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Change Came!
You might be wondering where everyone went! Why isn’t the Engage Family blog updating anymore? Where is everyone?
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Serena, Kanye, Hoppy, and Jim Daly?
Our beloved radio host, Hoppy Kercheval, has lent much of this week’s programming to discuss the forgotten ideal of civility. He observes that everyone from Serena Williams to Kanye West to WVU’s Mountaineer Maniacs have all but lost the ability to communicate absent shouts and vulgarities.
I naturally thought of Hoppy when I read the contribution by Focus on the Family President Jim Daly to the “On Faith” blog of the Washington Post. When reporters queried bloggers with the question, “Why has our civil discourse become so uncivil?” Daly began his answer quite simply.
The Twitter-sized answer (with 72 characters to spare!) to the questions raised here is, “Because we’re all sinners who have, and continue to, fall short of the glory of God.” Our emotions run deep, and our tongue is a tough beast to tame; add to that combustible mix topics that touch on our deeply held convictions, and it’s a recipe for four-alarm conflagration.
via On Faith Panelists Blog: God Expects Us to Be Civil to Each Other – Jim Daly.
Indeed. For followers of Christ, I believe the Gospel of John states the ideal within the first chapter. In all we do, we must imitate Christ who came to this earth, “full of Grace and Truth.” (John 1:14) While we will inexorably fail (see Daly’s twitteresque answer), nothing short of tempering our stand for Truth with God’s Grace will do.
CitizenLink: Values Voters Gather in Washington
Ok, one last recap – this by video – of the Values Voter Summit.
Values Voter Summit 2009: Quotes from Day 2
Washington, D.C. – Day two of the Values Voter Summit has been no less thrilling than the first. This place, as I told Family Policy Council President Jeremy Dys the other day, is a conservative and/or christian’s dream come true. Here the words that echo through the halls sound more like our founding father and less like a communist dictator seeking totalitarian control. Below you will find some quotes from some of the many speakers here today. I wish I had more space to share more of what has been said, but I think you will appreciate what has been written.
“An important value is living within our means and being responsible with our finances. To the President: Stop spending the country’s money. And maybe the next time you speak to a group of kids you can apologize for the crushing debt you are placing on their shoulder.” – Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty
“People who respect human life are now in the majority…listen to them. Because if you don’t listen to them they will out vote you, they will replace you, and they will overcome you.” – Lila Rose commenting directly to President Obama
“Isn’t the very act of shutting people of faith out of the public discourse the very definition of intolerance? Freedom OF religion is not to be confused with freedom FROM religion.” – Texas Governor Rick Perry
“Jesus strapped Himself to a cross so that I wouldn’t have to strap a bomb to myself.” – Dr. Ergun Caner commenting on the difference between Islam and Christianity
“If you change the definition of marriage, you change how parenting happens. If you change how parenting happens you change how kids are raised. If you change how kids are raised that’s how you get ‘Heather Has Two Mommies’ in the classroom. This is more than just an issue, this will change the foundation of this country for future generations.” – Bishop Harry Jackson
Values Voter Summit 2009: My Interview With Jordan Sekulow
Washington, D.C. – I was fortunate to spend a few minutes talking with Jordan Sekulow of the American Center for Law & Justice. Mr. Sekulow is the Director of International Operations for the ACLJ. He is a fiery, well spoken man with passion for people’s involvement in their local and national government. As we stood next to the ACLJ booth at the Values Voter Summit I asked a couple of questions of Mr. Sekulow.
My first questions was to ask Mr. Sekulow what he thought the major issues people need to know be aware of and educate themselves on were? Mr. Sekulow said the first issue is healthcare. He said that there is a “systematic scheme of deception by the President and heads of his party.” And that people need to know about this issue and how it will affect them both now and in the long run. He reiterated what many have been saying about the current health-care reform bill, that even though the President says it does not allow for public funding of abortion, the truth is that is indeed does allow for it. Not only will it allow for it, but it will, over time, be mandatory for every insurance policy.
The next issue Mr. Sekulow wants people to know about and educate themselves on is the current weakening of America by the liberal left and Obama administration. He spoke specifically of the dismissal of the missle defense shield over parts of Europe; coming at the same time that our enemies are strengthening their militaries and nuclear programs. By the way, a nuclear missle could reach American soil in just 33 minutes. Read the rest of this entry »
Values Voter Summit 2009:Focus on the Family President Jim Daly & Esther Fleece
Washington, D.C. – Back at the Values Voter Summit here in Washington and the first presentation is by Focus on the Family President Jim Daly and Director of Millennial Studies Esther Fleece; or, as Mr. Daly jokingly called her the “Millennial Czar.”
Daly and Fleece had a conversation with us about the Millennial generation, those between the ages of 15-29. They expressed their concern for the 2020 election when 90 million Millennials will be voting for America’s president. Their concern is in light of the fact that in last year’s election 60 million Millennials voted for Barack Obama. Fleece stated that she was surprised that 60% of her Christian friends voted for Obama. But what surprised her the most was that when she asked them why they voted for Obama they did not have a substantial answer other than to say they wanted change and thought Obama could bring it.
Daly asked Fleece to explain to the people where Millennials are at and how we can reach them with the traditional moral values that has shaped America for the last 200 plus years. Fleece explained that Millennials are wary of party lines because they haev seen deception and corruption in both parties. She further stated that they don’t like arguing or shouting because they really just want everyone to get along. Read the rest of this entry »
Values Voter Summit 2009 – Great Quotes From Day 1
Washington, D.C. – Here I have listed some of the great quotes from the speakers here at the Values Voter Summit in Washington, D.C. While I don’t have room to list everything I would like to, I believe you will get a good idea of what is being discussed here today.
“The cause of America is freedom and we must never be silent on this cause again.” – Indiana Rep. Mike Pence
On getting rid of the IRS and imposing a fair tax plan: “Once the IRS no longer exists they can’t intimidate pastors for exercising their right of free speech.” – Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee
On her thought after giving an answer that she knew would cause her to lose the Miss America pageant: “Even though I didn’t win the crown that night, I knew the Lord has such a bigger crown in Heaven for me.” – Miss California Carrie Prejean
“If the church is not being what the church is supposed to be, then America can’t be what it is supposed to be because as the church goes, so goes the nation.” – Kevin McCullough and Stephen Baldwin
“The country wants marriage to remain the union between one man and one woman. The President wants the courts to handle this for him so he and other liberals don’t have to go on record.” – Gary Bauer
“Some guy can, for no reason drill a hole in a baby’s head and the media finds that acceptable?” – Bill O’Reilly
To President Obama: “Stop spending the nation’s money. And maybe the next time you speak to a group of kids you can apologize to them for the crushing debt you are placing on their shoulders.” – Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty
Well, this should give everyone an idea of what is happening here today. I cannot begin to explain it all or give you a just idea of the inspiration being presented at the Values Voter Summit.
PICTURES: Star Parker, Ken Blackwell, Stephen Baldwin and More
Washington, D.C. – Below are some more pictures from the 2009 Values Voter Summit in Washington, D.C. It has been my priviledge to meet such people as Star Parker, Ken Blackwell, Stephen Baldwin and others. But the real priviledge is to hear the message of these men and women that proudly proclaim that it was the traditional values long held dear in this country that have served to bless and prosper us. They proclaim that it is long past time for conservatives to stand up and stand firm againt the liberal minority that would seek to tear away the foundation of this country. Truly this has been a priviledge and I look forward to more. I will continue to bring you more coverage of this amazing and inspiring event.
PICTURES: Values Voter Summit Speakers
Washington, D.C. – Below you will find some pictures of what the Values Voter Summit is like. It is a beautiful set of patriotic decorations, music with that old-time patriotic feel that gives you goose bumps, and some of the brightest conservative minds of our day. You will also see some pictures of me with a few of the speakers and guests that are here this weekend.
If you have never been here it will only take one trip before you are hooked. I would encourage everyone to make plans to attend.
