Here they come again
I received yet another e-mail today - the third or fourth person in a span of about 24 hours to forward me the same e-mail. It contained an analysis of the actions of the current administration and (in my humble opinion) was full of a tone of fear. You can read about the factual inaccuracies (courtesy of my researcher friend Cecil) here at Snopes.com:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/proportions.asp
If you dont care for Snopes left leaning analysis (I don't care for it - but I also am the guy who has a William F. Buckley autograph over my desk) you can read a slightly more balanced account about it here:
http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/t/timwood-history.htm
I felt I should address the tone and substance of the e-mail so I fired off the following - it records my thinking as I received these e-mails.
"PLEASE don't feel you have to reply. I BCC'ed a number of friends and family so that hitting "Reply all" won't clutter everyone's Inbox. I am a dealer in hope. I have hope whether it's a Democrat or Republican controlled administration that is doing things I disagree with - like needless, out of control spending. This is my <:od><:od><:od><:od><:od>response to a good friend – with whom I have a slight disagreement about how helpful this kind of analysis is. I’m praying for all of our elected leaders. It is still true (Prov. 21:1) that “The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” Here’s my response:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/proportions.asp
If you dont care for Snopes left leaning analysis (I don't care for it - but I also am the guy who has a William F. Buckley autograph over my desk) you can read a slightly more balanced account about it here:
http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/t/timwood-history.htm
I felt I should address the tone and substance of the e-mail so I fired off the following - it records my thinking as I received these e-mails.
"PLEASE don't feel you have to reply. I BCC'ed a number of friends and family so that hitting "Reply all" won't clutter everyone's Inbox. I am a dealer in hope. I have hope whether it's a Democrat or Republican controlled administration that is doing things I disagree with - like needless, out of control spending. This is my <:od><:od><:od><:od><:od>response to a good friend – with whom I have a slight disagreement about how helpful this kind of analysis is. I’m praying for all of our elected leaders. It is still true (Prov. 21:1) that “The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” Here’s my response:
"Bob - I’ve had this and several others in the same 'tone' appear in my Inbox of late and yesterday I finally crafted a short response. which accurately captures where I stand on this. this article has a major underlying tone of fear, which Scripture (Heb. 13:5b-6) says we have no need of "...because God has said "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you" So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
Again (Psalm 56:3) "When I am afraid I will trust in you."
I could go on, but I think Scripture provides the necessary corrective to an attitude of despair and fear.
My response to the friend who first forwarded this to me:
I don't for a minute disagree with the assessment, including the speed with which this could possibly come to pass. BUT God does not allow us to forever traffic in unlived truth and this may very well be His way of testing those who call themselves His church.
I choose to believe that this is part of the pangs that will come closer and closer together until the Blessed Hope appears. Until then, I will stand firm, Brown Shirts or no, government bailouts or no, media support or no, financial solvency or no, etc.
I fear God alone, and therefore I have no reason to fear anything else.
As a wise (and crusty) Gunny once told me, "Nuff said."
Again (Psalm 56:3) "When I am afraid I will trust in you."
I could go on, but I think Scripture provides the necessary corrective to an attitude of despair and fear.
My response to the friend who first forwarded this to me:
I don't for a minute disagree with the assessment, including the speed with which this could possibly come to pass. BUT God does not allow us to forever traffic in unlived truth and this may very well be His way of testing those who call themselves His church.
I choose to believe that this is part of the pangs that will come closer and closer together until the Blessed Hope appears. Until then, I will stand firm, Brown Shirts or no, government bailouts or no, media support or no, financial solvency or no, etc.
I fear God alone, and therefore I have no reason to fear anything else.
As a wise (and crusty) Gunny once told me, "Nuff said."
(Signed) Dr. Alan Cole, ABCP
That was my e-mail. I hope it helps.
Sounds to me like a beginning of a sermon series on fear
Reply to this