Dear Mr. President
Thank you for being the most pro-life president that we have had in my voting lifetime. Your actions to support the rights of the unborn have spoken much louder than all the empty rhetoric of politicians in the past or any political tweets that you have made in the present.
Your first major decision while running for President was to select pro-life Michael Pence as your VP running mate. Your second was to announce a top flight list of possible Supreme Court appointees that court scholars said would be inclined to support both a strict constitutional interpretation as well as the right of the unborn to be protected and valued.
I believe that abortion is THE most important political issue of my lifetime. Because I believe abortion is the taking of a human life given by God and because I believe that one's stance on abortion reflects an inner moral compass that ultimately affects other governmental decisions, including the economy and foreign policy. I voted for you in hopes that your actual deeds in regards to abortion would match your political promises. To me this issue far outweighed any of my concerns about your previous moral lapses or any embarrassment I might have had about how you conduct yourself publicly in the present.
I was thrilled to see that on your very first day in office you canceled the Mexico City Accord which required other nations to provide abortions in order to receive our country's foreign aid
I am also thrilled and encouraged to see that so far during your first term you have appointed two constitutional conservative Supreme Court Justices who will, hopefully along with your next appointment, insure that like slavery Roe V Wade goes to the ash heap of our country's history and will bring the decision of whether to terminate an infant's life back to each individual state
So far during your first term you and the Senate have confirmed more Federal judges than both of your predecessors combined, all of them constitutional conservatives, their average age 10 years younger than those confirmed by your last two predecessors. This will affect the direction of our courts for decades to come and will be instrumental when lawsuits arise challenging state laws restricting abortion.
Along with the above you have done much to restrict the use of tax payer dollars to fund Planned Parenthood, our country's largest provider of abortions who by themselves terminate over a third of a million of lives every year
Your actions to defend the most vulnerable among us has been an answer to the voices of over fifty million innocent lives that have cried out for justice to the heavens since 1972. For this stance alone your name will be remembered and honored for generations to come.
I thank you as well for officially recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capitol. Unlike most of your predecessors who only gave lip service to the idea, you have actually followed through on your promise and have made sure that America remains a great friend of the nation of Israel.
Our country does not need to approve or support everything that Israel does. However God promises in His Word that He will bless those that bless Israel and curse those that curse it. You have blessed Israel by giving international recognition to the fact that Jerusalem is its capital and you have blessed Israel by recognizing their right of sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Thus I believe that the following spiritual principle will play out. Your support for Israel will help insure God's blessing for our country and you as well are being blessed by it.
Thank you for recognizing the severity of the persecution of the Christian Church that is happening today in many countries internationally as well as for truly understanding all the cultural and political pressures that the Church in America is experiencing greater and greater everyday. More than any President in the past you have show a willingness to both seek and to listen to advice giving by respected Church leaders.
I thank you for the courage you have displayed in the midst of the greatest opposition and the greatest attacks any president has ever seen during their first days in office and during their first term. I believe that opposition to your election goes far beyond normal politics and instead reflects a spiritual battle that is going on today. And part of that spiritual battle is that the evil spirits that thirst for the shedding of innocent blood do not want to lose one of their means to their power and influence.
My constant prayer for you is that as you seek God's will for our country you will also humble yourself personally. I pray that you will receive not only the fullness of His salvation but will also experience the gifts of His Holy Spirit as well as the demonstration of the fruits of His Holy Spirit in your life.
May God bless you and may God bless the United States of America.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Sunday, July 14, 2019
Trump Wins Bigly In 2020
Here are 7 reasons President Trump will win reelection in a landslide in 2020 (not necessarily in order of importance)
1. It's The Economy Stupid.
As of today the stock market, where 10's of millions of average Americans invest a good portion of their money, is at an all time high, a whopping 49% higher than it was on the day before the 2016 election. Odds are there will be one or more major market adjustments between now and the next presidential election but the economy is roaring now and confidence in the economy is reflected in the stock market. This is due in large part to Trump's pro business policies (think for example lower corporate tax rates which have drawn back to the US trillions of overseas dollars to be invested in creating more US jobs).
Unemployment levels are at record lows and employment levels are at record highs and the number of jobs including higher paying manufacturing jobs have been growing since Trump's election at rates most experts thought were not possible anymore (Obama/Biden/Clinton told us we must forget those jobs) At the same time, because of the competition for qualified workers, average wage rates have been sharply growing as well.
Although dismissed by East and West coast elites as a tax cut for the rich (because (a) that's the standard leftist trope and (b) an extra $20 or $40 dollars per paycheck doesn't mean anything to them), the tax cut has been appreciated by the average American worker.
2. When Attacked The Tribe Unites
Oh, how many ways can I make this point? Think of "RESIST" from day one until now by the mainstream media where 93% of their coverage toward Trump was and still is negative. Think of "RESIST" from day one with all of the hate Trump posts, comments and vulgar language by supposed "friends" on social media immediately after the election and probably continuing today (finally not being able to take it and wanting to remain civil and "friends" I blocked most of them).
I and almost everyone I know who voted for Trump was shocked at the failure of one side to do what has always been done and acknowledge with grace when their side lost. Most of us were not happy with the ultra liberal policies of President Obama and we expressed our disagreements in many time tested ways and then voted for change. We did not expect the circus that followed and were shocked by the other side's behavior.
Think of the 2 year long "Trump is a Russian stodge" debacle which was obvious from very early on to anyone not affected by the "Trump derangement syndrome" that this was both a set up of Trump and a cover up of actual Clinton/Obama efforts to effect the election.
And then think of the Kavanaugh hearings with the vicious accusations, outright lies and character assassinations of an outstanding jurist and human being. These had nothing to do with judicial philosophy but everything to do with trying to destroy a person with whom you disagree.
RESIST, Kavanaugh and to a lesser sense Russia were emotional slaps in the face to conservatives which worked to unite them and will not soon be forgotten.
3. Trump Is A Money Magnet
The Republican Party was not united behind Trump in 2016 and for awhile after wards and that included many of the big money donors and certain of it's elected officials. Perhaps you are not aware of this but while President Trump is an America first person as are most of his base there is a large portion of the GOP who consider themselves globalists. Globalists seek international solutions and are willing to give up national sovereignty and treasure in order to achieve that. The Bushes were globalists. So was Obama. So is Clinton/Biden.
Without getting into a long discussion of exactly how that affects the way a President governs let me give you a simplistic generalization. There are very large and powerful international businesses and personalities who have a common goal and who invest a lot of money with politicians and activist groups around the world which includes men and woman from both parties here in America. That is a large reason why Washington is filled with swamp creatures, many who do not really have the best interests of our country in mind.
A large part of the hatred of Trump from the GOP side was that he was not one of them. He did not go to their private parties (attended by both sides), did not behave in the acceptable manner and did not have the same globalist goals. Not only that but he pledged if elected to go to Washington to drain the swamp.
However, an interesting thing happened as stated in point number 2. Although globalism is a strong interest many on the Right also actually have sincere conservative leanings and when Trump came to Washington he has governed as a true conservative. This they noticed.
But they also noticed the daily attacks, lies and misrepresentations about Trump and the effort to destroy anyone who is associated with him. It turns out that their tribal instincts are now outweighing their global instincts. In 2016 fundraising for Trump and fundraising for the GOP were separate. Today they are combined.
In 2016 Clinton raised a record billion dollars toward her election. Trump raised 600 million. This year when President Trump announced his intent to run again in 2020 he raised a million dollars an hour on the first day alone. It is estimated that his reelection war chest will equal 2.5 billion dollars. Although social media companies are almost totally controlled by young male progressives who actively work to silence conservative voices on their social media platforms the Trump campaign does have a well funded team who know how to use it to fund raise and how to get their message targeted.
4. Open Borders Is Going To Crush The Left
Illegal immigration was the major issue driving the Right in 2016. The situation has become ten times worse since then. The Left as with most issues argues emotions over facts and logic but here that is going to backfire. The African American community and the established Hispanic community, traditional Democrat voting blocs, do not want the huge influx of unskilled workers competing for some of their jobs and lowering those wages. Suburban white woman do not want to see pictures of children in cages but they are going to finally realize that the Dems because of their hatred for Trump refused to vote for any funding that would help solve a crisis caused by the overwhelming of our facilities at the border.
Populations in many countries in Europe, fearing they are losing their national identities, are rebelling. England had its Brexit vote to leave the EU and a Prime Minister who recently resigned because the globalist elites at Westminster did not want to deliver it, Greece and Italy's new governments are making sweeping immigration policy changes and Europe is rife with immigrant populations who refuse to adapt to national cultural norms and behaviors and because of that traditional national populations are rebelling.
The issue in American of course is not whether immigration is good and healthy. Most people believe it is. The issue is not whether we are a compassionate people. Most people believe we are. Instead the issue is - do we have a right to control our borders, enforce our immigration laws, decide who and when they are allowed to enter and have a chance to become citizens, willing to learn the language and adopt traditional American values. The issue also should be, are there jobs available for the new arrivals and do we have the ability to stop drugs from being smuggled in, criminals and gangs from moving in and dangerous diseases from infection our population.
These are not policies driven, as the Left tries to portray everything, by racism or xenophobia. Most Americans know this in their gut and they have noticed that one side does not even come close to believing the same way they do or trying to provide a solution, other than accepting open borders.
5. Karl Was Not One Of The Funny Marx Brothers
OK, but Bernie highlights can be pretty amusing. But when every presidential candidate from one party is competing to see who can offer the most free stuff, the craziest ideas, the highest tax rates, the most anti-Christian tropes, the most woke stance on gender, LGBT, race and abortion, the most green anti-capitalist environment, they have indeed energized the most radical of their base but have left the rest of the country far, far behind. Their push toward achieving an atheistic Marxist global utopia run by an enlightened few is an idea that because of human nature cannot and never has worked. However, for some reason their masks are now off all of them are on the record.
Partly because of abandoning either/or religious sensibilities, family values and traditional work ethic, African Americans, Latino Americans and Asians Americans are starting to leave their old party in large numbers. The rust belt is starting to turn red and you are going to see before the election defections from some major politicians and perhaps even a split in the Democrat party.
6. The Push For Reparations Is A Gift From God
Which leads to my final point.
7. God Blesses Those Who Bless The Jews
Now the Lord God said to Abram, "Go forth from your country, and from your relatives, and from your father's house to the Land which I will show you; And I will make you a great nation. And I will bless you and make your name great; And so you shall be a blessing; And will bless those that bless you, and the one that curses you I will curse. Genesis 12: 1-3
You may not like to hear this but here it is. God chose this moment in time to place Donald J. Trump into office. He did not choose who I would have chosen. He did not choose a man with a pristine past and a refined air. And he did not choose a politician who says one thing but believes in his heart another.
He chose a man who would take the timing away from the plans of the evil one so God could accomplish three things.
First, there is a timing for the nation of Israel. The evil one has always planned and worked to wipe that nation off the face of the earth. A Clinton presidency in 2016 after the 8 years of Obama or any of the current Democrat candidates for 2020 would have or would be a disaster for Israel. Trump is widely seen in Israel as a modern day Cyrus, a gentile king who saved the Jewish people from disaster and then issued a decree for the Jewish people to return to their land, rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and eventually rebuild the temple.
Trump was the only one running on the 2016 Republican ticket who would have had the guts to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, thus giving defacto international recognition to Jerusalem as Israel's capitol. He is the only one who would have recognized Israel's control of the strategic Golan Heights. If only for those two actions God is going to bless the Presidency of Donald Trump. Who knows what may come out his so called deal of the century regarding Israel and it's neighbors but what ever way it goes I believe it is part of God's plans for this point in time.
Second, God wanted to stop our countries march toward Marxism and globalism and in doing so He also wanted to bless our land because of all of those who have prayed, because of those who have given their time and shed their blood for the freedom and well being of other lands and because of those who have gone out from here to proclaim the good news of Jesus.
We as a nation have sinned greatly, have shed the blood of sixty million of our own innocents, and we deserve judgment. But God in His grace is giving us a period of time where those investments will return ten fold home, where globalism will be set back for a time and where the prayers of the righteous and the blood of the innocent will rise up to Heaven and Roe Vs Wade will be overturned.
What we are seeing in the public square today is the reaction of evil principalities and powers in and over this land, the loud cries of foul spirits who know they are being unmasked and in a battle for position and power, who are and will be cast out so the land may be healed. God chose Donald Trump because he has no fear of man and has no obligations to other parties.
The orange man, rough as he is, has boundless energy, loves America and understands at a deep level how people think and how there are multiple ways to look at a problem and find a solution that your normal politician could never even begin to grasp. He has God's blessing and anointing and even at times, probably without even knowing it, speaks prophetically (stories perhaps for another day).
Third, but most important. God is doing this all because of souls. I believe that it is His will that many peoples and many countries at this point in time will be led into believing that Jesus is Lord. The financial blessings that have come and are coming about are meant to be used to finance and send out the gospel. The spiritual blessings that have come and are coming are meant to evangelize, to heal the sick and mend the broken hearted, to rebuild and reinforce all that has been lost.
That is why Trump will be reelected in 2020. There is still much more to be done and perhaps after Trump God will raise up another one to take his place. That said, while I believe this is God's will it also means that the opposition may even be greater in the days ahead, the enemies cries even louder, and our need to pray for God's will to be done even greater. But as one prophet has seen in a vision, we are to declare to the screaming enemy hordes, "You have lost, we have won!"
1. It's The Economy Stupid.
As of today the stock market, where 10's of millions of average Americans invest a good portion of their money, is at an all time high, a whopping 49% higher than it was on the day before the 2016 election. Odds are there will be one or more major market adjustments between now and the next presidential election but the economy is roaring now and confidence in the economy is reflected in the stock market. This is due in large part to Trump's pro business policies (think for example lower corporate tax rates which have drawn back to the US trillions of overseas dollars to be invested in creating more US jobs).
Unemployment levels are at record lows and employment levels are at record highs and the number of jobs including higher paying manufacturing jobs have been growing since Trump's election at rates most experts thought were not possible anymore (Obama/Biden/Clinton told us we must forget those jobs) At the same time, because of the competition for qualified workers, average wage rates have been sharply growing as well.
Although dismissed by East and West coast elites as a tax cut for the rich (because (a) that's the standard leftist trope and (b) an extra $20 or $40 dollars per paycheck doesn't mean anything to them), the tax cut has been appreciated by the average American worker.
2. When Attacked The Tribe Unites
Oh, how many ways can I make this point? Think of "RESIST" from day one until now by the mainstream media where 93% of their coverage toward Trump was and still is negative. Think of "RESIST" from day one with all of the hate Trump posts, comments and vulgar language by supposed "friends" on social media immediately after the election and probably continuing today (finally not being able to take it and wanting to remain civil and "friends" I blocked most of them).
I and almost everyone I know who voted for Trump was shocked at the failure of one side to do what has always been done and acknowledge with grace when their side lost. Most of us were not happy with the ultra liberal policies of President Obama and we expressed our disagreements in many time tested ways and then voted for change. We did not expect the circus that followed and were shocked by the other side's behavior.
Think of the 2 year long "Trump is a Russian stodge" debacle which was obvious from very early on to anyone not affected by the "Trump derangement syndrome" that this was both a set up of Trump and a cover up of actual Clinton/Obama efforts to effect the election.
And then think of the Kavanaugh hearings with the vicious accusations, outright lies and character assassinations of an outstanding jurist and human being. These had nothing to do with judicial philosophy but everything to do with trying to destroy a person with whom you disagree.
RESIST, Kavanaugh and to a lesser sense Russia were emotional slaps in the face to conservatives which worked to unite them and will not soon be forgotten.
3. Trump Is A Money Magnet
The Republican Party was not united behind Trump in 2016 and for awhile after wards and that included many of the big money donors and certain of it's elected officials. Perhaps you are not aware of this but while President Trump is an America first person as are most of his base there is a large portion of the GOP who consider themselves globalists. Globalists seek international solutions and are willing to give up national sovereignty and treasure in order to achieve that. The Bushes were globalists. So was Obama. So is Clinton/Biden.
Without getting into a long discussion of exactly how that affects the way a President governs let me give you a simplistic generalization. There are very large and powerful international businesses and personalities who have a common goal and who invest a lot of money with politicians and activist groups around the world which includes men and woman from both parties here in America. That is a large reason why Washington is filled with swamp creatures, many who do not really have the best interests of our country in mind.
A large part of the hatred of Trump from the GOP side was that he was not one of them. He did not go to their private parties (attended by both sides), did not behave in the acceptable manner and did not have the same globalist goals. Not only that but he pledged if elected to go to Washington to drain the swamp.
However, an interesting thing happened as stated in point number 2. Although globalism is a strong interest many on the Right also actually have sincere conservative leanings and when Trump came to Washington he has governed as a true conservative. This they noticed.
But they also noticed the daily attacks, lies and misrepresentations about Trump and the effort to destroy anyone who is associated with him. It turns out that their tribal instincts are now outweighing their global instincts. In 2016 fundraising for Trump and fundraising for the GOP were separate. Today they are combined.
In 2016 Clinton raised a record billion dollars toward her election. Trump raised 600 million. This year when President Trump announced his intent to run again in 2020 he raised a million dollars an hour on the first day alone. It is estimated that his reelection war chest will equal 2.5 billion dollars. Although social media companies are almost totally controlled by young male progressives who actively work to silence conservative voices on their social media platforms the Trump campaign does have a well funded team who know how to use it to fund raise and how to get their message targeted.
4. Open Borders Is Going To Crush The Left
Illegal immigration was the major issue driving the Right in 2016. The situation has become ten times worse since then. The Left as with most issues argues emotions over facts and logic but here that is going to backfire. The African American community and the established Hispanic community, traditional Democrat voting blocs, do not want the huge influx of unskilled workers competing for some of their jobs and lowering those wages. Suburban white woman do not want to see pictures of children in cages but they are going to finally realize that the Dems because of their hatred for Trump refused to vote for any funding that would help solve a crisis caused by the overwhelming of our facilities at the border.
Populations in many countries in Europe, fearing they are losing their national identities, are rebelling. England had its Brexit vote to leave the EU and a Prime Minister who recently resigned because the globalist elites at Westminster did not want to deliver it, Greece and Italy's new governments are making sweeping immigration policy changes and Europe is rife with immigrant populations who refuse to adapt to national cultural norms and behaviors and because of that traditional national populations are rebelling.
The issue in American of course is not whether immigration is good and healthy. Most people believe it is. The issue is not whether we are a compassionate people. Most people believe we are. Instead the issue is - do we have a right to control our borders, enforce our immigration laws, decide who and when they are allowed to enter and have a chance to become citizens, willing to learn the language and adopt traditional American values. The issue also should be, are there jobs available for the new arrivals and do we have the ability to stop drugs from being smuggled in, criminals and gangs from moving in and dangerous diseases from infection our population.
These are not policies driven, as the Left tries to portray everything, by racism or xenophobia. Most Americans know this in their gut and they have noticed that one side does not even come close to believing the same way they do or trying to provide a solution, other than accepting open borders.
5. Karl Was Not One Of The Funny Marx Brothers
OK, but Bernie highlights can be pretty amusing. But when every presidential candidate from one party is competing to see who can offer the most free stuff, the craziest ideas, the highest tax rates, the most anti-Christian tropes, the most woke stance on gender, LGBT, race and abortion, the most green anti-capitalist environment, they have indeed energized the most radical of their base but have left the rest of the country far, far behind. Their push toward achieving an atheistic Marxist global utopia run by an enlightened few is an idea that because of human nature cannot and never has worked. However, for some reason their masks are now off all of them are on the record.
Partly because of abandoning either/or religious sensibilities, family values and traditional work ethic, African Americans, Latino Americans and Asians Americans are starting to leave their old party in large numbers. The rust belt is starting to turn red and you are going to see before the election defections from some major politicians and perhaps even a split in the Democrat party.
6. The Push For Reparations Is A Gift From God
Which leads to my final point.
7. God Blesses Those Who Bless The Jews
Now the Lord God said to Abram, "Go forth from your country, and from your relatives, and from your father's house to the Land which I will show you; And I will make you a great nation. And I will bless you and make your name great; And so you shall be a blessing; And will bless those that bless you, and the one that curses you I will curse. Genesis 12: 1-3
You may not like to hear this but here it is. God chose this moment in time to place Donald J. Trump into office. He did not choose who I would have chosen. He did not choose a man with a pristine past and a refined air. And he did not choose a politician who says one thing but believes in his heart another.
He chose a man who would take the timing away from the plans of the evil one so God could accomplish three things.
First, there is a timing for the nation of Israel. The evil one has always planned and worked to wipe that nation off the face of the earth. A Clinton presidency in 2016 after the 8 years of Obama or any of the current Democrat candidates for 2020 would have or would be a disaster for Israel. Trump is widely seen in Israel as a modern day Cyrus, a gentile king who saved the Jewish people from disaster and then issued a decree for the Jewish people to return to their land, rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and eventually rebuild the temple.
Trump was the only one running on the 2016 Republican ticket who would have had the guts to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, thus giving defacto international recognition to Jerusalem as Israel's capitol. He is the only one who would have recognized Israel's control of the strategic Golan Heights. If only for those two actions God is going to bless the Presidency of Donald Trump. Who knows what may come out his so called deal of the century regarding Israel and it's neighbors but what ever way it goes I believe it is part of God's plans for this point in time.
Second, God wanted to stop our countries march toward Marxism and globalism and in doing so He also wanted to bless our land because of all of those who have prayed, because of those who have given their time and shed their blood for the freedom and well being of other lands and because of those who have gone out from here to proclaim the good news of Jesus.
We as a nation have sinned greatly, have shed the blood of sixty million of our own innocents, and we deserve judgment. But God in His grace is giving us a period of time where those investments will return ten fold home, where globalism will be set back for a time and where the prayers of the righteous and the blood of the innocent will rise up to Heaven and Roe Vs Wade will be overturned.
What we are seeing in the public square today is the reaction of evil principalities and powers in and over this land, the loud cries of foul spirits who know they are being unmasked and in a battle for position and power, who are and will be cast out so the land may be healed. God chose Donald Trump because he has no fear of man and has no obligations to other parties.
The orange man, rough as he is, has boundless energy, loves America and understands at a deep level how people think and how there are multiple ways to look at a problem and find a solution that your normal politician could never even begin to grasp. He has God's blessing and anointing and even at times, probably without even knowing it, speaks prophetically (stories perhaps for another day).
Third, but most important. God is doing this all because of souls. I believe that it is His will that many peoples and many countries at this point in time will be led into believing that Jesus is Lord. The financial blessings that have come and are coming about are meant to be used to finance and send out the gospel. The spiritual blessings that have come and are coming are meant to evangelize, to heal the sick and mend the broken hearted, to rebuild and reinforce all that has been lost.
That is why Trump will be reelected in 2020. There is still much more to be done and perhaps after Trump God will raise up another one to take his place. That said, while I believe this is God's will it also means that the opposition may even be greater in the days ahead, the enemies cries even louder, and our need to pray for God's will to be done even greater. But as one prophet has seen in a vision, we are to declare to the screaming enemy hordes, "You have lost, we have won!"
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Yes Walt Whitman, America Still Sings
From longshoremen of Baltimore and Seattle, moving containers of steel or teaming plastic bins filled with ocean harvest, America still sings
From the uniform wearing brave and loyal, who pledge their time and risk their lives to guard, defend, extinguish and restore, America still sings
From sons and daughters of men and women, those many generations who have plowed and milked and sent out their harvest in good years and hunkered down in bad, America still sings
From those who work the 7 to 4, or 3 to 11 or 10 to 6, who mill and grind and assemble and ship then find time to share meals and coach games, America still sings
From doctors and nurses, teachers and social workers, who have pressed extra hours into each day and spent their own money to offer help and hope, America still sings
From visionaries and bosses who have no set hours but who risk, create, build and train, providing thousands of opportunities in ten thousands of communities, America still sings
These are the families watching fireworks sitting in the local park on hundreds of spread out blankets eating hot dogs and drinking soda pop or an ice cold beer, because America still sings
These are the young and old gathered together on wooden pews or metal folding chairs in a million weekly gatherings to worship and share and encourage and learn, because America still sings
These are you and me who work hard and seldom complain, who trust in God and love this land, who know in our hearts that through all the busy chatter there is still a sound of hope, because America still sings.
From the uniform wearing brave and loyal, who pledge their time and risk their lives to guard, defend, extinguish and restore, America still sings
From sons and daughters of men and women, those many generations who have plowed and milked and sent out their harvest in good years and hunkered down in bad, America still sings
From those who work the 7 to 4, or 3 to 11 or 10 to 6, who mill and grind and assemble and ship then find time to share meals and coach games, America still sings
From doctors and nurses, teachers and social workers, who have pressed extra hours into each day and spent their own money to offer help and hope, America still sings
From visionaries and bosses who have no set hours but who risk, create, build and train, providing thousands of opportunities in ten thousands of communities, America still sings
These are the families watching fireworks sitting in the local park on hundreds of spread out blankets eating hot dogs and drinking soda pop or an ice cold beer, because America still sings
These are the young and old gathered together on wooden pews or metal folding chairs in a million weekly gatherings to worship and share and encourage and learn, because America still sings
These are you and me who work hard and seldom complain, who trust in God and love this land, who know in our hearts that through all the busy chatter there is still a sound of hope, because America still sings.
Monday, May 27, 2019
Memorial Day - Stories From My Father
My father, William LaBarge, was a fighter pilot during WWII, flying Spitfires out of Northern Africa. After 6 months of combat his war ended in December of 1944 when he was shot down over the Mediterranean Sea, barely surviving a bailout at 400 feet during a snowstorm with winds at 25 mph.
Flying combat missions in WWII was extremely dangerous . While he was there his unit experienced a casualty rate of 150%. Rookie pilots were the most likely not to make it and the veterans would usually wait a couple of weeks before they would even try to get to know the new guy. Just as in the book Catch 22, a pilot had to complete a certain number of missions before they could get transferred out. The number was 50 when my father started and bumped up to 80 missions later on. Bill did not know one person who achieved that.
Here are three stories my dad wrote later in his life about the war which reflect not just the dangers but also the craziness of it all.
GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
Early in 1943 I was flying P 39's out of Santa Rosa, California. Five of us had been told that we were being sent over to North Africa as replacements. We also were told that we could fly as much as we wanted until our orders came.
The P 39 was made for strafing and dive bombing. Neither of these were habit-forming occupations. One Friday I led a flight of three planes and we flew down to San Francisco. We flew under the Golden Gage Bridge and then put a real buzz job on the Navy ships in the harbor. (The three of us were married and were hoping we would be grounded so we could spend more time with our wives until our orders came).
Strangely, nothing happened and that night Eileen and I drove down to San Francisco for the weekend. My uncle , Vincent LaBarge, lived in Berkley (across the bay from San Francisco), and we were having dinner at his house. Who was also there, but my uncle, the Navy Commander. He said, "Bill, what are you flying?" "P 39's, sir." "Well", he said, "I'm sure it wasn't you, but three 39 's put a buzz job on me today, and those damn fools were below me and I was on the bridge. It must have been that yellow nosed squadron out of Oakland. Those ships are full of ammunition", he said. "I have the whole squadron out on the ramp, standing at attention until the guilty ones confess".
I almost choked, and when I looked at Eileen, she was looking in her lap, trying not to grin. I said, "I'm sure they didn't know you were full of ammunition". I didn't know what he would have done if he had known it was me, and I sure wasn't going to find out!
FIGHTER TRAINING BASE, AFRICA
When we arrived in Africa we were sent to a distribution center for fighter planes. There were P 40 's, P 39's and P 38's and Spit Fires. We soon learned that the P 39 was a real dog compared to the other fighter planes. We were based about 20 miles outside of Casablanca. They had a rule that you must not dog fight under 10,000 ft.
One day while flying alone I was hopped by two P 38's at about 10,000 feet. I couldn't out turn them so my only chance was to hit the deck. While trying to get away my head set came off. Suddenly I realized I was shaking the P 38. I put on my headset and heard, "The P 38's and P39 that have been dog fighting on the deck land immediately".
When I landed and parked the plane there was an M P and another Officer waiting. I was informed that I was under arrest and to go to my tent and await further instructions.
Shortly a general assembly was announced and we all went to see what was going to happen. The C.O. was very dramatic. He told about a pilot that had crashed about a week ago and his parents were just getting a telegram announcing the news. It had happened because he was disobeying orders. He said that the pilots on the base would never again have to look at us as we would never again fly for Uncle Sam. He said we would be court marshaled and sent home in disgrace. Then he said that the three of us should decide how we wanted to be punished and report to his tent when we decided.
Needless to say, things didn't look too rosy. However, I thought anyone so dramatic as this C.O. might fall for a good story so what did I have to lose? So I went and knocked on his door. He said, "It didn't take you very long to make up your mind." "No Sir" said I. "What have you got to say for yourself?"
"Sir", it was all my fault. I was losing the dog fight as a P 39 cannot turn with a P 38. My only chance was to hit the deck. This desert all looks alike and I didn't realize I was over the field. Naturally they followed me. There is no reason to court marshal the P 38 pilots".
"My boy, I couldn't court marshal a man like you. It took a lot of guts to come in here and say what you did. Come over here and sit down. You stick with the 39's. At Kaserine Pass the Germans were coming thru in force. We sent 12 39's out in the morning and 3 came back. Ten more went out at noon and 2 came back. There are only 5 left. They went out and none came back, but they plugged the gap. You stick with that aircraft. But what will I tell the 38 pilots?" "I said, they are trained to be killers. Don't do anything to them".
About a half an hour later the 38 pilots came by the tent. They said said they didn't know what I told the C.O. but it must have been good. Later they came back with a bottle of good Scotch.
The next morning I went out and transferred to Spit Fires.
EARLY MORNING
One day I was scheduled on an early morning recon flight with flight officer Montgomery. We had information that something was going on around Cannes and were supposed to check it out. We flew over on the deck so the radar wouldn't pick us up. We flew right into the harbor and it was absolutely quiet. But then all hell broke loose. They were not only shooting at us, but would lob shells into the water and the spouts were murder if you flew into one. Only my laundry man would know how scared I was. "They're mad at us Willie, let's get the hell out of here", came from Monty. Fortunately we got out without getting hit in a vital spot. When we landed back at Calvi, both Monty and I had from forty to fifty holes in our planes and while I was there neither plane was able to fly again.
When we were briefed afterwards the C.O. wanted to know what we saw. We said that all we saw were tracers and water spouts and there was no doubt something they didn't want us to see. Later we found out that Hitler was there on a yacht. That was never confirmed, but obviously, there was something they didn't want us to see.
Monty was one of the finest men I knew. He had the ability to lead the whole group into combat. If they had been able to get his promotion from flight officer to 2nd Lt. he would have been promoted to a least a Major as fast as possible. He had been shot down (mostly by flak) several times but always survived.
They tell the story about when he was in Naples on leave. He was stopped by a group of M.P's and had to show the color of the underwear he had on. Army regulations said everyone had to wear khaki colored underwear. Monty's underwear was white. This was a Major that stopped him and started to write up a penalty of some type. Monty grabbed him by his collar and actually shook him and said, "Sir, if you don't have anything better than this to do, why in the hell don't you go home!"
The following week Monty was killed in combat.
The week following that the C.O. received a letter from M.P headquarters in Naples instructing Captain Huston (he was our C.O. and should have been a light Col.) to court martial Flight Officer Montgomery for being disrespectful to a superior officer, etc. Captain Huston wrote back that he could not comply with request, Montgomery had been killed in action and he was putting him in for the D.F.C.
Flying combat missions in WWII was extremely dangerous . While he was there his unit experienced a casualty rate of 150%. Rookie pilots were the most likely not to make it and the veterans would usually wait a couple of weeks before they would even try to get to know the new guy. Just as in the book Catch 22, a pilot had to complete a certain number of missions before they could get transferred out. The number was 50 when my father started and bumped up to 80 missions later on. Bill did not know one person who achieved that.
Here are three stories my dad wrote later in his life about the war which reflect not just the dangers but also the craziness of it all.
GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
Early in 1943 I was flying P 39's out of Santa Rosa, California. Five of us had been told that we were being sent over to North Africa as replacements. We also were told that we could fly as much as we wanted until our orders came.
The P 39 was made for strafing and dive bombing. Neither of these were habit-forming occupations. One Friday I led a flight of three planes and we flew down to San Francisco. We flew under the Golden Gage Bridge and then put a real buzz job on the Navy ships in the harbor. (The three of us were married and were hoping we would be grounded so we could spend more time with our wives until our orders came).
Strangely, nothing happened and that night Eileen and I drove down to San Francisco for the weekend. My uncle , Vincent LaBarge, lived in Berkley (across the bay from San Francisco), and we were having dinner at his house. Who was also there, but my uncle, the Navy Commander. He said, "Bill, what are you flying?" "P 39's, sir." "Well", he said, "I'm sure it wasn't you, but three 39 's put a buzz job on me today, and those damn fools were below me and I was on the bridge. It must have been that yellow nosed squadron out of Oakland. Those ships are full of ammunition", he said. "I have the whole squadron out on the ramp, standing at attention until the guilty ones confess".
I almost choked, and when I looked at Eileen, she was looking in her lap, trying not to grin. I said, "I'm sure they didn't know you were full of ammunition". I didn't know what he would have done if he had known it was me, and I sure wasn't going to find out!
FIGHTER TRAINING BASE, AFRICA
When we arrived in Africa we were sent to a distribution center for fighter planes. There were P 40 's, P 39's and P 38's and Spit Fires. We soon learned that the P 39 was a real dog compared to the other fighter planes. We were based about 20 miles outside of Casablanca. They had a rule that you must not dog fight under 10,000 ft.
One day while flying alone I was hopped by two P 38's at about 10,000 feet. I couldn't out turn them so my only chance was to hit the deck. While trying to get away my head set came off. Suddenly I realized I was shaking the P 38. I put on my headset and heard, "The P 38's and P39 that have been dog fighting on the deck land immediately".
When I landed and parked the plane there was an M P and another Officer waiting. I was informed that I was under arrest and to go to my tent and await further instructions.
Shortly a general assembly was announced and we all went to see what was going to happen. The C.O. was very dramatic. He told about a pilot that had crashed about a week ago and his parents were just getting a telegram announcing the news. It had happened because he was disobeying orders. He said that the pilots on the base would never again have to look at us as we would never again fly for Uncle Sam. He said we would be court marshaled and sent home in disgrace. Then he said that the three of us should decide how we wanted to be punished and report to his tent when we decided.
Needless to say, things didn't look too rosy. However, I thought anyone so dramatic as this C.O. might fall for a good story so what did I have to lose? So I went and knocked on his door. He said, "It didn't take you very long to make up your mind." "No Sir" said I. "What have you got to say for yourself?"
"Sir", it was all my fault. I was losing the dog fight as a P 39 cannot turn with a P 38. My only chance was to hit the deck. This desert all looks alike and I didn't realize I was over the field. Naturally they followed me. There is no reason to court marshal the P 38 pilots".
"My boy, I couldn't court marshal a man like you. It took a lot of guts to come in here and say what you did. Come over here and sit down. You stick with the 39's. At Kaserine Pass the Germans were coming thru in force. We sent 12 39's out in the morning and 3 came back. Ten more went out at noon and 2 came back. There are only 5 left. They went out and none came back, but they plugged the gap. You stick with that aircraft. But what will I tell the 38 pilots?" "I said, they are trained to be killers. Don't do anything to them".
About a half an hour later the 38 pilots came by the tent. They said said they didn't know what I told the C.O. but it must have been good. Later they came back with a bottle of good Scotch.
The next morning I went out and transferred to Spit Fires.
EARLY MORNING
One day I was scheduled on an early morning recon flight with flight officer Montgomery. We had information that something was going on around Cannes and were supposed to check it out. We flew over on the deck so the radar wouldn't pick us up. We flew right into the harbor and it was absolutely quiet. But then all hell broke loose. They were not only shooting at us, but would lob shells into the water and the spouts were murder if you flew into one. Only my laundry man would know how scared I was. "They're mad at us Willie, let's get the hell out of here", came from Monty. Fortunately we got out without getting hit in a vital spot. When we landed back at Calvi, both Monty and I had from forty to fifty holes in our planes and while I was there neither plane was able to fly again.
When we were briefed afterwards the C.O. wanted to know what we saw. We said that all we saw were tracers and water spouts and there was no doubt something they didn't want us to see. Later we found out that Hitler was there on a yacht. That was never confirmed, but obviously, there was something they didn't want us to see.
Monty was one of the finest men I knew. He had the ability to lead the whole group into combat. If they had been able to get his promotion from flight officer to 2nd Lt. he would have been promoted to a least a Major as fast as possible. He had been shot down (mostly by flak) several times but always survived.
They tell the story about when he was in Naples on leave. He was stopped by a group of M.P's and had to show the color of the underwear he had on. Army regulations said everyone had to wear khaki colored underwear. Monty's underwear was white. This was a Major that stopped him and started to write up a penalty of some type. Monty grabbed him by his collar and actually shook him and said, "Sir, if you don't have anything better than this to do, why in the hell don't you go home!"
The following week Monty was killed in combat.
The week following that the C.O. received a letter from M.P headquarters in Naples instructing Captain Huston (he was our C.O. and should have been a light Col.) to court martial Flight Officer Montgomery for being disrespectful to a superior officer, etc. Captain Huston wrote back that he could not comply with request, Montgomery had been killed in action and he was putting him in for the D.F.C.
Monday, May 20, 2019
Abortion Questions
My soul aches
my body trembles
my sleep has been disturbed
this last week I have been sick with no relief
Thoughts of a judgment have flashed before my eyes
and the realization of their blindness overwhelms me
how they can support those who take innocent life
and remain hardened of heart to the Spirit of Life
And I wonder if those who should know better
who have had the Word opened before them
and the sacred boundary stones revealed
will they ever see with open eyes
Can old knees become calloused
can dark sins be forgiven
will mercy be received
and mercy given
my body trembles
my sleep has been disturbed
this last week I have been sick with no relief
Thoughts of a judgment have flashed before my eyes
and the realization of their blindness overwhelms me
how they can support those who take innocent life
and remain hardened of heart to the Spirit of Life
And I wonder if those who should know better
who have had the Word opened before them
and the sacred boundary stones revealed
will they ever see with open eyes
Can old knees become calloused
can dark sins be forgiven
will mercy be received
and mercy given
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
One Of The Reasons Vice President Biden Will Not Be The Next President
Is is right for someone while in a high political office to use that position to make or to enable financial deals that benefit themselves or their family?
Is it right for that person or group of people to make foreign policy decisions which result in them or their family having a direct financial benefit?
In 2011 Vice President Joe Biden took an official trip to China accompanied by his son. Hunter Biden had just formed an investment group in partnership with Secretary of State John Kerry's son-in-law and the son of famous mobster Whitey Bolger. Shortly afterwards the Chinese government funneled a deal worth 1.8 billion dollars to that new investment group. There was of course a quid quo pro which allowed Chinese investment for a 51% ownership in a company that produces goods for our military.
Hunter Biden was later put on the board of an Ukrainian oil company with Russian mob connections that paid his firm 3 million dollars. When that oil company came under investigation by Ukrainian officials Vice President Joe Biden flew to the Ukraine and threatened to pull a billion dollars of U.S. aid if they didn't fire the people engaged in that probe.
If you are actually interested in reading about the depth of corruption check out the articles below.
Here is a May 1st John Solomon's article in The Hill about the Bidens and Ukraine.
Here is a Zero Hedge article from last month on the same subject.
And here is a recent John Bolden article in The Hill on the Bidens and China.
Vice President Biden will have a lot of other stuff to worry about as we race toward the elections of 2020, but don't underestimate the importance of these.
Is it right for that person or group of people to make foreign policy decisions which result in them or their family having a direct financial benefit?
In 2011 Vice President Joe Biden took an official trip to China accompanied by his son. Hunter Biden had just formed an investment group in partnership with Secretary of State John Kerry's son-in-law and the son of famous mobster Whitey Bolger. Shortly afterwards the Chinese government funneled a deal worth 1.8 billion dollars to that new investment group. There was of course a quid quo pro which allowed Chinese investment for a 51% ownership in a company that produces goods for our military.
Hunter Biden was later put on the board of an Ukrainian oil company with Russian mob connections that paid his firm 3 million dollars. When that oil company came under investigation by Ukrainian officials Vice President Joe Biden flew to the Ukraine and threatened to pull a billion dollars of U.S. aid if they didn't fire the people engaged in that probe.
If you are actually interested in reading about the depth of corruption check out the articles below.
Here is a May 1st John Solomon's article in The Hill about the Bidens and Ukraine.
Here is a Zero Hedge article from last month on the same subject.
And here is a recent John Bolden article in The Hill on the Bidens and China.
Vice President Biden will have a lot of other stuff to worry about as we race toward the elections of 2020, but don't underestimate the importance of these.
Sunday, April 28, 2019
The High Places
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12)
Yesterday while reading on-line a prophetic word, an image popped into my mind. It was only there for for a brief second but I knew right away what it represented and also what its meaning was.
The person had mentioned what has been commonly referred to as "the seven mountains of influence". The idea, first purposed in the 1970's by Bill Bright and Loren Cunningham (Campus Crusade for Christ) is that the enemy is trying to shape our society and culture by inserting his twisted ideas into and then dominating areas that affect each and every life.
These areas have been identified as - Family, Church, Education, Government, Media, Arts & Entertainment and Business.
You have to be spiritually blind not to notice or at least suspect that the enemy has taken a lot of territory during your life time over each of those areas. The family and even the definition of what family is has taken a serious hit. Many churches are now nothing more than social organizations with a 501c tax exemption, afraid to boldly speak out against sexual immorality, abortion and many other types of sin. Schools get more liberal each day. The vast majority of professors at colleges and universities, even at many Christian schools, lean not only liberal in their viewpoints but Marxist as well. Free speech and open discourse has given way to shouting down and safe spaces.
Time does not permit me to innumerate further on corruption in government, the extreme liberal bias of the press or the values presented every waking second electronically, across the air waves and in theaters. The regression in those areas in just the last decade has been breathtaking. Is there good in any of these? Yes, very much so. Are there more pitfalls appearing every day designed to ensnare you and me? You better believe it.
All of this combined makes one think that we as a country are on a sure path to judgment. The opposition to God's will seems too vast, too interwoven, too far gone for anyone or any group to change even a little. Compromise comes little by little, step by step and our views become with each step down not to radically change things but rather to hold on to what little we can. We almost seem resigned to form together in little groups and then watch while the world burns. We want to have hope for the future but we also earnestly pray - Come quickly Lord Jesus!
In the last decade there have arisen intercessory groups who are in constant prayer for our nation (and other nations as well) who specifically target those spheres of societal influence. People like Lou Engle, Dutch Sheets and Chuck Pierce come to mind, traveling to every U.S. state, training and organizing intercessors, holding large city wide conferences, speaking boldly the Word of God to tear down enemy strongholds.
I believe God is saying to us today that He is not yet through with America. He desires to have before He returns a great harvest of souls. And for that purpose He desires to reverse, for a season (I do not know how long that season will be) much of what the enemy has been accomplishing over the last several decades. I am also sensing that it is God's will not to just stem the tide and hold back the waters of rebellion but that He wants those areas of rebellion defeated, destroyed and annihilated.
This of course will not initially be pretty. It will be a battle, albeit one with the supernatural help of God on our side. There will be great opposition with each victory and many things will not look the way they did before, including our churches. Those who are lukewarm will need to make decisions and many will not choose wisely.
The prophecy I read talked about speaking out against ruling powers in high places over the seven mountains of influence. As I read it I saw a picture of a part of a town. There was a large and very black scaffold like structure erected from the ground that rose up and over the city. All the beams looked charcoal black, like they were made of wood that had survived a fire.
It was only there for a flash but I knew that it represented the spiritual high places over each area of influence. I think we, each as God directs us, are called to be intercessors to come against ruling spirits in the high places, to declare those spirits to be bound and for God to release His angels to defeat and remove those foul creatures. Our authority as followers of Christ has been granted us through the shed blood of Jesus.
Let us not remain discouraged but rather go forth boldly in the name of Jesus to rebuke and bind the works and lies of the evil one. We have won! They have lost! We have won! They have lost! We have won! May it all be for the glory of God.
Below is a poem I wrote about this.
In High Places
It was a type of scaffolding
tall, black, burnt out looking posts
connected by more of the same, dark, ugly beams
interspersed throughout an ordinary looking town
They overshadowed pleasant homes, busy businesses
neighborhood schools, eating places, entertainment venues
radio stations, churches, parks and the old city hall
those occupants seemingly unaware of the structure
On top dark shadows contrasted against blue sky
in constant motion, side to side, up and down
their forms like rancid smoke from burning tires
some descending into lungs of those below
I despaired when first noticing this horrendous edifice
was shocked as it continued to grow wider and higher
when I yelled warning the people went about their business
traffic continued to flow smoothly on path and road
One unexpected Spring, after many years of anxious prayer
the air stilled, temperature dropped, snow fell straight down
everything covered with thick layers of white
a voice boomed from side to side across the valley
Vibrations from the sound frightened darting wisps
as platforms shook they tumbled down and scurried away
then one after another, those platforms came crashing down
crushing into dust much of what was built below
From midst of the haze came forth a new song
drowning out weeping and gnashing of teeth
mountains sent strong winds to freshen the air
latter rains from which sprung forth new gathering places
Watchmen with authority were placed round and about
to teach and declare, to warn and to sweep away the rubble
gardens full of fresh flowers and delicious fruits were planted
then shared in celebration with every neighbor
Thus it continued for several more years
barns and storage houses were filled and then dispersed
when troubles began all high places were clear
and remained so until the last sound of a trumpet
Yesterday while reading on-line a prophetic word, an image popped into my mind. It was only there for for a brief second but I knew right away what it represented and also what its meaning was.
The person had mentioned what has been commonly referred to as "the seven mountains of influence". The idea, first purposed in the 1970's by Bill Bright and Loren Cunningham (Campus Crusade for Christ) is that the enemy is trying to shape our society and culture by inserting his twisted ideas into and then dominating areas that affect each and every life.
These areas have been identified as - Family, Church, Education, Government, Media, Arts & Entertainment and Business.
You have to be spiritually blind not to notice or at least suspect that the enemy has taken a lot of territory during your life time over each of those areas. The family and even the definition of what family is has taken a serious hit. Many churches are now nothing more than social organizations with a 501c tax exemption, afraid to boldly speak out against sexual immorality, abortion and many other types of sin. Schools get more liberal each day. The vast majority of professors at colleges and universities, even at many Christian schools, lean not only liberal in their viewpoints but Marxist as well. Free speech and open discourse has given way to shouting down and safe spaces.
Time does not permit me to innumerate further on corruption in government, the extreme liberal bias of the press or the values presented every waking second electronically, across the air waves and in theaters. The regression in those areas in just the last decade has been breathtaking. Is there good in any of these? Yes, very much so. Are there more pitfalls appearing every day designed to ensnare you and me? You better believe it.
All of this combined makes one think that we as a country are on a sure path to judgment. The opposition to God's will seems too vast, too interwoven, too far gone for anyone or any group to change even a little. Compromise comes little by little, step by step and our views become with each step down not to radically change things but rather to hold on to what little we can. We almost seem resigned to form together in little groups and then watch while the world burns. We want to have hope for the future but we also earnestly pray - Come quickly Lord Jesus!
In the last decade there have arisen intercessory groups who are in constant prayer for our nation (and other nations as well) who specifically target those spheres of societal influence. People like Lou Engle, Dutch Sheets and Chuck Pierce come to mind, traveling to every U.S. state, training and organizing intercessors, holding large city wide conferences, speaking boldly the Word of God to tear down enemy strongholds.
I believe God is saying to us today that He is not yet through with America. He desires to have before He returns a great harvest of souls. And for that purpose He desires to reverse, for a season (I do not know how long that season will be) much of what the enemy has been accomplishing over the last several decades. I am also sensing that it is God's will not to just stem the tide and hold back the waters of rebellion but that He wants those areas of rebellion defeated, destroyed and annihilated.
This of course will not initially be pretty. It will be a battle, albeit one with the supernatural help of God on our side. There will be great opposition with each victory and many things will not look the way they did before, including our churches. Those who are lukewarm will need to make decisions and many will not choose wisely.
The prophecy I read talked about speaking out against ruling powers in high places over the seven mountains of influence. As I read it I saw a picture of a part of a town. There was a large and very black scaffold like structure erected from the ground that rose up and over the city. All the beams looked charcoal black, like they were made of wood that had survived a fire.
It was only there for a flash but I knew that it represented the spiritual high places over each area of influence. I think we, each as God directs us, are called to be intercessors to come against ruling spirits in the high places, to declare those spirits to be bound and for God to release His angels to defeat and remove those foul creatures. Our authority as followers of Christ has been granted us through the shed blood of Jesus.
Let us not remain discouraged but rather go forth boldly in the name of Jesus to rebuke and bind the works and lies of the evil one. We have won! They have lost! We have won! They have lost! We have won! May it all be for the glory of God.
Below is a poem I wrote about this.
In High Places
It was a type of scaffolding
tall, black, burnt out looking posts
connected by more of the same, dark, ugly beams
interspersed throughout an ordinary looking town
They overshadowed pleasant homes, busy businesses
neighborhood schools, eating places, entertainment venues
radio stations, churches, parks and the old city hall
those occupants seemingly unaware of the structure
On top dark shadows contrasted against blue sky
in constant motion, side to side, up and down
their forms like rancid smoke from burning tires
some descending into lungs of those below
I despaired when first noticing this horrendous edifice
was shocked as it continued to grow wider and higher
when I yelled warning the people went about their business
traffic continued to flow smoothly on path and road
One unexpected Spring, after many years of anxious prayer
the air stilled, temperature dropped, snow fell straight down
everything covered with thick layers of white
a voice boomed from side to side across the valley
Vibrations from the sound frightened darting wisps
as platforms shook they tumbled down and scurried away
then one after another, those platforms came crashing down
crushing into dust much of what was built below
From midst of the haze came forth a new song
drowning out weeping and gnashing of teeth
mountains sent strong winds to freshen the air
latter rains from which sprung forth new gathering places
Watchmen with authority were placed round and about
to teach and declare, to warn and to sweep away the rubble
gardens full of fresh flowers and delicious fruits were planted
then shared in celebration with every neighbor
Thus it continued for several more years
barns and storage houses were filled and then dispersed
when troubles began all high places were clear
and remained so until the last sound of a trumpet
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