We have a very important election upcoming soon in Kansas. We will have an opportunity to vote on an amendment to the Kansas Constitution. Value Them Both had been titled amendment. Meaning to value both the mother and her unborn baby.
For those who worry about the start of World War III, relax, we are in it. I quote Sun Tsu, the greatest general in history who wrote the book on war.
The United States Supreme Court recently overturned Roe V Wade decision. What was the most said comment about this in the media? Women have lost the right to control their bodies since there will no longer be abortions.
To those of you who know me well, you know I hate the Kansas summer. My dad loved heat, and with each passing year, I hope I will become more like him, but if anything, my hatred of the heat just gets worse. I’m trying to smile as I write this, so maybe something in this column will take your mind off this beastly heat for awhile and bring you a smile.
I cannot imagine the emotionally-anguished state of mind of someone considering abortion. Likewise, because of my gender, I will never be able to fully comprehend the factors that led a woman to consider such a drastic measure.
Sometimes there are no words to describe a moment in time, an experience to remember, but yet we try. At the Pratt County Fair last Saturday there was such a moment for those at the annual 4-H premium livestock auction that will likely be remembered forever. It was a moment that opened hearts and put other distractions aside. It was moment in which support rallied in honor of a Pratt son, a long-time 4-H member, who passed away after an accident earlier this month. He wasn’t there to show his own steer, but his spirit was in attendance at that auction.
Christians are known for being nice, or at least trying to be. But some reject niceness, saying it’s outmoded. They see a fool’s errand in trying to persuade a culture that has turned decisively hostile against Christians. The case has been well articulated by pastor and professor James Wood. Through essays and other media, he’s advocated against “winsomeness” and in favor of alternative values: courage, clarity, and resilience.
My husband and I are U.S. missionaries, I like to say we are in the re-construction business! You see we travel to different churches all over Kansas and Oklahoma that have needs, from computers to construction, and then connect them with people that can help meet those needs. It is really similar to what we did for 30 years of pastoring just on a larger scale. We believe that by strengthening the local church, we can expand our reach to the world.
1 Peter 2:9-10 “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.”
I’m pretty sure that everywhere I have been, I’ve heard about the heat in one way or another. “Hot enough for you?” “Stay cool out there.” “We’ve just been staying in, you know, because of the heat.” This summer has taken a toll on about everyone and everything. I have been holding those most directly impacted by the heat and the lack of rain, our farmers, in prayer and I invite you to do the same.