Shall We Carry the Cross of Jesus at Easter

Easter is upon us and many eyes are upon Jesus Christ whether for good or ill.  This meridian in time goes hand-in-hand with Christmas.  Whether Christian or not Christmas is traditionally celebrated toward the end of December, though the birth of the Christ Jesus was in the Springtime.  Nonetheless, they are both epic and pivotal moments in the progress and salvation of not only the earth itself, but also every single life form that has ever lived, is living or will yet live upon it.

Many events took place especially in the last week leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  From nearby Bethany to Jerusalem where there is the preparation for the Passover and the Last Supper, the Mount of Olives by way of Cedron Valley, the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, the trials of Jesus and eventually His condemnation.  Yet, to the Christian world it is His triumph.

My mind of late has been brought to those steps Jesus took as he tarried with the cross.  That old tree proved most agonizing as his strength waned on that dusty trail.  Taking advantage of his distraught spirit at the sight of the suffering of Jesus, the people compelled Simon of Cyrene to lift up the cross after Jesus and assist to that place where the Savior would commend His spirit unto the Father.  This small reference is found in the Book of Matthew 27:32.

The entire life and ministry of Jesus Christ is an unmeasured volume collection of lessons for all of us to learn.  So what can be learned from this small reference to Simon?  What measure of hope can be gleaned from this profound visual in our minds?  The judgement on Jesus left Him without dignity in the eyes of the people in those final hours.  Yet, the accusers left a mark that in many ways sums up the ministry of Jesus.  Though their motives may differ from what history is wanting us to learn, the act of one man lifting the burden, the yoke, of another and tarrying with them is a hallmark act of compassion and service that can set mankind in a favorable setting with the Father and the Son.

Vicarious work is an eternal doctrine!  Jesus Christ, Himself, authored vicarious work for those unable to do so for themselves.  It was only He, who was able and authorized to bear the sins of the world.  It was only He, who was sustained to be that bridgework between man and the presence of the Father.  Yes, we can do things for others IF they are willing to receive it by their own choice.
His Sacred Name Video
Simon teaches us that though the scene may be gruesome and unsavory, the heart and spirit can supersede, and true compassion and brotherly love can set in to transform the occasion into a living paradise.  How often do we see our fellow man in various levels of peril and seek to commune with their spirit in service?  There are opportunities to serve everyday.  In fact we are blessed we almost moment-to-moment opportunities.

Therein lies the disclaimer of Jesus when we stand before Him.  We cannot blame the guy on the right or say our plight in life was worse than the guy on the left.  Our minds will be opened and our lives will be like seas of glass.  Then will our pride be stripped away so as to see the countless opportunities we've been given to progress and to help and uplift our fellow man.  Just as Simon did in the final hours of Jesus.  Just as Jesus did for all of us.
John the Beloved Witness of Resurrection
Yes, Simon was recordably compelled to lift up the cross.  Yet, in relation to our lives are we not compelled of the Spirit to lift up the yoke of our fellow brethren and sisters, our fellow sons and daughters of God?  History tells us that when a civilization is considered righteous is when through the Laws of Consecration man dedicated their time, talents, means and even compassion to the work of God.  Through this all man may be happy and learn to live and grow together as one.

At this Easter may we learn the lesson from the small but profound passage of Simon of Cyrene.  Let selfless service abound in your homes, communities and the world around you.

Parable of the Scarlet Young Hypocrite

Living with the follies of our youth can be heart-wrenching on a daily basis.  As adults we continue to make mistakes yet many of us often try to pin down the genesis of our weaknesses.  Oftentimes these can be traced to our youth.  This brings me to the parable of the scarlet young hypocrite.  This post will be boring because it is so common.  It is a human carnal weakness right out of the textbook of "How to Be a Weak Human."  Let me explain.

There are many things I'd like to pass on to my children and all who'd be interested in hearing my own lessons learned.  Among them includes a story of hypocrisy.  Not to worry - it is a short story.

I was probably an eighth grader but no older than Freshman age in school.  I was probably 15 or so.  There was this Mexican kid that moved in to town with his mother.  I was an incredibly dangerous introvert at that time.  Not to others but dangerous to myself in a self destructive sort of way.  Like many I was a nice kid at heart but my fears led me to reach out in seemingly "fearless" directions.  It was all to elevate myself in the eyes of others - at any cost.  Anyhow, we'll refer to this Mexican kid as Jacob.  I was in silent search for friendship and it was apparent that Jacob was in need of friendship.  In the most sincere of intent I interacted with Jacob.

Jacob had an extremely meek heart.  He was kind and considerate and brutally honest.  I've always had empathy toward those who had a difficult time fitting in or making friends.  I saw Jacob as one of these.  In my accelerated age I really don't remember much about Jacob save it be one instance.  Though it paints me scarlet as can be, it is also the one blessing Jacob gave to me.  His example helped set up the rest of my life.

On his first day at school we somehow got off to a good start and struck a conversation.  I helped him find certain classrooms and within a couple days he had invited me to his place for a snack.  Looking back I'm surprised I agreed.  Being such an introvert I can scarcely fathom going to someone's house let alone having a conversation with them.  Anyhow I went and even got to meet his mother.

Within a couple more days that old serpent started working on this weak sow - me.  There were a couple of guys that were talking trash about this young man Jacob.  Admiring their social status I passingly joined in and made a light-hearted remark as well.  At the time I was unaware that Jacob himself was within earshot of all that transpired.

That very day after school I decided to meet up with Jacob and so approached him on his way home.  Regardless of my friendly remarks he ignored me and kept walking.  This is where the seeming friend, Satan, cowardly flees your side and leaves you naked as a jaybird.  Knowing my own folly I began making comments at him in an effort to make him feel bad about making me feel bad for not answering me.  Yeah, it's a very "high schoolish" way of putting it but that's where it was.

That was the stripping down part.  I was struggling to build up walls of pride with blocks that didn't exist.  I had nothing.  Shortly thereafter Jacob stopped and spoke to me as he looked me in the eye.  This is where the dagger pierces the heart and the blood therefrom paints the "H" for hypocrite.  He questioned me if I was his friend and that he heard all that happened at school including my rude comment and behavior.  Adding salt to injury he made it known to me that he was just wanting a friend and now feels he couldn't trust or consider me a friend.  No, he didn't cry that I saw but it was very apparent that he was hurt and disappointed with me.  I knew I had nothing but I couldn't even save face enough to say "sorry."  I turned and walked away.

When I knew I had no phantom bullets left, that was the stage where a man parades the scarlet letter that cannot be hid.  Utter shame and remorse entered my soul leaving nothing to nurture happiness.

The lesson of the story is a simple one yet one of the hardest to master.  Be true to yourself!  Be true to who you are.  Be true to the values and principles that you proclaim to adhere to.  Honesty, integrity, perseverance, courtesy and an indomitable spirit are all foundational qualities.  All else means nothing and will only serve to destroy if you stray into realms of compromising them.  The more you compromise the easier it is to compromise.  Eventually, the more we compromise and take the path of least resistance we'll find ourselves utterly without any wholesome values whatsoever.

When that happens it will take a miracle for one to look inward and ask "How did I allow this?"  Instead, the process of regularly compromising your foundation creates a panic "victim" reaction that gets pushed often.  This button causes you to look outward for blame.  You'll question outside influences made you do such and such when the reality is your own weakness and your freedom to choose did this.

I am not happy with what I did to Jacob.  To this day there is shame felt.  To this day I want to change the past.  However, we cannot change the past but we can mold our future.  With the callous in our hands bearing the toils of experience we can shape the path before us.  I hurt Jacob but that lesson can prevent hurting countless others and, in fact, produce happiness through my choices based on my experience.

A building in Scotland bears this inscription: What E-er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part
I would encourage pondering these words and consider them when choices are made.

ISIS Beheadings of Christians a Mental Illness Reborn of Dinosaurs

An odd heading but it is entirely true.  ISIS and all their affiliate wannabe puppets are the unfortunate products of a mental illness reborn from the age of dinosaurs.  What the heck does that mean?  What double talk is this?

Recently ISIS putrid decapitated (beheaded) 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians.  As usual it was donned on professionally produced video on the shores of the sea.  Now just consider what it takes to behead ANYONE - Christian, Atheist, Muslim, black, blue or even conjoined twins.  What does it take?  What is the mindset?  What power of dogma can man subscribe to that would enable him (or her) to engage without remorse in the literal beheading of someone totally defenseless?  I have posted about this before so I guess it is sort of therapeutic for me to vent, but the question still remains of how?  There is no other explanation except that it is a severe mental illness derived from the adverse unseen world.  It is an antibody of unnatural animal instincts awaken from the lobes.

Dinosaurs, like modern animals, are territorial in nature.  They protect their own and when feel threatened will attack with lethal force.  What's wrong with this?  Is this not good?  Is this not survival?  Well, let's examine this.  Unlike the other species we have the ability and responsibility to learn and to act against our natural nature in order to grow and develop.  Though we want to, we are not designed to simply act on instinct.  Being accountable for our actions we are to recognize our own wrongdoings and take often difficult steps to correct them.  Animals don't do this and it is one of the primary reasons we have dominion over them.

We don't have to accept the actions or beliefs of others but we are, as human beings, expected to be understanding and accepting of the fact that with billions of existing people there will be billions of variations of beliefs and actions.  For instance not all Christians view Jesus Christ the same way.  Not all Muslims view Muhammad the same way.  It is inherent in our species the ability to persuade others to certain beliefs.  Under adverse influence it is also in our substandard "natural" man to force others and strip them of their liberty.  This is nothing more than throwing a tantrum and expressing intolerance.

I don't care about the bull that these ISIS boneheads claim Muhammad as saying.  I am saying be human for once in your little existence.  You have no right to murder.  Yet, you have every responsibility as a human being to reject any teaching that condones murder of anyone.  To be so weak-minded is to be duped by dinosaur-like beliefs.  You might as well chew meat or tree branches with foaming cud off the side of your mouth.

I will say again that it is the responsibility of the civilized world to not tolerate inhumane blatant actions like this.  Ridding the world of such barbarism is a just cause.  Becoming one against such parasites is vital and necessary.  In a time of growing gaps between people it would be a miracle of epic and positive proportions if we were to unite under the banner of this cause - the eradication of those engaged in terroristic activities.

Again, I give huge "kudos" to Jordan for their swift engagement in retaliation for the murder of their Jordanian pilot.  Now I give huge "kudos" to Egypt for their swift engagement in retaliation for the murder of 21 Coptic Christians by the cowardice group ISIS.

Now, what will the rest of the world do......

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher Performance Review

Every generation of youth goes through excruciating peer and social pressures.  It is part of the human design to go through these trials that we may learn from them in order to benefit the rest of our lives.  Teenagers bear the burden of their entire existence as they grow from youth into adulthood.  Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher is a must read for any teenager or adult wanting to get in touch with their compassionate side in order to invoke a change that can transform the world they live in.

I will admit right off that I have not read the book.  I do a lot of writing but can't seem to sit down to read a book.  I know - weird.  Yet, I did recently see a high school production of this work by a Speech team in Shenandoah, Iowa.  By the end of the performance there were many eyes in the audience teared up.  It made a deep impression on all of us.  Admittedly, I was also affected though I tried to uphold the "manly" state of emotional disconnect.

The main character is a female speaking through her thoughts left behind for her peers to receive.  She committed suicide and included several peers as compounding reasons why she ended her life.  Each interaction between her and various individuals played out, and showed not only the cruelty of how we can treat others, but how blind we can be to the emotional precipice many people walk.

I am 42 years old and many of the instances from my own teenage years still haunt me to this day.  Listing the reasons proves fruitless in the end, but needless to say they did bring me to that brink of self destruction on more than one occasion.  Those years for anyone are among the most tender.  They are a cry of the heart and mind to realize one's own identity, character and potential.  Obviously, the connections one makes with their peers and loved ones become paramount on the ladder of importance.  It is when these connections become ill-fostered that one's self-esteem can become endangered.

It is felt important to list some of these ideas down while they are fresh.  Though an intentionally somber production it was beneficial because it made the audience think and made us identify.  The greatest affect of the performance for me came at the very end.  All the interactions had been portrayed and the final thoughts of the heartbroken young lady had just completed.  At the end, all the participants gazed at the victim of rumors, bullying and labeling.  In a combined regretting tone they all simultaneously said, "I'm sorry."  That was the capstone of the message.  A plea from the living to the dead of actions of contrition as well as guilt of actions which should have taken place.

Sorry was too little too late.  Though this was a stage production, it is a reality day in and day out for countless young men and women across the country and around the world.  That one statement impresses into the soul a permanency of what happened to that young lady.  It is a chain around the necks of all who contributed to her demise.

Though we don't end someone's life we are all accountable for the emotional welfare of everyone we come in contact with.  It is a daily accounting of our personal integrity and uprightness as well as a gauging of our contribution to society and the world around us.

I am grateful for the many outstanding performances of the Speech team at the Shenandoah High School.  In particular I am grateful for the work "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher.

Jordan Responds to ISIS Murder of Pilot with Two Executions

ISIS in their cowardly black garments brutally murdered a Jordanian pilot by the name of Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh.  In their wicked yet effective video capture they burned the pilot alive while he was in a cage.  I venture to say that the sickening feelings within are similar for most people.  I stopped seeking out these videos long ago but gave in this time and watched the 22 minute production.  It sickened me to no end.  Again, as I've posted about before, what affect does this have on the rising generation?

I give high regards for the swift response of Jordan.  They executed two Al Qaeda terrorists within a couple days of the heinous murder of one of their own.  There is a little positive adrenaline rush in the veins as we hear Jordan vowing swift response.  However, given the military and moral responsibility the United States has in the world I am again sadly discouraged at the response of the President of the United States.  I could care less about the search engines.  I no longer find him worthy of listing his name on my posts at this time.

We are missing an opportunity to provide that healing balm to the world.  These terrorist actions, especially videoed and so promptly posted on the Internet, dump salt in an already festering wound to the human soul.  That is the power of hatred and Satan himself if it is not dealt with with haste and resolution.  It is so difficult to gain an honest coalition from the Arab world in terms of military response in hot spots right in their own backyard.  Just go as far back as Desert Storm and points in the '80s to illustrate this - let alone Afghanistan and the Hamas/Palestinian attacks against Israel.  It is my opinion that now is the time to piggyback on the assertion of Jordan and use their fresh compellings to rally the Arab nations under the banner of cleansing the world of Islamic extremist jihadiism.  Oops!  I'm sorry.  I used a term that the President refuses to use.  Great, I probably have my own satellite by now.

Nobody wants a long drawn out war.  Especially after so many years in Iraq and Afghanistan.  However, I agree with the assessment of most military experts and commanders.  Victory can be had with a swift and resolute response.  Jordan will fold eventually because their forces have little to be desired plus the appeasement pressure from neighboring countries.  Yet, if the United States were to back them and indeed lead them they would stay the course to the end.  The combined force "could" be great enough to conjure a set of kahunas from other Arab nations to join fully against ISIS, Al Qaeda and other imps.  Yes, I believe there must be US boots on the ground.  For those on Capitol Hill that means actual troops on the ground carrying weapons and physically engaging the enemy.  In other words, traditional wartime tactics.

This is a turning point in every live human being.  I gave in and watch the video where this Jordanian pilot's nose and face literally melted off.  It breaks the heart and wants me to rally to some kind of action.  There is no going back people.  The war and Satanic plunder is in 99% of all households that have television, Internet or even a newspaper.  It is there in next-to-real-time video.  Like it or not we are now all accountable for what happens next.  Yes, we will have to answer for it.  Now what do we do?

Senator Rand Paul Sushed CNBC Female Anchor

Senator Rand Paul recently sushed a female CNBC anchor.  Normally I wouldn't find this worthy of blogging about but the arguments are taking a course that is way off base.  This post will be short and sweet and to the point.

Female anchors are coming out of the termite woodwork adamantly saying that they wouldn't tolerate being "sushed" on their own show.  This is bull at it's finest!  Being female has nothing to do with it, and the incident is being used as a vehicle to further the equal gender rights cause and to smear the name of Senator Rand Paul.  Personally I find it irresponsible for any journalist, male or female, to make any assertion of sexism.  Nine times out of ten, anytime you get two people together there will be opposing points of view and even more important character differences.  Quite simply Senator Rand Paul felt like he was being overwhelmed and not allowed adequate opportunity to answer the question given him by the anchor.  Simple as that.  In my opinion she was getting too emotionally involved with the issue of child vaccinations.  She was taking it out on the Senator.

Actually, I give the Senator a big "kudos" for standing up and attempting to put this anchor in their place.  Notice I said "their" place and not her place.  It illustrates that I don't care what the gender is.  Anchors and journalists are not perfect or infallible.  Anyone who claims they are flawless has severe mental issues.  If the interviewee feels they are being taken advantage of it should be their liberty to address it.  Senator Paul could have gotten overly vocal with her.  Wow!  Then we'd be talking about lawsuit.  Never get too vocal with a woman (sarcasm - but true).  I think his reaction was appropriate.  It was a simple gesture to alert the anchor to quiet the soul for a moment and listen and to regroup in a professional manner.

This is where we've gotten over the sexism issue.  It is the exact same with the race card that is so carelessly played in politics.  People tend to expose themselves as pure boneheads when they overreact and prematurely judge sexism against someone over small and frivolous occurrences.

When you bring someone on for an interview you receive the answers to your questions and let the public decide.  You do not go looking for a fight which is what some of these anchors are leaning toward when they cry wolf - or sexism.

Is There a Greater Social Purpose in a Government Council?

All levels of government are scorned and met with skepticism spanning the entire spectrum.  Whether a school board, city council, state or even the federal government there will always be those who differ mildly and strongly with the decisions made.  What can be said of the system of government we have established for us?  What personal gains can be made from our contemplation of a system of representative council where a group has equal say and input into decisions affecting the greater?  Here are a few of my thoughts.

History is filled with examples of tyranny.  Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin historically seem to be in competition to see who can murder more people.  Well, chocked up on their eternal record are each millions dead.  Genghis Khan arguably exercised a degree of tyranny with his endless brutal campaigns of conquest.  In more modern times we've got Saddam Hussein's murder of 45,000 Kurds in Northern Iraq using chemical weapons.  This incident among many on his resume.  Though all these had people who operated under him they were all, more or less, personally appointed by the dictator who had a warped sense of the greater good.

It is historically obvious that when a people become apathetic to their own sliding situation and are made to feel like they have no control over their prosperity and happiness, they eventually fall to the flaxen grips of tyranny, poverty and strife.  From there, their generations suffer sometimes hundreds if not thousands of years.

Our species, believe it or not, is motivated by faith.  It is the root cause of our progression.  It is the root cause of our happiness and also advancement in medicine, sciences and technologies.  It is the hope or foresight of what can be that gives us all a common thread from which to climb.  It is what separates us from the beasts.  We are - in essence - creatures with the ability to be inspired.  Obviously given the murderous and degrading state of the world we apparently all don't have the same hope or vision of the future.

Though we are a flawed civilization, mankind had devised avenues whereby nations can be empowered by a government representative of its people.  Don't get me wrong all governments are subject to the enticings of corruption.  Yet, it is the faith and hope of the people that their elected (representative) leaders will collectively solve the problems of the governed and provide opportunities of prosperity.  It is a hope in a righteous government.

All good things are met with harsh contention.  It is the yin and the yang - good and evil.  It is the light and the dark.  It is the choice or free agency to understand decisions and have hope, or have only suspicion and hate of leaders.  It is the choice.

The plight of many elected officials is the bearing or the weight of the responsibility place upon them by the faith of their constituents.  It can be overwhelming.  Decisions including millions of dollars often accompany even local governments.  Confusion and unsurety can make the decisions a little unsettling.  Unaccustomed, many decision that leaders absolutely know will adversely affect some will also provide anxiety in the heart and a sickening of the stomach.

The cure of both the constituents and also the elected government officials is the same - faith.  Constituents need to learn faith in their leaders.  Leaders need to keep their pure intent in check and learn to lean on the faith supporting them by the people.  The magic of representative governments is that major decisions are made through a collective effort.  Yes, incorrect decisions are made from time to time but the end result is directly tied to the faith of the people.

There is a social doctrine connected with sharing the yoke or burden of decision or the mantle placed upon people of all walks and of all roles.  In the old days heavy loads were often pulled by two oxen.  These oxen were bridled over-neck with a common yoke that was anchored to the load.  They shared the load and pursued a common course or path.  Bearing the load is no different between people and the oxen.

It is my hope that as a people we can refocus our faith in leaders and in each other.  It is my firm belief that only this will inspire actions of change if they are needed to expand opportunities and prosperity and most importantly happiness.  No, we should not be passive and "let the chips fall where they may."  However, it is all our obligation to first understand and approach with an open heart the decision making process of our leaders.  An open heart is the only way to be truly inspired toward a correct path.  This may compel one to either agree or rebuke an official accordingly, but the calm heart and approach is key.

Hopefully this will serve as good counsel (from one who knows) for the weary at heart among the people and those whom they chose to represent them in matters of social progress, freedom and happiness.