10 Biblical Truths

I came across the following and thought it worth sharing:

10 Biblical Truths That Shape My Worldview

The question that will define us more than any other is -- upon what do we base our worldview? Here are ten of the truths that shape the way I see the world.

In a generation marked by relativism the public arena is filled with differing views on the largest issues of our time. The primary source from which we draw our worldview defines where we stand and why. The following are 10 biblical truths that shape my worldview:


1. Every human being has innate dignity: Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in His own image."

2. Life is to be valued from the womb: Psalm 139:13 "You knit me together in my mother's womb."

3. A nation that honors God will prosper but a nation that turns its back on God will not: Proverbs 14:34 "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people."

4. Image without character comes up short: I Samuel 16:7 "Man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart."

5. We make an eternal investment when we tend to the poor: Proverbs 19:17 "One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his good deeds."

6. We are nurturing God's handiwork when we protect the earth: Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

7. We must stand against injustice wherever it is found: Amos 5:15 "Hate evil, and love good and establish justice."

8. Possessions alone will never satisfy the heart of man: Luke 12:15 "...be on guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

9. Love has the power to heal a broken world: John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

10. Death is not the final word: Isaiah 25:8 "He will swallow up death for all time."

Are You a Racist?

Recently I was asked, "Are you a racist?" I chuckled at the boldness of such a direct question, but it caused me to consider the question and reasoning behind it. After all, the question came from someone that didn't even know me; so what would cause her to ask such a question? Part of that answer came from what I have posted in the "About Me" section of this blog. I am clear on my views about Affirmative Action. Why do I have such views? Does that make me a racist? Let's look at a few things and you be the judge.

To begin with, I do not wear a sheet or burn crosses in the night even though I live in the south. I do not believe that Affirmative Action is good for anyone. It promotes "selection" based on skin color, sex, handicap, veteran status, etc. My belief is that an individual should be selected based solely on their character and qualifications. Such laws create an imbalance and segregation. I may be more qualified, but someone from a "listed group" may be considered based solely on the "listed criteria." Does disagreeing with such a practice make me racist? There are places where qualification tests have the requirements "lowered for minorities." It seems to me that such a practice is an insult to those groups; as though they "can't make it on their own."

What about Black Entertainment Television? I do not watch it, so does that make me a racist? I do not support the NAACP or the United Negro College Fund. Does that make me racist? Each of those organizations listed relates to skin color. While I'm on the subject, but why can the United Negro College Fund use the word "Negro," but others can't? There was a recent outcry about a politician using the word. Also, what about the use of the word "nigger?" Yes, you read right, I said "nigger." I hear blacks refer to one another by that term, yet it's not offensive. Consider this, a word has only as much power as one gives it. If the black community stopped getting upset over the word, it would not have the power to offend that it does.

Another issue is how to refer to "black people." When I was young, they preferred "colored." Then later it was changed to "Negro." Then it was "black." Finally they refer to themselves as "African American." I do not refer to myself as "English American, "Cherokee American," or whatever blood I have flowing through my veins. Why can't we just use the term, "people" or "Americans?" Does finding the ongoing use of segregating terms and labels ridiculous make me a racist?

Today they are celebrating Martin Luther King's birthday. I enjoy the day off, but I still feel it's just another segregating thing that Dr. King was trying to do away with. Though he did great things, it was for a certain demographic. Frankly, the only birthdays that should be acknowledged at the Federal level are those of the Founding Fathers. So, does it make me a racist because I see no reason to acknowledge MLK Day?

Another thing that probably makes me a racist is I do not agree with Black History Month. My question is, "Why?" Starting February 1 the TV will be flooded with snippets about "Great Black Americans." The schools will promote education on the subject of "Great Black Americans." So, why bring race into the equation? Why not say, "Great American?" Why not have "Great American History Month?" I've heard the argument that there are other ". . . History Months," but you never hear about them. One of my great grandmothers was a full-blooded Cherokee. How come there isn't a "Cherokee History Month?"

It seems that those who cry out about racism the most are the ones who are the most racist. An individual is arrested for killing two police officers. That individual's fingerprints are on the murder weapon and there were witnesses. Still, there will be an outcry to "Let him go" because he is black. It has gotten old hearing the ". . . because they're, or I'm black" argument. There are hate crime laws that protect the same groups protected under the Affirmative Action laws, but no such laws protect me, a white male. How come I was questioned by the police when a crazed black woman physically attacked me and used racial slurs because she believed I had piled snow behind her car because she was black? Why, as a Military Policeman, were cases against black soldiers dropped merely because I was white and they were black? It made no difference that the individual was caught with the evidence or acted violently with a weapon when confronted. The only thing that mattered was, "The MP was white and the suspect soldier was black."

And finally, what about religion? I do not share the same views of worship and doctrine as those in predominantly black churches. I see no need for a separate ministry to "promote black churches." I worship The Lord My God and His Son Jesus Christ regardless their color. Jesus is Jewish, not black. Why has the color of one's skin become an issue in the church? The only thing that should matter in the church is The Word!

So, am I racist? I do not befriend people because "they are black." I hate hearing, "Oh, some of my best friends are black." That sounds so superficial, as though one chooses friends based on the color of their skin. I prefer to befriend people based on their character and qualifications to "be my friend." I do not befriend individuals based on skin color. If you share my values and interests, then we can be friends. If not, then have a good life and do not force your views on me.

Victory is Mine - Walmart Succumbs!

Well, Walmart finally delivered on their many promises and lip service! However, it took another message to their Customer Service Department using their online system to get the result. Let's look at the chain of events:

• December 10, 2009 Walmart charges me twice for a turkey and ant bait.



• December 11, 2009 I contact the store to explain the problem, but they hang up on me.



• December 13, 2009 A letter is sent the store manager, Tom Statum, explaining the problem. No response.



• December 23, 2009 I contacted Walmart via their online system.



• December 28, 2009 Received a phone call from "some guy" at the store. He assured me that I would get a refund in the mail. The store is only a couple miles from the house, so it should have been here in two days. Received nothing.



• December 31, 2009 Contacted Walmart again via their online system. I advised them that I would let the Attorney General handle it.



• January 2, 2010 Received a call from the District Manager for this area. She assured me that they would "make it right."



• January 4, 2009 Received a phone call from Tom Statum (finally). He assured me that a refund was being sent by overnight mail. He also claimed that he never saw the original letter.



• January 5, 2009 Received a cash refund of $18.18 plus a $50.00 gift card. The overnight express cost them almost $14.00 to go a few miles.

Is it me, or is Walmart being run by inept and low-functioning people? Had they addressed the problem swiftly in the first place and delivered on their promise, they would not have had to spend so much money. A simple $18.18 refund ended up costing them $82.18. That's an expense they'll pass on to you and me. Nevertheless, as consumers, we have to stand up for our rights! If you have been wronged by Walmart, then let them know. Let them know loud, clear, and often. Don't let up until victory is yours!