It has been some time since I've really intentionally blogged and, quite honestly, I've missed it. If you read any of my past blogs, or viewed the webpage, you may have noted that I authored a couple of books since retiring. I also took to writing magazine articles for a couple trade magazines and, some 20+ articles later I'm done with that. So it's time to revisit my initial love, blogging, where I can express my ideas as they flow, the purest form I've found of writing from the heart.
Today I'm going to address a very difficult and polarizing topic, but one to which I've given a lot of thought. First, let me address where my perspective comes from: I'm a Christian, I'm a registered Independent, a fiscal conservative, and a social moderate. Here's what really bothers me- Trump Derangement Syndrome. There may be nothing more illuminating to the polarized divide in our country than Donald Trump. Now I'm not a "Trump-er", nor am I a "Never Trum-er", rather choosing to weigh the pros and cons of each party candidates and vote my mind accordingly. With that being said, our country has been in a downward spiral ever since the pandemic hit, and both parties contributed to it to some degree. However, after careful consideration I came to the conclusion that our country could not survive 4 more years of the tract we were on and, with a majority of Americans, I voted for the promised change of Donald Trump and the Republicans.
On July 13th, 2024, in Butler PA Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt on his life. He turned his head just as a sniper fired and the bullet meant for his brain just grazed his ear. However, the impact of the situation, the near-death experience he experienced brought Donald Trump to a "Meeting Jesus" moment in Donald's life. While he claimed to have accepted Christ some years before during a meeting with Billy Graham, and often verified by Graham's son Franklin, he didn't really exhibit a change in his words or actions to convince many Christians of his authenticity. Yet after the Butler incident there was a noticeable change in both word and attitude. Trump openly expressed his faith in God and his belief that it was only thru God's grace that he was spared. He felt God spared him to serve and turn our country's direction around.
Here's my problem with all this: Trump claims to be a Christian. He now is living out a softer, gentler demeanor, he has openly proclaimed no desire to treat those who have attacked him for years, dragging him into court after court, impeachment after impeachment, negative news story after news story, etc., etc., etc., and still there are Christians who are still unwilling to accept the fact that he may be saved thru his faith. They hold up example after example of his faults and failings from years and decades past and declare the man unfit. I always thought that we were to love and accept our brothers and sisters in Christ despite their past sins, if they've turned from them and are following God now. I think of Jesus, as he hung on the cross between two thieves, and as one recognized him and asked forgiveness Jesus told him he would be with him that very day in paradise. I don't read anywhere that Jesus said sorry, your past is too sketchy, I can't believe you now. No, he forgives and welcomes. Are we, as Christians, not called to do the same? How is it we are better able to judge a man's heart than our Heavenly Father? I seem to recall Jesus preaching, "Judge not, lest you be judged" (Matt. 7:1 KJV) in his greatest teaching ever- the Sermon on the Mount. Are we any better Christians if we cannot, or choose intentionally to do not forgive and accept our brother in Christ? I ask the question: What would Jesus do?"
From a political perspective Trump has run on a platform of change, and after an overwhelming electoral victory as well as receiving over half the votes Trump has a basis, a mandate from voters, to carry out his campaign promises on restoring our country to its former greatness. Next blog I'll address the political climate; the changes from the right and the reactions from the left Until then, I hope this has given you some food for thought...
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