Month: November 2018

The Unrecorded Prayer and a Thankful Heart

~ beachbumpoppy ~ 2 Comments

At the time we didn’t know it would be Dad’s last Thanksgiving. We gathered around the dining room table, patiently waiting as Mom scurried back and forth from the kitchen, retrieving some item she thought we would need. Finally everyone settled and we bowed our heads. There was no question who would offer the grace. At 98, Dad was very much the patriarch and spiritual leader of the family. As he started his prayer, I realized too late that I should be recording the moment. I fumbled for my phone, but then stopped.

There are times I regret not capturing that fragment of time, but perhaps it is for the best. It was too sacred a moment to be sullied by technology.

I can’t recall any of the specific words, only the emotion.

Ray Agnew was unencumbered by any vanity. More than anyone I’ve known, he had a servant’s heart. Every deed, every action was done to further the kingdom of God, never to seek recognition for himself.

The words he spoke were plain. The meaning profound. Simple words. Words of love for everyone gathered at the table. Sincere words of appreciation for the food before us, spoken from one who had lived through times when food was not bountiful. And of course words of thanksgiving to his Savior, always ending the same way … “in Jesus name.”

Though I did not record the moment, it is clear in my mind. Dad sitting back as Mom fussed over the food, his shirt slightly crumpled, softened by a hundred washings. Hair thin, but not given over entirely to grey. A slight smile on his face as he viewed Lillie Bell unnecessarily worrying over some small detail.

When it comes to parents, I have an embarrassment of riches. This is our first Thanksgiving without Mom. Dad has been gone for several years. Technically I am the patriarch of our little family. If I’m totally honest, I feel like an imposter, but I am a thankful imposter none the less.

Donald Trump is a Jerk and Why I’m Voting Republican

~ beachbumpoppy ~ 2 Comments

I pray for forgiveness of sins done and undone and this is why I’m writing this post. I don’t know that I will change anyone’s mind, but I don’t want the regrets of not giving it my best shot.

Let’s get something out of the way right now, God is neither a Republican or Democrat, in fact he’s not even an American. I hope that doesn’t shock you too much ( I still hold to the hope that he prefers the Cardinals over the Cubs, but have not been able to find any evidence of that in Holy Scriptures). While God may be neither Republican or Democrat, I believe that he loves every human everywhere as his child and values the sanctity of the life he has given us all..

The political landscape is as divisive as I have ever seen. Civility is not just missing, a stake has been driven through her heart. The hot topics (generally) are not ones of foreign policy or financial philosophies  but social issues; immigration, gender identity, LGBT adoption rights, healthcare, religious freedom act, gun control, etc. These are all important and very emotional issues.

I find it ironic that we are living in an era where by most measures we are more sensitive than any other point in time. We agonize over using plastic straws for fear that they may end up in the ocean inserted into a sea turtle’s nostril. We debate safe spaces for students at universities where they can gather to avoid a speaker or event that may offend them. We have raised the level of awareness for animal rights but yet we are willing to stop the beating heart of an unborn human baby, to suck him or her from the safety of it’s mother’s womb or dismember it all under the name of “reproductive health.”

But … but … but that’s just one issue among many you say.

Yes, but it’s the only issue that at it’s core is a matter of life and death.

I am hesitant to mention Nazis because that is so overdone, but imagine a defense of the Nazi party based on the argument that extermination of the Jews was just one plank in their platform. Any reasonable person would find that argument repugnant and indefensible.

Every year in America the Democratic party salutes as over 300,000 babies are violently torn from their mother’s wombs. That’s harsh you say … but the Democratic Party has made abortion a major plank in their platform and chooses their judges and candidates accordingly.

I wish this were not true. Neither Republicans or Democrats hold a monopoly on good policy ideas, but I will not sell out my principles for legislation that will benefit me financially or provide some measure of convenience when there are matters of life and death at stake.

Imagine a country where we truly embraced the sanctity of life from the beginning  until death, across every social, economic, religious and racial strata. I believe this has to start with the most innocent and helpless among us.

Yes, Donald Trump can be a real jerk, offensive and abrasive, but I have no other choice than to vote Republican this Tuesday.

Addendum, 11-15-18:

“We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” …Elie Wiesel