Prayer for the Nation grieving the SANDY HOOK Elementary School murders in Newtown, CT

O Lord Our God, how we praise you as Author of Life for loving and accepting unconditionally all whom you have created. As a nation, we mourn the mounting human tragedies that were set in motion nearly 14 years ago with the 1999 Columbine, Colorado high school massacre.  The recently killing of 20 six and seven year olds, and six adults at a Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, has seared our nation's heart as we cry for these our children and members of our American family.  The sheer magnitude of our babies shot down at the starting gate of their young lives wounds us deeply O God, so we turn to you for comfort and strength to make sense of it all.   

In the escalation of mass murders--from a Ft. Hood, Texas Army base, to a Virginia Tech college campus, to an Arizona supermarket congressional greeting, to a crowded Aurora, Colorado theater, to an Oregon mall of Christmas shoppers--we mourn and cry out to you for answers to our "why" questions, we can find no where else?  From the depths of our sorrow, we seek the wisdom and courage to address with clear and open minds the right kind of gun control and mental health reforms these acts of senseless violence signal. 

O Lord, Our God, help us today to embrace your command to "love you and every neighbor as we love ourselves", especially the often hard to understand neighbors who withdraws to dark places that seem beyond our reach.  Through our tears and pain we remember and thank you for sending your beloved Son Jesus to earth to "bear our grief and carry our sorrows" for children taken too soon and much too brutally from our midst. Remind us today that children of every race and background are to be embraced as all of our children, as we remember to express our love more often and hug more tightly the children in our own families. We pray your comfort and strength for the journey of grief, anger, and forgiveness the families of the victims and perpetrators must endure as we hold them close in our hearts and continued prayers.  We rest now in the blessed assurance of your promises that you, O God,  "will be with us through troubles" and will "never leave or forsake us."  In the matchless and magnificent name of the One whose name is above every name, we pray. Amen. 

Christians...The Election Is Over. Time To Unify The Nation.

Elections by nature are divisive. One candidate wins. Another loses. It is quite natural for those on the losing side to feel bitter when the candidate, who represented their views and values, is defeated. 

However, the 2012 Presidential Election seemed far more divisive than any I have witnessed in past years. Television ads on both sides were downright nasty. Voter suppression laws and tactics, aimed largely at Latino and African American voters, were rampant in many states. Over 400 racially offensive emails about President Obama were traced geographically, with several Bible belt states ranking highest. An Arizona woman ran over her husband for failing to vote for Romney and because of Obama's victory. Thirty states filed petitions to secede or split from the United States. Polls showed that anti-African American feelings among White Americans escalated since the election of the first African American President, Barack Obama. Far right extremist, Donald Trump, who consistently challenged President Obama's citizenship and qualifications to be President, called for "a revolution" on election night. And, to deepen the division, Franklin Graham, son of revered evangelist Billy Graham, said that America was "on the road to destruction" because of President Obama's re-election.

Clearly, many people voted for Obama or Romney simply because they thought that one candidate would be better at leading the nation at this time. During this Thanksgiving and Christmas season of peace and goodwill, lingering racial and political divisions highlighted in this election are real causes for alarm by Americans of conscience, but especially for born-again Christians. The word "Christian", used only twice in the Bible, means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. This goes beyond church attendance and religious activities. St. Paul put it best when he said, "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"

In a real way, Christians, both mainline and born-again evangelicals, who held strong, opposing views about the re-election of President Obama, have a responsibility to model unity in ways that would attract nonbelievers to the faith and bring healing to our nation. Pew research exit polls showed that of those voting for President Obama, 42% were White American Christians; 20% White born-again evangelicals; 95% were African American Christians; and 50% were Catholics with the majority of Catholic votes coming from Latino voters. Heightened racial division, growing Middle East tensions in Gaza; and continued economic hardship for many unemployed and working poor Americans that may worsen with the threatened "fiscal cliff" or crisis, are incredible challenges facing our nation. They are also great opportunities for Christians to stand up and demonstrate four basic unifying lessons of our faith: 

1. The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world and all who dwell in it.(Psalm 24:1). The election is over and God who created heaven and earth is still in control and reigns over the affairs of nations and rulers no matter who is in the White House, the Congress, or the State House. Efforts to secede or split from the United States are hopefully short-term temper tantrums of angry voters. Christian leaders need to step up, become the voice of unity, and help America turn to, and not turn on one another, as did the people of New Jersey and New York following Hurricane Sandy. 

2. Who can command things to happen without the Lord's permission? Does not the Most High send both calamity and good? (Lamentations 3:37, 38) God did not choose Barack Obama over Mitt Romney. But God certainly allowed it as He does many things which we do not always understand. This fact of our faith would be true no matter who was elected. Racially bigoted language aimed at President Obama has absolutely no place among those who have determined to be followers of Christ and therefore have become a "new person". 

3. You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these. (Mark 12:29-31) These greatest commandments are not suggestions or recommendations. They are the primary basis for demonstrating our love for God. Loving God and neighbors as oneself means seeing all others in the image and divinity of God. It means treating others fairly; and welcoming strangers as we once all were in this nation except for the Native Americans. Most of all, it means not using racially negative language toward any person or group even if we disagree with their political views or values. A good start for African American Christians, most of whom voted for President Obama, and White American Christians, most of whom voted for Governor Romney, is to begin building bridges of communication and dialogue around what unites us. We are united by faith and our shared love for a nation where Americans of all races and cultures are hurting financially, and in need of our collective voice for the President and Congress to come together immediately to address the nation's challenges. 

4. Pray for all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.(1 Timothy 2:1, 2) We are called to pray for leaders whether or not we agree with their politics, so that God will touch their hearts to make decisions that are fair and just for everyone. There is power in prayer and prayer changes things. So in a real way we have the nation and leadership for which we pray. Just imagine what would happen if prayer vigils were held outside of the White House, Congress and State Legislative Houses across the nation as important decisions were being made. I have not agreed with every decision of President Obama on such issues as marriage and abortion, nor did I agree with every past President from both political parties on every issue. But I prayed for them. God's word compels all believers to pray for President Obama and for those in leadership, both nationally and locally, "so we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity." 

May we use this Christmas season of peace and goodwill to demonstrate God's love in action in ways that bring healing and hope to our world.

Evangelical Christians: It's Time To Move Past Two Issue Politics

It is time for evangelical Christians, who profess to fully reflect Christ-focused values at the polls to move past two issues…the politics of marriage and life, while embracing the true principles of Jesus…helping the poor spiritually and materially; peacemaking; stewardship of the environment; befriending those systematically facing racial, sexual and class discrimination; and welcoming the stranger or the immigrant seeking a better life in a very rich nation.

The term “evangelical” comes from the Greek word “evangelion”, meaning “the good news” or the “gospel.” Evangelical faith focuses on the “good news” of salvation brought to sinners by Jesus Christ. To be an evangelical follower of Jesus Christ means to live one’s life according to the standards set by Jesus throughout the Gospels. Among other core values, to be an evangelical means believing the Bible to be the inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God.

This is where the confusion arises. Pro-life must mean more than protection of life for nine months in the womb. It must be centered in the New Testament Book of Matthew 25, the doctrine which values the life of   those who Jesus called “the least of these”---the child born to a poor family--- the life of the working poor, who are not looking for a hand out, but a hand up through skills training, in order for them to live in decency and dignity. It means strengthening the quality of life of the elderly poor, most of whom invested during their working years in Social Security and Medicare which is now owed to them; not being given to them. It also means seeking ways of preventing the need for abortion…through providing quality health care, child care, and job training for poor women, as well as broader alternative to adoption.

Following Jesus, I strongly believe, does mean marriage between a man and a woman for those who have placed the values of God above political values and the standards of our world. But it also means not demonizing or judging those who have chosen a different lifestyle. The greatest commandment, to “love God and every neighbor as you love yourself”, calls evangelical Christians to a higher standard of manifesting God’s love to everyone.

For the election tomorrow and for future elections, the question for the nearly 100 million “born again” Christians should be: what are the standards by which candidates for office should be judged? Before accepting Jesus as the center of my life several decades ago, my standards for judging candidates were that of a progressive Democrat who voted against war, poverty, racism, sexism, ageism, and for abortion, gay marriage, and environmental stewardship.

All this changed when I met and married the late Tom Skinner, a well known evangelist, author, powerful Bible teacher and messenger of the “Good News”. Tom helped me to dig deep into God’s word, compare scripture to scripture for a holistic biblical understanding on a range of vital issues like marriage, life of the unborn, war, peace, poverty, justice and the environment. It was my love for God above every other love of my life, including my political and cultural viewpoints, that led me to re-examine my position on all issues. It has led me to become “completely pro-life” from conception to the grave; including life of the planet; pro-traditional marriage; pro-racial healing; pro-justice for the poor and pro-peace.

How then should evangelical Christians who want to vote their values do so in the choice between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney? President Obama is pro-choice and pro-gay marriage. Yet, he has championed polices that address the needs of middle and working class Americans…like health care, saving the auto industry, making college affordable for all Americans through Pell grants, fair pay for women, tax cuts for small business, and putting a “circle of protection” around the poor in Congressional deficit reduction and budget cutting efforts. He has ended the War in Iraq and has made environmental stewardship a high priority. President Obama has consistently affirmed his faith in the Lordship of Jesus Christ on numerous occasions, where I have been present. Contrary to those who still say he is a Muslim, it has never occurred to me that I should not take President Obama at his word that he is a Christian, or Governor Romney that he is a Mormon. Anything else would be presumptuous or arrogant on my part.

Governor Romney has been unwavering during his political career in his commitment to marriage between a man and a woman. His position on abortion is still as unclear as it is ever changing. As governor of Massachusetts, he was pro-life, but said he was committed to protect a woman's right to choose under the laws of the country and the commonwealth. However, as the Republican candidate in the 2012 election, he defined himself as “severely conservative”, and changed his position to being solidly pro-life and against abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, and the life of the mother. On issues of justice for the poor and underserved, Governor Romney’s position until recently, referred to 47% of the nation as unproductive and allowing the poor and the elderly to fend for themselves. His more recent public stance shifting toward compassion for the average or poor American makes it difficult to determine his real position.

Whoever becomes President will be confronted with many very serious issues facing our nation which will require impeccable character, morally excellent leadership, and will need to be humble enough to seek both bipartisan partners and divine direction.

Let me suggest six basic guidelines for evangelical Christians to follow, using the model…“How would Jesus vote”?

FIRST. As evangelist, author Tony Evans suggests, in his book, “How Should Christians Vote?”, Christians should vote “for the party, person, or platform that best represents God’s values”  This includes the values of righteous living; fair treatment of others; protecting and valuing all life; looking out for the vulnerable and exercising good stewardship of the planet.

SECOND. Realize that God is neither Democrat nor Republican. When your political party’s positions are contrary to your understanding of the broad biblical witness, embrace God’s word as your standard. Evangelist Tony Campolo — in his book Is Jesus a Democrat or Republican?", answers by saying, “We should never try to shoe horn Jesus into our own personal agendas."

THIRD. Become familiar with the politics of Jesus rooted in justice for the vulnerable; safeguarding the sacredness and value of all life; and righteous stewardship of the earth. Weigh all candidates stances based on the politics of Jesus.

FOUR. Become familiar with voting guidelines of evangelical organizations like the National Association of Evangelicals (www.nae.org), Sojourner (sojo.net) or develop voter guidelines for future elections for your church, denomination or ministry. Base them on a full range of vital issues beyond marriage and the life of the unborn.

FIVE. Pray and ask God’s guidance as you examine the record and positions of candidates against the biblical standard. Pray for fair elections with no hindrances to the precious right to vote.

SIX. Develop a biblically based understanding of the role of government based on God’s word.  The role of government, among other guidelines, is “to restrain evil and promote good” according to author Dr. Ronald Sider, President of Evangelicals for Social Action.  You should also consider organizing forums and seminars to help those you know better understand this important issue.

Tom Skinner once preached that for us to know what heaven is like, we should be able to see a little bit of heaven through the everyday lives of God’s people on earth. We should be able to watch how they live, work, handle their marriages, raise their children, manage everything from their sex lives to their finances and relationships, and respect people who are different from them. I pray that in the 2012 election and all future elections, evangelicals and people of conscience will follow all the teachings of Jesus and not focus exclusively on marriage and life.

Life Lessons From the 2012 Olympics

There were so many life lessons that bear repeating from the Summer 2012 Olympics hosted in London, England…the most watched TV event in U.S. history. These lessons flow from the lives, struggles and personal sacrifices of nearly 11,000 athletes from 205 countries. It teaches each of us how to boldly face the many challenges of our time and lives.

Who can ever forget the sheer magic of 16 year old Gabby Douglas’ million dollar smile that framed years of hard work and sacrifice?  Her dogged determination produced two gold medals and a big “I love you” mouthed from the stands by her single parent mother whose prayers and struggles to raise her children alone paid off.  While some got caught up in petty criticism of Gabby’s hair style, or analysis of her mother’s financial woes, Douglas smiled broadly and soared into the history books as the first African American to win the all-around gymnastic trial.

When all-time winning gold medalist superstar swimming champion Michael Phelps lost his first race, a shocked world began to wonder if he was “washed up”.  He could have easily accepted the message that maybe his time for victory had past and given up. Instead, Michael summoned an inner resolve, determined that one bad race would not define his whole Olympic experience, and went on at age 27 to become the most decorated Olympian of all time with 22 medals.  Phelps taught us all that one mistake in our youth, in marriage, a business deal, or a job, should not define the rest of our lives if we are committed to not letting our past become our future.

And what about Oscar Leonard Carl Pistorius, the South African sprint runner, known as the “Blade Runner” and “the fastest man on no legs”, who ran on steel that replaced legs amputated from birth? Though Oscar did not win a medal in the 4x400 meter race, he won the hearts of people worldwide that have had their legs out from under them by poverty, bigotry, and hard times, but who stayed in life’s race determined to keep on running on whatever God gave them as legs.

We also learned much from the 2012 Olympians who failed to win gold medals in the 2008 or 2004 Olympics, like Allyson Felix from Los Angeles, who finally won a gold medal in the 200 meter race.  African American youth who have dropped out of school and out of life's race can learn many lessons from Allyson about staying in the race despite the poverty, crime, failing schools, gangs, drugs, and low expectations from too many around them.

The most impactful image of the entire Olympics was the many instances of athletes from different nations, many of them engaged in war or conflict with one another.  Yet, these athletes touched the humanity in all of us as they completed their athletic races, and hugged one another in a spirit of mutual respect for worthy opponents. What a lesson for global leaders today, who are too quick to go to war or presidential candidates knee deep in uncivil language and personal attacks that demonize one another.  The 2012 Olympians taught today’s leaders that they can pursue the same goal---whether political office, land, oil, or vital resources, without going to war or destroying one another. 

And what about the women in the Olympics?  For the first time, every nation had a woman athlete in every sport, despite the oppression and discrimination that women continue to experience in far too many nations today.  Their very presence in the Olympics taught us that there is something about the human spirit that just will not be snuffed out even as the battle for human dignity and women’s equality continues.

The distinctions of race, culture, and geography and language were lost throughout the Olympics as we heard story after story of extraordinary family financial sacrifices and personal tragedies overcome.  These athletes taught us much as they dug down deep into the well of human possibility, despite unbelievable odds against them, to even qualify for the Olympics.  We celebrated each Gold Medalist, especially those from our country; understood the disappointment of Silver Medalists who missed being the best by seconds, and identified with the relief of Bronze Medalists, just grateful to be on the medal stand.   We all want to be winners; the best in our field, celebrated for our hard work, but sometimes, it is just good to be in the race.  While sports is very important and being an Olympian is a worthy goal, all of us can “go for the gold” and strive to be the best in the way we treat people from other races and cultures; the poor, and those kicked to the side streets of life by circumstances beyond their control.  We can all “go for the gold”, even if we just get the silver, bronze, or no medal at all, and strive to be the best in all areas of your life, school, or work.  St. Paul reminded us that we are all to press toward the mark of God’s highest and best for each of us.

So today, when life hands you lemons, smile like Gabby Douglas and make sweet lemonade in your life and community.  When others tell you that you are finished, but God has blessed you with life, breath, and talent like the South African "Blade Runner" – Oscar Pistorius – keep on running toward God’s best for your life.  When you don’t get the gold medal, or even the silver and must settle for the bronze, or no medal at all, like many of the athletes who came to London with a dream of winning, don’t complain or bask in jealousy for the person who got the promotion, contract, or won the political office, or achieved better grades in school that you were seeking. Give thanks that you have the health and strength to just be in life’s race at any level---able to make your special contributions to a better world. Because life is like a race, we can all be Olympians and internalize daily the many life lessons from this magnificent global contest.