A Deadly Sacrifice

A brave young man from my local community lost his life 8 years ago. I didn't know him but he still made a sacrifice for me and it made such an impact that I needed to say thank you. I wrote this letter to the newspaper and they were kind to print it. 

October 23, 2003

To the Family of ______,

Just in case no one has said this already, let me say it for us all – thank you.

Thank you for being a family who nurtured, cultivated, encouraged and raised a young man to defend the values, morals and virtues that all of us – and most importantly God – perceive worth more than the finest treasure. A young man who is willing to sacrifice his life so that my family may remain safe and free, so that my country is properly defended, so my children and grandchildren can be Americans enjoying their God-bestowed freedoms, is worthy of my respect.

There are not many quality young men in today’s culture who will look past their own feelings and desires to sacrifice even their life for someone else. But a man such as your brother, son, nephew and grandson who was willing to put his life on the line so that others may live and continue to enjoy freedom is worthy of all Americans’ honor.

Thank you for making your sacrifice. The family of a fallen soldier deserves a hero’s glory – because who he was as a person was represented by how he lived and died, and he only reached that point because he had a family who trained him in the way he should go.

Along with my posterity, I am indebted to you and your son for forever. His sacrifice and the lesson it brings will not be forgotten . . . It only sharpens and refocuses our perspective. May God richly bless your family at this time.

Amy Hawkins
Concord, Michigan

Are We Automatons?

Rush Limbaugh said something a few days ago that struck me: We are happy to be automatons.

I looked this unusual word up in the dictionary and it is as follows: au·tom·a·ton   [aw-tom-uh-ton, -tn] –noun, plural - a person or animal that acts in a monotonous, routinemanner, without active intelligence.
Wow! This word is definitely worthy of pondering!

All of us as a culture and a generation have the ability to become automatic of things we are accustomed to in our regular lives. It doesn't matter what generation we exist in, every part of life has "rote functions". We put the toast in the toaster without thinking; we mindlessly button our shirts while going through our to do list; we buckle our seatbelt while starting the ignition; we brush our teeth, pump the gas, and write our name in monotonous, routine manner. These functions along with others have become a part of our DNA and to not do them would cause us to stop our rhythm.  There is nothing wrong with some mindless activities, as long as it doesn't happen all the time and as a regular way of life. 

I think Mr. Limbaugh's point addresses something bigger about our culture. As citizens of a great and free land, we take our generous liberty for granted, forgetting that it has a price tag. Unconsciously we adopt messages spoken to us through media, professors, co-workers we trust and embrace them as truth without considering the other side of the story. And we often 'drink the cool aid' of our respective political parties without logically thinking through the implications of the messages and choices they expound. And because we have removed our mental capacity from these dialogs, we are naturally assuming that those leading us know what's best. And with the absence of critical thinking, oftentimes we are being led down the wrong path. Away from truth. Away from God's very best for us as individuals, as communities and as a nation.

Do we understand our leaders' worldviews (or lens) from which they espouse their views? Do we take a breath to even think there might be another side to the story that we should know before an opinion is formed? Do we believe a sound bite message, ignoring that the real truth might be everything outside of the soundbite? Do we know the intentions of our leaders? Do their philosophies line up with what kind of world we want our children to live in?

Are we operating as intelligent Americans, being good stewards of the gift of freedom God has bestowed on us? Or are we - myself included - being people who simply consume the point of view, message, vision of those we've deemed trustworthy without doing further investigation to validate their points.

I do not think that we need to abandon our trust of every leader, news story or advertising sign and I do not mean to imply that no one is telling the truth. What I do mean, is to challenge both you and me to better use the mind that God gave us. I believe the future of our nation might depend on us giving up the comfort of an automatons lifestyle, pursuing the ability to listen to the Holy Spirit's voice of discernment and being willing to step outside the group-think our country oftentimes resides in.

Perhaps with an inquisitive and critical thinking mind, we can use the same fortitude, creativity, intelligence and wisdom our Founding Fathers utilized to build this country, and help make it great again. May today be the last day that Americans can ever be called automatons again.

We Do Not Remember

Nine days after the worst attack on American soil, President Bush addressed a joint session of Congress on September 20, 2001. He said the following:

“Tonight we are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom. Our grief has turned to anger, and anger to resolution. Whether we bring our enemies to justice, or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done...America will never forget...” 

As I listened to this speech a few weeks ago, just over 9 years after the attack, I realized with a sad heart, that the President was wrong. We did forget. 

In the aftermath of the attack, emotions ran high. We attempted to figure out what had happened, wondered why anyone would do something so cruel and devastating to thousands of people, yet saw our country rebound in glorious unity and fortitude. Even in those aftershock moments, we would have found it hard to believe that we would or could ever forget the poignancy of that incident. 

We were tenaciously resolved to never forget the lives that were lost, resolved to ensure this didn't happen again, resolved to pay tribute to our fire fighters and rescue teams who gave their all to rescue the trapped and injured, resolved to do whatever was necessary to keep our country safe now and in the future. 

We rallied around President Bush’s declaration that the terror would end ‘here and now’. His popularity skyrocketed because in the hour of trauma every person needs a hero. That hero, general and commander was President Bush. He acknowledged the hour of crisis. He identified the enemy and the enemy's goal to ultimately wipe out and eliminate the country of freedom. President Bush pointed us to a horizon of hope yet told us in order to keep this horror from happening again we must go to the terrorist ground, go on the defensive and then go on the offensive. He put the right leaders in play, he put a plan together and in that hour no man, woman or child wished for another leader besides President Bush. He was the man for the hour. He had been prepared for the battle. 

The purpose for “remembering” is not to harbor un-forgiveness, hate or even retribution. The act of “recalling to ones memory” provides a marking point, a standard, a cause for reflection of what happened and what could happen again if we are not diligent and watchful. Remembering calls us to learn from those moments, to honor those involved, and to better identify a similar danger if something of that flavor would arise again. Remembering is oftentimes wise. And it is the wise thing that our culture has not done, is not doing, and could live to regret. 

The thing that is most dis-concerting to me in this hour, as a young Millennial, is how we live our lives as though there are no threats. We count on freedom always being ‘free’. We ignore the truth that evil does exist, not just in movies, but in real tangible every day life. We lack understanding that America is the country others around the world look to for freedom. 

By now I have heard the story of the frog in the boiling water more times than I want to count. But it’s truth remains: if you put a frog in a pan of water, and slowly turn up the heat the frog will not know when the water is boiling. And due to his ignorance of danger and oblivion to discomfort, he does not fight to survive and in the end will lose his life. 

While a frog may seem to diminish the real threat we face as a nation, the principle stands. 

The 9/11 attack did impact many people who still actively remember and live differently because of the revelation of that hour's activities. One of my closest friends made the decision to step into the world of politics, even as a teenager, as he saw what was taking place in New York on that fateful day. He understood that freedom isn’t free and the country needs citizen's involvement for the defense and preservation of our nation. He is one of many that if asked to stop and reflect, we will remember. The question is whether the act will be engaged. 

If we stop and ponder, all of us can tell you where we were. We can name someone we knew who was personally impacted by it. We remember sitting in the classrooms watching what was happening as Tom Brokaw brought us up to the minute news. We remember the emotion. The pictures. The sorrow. The confusion. 

But what we as a country do not do is remember actively, living like any of it could happen again. 

Slowly, yet with increasing speed, those with destructive intentions for the USA are infiltrating our system. They are attempting to blow up bases (Texas) or set off bombs in front of Christmas Trees (Oregon), blowing up railroad lines (Colorado), and airplanes (Detroit). Their intensity increases, their pace does not weaken and their rhythm does not miss a beat. 

Their leaders are slowly, winsomely attempting to implicate sharia law in America, in place of the American constitution. This frame work of law goes against everything our constitution stands for and it’s one of the main reasons why we have been such a great and successful nation! 

My fear is that you and I will wake up even in 6 months, 2 years, 10 years, 30 years and realize that this is no longer our country. But it is one that resembles more of the middle east, that it is a picture of the Islamic hand book for ruling America. And that the principles this country was founded on by the warriors who lived by those principles will not even be remembered. Why would this hall happen you ask? I would have to say: because all of us forget the threat and therefore ignore the fact that all of it is happening again. 

The good part of this conversation is that it has not been concluded. A conversation continues. A memory can be restored. And a torch for the defense of freedom can be seized again. The frog can awaken and realize the threat for his life, the man and woman can look about them and hear the battle cry and instead of encroachment, the enemy of liberty can shrink back in fear. But all of this comes with a choice which must follow by actions, and soon. 

President Bush ended his post 9/11 speech with this charge: 

“I will not forget this wound to our country or those who inflicted it. I will not yield; I will not rest; I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people. The course of this conflict is not known, yet its outcome is certain. Freedom and fear, justice and cruelty, have always been at war, and we know that God is not neutral between them.

“Fellow citizens, we'll meet violence with patient justice -- assured of the rightness of our cause, and confident of the victories to come. In all that lies before us, may God grant us wisdom, and may He watch over the United States of America...”

Remembering must cause us to live differently, not in fear but in wisdom and in righteous guardianship of the nation we've been given by those who have gone before us. 

It is for freedom’s sake for this and the next generation, that we must remember.

They Stood at a Distance

I wrote this January 20, 2004

“It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

“The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away.

“But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things . . .” (Luke 23:44-49)


I wonder if the scene of the friends watching their Loved One on the Cross looked something like this:
“WHAT is happening?”
“Shouldn’t we do SOMETHING? Let’s take out the guards and rescue him from this pain!”
“Look at the pain He is in! Oh the anguish on his face! See how the blood of his wounds falls down his body . . .”
“WHY is He doing this . . .”
“Oh, I wish I could have taken His place. I wish I could have died for Him!”
“Wow . . . I didn’t know He loved us that much!”
“I think I finally understand . . .”
“I think I finally know why He came . . .”
“It all makes sense now – everything He did, everything He said. It was to bring us into a different kingdom! He was real! He was true! He HAD to die to open the door so we could enter into the other realm – the other paradise! I KNOW NOW WHY HE CAME!”

And yet I imagine there were some of his closest friends that stood there and observed everything without saying a word. Because there are some things, some moments in time, some scenes you observe, and live through as they become history that words cannot begin to describe . . .

This occasion – this monumental & awesome act – was one of those times.

And it’s one of those times that reminds me – I need to be one of His closest friends, who stands back, takes it all in and finally let it hit home – the core of who I am – that the entrance into my world, the lessons He taught, the message He delivered and the act He did by laying down His life – was – IS – for none other than -- me.

And all I can say is nothing . . . I’m too am in awe of what He did.

"Robust Morality"

I drove home late tonight from the office enjoying one of my favorite past-times: listening to talk radio. My favorites include the regulars, Sean, Rush, Laura Ingram. But occasionally I like to land on - cover your eyes Mom - NPR. I know, right! A conservative listening to a liberal leaning and biased news source? Believe it! It's good to hear both sides, you know. Anyways, I digress ...

NPR was reporting on a story out of Italy about a major leader caught in sex scandals and something having to do with an underage teenager. Fact or fiction, that's not the point.  What is my point is the phrase that was stated in this release from the Vatican's Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican's secretary of state and ranking church official after Pope Benedict XVI:

"'The Church pushes and invites everyone, above all those who hold public responsibility in any administrative, political and judicial area, to be committed to a more robust morality, a sense of justice and lawfulness.'"

Robust morality. That phrase grabbed me. Stuck with me. Imprinted itself on my brain. Why you might ask.

Perhaps because it is rare. How sad that I live in a day and a culture where the world "morality" itself is like a foreign morsel that I twirl around on my tongue, saving and considering it's experience.

I can hear you now: "But the Catholic church has been guilty of sex scandals. How can they promote robust morality?!"

Well let me take this moment to proudly defend the Catholic Church and it's members. Did you know that those within this church are humans? Do you think that those in other faiths do not make mistakes too? (By the way, some of the finest people in my world are those who are devout Catholics, ones who - like the Vatican leaders -  speak on behalf of chastity, purity, faithfulness, sound marriages, the preservation of the very sanctity of life, not only in words but also in actions.)

Robust Morality. Whatever happened to a world that morals were the ideal? The standard? The expected? Is it really too much for any of us to aim to pursue that lifestyle and bring it back to our culture? And no, I do not believe it's too late.

I believe that morality is an absolute truth, based on the foundation of truth which would be God's truth and whether we admit it or not, that absolute truth is written on our hearts from the very creation of time. And it does not change. It is the standard. It is the example to live by for the best life. And if the truth doesn't change, perhaps we should return to following that truth, as a culture. If we did, not only as a generation, but we started to show our nieces and nephews, neighborhood friends, fellow Church goers and co-workers - and even strangers - that absolute truth is really true and worth following, perhaps we would start to bring our country back to a place of honoring and blessing God once again.

Oh and one more thing: do you know one of my most favorite parts of God? His redemption. I love it that no matter what we've done, whether a Church leader, or a poor man on the street, or a successful business woman or mom, or a husband or kid, God forgives. He redeems. He gives us beauty for ashes.

His truth never changes and neither does His love for us. Robust morality. Truth. May it be our standard once again. To live it and promote it is sure to bring us God's blessings. Let the real living start now.

Old Men Turning Young Again

If any of these fine caliber of men are reading this blog, do forgive me for attaching the shunned stero-type of "old" to your reputation. I think you'll appreciate it as you keep reading.

I have worked this political arena for over seven years and spent a majority of time yanking teeth to try to get Christians engaged in the culture. If me screaming would have helped wake people up, I would have done it. But sadly I think even that wouldn't have mattered. The slumbering giant just wouldn't move.

But then came the 2008 election. A strong 'force' of leadership and ideals were promoted and empowered in DC. And sad but true, many started to push government to and even higher "god" level than accomplished by the leaders before them.

Yet. Suddenly! The proverbial giant awoke with a increasing boisterous roar! It seemed every limb, ligament and cell of the conservative body had been startled awake! And to those of us who had been attempting to shake the sleepy head for years, it took our breath away!

As things shifted and the giant got his bearing, tea parties formed, and Glenn Beck's 9-12 groups suddenly existed overnight (among other things). Millions traveled all across the country, with sacrifice, to congregate as one voice before seemingly powerful seats of government, in opposition to its gangrene expansion. But I started to notice, crucial details of the "giant's characteristics", making things crystal clear. For one, my generation was absent. And those who were in angst were parents and grandparents who wanted things changed now without acknowledging we were living in the harvest of their life time of inactivity. And a lifetime can not usually be redeemed overnight. Slowly it did become obvious to 'the old men - and women' that the 'young people were absent' because they as their leaders had not led them to the truth.

The question then arose: Will the new conservative 'radicals' (as the left likes to dub us) have longevity to their engagement? After a couple dissappointments (i.e. universal healthcare advancement etc) would this powerful patriarchal aged giant return into apathetic sleep? Surrendering to the idea that ground lost, could not be regained?

The 2010 elections were a home run for conservatives in hundreds of areas of the country. But today, those victories are behind us now and whether we like it or not, we have to think towards tomorrow. Will a moment of urgency as the 2009-2010 big government era presented, remain a motivating factor to keep the "tea party members" engaged? Or will the passion wear off?

This brings me to now.

I sit here, at the back of a board room, observing as a small posse of men sit tight around a board table hanging on the words of experienced leaders on how to be more effective going forward. And I realize, this small posse of wise old-er men (dads and grandpas) are in this fight ... for the long haul. For tomorrow and the day after that. Why? Because of me and my peers. They want to leave a legacy of freedom and truth in our hearts, minds and souls. And they are determined to do it well.


I can't help but notice, there is a resolved tenacity in their bearing. Emotions are close to the surface. These men recognize what their inactivity and lack of knowledge over the years has done to put us here. But they have moved beyond looking over their shoulders with regret of what they could have done in their youth to prevent our present predicament.

Instead, they are looking forward. They sit here with weight on their shoulders but a jump in their step. They have a vision now. They want to be engaged for the next generation. Their shirt sleeves are rolled up to their elbows. Brains and adrenaline are pumping and pens are scratching.

And you know what? As the elected officials - new and old - are in the process of 'learning the ropes' and it's yet to be determined whether they will follow the wish of the people in their voting, decisions and character as office holders, I'm hopeful. No, I am not hopeful in the salvation of government or that 'all is right' in the world now that we have new elected officials and the hour is sure to redeem all of the past mistakes. But I AM hopeful because of these warriors, who like real men, have humbly admitted the failures of their generation and are moving forward to make things better. For me. For my family. For my friends and their little ones. And for even my grandchildren to come.

The old men have turned  young again. With God in their center, servant hearts beating fast, they are prepared to lead. While my generation is still slumbering to what is at stake, I'm must say: I'd glad to have dads and grandpas leading the charge. With real men engaged with integrity, wisdom and courage, my generation will eventually notice. And perhaps this small band of brothers really will - with God's help - make the world right again.

I am honored to call them friends.

- Thoughts from a Millennial

Please Show Me the Leaders

This piece was written in the spring of 2008, prior to the Presidential Elections. Remember the hour? Angst at what the Republican party (for one) was not doing. It is now that I post this piece yet I think it's interesting a reflection from over 2 years ago. Perhaps some progress? Perhaps still the same landscape in many ways? But at least it is a picture for you inside the heart and mind of a young Millennial who cares about the direction of her country. 

I am a part of the generation today that was not meant to be born. The leaders at that time believed – and still to today – that personal comforts and agendas reigned higher than the chance of a young baby to live. Or so it feels like at times.

I’m 27. I’ve been raised in a family that took the side of the Republican values, and I too have made that decision for myself. We associate with this party, not because we are die-hard generational Republicans but because they represent the majority of our values. Sure, they miss the mark on many things but there is always room for improvement in any entity. (Perhaps this should be the biggest truth worth clarifying to concerned, yet inactive citizens, no one, nothing, no where is perfect.)

I have worked in politics officially for 5 years now. I am still in the “young” category, but I am also in the “passionate and zealous” category. Even after all these years of exposure to the jaded 'inside' of politics, I have not lost my urgent drive for the values that I care about. I am hopeful that I have not yet been corrupted by power and statute and that I have not lost sight to what is important.

Many of my generation are crying out for good leaders. We, and those that follow, want leaders of good character, principle, morals and integrity that stand boldly in the political world. I think I am safe to say, that I speak for my generation that we are fed up with the conservative “world” lagging behind in creativity and strategy.

Where are the leaders that take charge and run hard for conservative values. Where are those leaders that have tenacity, grit their teeth and say “No matter what the cost I will fight for the preservation of traditional family values – of life, traditional marriage, conservative spending, limited government, quality education (among many other things)”.



Where are the leaders in the conservative arena that say “We will serve alongside those with the Democratic party to enhance their programs and strengths for the American people (i.e. taking care of the poor and helping enable entrepreneurship, individual aspiration and success in those less fortunate.)

My challenge to those in leadership:

Be someone that I – those in my generation and those to follow - want to replicate. Be mighty men and women like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and William Wilberforce, who lead the initiative to legislate new ideas. Who – and this may be dramatic – are willing to put their life and values on the line to fight for issues of conviction, even if it costs them their seat in the next election.

Confront the radical media and enforce that they start to accurately and objectively tell the story and accomplishments of those that represent the conservative side as well as the liberal!

Be brave. Be men and women of conviction and passion. Stop wavering. Stop pandering and playing party politics. Make our country better and stronger. Give the American people hope. Help us feel like our Judeo Christian foundation is not eroding. Encourage involvement. Make it appealing to get involve in the party again.

I recognize the voices: “I’m a leader in my own circles” or “it’s so discouraging the idea of what can one person do” or “How can I make a difference?”

Obviously because you are in elected offices you jumped into the race for your office, because you thought you could make a difference and make your community better. So start the buzz. Introduce new ideas. Challenge your fellow politicians and community leaders to think outside the box. Stop thinking within the framework that we have gotten stuck in for the past years.

You, my friends, regardless of party or ideas, are my generation's leaders. We are watching your example. And many of us, by what we see in you – are not excited, or convinced, to save America, to fight for it, to live for it, to die for it.

I thank you from my heart for your service to our country. But with all my heart, I implore you – be leaders. Not followers. Be a generation of leaders that will be remembered. Don’t take God out of the equation. And give us a will to live to fight another day for the ideas that would make our founding fathers proud. And inspire us to join you in moving our country to a higher level of great.

Respectfully,
Amy Hawkins

Dear President Bush

Here's a piece I wrote almost exactly two years ago, on the night before President Obama took the seat of leadership for our nation. Please read it in context. I am simply making a parallel:

George W. Bush & Jesus
On President Bush’s last night as President
January 19, 2009

I wonder what Jesus felt right before He died on the cross.

I mean, It was already obvious – wasn’t it – that He was not liked. That he went against the grain. I’m guessing his popularity poll numbers would be 50-50 . I wonder what the nay-sayers and media experts would say? How they would analyze him? How much did they assume from the outside without knowing the details behind Jesus’ opinion. How vocal were those that quietly supported him? And why were others so vile in how they demonstrated their disagreement?

I cannot help but think of President Bush today - how opponents stood outside the white house on the eve of his departure and threw their shoes at the gate, in solidarity with the man in the middle east caught at a press conference chucking his shoe at him. In defiance. In opposition. 

And then I think back to Christ. He hung on a cross, his lungs crushing for air the people that stood at his feet laughing at him. Mocking him. Challenging him. Trying to convince him that he was a fool and knew not what he was doing or that his cause was really with dying for.

But they stood tenacious.

I do not pretend to equivocate President Bush with Jesus. I simply draw the parallel between two individuals who I greatly respect for their tenacity. And I say it with a sad heart, not only that President Bush’s service is done but that many Americans blatantly hate him. Mock him. Ridicule him. The very thing that these naysayers demand for themselves they cannot give to someone else – respect.

And so I wonder.

I feel like I’m losing a friend in President Bush. Perhaps it’s because he is the President under which I gained my political badge of honor by working for his re-election in 2004. He elicits emotions in me. He honors our country and humbles himself before our military. He’s been our trusted protector – I haven’t really had to worry about whether I would be blown to pieces by an un-forseen bomb. He has been the steady hand at the helm.

I am sad that he is not understood. Or revered. But...

 
I salute you, President Bush. Thanks for serving my country but – more important, thanks for protecting me and my family. I owe you my allegiance. But let it be known, I respect you most of all for your undying steadfast faithfulness to our Savior, demonstrated in your daily solitude and calm. You brought honor back to the White House. Your outward actions and intentions reflected on your character and integrity. Your tenacity is something I long for. That no matter what others were saying around you, you ignored it and set your face like flint on the mission that The Commander In Chief assigned to you.

So rest well, Mr. President. You’ve done a good job. And someday, those that are blind and lack understanding will join me in giving you a standing ovation. But to you – I know the only accolades that matter are those that come from The One who sees and knows all. And I think He would say, “Well done good and faithful servant … But the journey and task is only beginning.”

You see, in the end it’s what happens behind the scenes that matters.

Dear Grandma

A Letter from a Millennial to a World War II Champion

Dear Grandma:

I don’t understand. Why does it happen? That what was right yesterday is foolish today and what was disgraceful and full of shame holds delight for all who behold it today?

Grandma, did you ever imagine that this would be the world I’d grow up in? What would your mom say if she saw what I’ll have to raise my daughter in tomorrow?

Yesterday, what was good and decent was unconsciously understood. Today it is blatantly shouted from the house tops the screaming and un-ending question “What really is good! What is right to you is not right to me! How dare you expect me to live by your standards!”

Our leaders have no shame, Grandma. Our teachers want to ignore the truth of the past. Parents won’t be inconvenienced, Grandma. No one wants to stop and acknowledge that our actions of today are having grave impact on our tomorrow.

Grandma – generations are non-existent. No one listens to the plea that there’s a better way. Why, Grandma? Why?

Yesterday … to steal a nickel candy was unpardonable. Today our leaders steal a million dollars and become movie stars.

Yesterday…inappropriate and sinful photos were shameful and to find one took a serious “treasure hunt.” Today…we’re the age of easy-access and they are right in our living rooms.

Yesterday…courtship and purity in relationships was one of the pursuits’ and adventures of young adulthood. The relationships formed were held in highest responsibility. Today Grandma – no one understands purity. They think it means simply “no sex til marriage” but even then, they aren’t willing to pay the price. Infidelity is applauded! Faithfulness is mocked! Life is disregarded! Choice is demanded!

I question Grandma if I can make any sort of difference on my generation. But then I think of the “greats” of history who made phenomenal impacts on our society and culture for good. And I am convinced to answer my own question by saying “yes”. The next step is determining how and where.

But your role as a farm wife and mother are one of the greatest goals for a woman – and needed for a healthy community and society. In this world of imbalance and imperfections and loss of traditional family standards – you have set a phenomenal example for me. Your story lived out of honesty, integrity, hard work, fidelity, acceptance, tenacity, boldness yet quiet and humility have made a mark on my life more than you’ll ever know this side of heaven.

And then I realize just because the world changes around me does not dilute the power, value, relevancy and truth of ‘old time’ values.

I grieve that my generation has made these choices to run in the opposite direction of everything your “Greatest Generation” has displayed and demonstrated for us. But with resolve and tenacity, I set my focus on a higher standard. A better way. A more effective and God honoring way. So that I, in the end, will be like you and bring glory to God for painting the world – my world – with the applications of His values.

After-all, light is contagious and addictive. And when I show the world how the old fashioned traits still work to make healthy and successful and affective individuals, families and societies – maybe, just maybe, they will realize that the path they’ve chosen really isn’t that impressive after all. And what worked for you in yester-year really is the best for tomorrow.

I hope to make you proud Grandma as you watch my future unfold. Things may change from generation to generation but may I be one – trained by you – that carries over Godly and honorable principles into the season beyond this moment.

Amy Jayne

Radically in Love

I think if there was only one thing God wanted us as young adults to “grasp” it would be how intimately, deeply and fervently He is in love with you and me. If you have ever been in a romantic relationship, or had a crush on someone, you will know how easily you can obsess and focus on that one individual. You want to know everything about them! You love talking to them, anticipate their phone calls and desire only to spend more time with them. You can never get enough. And eventually you know everything from their favorite foods, to family’s names, to adored hobbies. But on a relationship level, after even a short period of time, you come to know not just things about them, but you get to know them as a person. After time and investment, you discover their passions, what hurts the most, their dreams but you also learn to recognize their voice, identify their fragrance and you learn to read each other, so with no words spoken, your looks can say a thousand words. It’s the same way with God. He already knows us fully, is passionate about us and pursues and watches over us daily. “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart . . .” (Isaiah 40: 11). He even knows every hair on our head (Matthew 10:30). But not only that, we are also the very apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8) the center of His vision, someone very, very important to the Creator. “ . . . I have engraved you on the palms of my hands . . .” (Isaaiah 49:16) He cannot love us anymore! He already loves us completely and fully! But He is waiting on us to acknowledge Him, accept the truth that He loves us, get to know that love and love Him in return. And boy is He excited for us to make Him our priority pursuit! As we yearn for and take pleasure in earthly relationships, God’s heart is after us in the same way or even more! As young adults, we receive lots of messages, both good and bad. But I think if we would stop and listen to the only Voice that really matters, God would say the following: “Come away with me, my beloved. Come dance with me. Stop your busyness. Those things can wait. But talk to me. Listen to me. Sit and watch the sunset with me, my demonstration of love for you. And let me tell you how crazy I am about you. I am amazed by you. You are my pleasure. I have only good things in store for you and I long for you to be close to me. I am waiting here . . . right in front of you, waiting for you to acknowledge me and spend time with me. Come. Get to know Me better. And fall in love with me . . . I have so much I want to reveal to you! I love YOU!” Jeremiah 1:5 says “Before I [God] formed you in the womb I knew [or chose] you . . .” Now the choice is up to you and me – will we choose God a “The Lord your God is with you . . . He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17) “ . . . my unfailing love for you will not be shaken” (Isaiah 54:10) “You . . . the apple of his eye” (Zechariah 2:8). “The very hairs of your head are all numbered . . .” Matt 10:30 “The Lord . . . is my strength and my song . . .” (Isaiah 1:2)