Ben Carson: Yes He Can! (Become President of the United States)

It is becoming clear that the Republican successor to Ronald Reagan may not come from Congress. He may not have executive experience as a governor of a state, though these are the roads most often traveled to the White House.

There is a new name on the lips of the politically engaged. To the uninitiated he might appear a most unlikely candidate.

Benjamin Carson is a physician, a gifted neurosurgeon who has a way with words as well as a scalpel. In fact, many say his speech at the National Prayer Breakfast on February 7, cut the President of the United States, who was seated just a few feet away, to the quick. Some, like conservative commentator Cal Thomas, called his remarks “inappropriate.” Others say they were a breath of fresh air, a lesson in economics mixed with Biblical truths that are indisputable.

The truth is that Dr. Carson, a devout man, did not direct his remarks to the president. He has been writing and speaking about these issues for some time. However, he did not pull any punches in this venue simply because Barack Obama chose to attend. Continue reading “Ben Carson: Yes He Can! (Become President of the United States)” →

Where was God?

The tragic shooting in Aurora, Colo., has led many to ask the question, “Where was God?”

The simple answer is God is where He has always been – in His kingdom and here with those who call on His name and seek to do His will. His covenant name, Yahweh, in the Old Testament, means “The One Who Is Always Present.”

In times like these, those who have questioned God’s very existence suddenly turn in to “true believers” in order to place the blame squarely on His shoulders. Continue reading “Where was God?” →

Prayer or Prozac?

This week, the nation celebrates its 236th birthday. Most birthday parties are joyous occasions. However, this one should be a time of reflection and thanksgiving for those who have spilled their blood in order to make and keep this country free.

Countless numbers have lost their lives in this endeavor. However, the costs associated with our-all volunteer force now serving in the Middle East is a lot higher than it ought to be. A littleknown fact is that soldiers serving in Afghanistan now are 50 percent more likely to die of suicide than they are at the hands of an enemy.

The armed forces have averaged one such death a day, 154 in the first 155 days of the year. Add to this a growing number of cases of sexual assaults, domestic violence and alcohol and drug abuse. Continue reading “Prayer or Prozac?” →

Check Your Easter Preparation

“In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it You’ll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade.” Irving Berlin, 1933

Although the Easter bonnet has gone out of fashion, the custom of wearing new clothes on Easter is still going strong.

Retailers experience a bonanza in the runup to Easter. The National Retail Federation predicts that each person celebrating the holiday will spend a whopping $145.28 in 2012. That’s up 10.9% from 2011, and nearly 25% higher than the depths of the recession in 2009.

While the lion’s share of Easter spending will go for candy and food, the NRF’s survey revealed that fully one-half those polled say they are taking advantage of the Easter sales to buy new spring clothing.

Some of my earliest memories of this Christian holiday involved the clothes. Although my family was of modest means, everything I wore on Easter was brand spanking new from head to toe. My mom made sure of it. Continue reading “Check Your Easter Preparation” →

The Mormon Divide

In this election, one of the most disturbing lines to come from some of my Christian brethren is “I will never cast a vote for a Mormon for president.”

This column is not an endorsement of Mitt Romney, but it is a call to serious reflection. That attitude is un-American. It is also dangerous, particularly so in this election. Four more years under an unrestrained Barack Obama and we will not be able to recognize this country. In the name of “social justice,” he is committed to leading us down the road to his verison of a socialist utopia.

What if Mitt Romney is the GOP nominee? A Gallop Poll released last summer found that 18 percent of Americans would not consider voting for a Mormon for president. In 2008, Barack Obama won by a margin of only 7.2 percent. Continue reading “The Mormon Divide” →

Need a little Christmas?

Christmas is, without a doubt, the happiest holiday of the year. The hustle and bustle, the decorations, the lights, the parties, the holiday cheer usually bring a smile to the most dedicated sourpuss. The magic and warmth of this holiday brings out the best in people who give generously at this time of year. The music and laughter brightens our spirits and everything looks better, at least in the short term.

After three years of an economic downturn there seems to be no light at the end of this tunnel. The economy is now on life support and many are struggling to hang on. Who knows how long this will last?

For we need a little Christmas

Right this very minute,

Candles in the window,

Carols at the spinet.

This song from the musical Mame was sung by the madcap protagonist who had just lost her fortune in the stock market crash of 1929. It easily could have been written today for it sums up our feelings in 2011. Continue reading “Need a little Christmas?” →

Cain is Toast!

As a presidential candidate, Herman Cain is done. He is toast!

In the past, I and many others gave him the benefit of doubt. The sexual harassment claims against him that were settled by the National Restaurant Association appeared frivolous at best. Sharon Bialek’s assertion was a “he said, she said” and appeared to be financially and politically motivated. However, Ginger White’s allegation that she carried on a13-year affair with Cain, backed up with records of telephone and text messages, is troubling. At best, it is a case of poor judgment on his part and there is no wiggle room in that.

Mr. Cain, in addition to his many business accomplishments, is an associate minister. I have been present when he delivered the devotion. This man knows the Word of God and the Word says that you are to avoid even the appearance of evil. Also, you are to flee situations that might lead you into temptation. Continue reading “Cain is Toast!” →

Thanksgiving and the Welfare State

Traditionally, Thanksgiving is a time to count our blessings and thank God for them. For the early pilgrims, these blessings were simple and few. The first thanksgiving celebrated at Plymouth was for a bountiful harvest following a year the colonists suffered great loss from hunger and disease.

In the years that followed, days of thanksgiving were solemn yet joyful occasions. Hard work was a fact of life but no guarantee that a family would have the necessities needed to survive. Our ancestors understood that they could plant and plow but only God could make things grow. Continue reading “Thanksgiving and the Welfare State” →

Charlie Rangel Preaches Jesus

“What would Jesus do?” is a popular question posed by Christians facing moral dilemmas.

However, the man using it over the weekend was none other than Charlie Rangel, the disgraced slick-talking New York congressman who was caught cheating on his taxes while chairing the committee responsible for the tax code.

No, Rangel hasn’t found religion but he isn’t above using it when it suits his purpose. He’s been doing nonstop press interviews trying to prevent Republicans from following through on their promise to cut the size of our bloated government and get federal spending under control. Continue reading “Charlie Rangel Preaches Jesus” →

Easter and “Convenience-Store” Christians

The Sunday before Easter, known as Palm Sunday, and Easter Sunday are two of the most joyous occasions in the Christian calendar. However, the anniversary of the final week before Jesus’ resurrection from the dead — the week between Palm Sunday and Easter — is a time for personal reflection. For some, it is a time of remorse, sadness and weeping. For others, it is a test of faith and commitment. It is a time when Christians and non-Christians alike often examine their beliefs.

Continue reading “Easter and “Convenience-Store” Christians” →