Well, we’ve finally stepped into the New Year! Its 2021 and we’re all looking for a fresh start, a reset, a clean slate. Did you make any resolutions for the new year, or were you like me, just wanting to get out of 2020 as expeditiously as possible? It’s been a tumultuous past year. I won’t even begin to name all the issues we’ve faced and still continue to wrestle with both consciously and subconsciously. Like you, I miss the days of peace, tranquility and sailing through my life knowing all the effort I put forth would be rewarded. Today I wonder if that was ever true, or was I simply walking through life with my head in the sand so to speak?
Out of all the turmoil we’ve experienced the few attributes I believe that have emerged from all our conflicts have been - a new attention to both our federal and local politics, a discussion of the injustices minorities have (and still) encounter, understanding the threat of our valued democracy from within our own political parties respectively, our right to seek and build personal income, tolerance of another’s personal freedom and choices, and what I deem most important, the value of friends, lovers and family.
I’ve received numerous emails, letters and calls requesting my opinion on all the issues we’re facing. My answer has been “with the results you seek, would you permit your children, spouse, parent or loved one to incur the results of what you wish or want?” Are you brave enough to make the sacrifice not only for yourself, but those you love and cherish most? We have to think beyond our own selfishness. We must understand that our thoughts, actions, and responses affect not only ourselves, but those in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Today, our circumstances and desire for immediate results are definitely a gamble. So, if we were to deep dive into my response, my query is - are you willing to risk the health, finances and future of your son or daughter by wager for your immediate desires? What if I asked for the life of your parent waged against what you believe to be true and right? Are you willing to place that bet? Are you willing to risk being wrong? Are you certain you’re right? I most certainly am wagering - without fear.
I’m willing to place any wager that’s backed by my faith and belief in God. Living my life through the teachings and spirit of Christ built that confidence with assurance that I cannot lose. So I ask each of you to evaluate where you are spiritually today. Have you permitted the issues of the day to re-enforce cruel beliefs, selfish wants, and desires? Ask yourself, in all your convictions, beliefs, demands and desires have you put a higher power first? Or are the rants and rages a result of an unconscious disruptive spirit…and what are you really willing to wager? Because that’s where we are today. What’s your wager?
2 Corinthians 5:11
Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.
2 Corinthians 1:12
For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.
Matthew 7:12
“So, whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
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