into several "struggling marriage" situations over the last few weeks which has given me much time to reflect on my own and how far God has brought ME. While I am no means perfect, I know the man I am today is not the same man my wife married! Rewind to the early years of our marriage and you'll see a selfish, "immortal" (so I thought), and misguided boy who thought he knew it all and was untouchable. Through a series of devastating events (mostly brought on by my own ignorant choices), friends willing to speak truth to me and a wife that is an amazing example of mercy, love and grace (all attributes she demonstrated to me, through God's strength many times) I sit back in awe of the God that constantly seeks to redeem (buy back) people through His Son Jesus Christ (see "Jesus Was an Offensive Baby" below), restore them (put them in a right relationship and standing with Him) and the USE THEM to make His name known. I never would have thought that I would be writing a blog as a ministry, serving as a youth pastor or counseling marriages - but that's the power of God! Here I sit, a changed man with a new purpose because of the God who cares and restored me!

He offers hope to the hopeless. So for those struggling this season, I assure you the morning is just around the corner. It's always hardest to trust in the midst of despair or struggle, but take a step of faith in trusting Him who redeems, restores and saves and, ultimately, desires to use YOU, too!

Merry Christmas!

Jesus Was An Offensive Baby...

With it being Christmas time I thought we'd talk a bit about this History/Life/People/Culture/World-changing Savior whom came to us as a Child (Charlie Brown's Christmas is now sufficiently locked in my mind... cue "CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT?!?!"). No, we're not gonna talk about the popular parts (and rightly-so) of the story of His birth.

Instead, I want to talk about FOUR things this Baby was, and represented, that we often overlook at Christmas:

1. A Clear Path: While there was never a gray area with God before, the birth of His Son made it clear how one could go to heaven. Jesus said: "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me." That's it... not "believe in whatever you want and be faithful to it and you're in" or "go to church, pray daily, eat your veggies and you're in"... it's either through belief in Christ alone as the One true Savior or you're out.

2. An Ultimatum: yes, Jesus is the Prince of Peace (or as the famous Christmas passage reads because of His birth: "peace on earth and good will toward men"; though it actually reads "peace, and on earth, peace to those whom God favors")... but unfortunately we misunderstand what that title means. Jesus Himself said, "I did not come to bring peace, but to bring a sword" and that He would divide a family against itself. "WHAT?!?!?!?" you may be asking. Let me clarify... because of sin, mankind is separated from the pure and holy God (Father); man is not at peace with God, but an enemy of His due to their sin (James 4:4, Romans 8:31-39). Christ came to bring peace between MAN and GOD. However, Christ warned that whoever believed in Him and followed Him would be thought of as foolish by many; thus, many people would turn their back on those new “believers”… even their own family at times (hence the reason a family would divide against itself). CHRIST WAS AN ULTIMATUM – either you’re with God, or you’re against Him. Christ being born made it clear that there could be no other option.

3. True Love: not a fickle kind of love like we see so often in our society, but one that was UNCONDITIONAL and given before we even knew we’d need it or want it! God demonstrated love (He didn’t just say “I love you”) by sending His Son in the form of a Child, who would eventually die as a Man so that ANYONE who chose to put their faith in Him could be cleared of all wrongdoing in the eyes of God and have a new chance at life. No matter what, God promises those who are really with Him – it is a FOREVER deal! No backing out… no changing His mind… no changing the requirements later… He’s in it forever, PERIOD. Don’t believe me? Read Romans 8:31-39.

4. A New Definition for Loving Others: More than just be nice and give stuff, Christ said that we ought to “be last.” Putting others first was a revolutionary thought in that day and time. To serve others was a lowly job… Christ didn’t just teach it, though… He exemplified it! He said “For [I] did not come to be served, but to serve and to give [My] life as a ransom for many.” Translation: Christ came to serve mankind in the ultimate way – to lay down His life (take our punishment for our sin on Himself, thus freeing us) so that you and I could have a second chance. Now THAT is Love!!!

So as we celebrate this amazing birth, I pray we remember exactly what it did for mankind! It was more than just the birth, Wise Men, Shepherds, music, angels, plays, decorations and food… it was a new beginning!!!! I pray that you may experience this Peace that He came to bring!

Merry Christmas!


_____

How to Ruin a Marriage Together!

Typically when we hear about one falling it is because of a self-destructive pattern of choices. Left in the wake of those decisions is usually husbands or wives, children, family, close friends, church members, etc. These decisions are, more often than not, single-party ventures (one person making the decisions), but…

…what happens when a husband and wife fall (self-destruct) TOGETHER?

Instead of protecting one another, one or both persons in the marriage encourage the downward spiral by embracing destructive choices together. One such case happened recently. Music artist Amy Winehouse (“Rehab”, “Me and Mr. Jones”, etc.) and husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, have spent much time in the media lately due to their regular run-ins with the law over serious substance abuse issues. As this blog is being typed Blake is currently serving time in prison for some of those issues. Janis Winehouse (Amy’s mother) reportedly said her daughter was misled by her husband into a lifestyle of “drugs and self harm.” While I do understand the power of suggestion, it is important to remember that Amy made the choices, too – she is not a victim (in entirety)… after all, it does take two to tango. It is terrible what this couple is going through, but I am not here to dissect their marriage or lifestyle. Instead, what I am here to do is plead with husbands and wives to rethink what is embraced in your marriages. What decisions are being made jointly that have the potential of ruining your marriage?

Vices come in all shapes and forms: substance (alcohol, drugs, etc.), sex (utilizing what God gave to be between one man and one woman and open that relationship up in a number of unhealthy ways: open marriages, “swinging,” pornography or raunchy R-rated/unrated movies as a “spice it up” tool, etc.), finances (choosing to embrace a financially irresponsible lifestyle), integrity (being one couple in the dark and another in the light), etc. These are but a few ways husbands and wives endanger themselves and their marriages. I don’t believe Blake or Amy (or any other husband or wife that has struggled in similar fashion) ever woke up one morning and said “let’s be reckless and ruin our marriage together!” Instead they sought out recreation and leisure together and it has led them to places neither expected to go… and now their marriage is crumbling.

So what’s the point?

Husbands, we are called on by God to protect our wives. Not just when someone threatens her, but in everyday life. In the decisions we lay upon her to make on our marriage’s behalf. Are we asking her to test waters she ought not to test? Are we tempting her in ways in which she may not be able to recover? Are we asking her to try something she may later regret?

Wives, likewise care for your husbands. Seek to protect their eyes, hearts, minds/thoughts, reputations, etc. Are the desires that you have something that could ultimately hurt him, you or your marriage? Are your wishes going to help him grow as a husband or encourage him to walk a path he will later regret? Though the husband is the leader of the family, remember what a powerful role you have, too (afterall, it was Eve who tempted Adam in the Garden).

One last question: are the decisions you make together as husband and wife something you pray daily for your own children to experience in own their marriages? If not, maybe we have some questions to ask ourselves.

I encourage you husbands and wives to read the following passages together: Ephesians 5:22-33 and 1 Peter 3:1-7.

Until next time… may God richly bless your marriages!!!

______________

Why Christians Ought to See "The Dark Knight"

I AM BACK... the trip was amazing! I have seen some things that have truly broken my heart and redefined prayer in my life. Thank you for your patience in my absence. I am now back on schedule (1-2 posts/week). HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

To begin: I am NOT a comic book junkie. I don't know what happened to Iron Man in issue #354 or Superman in issue #417… I do not know Captain America’s or Green Lantern's alter-egos’ names… I do not know which comics are actually still in circulation; however, I do like many comic book movies. I love GOOD movies with amazing stories and that are solid technically (directing, cinematography, effects, music, etc.), and recently many of the comic books-turned-movies have been enjoyable.

"The Dark Knight" is no ordinary, “enjoyable” comic book movie. It is a masterfully done piece of art that is probably the BEST good vs. evil movie I've ever seen. Politics aside (as many have alluded to the potential political message seen throughout the film), Christopher Nolan has directed a true masterpiece of a movie that I believe all Christians ought to see.

Superb acting aside (yes, Ledger’s Joker is worthy of all the hype), here's my rundown of why this film is one of the best (newly added to "my favorites" list) and why Christians ought to see it:

• Evil is portrayed as it truly is – pure evil. No real motive or reason for its cause – just the absolute lack of good. (Matter of fact, seeing it this way helps the viewer see how easy it is for good to blur the line of evil for its own sake… I digress.)
  


• I have not, in recent memory, seen evil portrayed in such a manner that the resulting anarchy/chaos actually become their own character(s). As the story and city seemingly come unglued, the audience is masterfully put in a shaky position of choosing its side (and for many, the good side is not as easy to identify as originally thought).
  


• The middle characters (supporting cast) do an amazing job of painting a grey line right down the middle of good and evil. If doing evil allows for good, is it really evil? Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhal), Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), Alfred (Michael Caine) and even the citizens of Gotham each come face-to-face with this question. How would you respond in such an event?

As a Christian this movie is even more enjoyable (though I am not a big fan of violence) because of how it wrestles with good and evil. It does not paint an easy to follow, cliché line of good. Instead it grabs the audience and puts them in a position where they are forced to see (maybe even test) their own ethical/moral values.

While the Bible does not paint an ambiguous line of what is good, many times Christians repaint the line for God according to their own definition of "good." That is what this movie shows, but (as Nolan beautifully illustrates) if good is ever going to conquer evil, there can be no compromise.

EDITORIAL NOTE: Just to be clear (though I know this is obvious to most), The Dark Knight is rated PG-13 for scenes of violence.

_____________

Many Apologies and President-Elect Obama

I am so sorry for the virtual absence. I am leaving tomorrow for a mission trip to Palestine and the last few weeks have been very busy as I prepare for that trip (among other many details). I will return in 10 days, so look for a new post around November 17. :-)


A quick word on President-Elect Obama. I was listening this morning to a national radio program that was fielding calls from listeners regarding their reaction to his victory and it disturbed me greatly. Many self-described "religious" or "Christian" listeners were sharing some very hateful words insisting that his victory meant the end of a Nation (many also insisted he was the Anti-Christ).

Let me assure (and remind) and encourage you...

1. Be GRACIOUS with your words!!!! A LOST world is LISTENING to every word that proceeds from your mouth! He is now the President-Elect... campaigning is over - respect his position! Name-calling is not a form of accountability. It's childish. Honor Romans 13:1-7.

2. True "Change" is not coming from Obama (nor would it have come from McCain or Palin!) or any other members of our government. True change comes from a HEART change. In this case, America will change when people seek change and take responsibility. To sit back and wait for change to rain down (trickle down) from Washington is irresponsible of us as Christians. Money fades, taxes go up and down, gas prices rise and fall, salaries adjust and the economy booms and busts - it's a regular part of life. Truth and love, however, remain the same and it is our calling as believers to show what true change looks like from that perspective.

3. Above all - SHOW LOVE with all that you do, say and think!!! Remember, we know love because God first loved us. He extended love FIRST - He didn't wait for us to deserve it. Let us live that example as well - let us love all, first (Even if they do not ask it of us)!!!! SERVE those in your homes, work places and communities.


______________________