Insatiable Power!

Power, when initially experienced, usually doesn't seem like tyranny at all. It often appears as a sense of responsibility, influence, or the ability to “fix” what others haven't been able to. It feels noble, necessary, and even righteous. Those who pursue it often believe they are doing so to serve others. However, somewhere along the way, between intention and holding power, something begins to change. 

Insatiable power is always seeking more. It doesn't rest after victories or conquests; instead, it quietly wonders, What’s next? Who’s next? It softly suggests that control brings security, dominance brings peace, and that without full authority, chaos might return. It gently persuades its holder that letting go could be risky, not just for themselves, but for everyone around them. 

Initially, everything seems to blur quietly around us. We start to see compromise as a way forward, and manipulation might even be mistaken for leadership. Silence can feel like loyalty, and truth can become somewhat flexible. It's common for those who question things to be seen as disloyal, while resistors are branded as enemies. Sadly, those who suffer are often dismissed as necessary sacrifices for a so-called “greater good” that never quite materializes. This shift can feel overwhelming and disheartening, but recognizing it is the first step toward fostering understanding and change. 

Unquenchable power thrives on fear, the fear of losing control and the fear it creates in others. When more people submit, the powerful see submission as validation. But submission doesn't mean agreement, and silence doesn't mean peace. Obedience isn't the same as justice. Over time, even those in power can become prisoners of the system they’ve created, always alert, haunted by the thought that someone new might rise and challenge them. 

What makes insatiable power so dangerous isn't just what it affects in others; it's also what it does to the soul. Compassion might be seen as a weakness, humility as a liability, and mercy as a risk. Over time, the human heart can give way to calculation, suspicion, and pride. Those in power may forget what it feels like to truly listen, learn, or humbly kneel. 

History repeatedly reminds us of this universal truth: any empire built on never-ending power isn't destined to last. It might rule for a season, instill fear for a generation, or bring silence for a lifetime—but eventually, it will fall. And it doesn't always fall through force; sometimes it crumbles from rot, collapses from within, or is brought down by the quiet bravery of individuals who choose not to surrender their conscience.

Real strength isn’t about controlling everything; it’s about knowing when to let go. Genuine authority isn’t about how many people kneel to you, but about those who choose to stand with you. And true power isn’t about commanding others, but about mastering oneself. Embracing these truths can lead to a more fulfilling and inspiring life. 

Insatiable power might seem to offer endless promises, but it often leaves us feeling empty inside. It’s like building grand thrones on the backs of those who are broken and crowning trust that’s fragile and fractured. However, there’s a brighter path, one where true leadership is about serving others, where influence comes from honest integrity, and where power respects the truth above all. This is a way that brings genuine connection and lasting strength. 

Ultimately, power that refuses to accept limits can lead to its own downfall. However, when power embraces moral, spiritual, and human boundaries, it transforms into something much more meaningful. It's no longer a weapon, but a reflection of what humanity can achieve when it chooses wisdom over domination and humility over control.

Appreciation Day!

Thank you to the men and women who risked and sacrificed their lives for equality and justice for the good of all Americans. God bless you! 

Your courage didn't come from comfort, but from a deep conviction. You stood strong even when it was risky, spoke out when silence seemed easier, and marched forward despite the high costs. Facing fire hoses, batons, bombs, bullets, prison cells, and even public scorn, you did all this not for yourself, but so that future generations could walk more freely, live more safely, and dream even bigger. You carried the burden of injustice on your shoulders and kept moving forward, driven by a heartfelt belief in a brighter, better future. 

Many of you have shown incredible courage, whether you were soldiers on distant fields, fighting against tyranny so that liberty could flourish at home, or you were foot soldiers right in your own neighborhoods. You’ve been freedom riders, civil rights workers, union organizers, suffragists, veterans, first responders, and everyday heroes who stood up against a world that sometimes forgets that human dignity is essential. You understand that equality isn’t just given to us, it’s something we earn, protect, and renew through our willingness to sacrifice for what’s right. 

Your sacrifices may not have always been recognized while you were alive. Some of you were laid to rest without much praise, and sometimes, you were misunderstood, misrepresented, or simply forgotten. But rest assured, heaven keeps a record of every step you took, every tear you shed, every wound you carried, and every prayer you whispered. God saw your lonely marches, your silent grief, the broken bodies, and the unbreakable spirits. He recognized your faith when the world tested it, and your love when hatred tried to drown it out. Your journey is truly remembered and cherished. 

Thanks to you, doors that were once closed are now open, and voices that were once unheard are now being heard. Unfair laws have been overturned. Children who were told “you cannot” now hear “you can.” You've helped change the moral climate of our nation by refusing to accept moral compromise. You've shown America that justice isn't a favor, it's a right, and that equality isn't just a trend, it's a truth. 

Your legacy is written not only in history books, but in classrooms, courtrooms, churches, workplaces, neighborhoods, and homes. It lives in every child who is treated with dignity, every vote that is cast freely, every worker who is protected, every citizen who walks without fear. Your sacrifice built bridges where there were walls and planted seeds of hope in soil once hardened by oppression. 

Today, we stand on ground you courageously cleared with blood, sweat, prayer, and perseverance. We are grateful for the freedoms you fought to secure for us. We speak from platforms you lifted with your efforts. We breathe air you worked hard to make fairer. And with heartfelt humility, we say thank you, not just in words but through a sincere commitment to live out the justice you bled for and the unity you believed in. 

May God's blessings be with your memory. Our thoughts are with your families during these times. We hold hope for strength for those still fighting for justice. Let us also remember that the greatest progress of this nation came from those who courageously risked everything, ensuring that all Americans could stand together in equality. 

God bless you, and God bless the legacy you left behind.

Not Double Standards, When Having the Power!

The American public is often told about the importance of “civility,” yet it seems that civility isn’t always applied equally. When Congressman Joe Wilson dramatically shouted, “You lie!” at President Barack Obama during a joint session of Congress, it broke the decorum expected in one of the most revered political spaces in the country. This was a bold accusation of dishonesty directed at a sitting President right there on national television. Despite this breach, the consequences were surprisingly lenient, a symbolic rebuke, a quick apology, and then everything moved on. Fundraising efforts increased, and his political career stayed strong. Instead of standing up for the truth, the political community seemed more focused on protecting its own. The nation often overlooked the racial undertones when a white man told a man of color in power that he was lying. Fast-forward to today, and if any member of Congress told this President that he was lying, it would typically be handled privately. Otherwise, there might be swift personal repercussions and a warning not to run for public office again. This highlights how much has changed over time. 

Think about the auto worker who called President Donald Trump a “pedophile protector.” The comment was reckless, crude, and inflammatory, but so was Wilson’s. The key difference wasn’t how serious the accusation was, but the power behind it. The auto worker had no institutional backing, no congressional shield, no donor support, no committee chair to hide behind. He was seen as disposable. As a result, he was dismissed, publicly shamed, and stripped of his position without the usual process afforded to elites. No apology tour or formal disapproval could save him. His punishment was swift, real, and lasting.

This highlights the uncomfortable truth about America’s understanding of free speech. Speech isn't given equal treatment; it's influenced by people's class and social status. When powerful individuals step out of line, they’re seen as controversial, but when workers do the same, they're labeled as liabilities. Politicians who insult presidents are often seen as expressing passion, whereas citizens who do the same risk economic exile. Naturally, the media responded differently to these incidents. Wilson’s outburst was discussed publicly and debated like a piece of theater. Meanwhile, the auto worker's words were regarded as morally wrong and required removal to protect corporate and political interests. One person was corrected; the other was simply erased. 

The lesson here is straightforward: while the First Amendment might shield you from the government, it doesn’t necessarily protect you from what the system can do. That includes challenges from employers, public outrage fueled by selective enforcement, or the unwritten rule where some people can speak freely while others remain silent if they want to get by. This isn’t about defending bad speech; it’s about exposing a double standard that’s so obvious it can’t hide behind empty words about respect or unity. If civility were truly the rule, both men would have faced similar consequences. But they didn’t, because in the end, equality is often limited by those in power. It's no surprise that people in power will do whatever is necessary to keep it. Watch your six and vote wisely. 

Pray for wisdom and discernment. Maintain your spiritual armor daily to stand against evil. Tighten the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and your sword, which is the Word of God, all supported by prayer. Our battle in this war is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. The real power is with God, not with man.

One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) Broken Down!

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a massive law that the U.S. government passed in 2025. Instead of dealing with one topic (like taxes or health care), it bundles several major federal policy changes, taxes, social programs, border policy, defense spending, healthcare, energy policy, and more, all into one giant package. ([Wikipedia][1]) .

It was enacted through budget reconciliation, which allows Congress to enact budget-related laws with a simple majority (rather than requiring 60 votes in the Senate). ([University of Colorado][2]) .

Taxes: 

·      Large cuts, primarily for wealthy individuals and businesses. 

·      The bill makes many of the 2017 tax cuts permanent (they were going to expire). ([Amazon Web Services, Inc.][3]).

·      It adds some new tax perks, such as deductions for tips, overtime pay, and interest on U.S.-assembled car loans (but these are mostly temporary). ([The Ledge][4]). 

·      It increases the estate tax exemption (so wealthy people can pass on more assets tax-free). ([Amazon Web Services, Inc.][3]).

In simple terms: People with higher incomes and bigger estates will benefit most, while lower-income folks see fewer tax savings. ([The Guardian][5]). 

Major cuts and changes to key assistance programs:

·      Medicaid (health insurance for low-income folks).

·      Adds work requirements, meaning many adults have to work or do volunteer/school hours to keep coverage. ([Wikipedia][1]).

·      Caps some provider taxes and changes funding rules, reducing federal support. ([Wikipedia][1]).

·      SNAP (food stamps).

·      Expands work requirements and shifts administrative costs to states. ([Wikipedia][1]).

Note: These changes will likely mean fewer people qualify, and more people could lose Medicaid or food help over time. Estimates suggest millions of Americans could lose coverage due to these cuts. ([Wikipedia][1]).

The law includes significant funding increases for border security and immigration enforcement:

Border, immigration, and enforcement spending:

·      Billions for border barriers and surveillance. ([Wikipedia][1]).

·      Huge expansions in funding for ICE and deportation efforts, aiming to remove up to a million people per year under some projections. ([Wikipedia][1]).

In simple terms: The government is spending a lot more on border control and deportation infrastructure. 

Defense and national security:

·      The bill boosts defense spending.

·      Drones and other military tech.

·      Traditional military operations.

Bottom line: The Pentagon gets more money than under previous budgets. ([Wikipedia][1])

Energy and other policy areas:

·      Energy policy: reducing or eliminating tax credits for renewable energy like wind and solar, and promoting fossil fuel development. ([IER][6]).

·      Funding for NASA and air traffic control modernization. ([Wikipedia][1]).

·      Education and student loan provisions (e.g., changes to Pell Grant eligibility). ([University of Colorado][2]).

Overall financial effect:

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has projected that this bill will increase the federal deficit by trillions over the next decade and raise the national debt unless offsetting measures are identified. ([Wikipedia][1])

Why is it controversial?

People both support it and criticize it for very different reasons:

Supporters say:

·      It cuts taxes and encourages economic growth.

·      It strengthens border security.

·      It reforms “welfare” systems to require work. 

Critics say:

·      Benefits mostly go to the wealthy.

·      Safety-net cuts hurt vulnerable people.

·      Deficit and debt could grow significantly.

·      It bundles too many unrelated things into one bill, making it hard to debate each part. ([The Guardian][5])

In Summary, the OBBA is a mega law that:

·      Cuts taxes (especially for big earners).

·      Cuts or tightens health care and food assistance for low-income Americans.

·      Spends a LOT more on the military, border security, and immigration enforcement.

·      Rolls back some environmental and energy incentives.

·      Raises the national debt significantly.

It’s massive, complex, and affects many different parts of everyday life, which is why it’s one of the most discussed laws in recent years. ([University of Colorado][2])

[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Big_Beautiful_Bill_Act? "One Big Beautiful Bill Act"

[2]: https://www.cu.edu/blog/government-relations/cu-summary-one-big-beautiful-bill-act? "CU Summary of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act | University of Colorado"

[3]: https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.kelleydrye.com/content/uploads/pdf-snapshots/one-big-beautiful-bill-act-20250523111428.pdf? "One Big Beautiful Bill Act"

[4]: https://the-ledge.ai/campaigns/bill_snapshot/94aaba3c-f6e3-457a-a682-0bdf00235042? "One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) — Explained | The Ledge – Legislation Decoded"

[5]: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/sep/25/trump-rebrand-one-big-beautiful-bill-act? "Trump wants to rebrand his 'big, beautiful bill' as the 'Working Families Tax Cut'. Don't be fooled"

[6]: https://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/regulation/summary-of-key-provisions-in-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act/? "Summary of Key Provisions in The One Big Beautiful Bill Act - IER"

Who will this OBBBA affect?

Families with children:

What may help?

·      Slightly lower income taxes for many middle-income families.

·      Some temporary credits for childcare and family expenses.

What may hurt?

·      If your income is low, it becomes harder to qualify for food assistance (SNAP).

·      Losing Medicaid is more likely if adults don’t meet new work-hour rules.

Bottom line: Working families may see small tax breaks, but struggling families may face tighter rules for benefits.

Seniors and retirees:

What may help?

·      Lower taxes for people who own big investments or estates.

·      Some savings if you have a higher retirement income.

What may hurt?

·      Cuts to certain federal programs could affect state services that seniors rely on.

·      Medicaid changes could affect nursing-home coverage.

Bottom line: Seniors with higher wealth benefit more; low-income or medically fragile seniors may face reduced support.

Workers & hourly employees:

What may help?

·      Certain tax benefits for tips or overtime in specific situations.

·      Slightly lower income taxes.

What may hurt?

·      Overtime is still taxed overall (the bill doesn’t end that).

·      Work-requirement rules may require individuals to track hours solely to maintain benefits.

·      If hours fluctuate, people could lose health coverage.

Bottom line: Modest tax help, but more paperwork and risk of losing benefits for people with unstable hours.

Business owners & high-income earners:

What may help?

·      Large and permanent tax cuts.

·      Lower corporate taxes.

·      Bigger estate-tax exemption (more inheritance protected).

Bottom line: This group benefits the most financially from the bill.

Students & borrowers:

Possible effects:

·      Changes to Pell Grant rules.

·      Possible shifts in student loan repayment programs.

Bottom line: Details vary by school and income, but federal education support tightens overall.

People on Medicaid

This is one of the most significant impacts.

·      Many adults must now meet work/volunteer/school hour rules.

·      States get less money from federal Medicaid in some areas.

·      Some people will lose coverage.

Bottom line: If you’re on Medicaid and don’t meet new work rules, coverage is at risk.

People receiving SNAP (food stamps)

·      Additional work requirements.

·      More administrative burden on states.

·      It becomes harder to qualify and easier to lose benefits.

Bottom line: Fewer adults will likely receive food assistance.

Immigrants

·      More funding for border enforcement, detention, and deportation.

·      Expanded technology and personnel.

Bottom line: Immigration enforcement becomes more stringent and aggressive.

Energy and environment:

·      Reduced support for solar and wind.

·      More support for oil, gas, and fossil fuels.

Bottom line: The bill shifts toward traditional energy and away from green incentives.

Military and defense

Higher spending on military technology and operations.

Bottom line: Defense budgets grow.

Super-simple summary:

The bill cuts taxes (primarily for businesses and high-income individuals), tightens rules for Medicaid and food assistance, increases border and military spending, reduces some green-energy support, and likely increases the national debt.