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| Mixed Emotions |
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I have refrained the best that I could from not becoming too partisan in the last few months. Today, though I did not vote for President Elect O'Bama I am proud to be an American on this day. America is the land of opportunity. What we have witnessed today is incredible history. It is a story of triumph and overcoming adversity not only for him personally but those who have fought for "liberty and justice for all." There are many who say that Barak O'Bama is an African-American which is true as his father is African, but he is as much white as he is black. To me he embodies much of what America is. He is not white or black, but both. He has been trained as a child in Islamic schools, yet he professes to be a Christian. (I do not judge him, I leave that to God). He is now wealthy but he has been poor. He is not young or old he is in the middle. There are so many qualities about him, that endear him to the hearts of Americans. He has vision, he has energy, he has hope for a better tomorrow. Whether that better tomorrow will come to pass remains to be seen, but nonetheless as with every administration change their is hope for something better.
I am deeply concerned with his liberal views that oppose what I feel is right and true. I think that his economic policy is sketchy, his foreign policy is suspect, and his domestic policy is down right frightening to me, but he is my President, and I am going to respect him, pray for him, and honor him. One thing that has really chapped my backside is how President Bush has been disrespected and vilified. I can't put my finger on it, I suppose is started with Nixon but with the exception of Ronald Reagan our Presidents have not been respected. When Clinton was in office Kenn Starr and the Republicans impeached President Clinton. Sure what he did was wrong, but it was the bitter partisanship that was demonstrated sowed the seeds for hatred towards Bush. It is my prayer that this nonsense will stop. No man is perfect, Bush was not perfect, and I don't expect O'Bama to be perfect. Nonetheless as Christian Americans we have a duty to obey those in authority over us and to pray for them and to give honor to them that honor is due. My heart is this. Today I am happy for Barak O'Bama and his achievements. Today I am sad that John McCain a true patriot was defeated. I felt he had the wisdom and experience to lead this country, but our country felt that it needed to go in a different direction. Today, I feel proud that America can not be called a "Racist Country" though racism exists on both sides of the fence. I am sad that much of the gains that have been fought for at a high price in American blood, treasure, and at the expense of world opinion has been set back. I can only hope that President elect O'Bama will not give up and retreat on the war on terror. I am sad for me and my region of the country. Our values are traditional and conservative by in large and I don't want to see all of these ways erased to secularism and liberalism. Yet I am happy for America that freedom rings and the American Dream is attainable to anyone who desires to pursue it. I think the hardest thing for many of us to swallow is that America has become a secular nation. But, in a way, that gives us Christians a tremendous opportunity to reach souls for Christ and to be a beacon of hope and strength to a lost and dying world. I just hope that freedom of religion, and speech will not be shut down and we will receive the same tolerance as other people groups in this great country. It is a reality check for the church to see that we have not done a good enough job convincing and converting the hearts and minds of the American people of a Biblical world view. This should energize us, and give us direction and purpose to our great mission. So congratulations to Barak O'Bama for achieving victory. Congratulations to Senator McCain for rising above the fray and fighting valiantly. My respect for him is greater than ever! I am sorry that Barak O'Bama's Grandmother did not live to see the day the her son became President of the United States. I know that this must be a bitter sweet moment for him.
To all of my fellow Conservative Evangelical Americans, let us not give up praying for our nation and for a great revival. Let us be mindful to pray for our leaders. Let us be gracious in defeat and show humility. Let us hold fast to our ideals and not forsake what we know to be true. I am getting old enough now to have lived through a few election cycles and there is an ebb and flow to all of this. 8 years of Bush must have been torture to the Democrats and they got fed up and decided to change things. Perhaps this will be a lesson that will inspire us to get our message out as well.
To my Democratic friends, congratulations. Please exercise mercy and grace when in power and be considerate of others. You have earned the right to change things up, but let it be for the greater good and not for your own self-gain and agenda.
To all of us who name the name of Jesus as our Savior and King. Let us be mindful that He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. That He reigns above the earth and all His ways are just and true. We trust in Him and look to Him to be our Protector, Provider, and Peace.
God Bless all of you, and God bless America! |
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| To add a comment to "Mixed Emotions" |
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| November 04, 2008 |
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| Brother Todd, I wasn't going to comment on any political statements but you have said this so eloquently and with class. Both couldn't win, someone had to lose and I have said this before. We are all winners with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. God Bless You too, My Brother In Christ, I Love You. |
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| November 04, 2008 |
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I understand that our new president came from humble beginnings. I admire him for that.
His liberal policies are not right.
It is not my business to judge him personally.
I pray God sends revival to our nation and corrects all of us where we've been wrong...ALL of us.
The hate-spewing from both sides has sickened me.
Thanks for your article.
We must not grow weary in doing good, and spreading the message of salvation. |
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| November 04, 2008 |
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| Terry: Your comments are particulally comforting to me as I have made myself vulnerable here. I truly am happy for America and for President elect O'Bama, yet I am sad that my choice did not win. However, America has won and you are so right we are all winners with Jesus Christ. Thank you, so much for your kind words. Love you too. |
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| November 04, 2008 |
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| Forgiven: I think your conclusion is of utmost importance. We must never forget our mission and let us not forget who reigns. God Bless You and thanks for your comment. |
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| November 04, 2008 |
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| Brother Todd, We won't forget who Reigns or our Mission. That's why we are here on Mychurch spreading the Good News, Encouraging and Spreading God's Love. Sharing the Word and reminding each other that we are FORGIVEN. |
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| November 04, 2008 |
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I have to echo Terry's comments. Good job Todd & Terry!
It is interesting to me that Mr. Obama touches one-on-one with so many so his liberality must surely be in step with the nation at this time. The honeymoon has begun. I hope his message of unity for and protection of American people rings solidly true. He, all our elected officials, and indeed all of us stand in need of prayer. |
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| November 04, 2008 |
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Terry: Amen to that!
Vin: Let us hope it rings true. But, yes let us not forget to pray for and honor and respect those authorities God has placed over us. |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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Well said, sir.
I am mourning for the babies, and Fr Vincent is right, Obama reflects our nation's liberal perspective, and only God can change hearts. I am thrilled for my African-American brothers and sisters to have a sense of victory and affirmation and pray that the Christian claims Barack Obama has made prove true in the fruits of his actions. I am afraid for the future of those who have so much to lose- the babies, and I feel like God has given us what we asked for, just like He gave Israel a king even after advising them against it... |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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| Todd, you have very graciously and eloquently said some of the very things I was and am feeling as look at our country's new president. |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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Brother Todd, this is the most eloquent, lovingly developed editorial I've read this morning. You've said what many people around these parts have thought but had no idea how to express. On the positive side, this is America. As Americans, we the people may have the right to question and chastise our presidents and every politician who does something that runs against the moral grain, but as Christians, we have the duty to do so. |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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My friend, you have very eloquently and gracefully open your mind and heart to show both your sadness and your happiness in this historical moment. Although your candidate of choice did not win, you do understand very well that the will of the people of this great country was done and that now we all need to reach one another and work for a better America. You know my leanings and you also know my liberal positions regarding Christianity and yet I can understand that the evangelical and right wing Christians feel apprehension about things such as abortion and same sex marriage, but keep in mind this elections were not about those issues. This election was about Change, about a new direction, a new era in American politics. And yes, WE will actively be part of it and also critical of this new mandate. Obama and this country face a monumental task, Obama got through the first few laps, but the race is still on and the route ahead is steeper. All eyes will be on him and this country. Let God guide him and all those that will be soon call to serve with him on behalf of all Americans, and let God bless America and the entire World. |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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Dan: I pray the same.
Mary-Beth: America got what they wanted. I think our views (the nations') are not as liberal as his, but American are hurting and are tired on so many levels. Had John McCain run under different circumstances perhpas things would have been more favorable for him. I too am grieved by President Elect O'Bama's stand on abortion but we must continue to get our message out about that and to teach our children to respect all human life even the ones that are yet to be born. I think our best strategy when it comes to that is on the state and local levels. As far as his faith, we will see it put into action. I don't think it right to judge him just yet, we will know a tree by it's fruit. I would also say do not be afraid of the future because God holds the future. He has promised to take care of us and now more than ever we will have an opportunity to trust in God.
Coreena: Thank you, so much and I am glad to know that I am not alone. Thanks for sharing with me.
Bookish: Coming from a writer thanks! Yes we have a right to question and chastise and we must always stand for morality. Let us though speak the truth in love. |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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| Caleb: Yes, coming from you this brings me great comfort that I did not sound like sour grapes. It is a defining moment and I hope with all my heart that we can put away this partisanship and focus on issues and come together as a people. There are many challenges that lay ahead of him and of us as a people, but as I have pledged I will pray for him and I will support him when my conscience allows me to do so. I hope that he and the Democrats will consider all of America's best interests which I am hopeful he will lead the way in that. Yes God bless America. |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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Greatly put Brother Todd, We need to pray, pray, pray, but you know no matter who ran and won, we should have prayed, prayed, prayed... I am very worried about this nation, I have felt it in my Spirit... but the cast is done, and we have to trust God to get us through it... In Jan I will pray for my new president, and this Nation.
Brother Todd this is a great blog, and spoken with truth and love... well said. |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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Kudos for a great post-election editorial Todd! |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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| MamaStrout: Your words summarize two verses: Proverbs 21:1 1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; He directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. & Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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| Marilyn: Pray and let us trust in the Lord and as Christians let us be salt and light to the world. |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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| Mike: Thank you. God Bless America. |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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| Great blog..I love you my brother..God Bless you and your Family. |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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| Joe: Thanks and God bless America and I love you too! |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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Yes, Brother Todd, great blog; gracious comments. I didn't get who I voted for either but I am very happy to see the day where Barack Obama could be elected President. As a child I still remember the consternation I felt when I saw two water fountains sitting side by side with a "colored" sign above one and a "white only" sign above the other. Supposedly that was the good O'l Christian nation that had prayer in schools and the Ten Commandments on the walls. It saddens me that we can so easily be deceived into thinking that those issues are more important than proclaiming the Good News (not bad news). He who has the Son, has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. It isn't about legislated laws...it's about a new creation. Yours in him,
Craig |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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| Bro Todd: I do love your heart!!!!! God bless you and America!!!!!! |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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| Craig: Thanks and it is ironic isn't it? But politics is just that politics. It is for the world and this world system we are not of this world and we have a greater cause. Thanks for the kind words. |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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"I will pray for him and I will support him when my conscience allows me to do so."
You have put into words what I have been struggling to say:)
One thing I do know is this: We need to pray for his safety...he and his family. |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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Cindy:: Thanks and we are all Americans and we all rise and fall together as one.
Forgiven: Let us pray for his protection and safety. |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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Yesterday history was made and I believe from the bottom of my heart that God put this plan in motion eons ago.
I know that we are split on where our country should go but God is not split on where his people should go... I love all of my brothers and sisters (Democrats and Republicans alike) and pray that as one people(Christians) we can stand together and bring this country back to where it needs to be. Pray for our President, Pray for our Country, Pray for our children, Pray for Peace and Pray for our souls.
Love you Brother Todd.... |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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| Mary, I could not agree with you more. I share your joy! Love you too! Isn't it great the Love of Christ how it goes beyond the barriers that "men" put up, race, politics, social class etc? |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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Yes, it is Brother Todd and I am so glad that he opened my heart and eyes to be more like him. Now I pray that more people will get past their own personal agendas and do as our Father instruct us to do Trust and Love Him and each other....
Praise, Honor and Glory to the One on High.... |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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| You have stated this so eloquently and graciously, Bro Todd! While I fear for traditional marriage and the rights of the unborn (among other things), Obama is my President. I will pray for him, and I would just love it if he would surprise all of us who voted for McCain, and turn out to be none of the things we feared! Thanks for this blog...lets's stand united as Christians and Americans! |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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| Well said Todd |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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Carol: I know where you stand and I will say that God has not given us a spirit of fear. This is America and it is still for the people by the people. The sad thing is Carol is that many of "the people" have departed from a traditional biblical world-view. We must resolve to be salt and light to this world. One verse that has been a great comfort to me these past weeks is this:
Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. Pray for him and watch what God does. |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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| Stu: Thank you. Watching from accross the pond what is the reaction over there? |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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Todd,
As I prayed yesterday I asked the Lord to give discernment for His people to make the right choice. But we know that God is in control and he already knew who would be president. As chrisitians we must stand together more than ever in our faith and be united as one with the mind of Christ and trust in the Lord our God as he holds the future for us all. |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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| Jan, Yes, we must stand together more than ever in our faith and e united as one with the mind of Christ. Yes we are in the Lord's hands. God Bless You. |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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I will say that when i woke up this morning, I was disappointed in the results of the election, but after reading this blog, it made me think, that maybe this whole thing isnt as bad as we are all making it, Congrats to the new Commander in Chief President Obama
-Daniel Jordan(Proud Conservative) |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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| Excellent post, Todd! You are a wise and gracious follower of Christ! |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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| Daniel: Nothing is ever as bad as it seems. America is stronger today than ever and despite all the talk of waving the white flag of surrender as a country more unified we are better able to deal with any challenge that comes upon us. George W was a huge benefactor of the patriotism and unification that came after 911 and he rode that into a second term. We are the greatest nation on earth and we are the greatest people. Though we may fuss and fight with each other we always end up coming together for the cause. Don't forget that McCain garnered a huge percentage of the popular vote so President Elect O'Bama understands that he has to move the whole nation forward and not just his people. None the less, I am glad you feel better and trust me conservatism is not dead, in my opinion it got lazy and slack and took it's position for granted and saw it's support base erode. When conservatives will get back to basics as to what conservatives are then you will see many come under the tent. Take Care and God Bless America! |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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God bless you, my friend. |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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| Kathy: Wow! Gracious and wise huh? Well to God be the glory. When it all comes down to it Kathy this is America and like it or not each of us has a vote and these are the results. We all have so much in common and it has become almost silly to the point that we have become disagreeable. No matter if it is a good idea or not, because it came from the other side it is dogged out and trashed. With President Elect O'Bama's freshness and inexperience perhaps he will be naive enough to believe that we can come together as Americans and create a better nation and better future to our selves and our posterity. I wish him well and much success and perhaps his heart will be open to God would have him do and as a result we all will be blessed. |
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| November 05, 2008 |
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| Joey: Thanks and we are all in this together. |
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| November 06, 2008 |
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| A fine piece, Brother Todd. It's where I am, too. "To do nothing can be devastating, to do anything can be the beginning of something great." (Help me with this saying, I'm sure it's not exact, but hopefully the idea is there.) I'm looking forward to seeing what's coming. |
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| November 06, 2008 |
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| Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I am so comforted to see other Christians who truly care about doing what is right. I too felt Obama was wrong for the country, but now that he has been chosen, I rejoice with brothers and sisters who longed to see this day. And, I pray that God will guide our new president, because God is ultimately in control.
We have to remember that Christ did not come to the world to change our politics, but to change hearts. We have to reach out with His love, not lash out with anger or bitterness. Thanks so much for being a voice of reason and love.
I pray God's Spirit will go out and that His people on both sides of the political spectrum will focus on what's important -- glorifying God and pointing the lost to the Savior. |
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| November 06, 2008 |
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| Ed: I know what you are saying. My college President was famous for saying: "Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly." to sit and do nothing or to do the same thing over and over again that hasn't worked is down right foolsih. I too am looking forward to see what is coming and the nice thing to know is that God holds the future. |
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| November 06, 2008 |
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| babwryter: You bless and comfort me as well! We will rejoice with them that rejoice. I could not agree more with your sentiments and I thank you, for blessing me with kind words, as I wrote this I really opened my heart and am glad to see others feel this way too. |
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| November 06, 2008 |
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| Good job Todd, our God is in control of everything and there is nothing to fear! Love you son. |
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| November 06, 2008 |
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| Grandma/Mom: There is nothing to fear but fear itself. Perfect love casts out all fear and God has not given us a Spirit of fear. We are over-comers and are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. |
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| November 07, 2008 |
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Todd,
This is one of the best editorials I have read in awhile! Keep writing and listening to Jesus as you write. God bless you brother. |
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| November 07, 2008 |
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| Pastor Dave: As I read your brief comment it brought tears to my eyes to think perhaps Jesus was impressing me with these thoughts is an amazing assurance of His favor and presence in my life. Thanks for the encouragement and you keep preaching the word line by line precept by precept. Convince, rebuke exhort with all long patience and suffering. |
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| November 10, 2008 |
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Todd, I couldn't stop reading this editorial. I am in awe of how vulnerable you have made yourself yet I felt no malicious intent in you writing. I must be honest as an African American I didn't know how people were going to react to this news. I thought some would certainly be angry. I think you most definitely have reacted Christ like in this situation. My views are very much socially conservative but I can't verbalize what it means to see someone of color in the White House. I am fully aware that color should not take part in who we support of who we like and agree with. However, I hope to write a blog that can iluminate my feelings as well as you have done my friend. I feel like this blog was a glimpse into the character of a good man. A man that could only be this way because Christ live's within him. Thank you so much for this article.
Anthony |
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| November 10, 2008 |
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| Tony: As I read your words my eyes well up with tears. Not only for your compliments to me, but I rejoice with what a great achievment it is for our people as a whole. Your words are way too kind, but already I can see by your post and my good liberal friend Caleb's post that there is already some healing going on. I hope we can all come together and be Americans again instead of this color that color, this party or that etc...God bless you and thanks for a wonderful commentary. If you would let me know when you write that blog I would like to read it and encourage you too. |
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| November 11, 2008 |
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Mr. Todd, as I sit here writing you my heart is over whelmed by the words that flowed from your heart. A heart God dwells in. I recently started writing blogs on here & then asked for prayer request for my son. I was so happy to find out that there are people out there who touch & agree with me concerning my needs etc. But then after the election & President Elect Obama was announced I came on here & found so many....even some of the same people who said they would pray for my son were the very same one's that wrote blogs/comments that made me cry saying awful things about Obama. I didn't comment on anyone's blog because it was very clear how they felt about a black man being president. Then I came across your blog & I can honestly say you are a TRUE MAN of God. You can always tell what's in a person at one point or another & sir God's spirit truly lives in you. You are a leader & this world needs more people like you. You gave me hope today, I was asking God how can we call ourselves Christians & say we love one another but in our hearts there's conditions on that love. I was raised to be color blind & I'm thankful for that because we are all equal in my Father eyes. So once again I want to thank you for being you & letting God use you. I'm sure you've helped heal alot of wounds on here since the election with this blog & I'm sure you've made others face things they don't want to admit or face.
You are Blessed,
Racquel |
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| November 11, 2008 |
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| Raquel: Did you know we are neighbors? My wife is from Crestview and we go that way from time to time. Anyway, hearing your words affirm that we are really not all that far apart. When Christ is Lord of our lives all the other barriers that keep people from being in fellowship disappear. I guess we just need to bear with one another don't we? I am so happy for Obama and I just see this as a great opportunity for our country to heal. I hope we do! God bless you and thank you, for taking time to encourage me and being a blessing to me. I am glad you are color blind because that is the way God would have it. :) Man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks on the heart. Take Care & God Bless, Todd |
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| November 11, 2008 |
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| Just hired a communist, racist and corrupt politician with no qualifications to be president. That is a shame. Not something to revel in. Many who voted for him have no idea wht socialism is. |
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| November 12, 2008 |
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| William: In fairness I will let your comment stand, but eventhough you may disagree with him, he still will be your president and as a Christian you will need to pray for him and honor him. Our country is in the Lord's hands we trust in Him. |
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| November 12, 2008 |
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"I guess we just need to bear with one anothe...." Todd, can't tell you how often Paul's admonition comes to my mind! I was really touched by Racquel's comment. |
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| November 12, 2008 |
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| Mike there are so many comments that stand out here. I am amazed at the response. |
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