What Can Bring Us Together?

While watching “On the Record with Greta”, I was deeply touched by her interview with George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. The two former presidents are working together to help the victims of hurricane Ike.

Yes, you read the last sentence correctly. Political adversaries Bush and Clinton are putting aside their partisan politics to serve others in need.

In the interview, Greta’s first comment addressed the reality that there has to be something greater than their own personal agendas that brought them together. She said, “It is always-I don't know if "interesting" is the right word, but to see the two of you together. It means that there is a cause, a reason.”

What can bring two political adversaries together?

The answer is a worthy cause.

Greta also drew attention to the satisfaction we experience when we help others. She said, “But there also must be an incredible sense of satisfaction that you can do this.” After her statement, both former presidents commented on how they are being more blessed through their service than those they are helping.

Read their responses below:

BUSH: No question about that. If you help someone else, you are the one that is helped the most. We both feel that way about the charitable work we are involved in.

CLINTON: Yes.

BUSH: And we both try to do a lot of other stuff. But working together on this has been extraordinarily satisfying to me. And I think it has awakened the better nature in a lot of Americans when they see two people with obviously political differences coming together to help people. That is what this is about. And it is nice to have it out of politics, beyond the political reach.

CLINTON: We have gotten a lot more out of this than we have given-way more.

I believe Jesus is the Lord and Savior of the world. I believe that He lived an exemplary life for all to follow. I believe if every citizen obeyed His teaching our nation would be more unified and dignified. I believe the cause of Christ is the most worthy cause to serve.

Everything God wants us to know and do in life can be summed up in Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:12. It says, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

I think former presidents and political enemies Bush and Clinton agree.

Do you?

A Heartbeat Away!

On August 29th, 2008 John McCain surprised the country when he chose the Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, to be his Vice Presidential running mate. Immediately, following the announcement, citizens of the United States went into a frenzy trying to locate more information about Palin.

It was quite interesting and entertaining to watch the news stations report on the opinions of Americans the week following McCain’s selection. Even though Governor Palin has the highest approval rating of any governor in the United States, many questioned John McCain’s choice and Sarah Palin’s qualifications.

A spokesman for Barack Obama, Bill Burton, issued a statement after receiving information concerning McCain’s decision to choose Palin as his running mate. He said, "Today, John McCain put the former mayor of a town of 9,000 with zero foreign policy experience a heartbeat away from the presidency.”

Some political pundits and movie actor, Matt Damon, picked up on Burton’s sound bite “a heartbeat away”. They used it frequently to verbally express their displeasure over the possibility that Sarah Palin could be our president if McCain won and then died during his tenure as president.

A heartbeat away! Would Sarah Palin be ready to take over the presidency of the United States?

As my heart pounded in my chest while working out the other day, I couldn’t stop thinking about the words, “a heartbeat away”. I had just finished reading the ninth chapter of Hebrews in my Bible on the stationary bike. One particular verse stood out to me in this chapter.

It was Hebrews 9:27. It says, “Just as man/woman is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”

You might not agree with everything I write. However, it is an undeniable reality that we will all die one day. This scripture reminds us that every person on the planet is “a heartbeat away” from death and then judgment. This scripture also reminds us that we should live each day to honor God and please Him with the life He has blessed us with.

A heartbeat away! Are you ready to stand before God and face judgment?

Suit on Sunday and Crocs with Socks (Part 2)

My last blog, Suit on Sunday and Crocs with Socks, has created quite a stir. I have received compliments for my ties and rebukes for my crocs with socks. I know you have been anxiously waiting to read part two—so here it is.

Remember, the goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5).

Why do I wear a suit on Sunday?

(1) I like to dress up once a week, and let me reemphasize, only once a week. Sunday morning is the time I like to wear my nicest clothes. If I wore a suit all week, I would probably attend church wearing crocs with socks—oh no! If I were you, I would not wear a suit on Sunday.
(2) If I didn’t wear my suits on Sundays, when would I wear them? It would be poor stewardship and a waste to let my suits just hang in the closets.
(3) Others, like me, prefer to dress up on Sunday mornings. My suit might make them feel more comfortable.
(4) It feels good to receive compliments like, “You look nice.” This doesn’t happen when I wear crocs with socks—darn.
(5) Wearing a suit on Sunday appeals to my meticulous personality. I love to match my clothes. Yes, in case you are wondering, I dress myself (no help from the wife).
(6) If I were not a pastor, I would work as a haberdasher at Nic’s Toggery.
(7) If I wore another outfit, I would be copying someone else and would feel insincere as a person. I know this could change one day.
(8) Wearing a suit on Sunday is not a moral or ethical issue. My heart is pure, my conscience is clean and my faith is sincere when I am wearing a suit.
(9) To quote Will Smith in Men in Black, “I make it look good!” (Ha Ha) Thanks for the compliments. (I know # 9 contradicts # 8—I am just trying to be funny, so lighten up)

Why do I wear crocs with socks?

(1) I want my feet to be comfortable. After twenty years of running up and down a basketball court, I think I have earned this right.
(2) Wearing crocs with socks is not a moral or ethical issue. My heart is pure, my conscience is clean and my faith is sincere when I am wearing crocs with socks.
(3) As I approach forty, I am secure enough to not care what people think about my crocs with socks.
(4) Did I mention I want my feet to be comfortable? I want my feet to be comfortable. I want my feet to be comfortable. I want my feet to be comfortable.

What is the point of this blog?

First, I want to remind you to be a sincere and authentic person in everything you do so others will be attracted to you. Live to be who God created you to be and live to please Him as you bless others.

Second, I want people to come as they are to Every Nation Tallahassee. If you wear flip-flops or a suit, it doesn’t matter to me. Either way, I won’t judge you negatively. Please feel free to dress cool, comfortable, casual or nice. Just make sure you don’t dress provocative (you know the difference). Our sincerity should never be a stumbling block to others.

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9

P.S. In case you are wondering, I don’t wear a suit on Sunday and crocs with socks together at the same time. I’m not that secure!

Is this blog cool? I would love to hear what you think.