My Interpretation of the Bible!

The Bible weaves like a long, beautiful journey through valleys, mountaintops, storms, and peaceful fields. Understanding Scripture is more than just reading words on a page; it’s stepping into a sacred conversation that has been happening for thousands of years. It’s a heartfelt dialogue between God and people, shaped by history, culture, suffering, hope, and redemption. Sometimes, we wish every verse would give us clear answers, like a door with one simple key. But often, Scripture invites us into deeper rooms within rooms, with layers of meaning that ask for our patience, humility, and prayer. Written by many authors over centuries in different lands, languages, and circumstances, the Bible carries both divine inspiration and human touch. It’s full of emotion, urgency, poetry, grief, praise, wisdom, and warnings. Truly understanding the Bible means respecting both God’s voice and the context of those who first heard His words. Its interpretation is based on belief. They immerse you in Divine Love and Mercy, that He is the Great I Am, and we are love Him above all things and to love each other.

At its heart, interpretation begins with a gentle sense of reverence, a humbling gesture that respectfully bows the heart before the text. This reverence softly reminds us that this is the living Word of God, encouraging us to recognize its significance. The Scripture speaks across time, even though it originated in a specific era. We aim to avoid distorting the truth or treating the Bible as simply a historical relic or a personal echo chamber. Truly meaningful interpretation lovingly weaves together ancient truths with relevant, everyday guidance. One of our main challenges is resisting the temptation to make Scripture say what we want to hear. We’re naturally drawn to seek comfort, confirmation, and validation, which can lead us to pick verses that support our opinions and overlook those that challenge us to grow, humble ourselves, or seek repentance. But Scripture is like a lamp shining brightly. The Word comforts the hurting and awakens those who are too comfortable. With an open and teachable heart, we approach interpretation, ready to be corrected, reshaped, and refined. Let’s invite the Holy Spirit to guide us toward genuine understanding and application of God's Word. 

Jesus masterfully quoted Scripture and gently corrected those who misused it to impose burdens or wield power. He told them in the temple, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify about Me.” This highlights an important principle: the Bible isn’t just about rules, rituals, and history. It’s fundamentally about God’s redemptive work, most fully revealed in Christ. If we interpret it without love, mercy, justice, humility, and redemption in mind, we risk missing its true heart. That’s why understanding the context is so vital. When we know who was speaking, to whom, why, and under what circumstances, a simple sentence becomes a vibrant message. What was written to persecuted believers, wandering nations, grieving prophets, or rebellious kings varies greatly in meaning and intent. Yet context alone is not enough. The Bible is it is spiritual. Paul wrote that “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” Interpretation must therefore be prayerful. Not prayer as a ritual before reading, but prayer as a position while reading. A position that says, “Lord, open my eyes. Teach me what I cannot see. Show me where I am wrong, where I am weak, where I am called. The Holy Spirit is not a substitute for study, but a guide within it. Without the Spirit, Scripture can become a weapon or a wall, and with the Spirit, it becomes a bridge. 

Another important part of interpretation is humility. The Bible is vast, and no single person holds all the answers. Believers throughout history have grappled with understanding its messages, debated its details, and strived to live out its teachings. Sometimes they succeed, sometimes not. To interpret Scripture well means opening your heart to not only your own thoughts but also to the wisdom of the larger Christian community. Pray for discernment as you listen to teachers, theologians, pastors, historians, and fellow believers whose lives reflect the transformative power of the Word. Remember, the truth is seldom found in solitude. Humility also invites us to embrace mystery. Some passages can be challenging, and some doctrines are quite intricate. There are questions that we may never fully resolve. The Bible often offers us more than straightforward answers. In fact, it sometimes presents us with internal challenges, such as justice and mercy, sovereignty and free will, and suffering and hope. Rather than hurrying to find quick answers that might hide God’s beautiful mystery, faithful interpretation invites us to embrace life with reverent wonder and curiosity. Remember, mystery isn't a sign of weakness in Scripture; it warmly invites us into deeper trust in God.

Interpretation of scripture should be rooted in ethics and lived with intention. James reminds us that we are called not just to hear the Word, but to act on it. When our understanding doesn't bring about transformation, it falls short. The Bible isn’t just for gaining knowledge; it’s meant to shape our character, guide our actions, heal wounds, and bring our hearts closer to God. If our interpretations inspire pride rather than humility, cruelty instead of compassion, or division instead of love, then no matter how clever they seem, we’ve missed the true purpose. This perspective on ethics becomes especially meaningful when we consider how Scripture is used in public conversations about politics, social issues, justice, leadership, and power. Throughout history, Scripture has been a powerful tool both for liberation and oppression, healing and harm. Often, the impact depends on the spirit in which we interpret it. When we approach Scripture with love, truth, and humility, it can lead us toward freedom. But when fear, pride, or a desire for control take over, it can instead become a means of bondage. Remember, Jesus didn't use Scripture to dominate others; He used it to bring liberation and hope.

One of the most powerful ways to interpret the Bible is to recognize that Scripture itself is a story, not a scattered collection of disconnected rules. It begins with creation, moves through descent, continues with covenant, exile, prophecy, redemption, and restoration. Every book, every law, every psalm, every prophecy fits within this unfolding story of God’s pursuit of humanity. To interpret a passage apart from this narrative is to hear a sentence without knowing the conversation. To interpret it within the story is to hear God’s heart across generations. In this story, we're not merely spectators; we're actively participating. Interpretation isn’t a distant act. It's rooted in our own hearts. We bring our wounds, fears, hopes, failures, and faith into the text. The Bible accepts us exactly as we are, but also calls us to grow. Every reading transforms into a meaningful encounter between the eternal Word and our present selves, fostering a space for connection and change. 

Perhaps the most important question in interpretation is not, “What does this mean?” but “Who is this forming me to become?” Scripture, interpreted rightly, shapes not only belief but also identity. It teaches us who God is, who we are, and how we are to live in relationship with God, with others, and with ourselves. It draws us into a life marked by repentance, forgiveness, courage, obedience, compassion, and hope. Interpreting the Bible, then, is a journey. It is not mastered once and for all. It is lived, revisited, reexamined, and renewed across seasons of life. The same passage that once comforted us may later challenge us. The verse that once confused us may later heal us. This is growth. The Word remains faithful, but we are the ones being transformed. 

Let’s be clear! This world isn’t our permanent home. Since childhood, someone in your family has taught you the basic differences between right and wrong to keep you safe. The Bible shares the same principle for our soul and spirit. As we grow older, we learn more about how the world may see those who aren’t part of it. Those who follow God’s law will often face struggles against their own flesh. Life might not get any easier, but with faith and other tools, we can find the strength and confidence to keep going. No one is trying to pressure you into anything you don’t want to do. You must live with the consequences of your own decisions. Know this! God is faithful. He does not have double standards or go back on His Word. He is the same as He was yesterday, today, and tomorrow. If God says He’ll do something, it’s already done. Believe it. God still loves us and is merciful despite our many offenses against Him. I am cleansed by the Blood of Jesus, Who sacrificed His life to save my soul.

Ultimately, faithful interpretation guides us away from arrogance and toward awe. It’s not about achieving certainty without compassion, but about nurturing conviction with grace. It’s not about exerting control, but about surrendering. This journey leads us to trust more deeply in God’s character, to love humanity more fully, and to walk more faithfully in obedience. The Bible isn’t just a puzzle to be solved; it’s a voice to listen to, a light to follow, and a story to live out. When we open its pages, let’s truly listen, not just to understand, but to become transformed. Because interpreting the Word of God is truly about obeying it. 

 

Sources: Biblical Excerpts from the New International Version Translation

Ephesians 4:22-32 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. In your anger, do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:26-27 In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

Ephesians 5:3-7 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore, do not be partners with them.

Ephesians 6:13-17 Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

Isaiah 54:10 Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 55:9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

John 8:34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.”

John 15:12 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Matthew 7:1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.

Matthew 23:27 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.”

Philippians 3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 31:24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Psalm 18:19 He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight

Romans 8-9 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

2 Timothy 2:24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

 

 

Be Careful What You Ask For!

We've all heard the saying “Be careful what you ask for, you might get it”, but sometimes it’s not quite what we expected. There are moments when our prayers are filled with urgency. We ask for strength, not realizing it often comes wrapped in struggle. We seek wisdom, unaware that it’s usually born from loss, failure, and patience. We desire growth, forgetting that sometimes growth requires pruning. And we ask for answers, not knowing that some answers only come through silence. 

I truly believe that God listens to each word, no matter how small it may seem. Isn't it wonderful to think that what we speak aloud can come true if we believe in it and have a little courage? Instead of responding with loud thunder or grand displays, He chose to respond with life itself, the kind that deepens the soul, humbles the heart, and shapes the spirit. What you might have seen as abandonment was alignment, and what felt like a delay was simply divine timing. Sometimes, what seems like denial is really protection in disguise. 

You asked for patience, and suddenly the road grew longer. You asked for peace, and chaos knocked at your door. You asked for purpose, and the comfortable path disappeared. And in those moments, you wondered if heaven had misunderstood your request. But God did not misunderstand. He understood perfectly. For God does not give blessings that merely decorate your life.  He gives blessings that transform it. He answers not according to comfort, but according to calling. He answers not according to desire, but according to destiny. 

There is truth to prayer. God may answer in unexpected ways. Not always with what you want, but with what genuinely needs to be given. Not necessarily with what is easy, but with what lasts forever. Not with shortcuts, but through shaping and growth. When you ask to be used, you might find yourself in situations where obedience comes with a cost. Asking for healing could reveal hidden wounds you haven't seen before. When you seek faith, you may find yourself in circumstances where faith becomes your only choice. And at times, the prayer can feel heavier than the blessing itself. But beneath that weight is grace; beneath the struggle is purpose; and beneath the silence, God is working behind the scenes in beautiful, unseen ways.

Be mindful of what you ask for, not because God is cruel, but because God is thorough. He gently prepares your future on a solid foundation. He patiently shapes your character before granting you the crown. He guides you to humility before elevating you. He teaches responsibility before blessing you with abundance. He fosters integrity before granting influence. Sometimes, He responds by removing relationships, comfort, illusions, or control, so that only the truth remains, clear and steadfast.

Over time, you’ll look back and see that the prayer that nearly overwhelmed you was the one that helped you grow. The request that seemed to go unanswered was answered in a deeper way. The door that closed kept you safe from a place that could have broken your spirit. The delay was a caring protection from a path that wasn’t right for you yet. Be mindful of what you ask for. Heaven’s response isn’t casual. God responds with purpose. His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. When He answers, it’s complete, shaping not just your circumstances, but also your heart, not just your situation, but your soul.

Pray boldly. Pray honestly. Pray humbly. But remember, when you place your request in God’s hands, you are also placing your life in His hands, and He will not waste either.

  

The Divine Rescuer!

There are times in life when our spirits feel overwhelmed, weighed down by regret, hurt by betrayal, and tired from carrying burdens that weren't ours to bear alone. During these times, help doesn't come with loud fanfare or dramatic scenes. Instead, it arrives softly, like the gentle return of breath to lungs that had forgotten how to breathe. It arrives as the comforting presence of the Divine Rescuer. 

The Divine Rescuer comes not when the world believes you’ve earned saving. Instead, He arrives when you’re at your most exhausted, when your prayers are soft whispers rather than loud cries, and when your hope feels too delicate to hold. He isn’t attracted by perfection but by your willingness to surrender. It’s not righteousness on display that draws Him, but your brokenness laid open and honest. 

During those quiet, long nights when silence seems to echo louder than anything else, He gently caresses the tired soul. He is infinitely patient. He listens with an open heart. And in that heartfelt listening, something truly sacred takes place. Shame softly fades away, fear begins to loosen its hold, and the soul softly recalls that it was never truly abandoned, just waiting. 

The Divine Rescuer gently lifts without ever shaming, restoring hope without making anyone feel reminded of past mistakes. He heals with kindness, never demanding repayment. While the world may see failures, He sees wounds and lovingly cares for each one. Rather than forcing the rescued into the light all at once, He walks alongside them patiently until their eyes are ready to see it clearly. 

Sometimes, a rescue can feel like a door closing, offering a new beginning. At other times, it might seem like a door opening, making space for what's next. It can also be about finding the strength to weather what hasn't changed and summoning the courage to walk away from what was meant to end a long time ago. No matter the form it takes, rescue is always rooted in love, steady, patient, and persistent.

God's rescue is so wonderful. He lifts us not just from danger, but also from despair. He frees us not only from sin but also from the false belief that we're beyond hope. He gently changes the stories we tell ourselves, reminding us that we're never too far gone, too broken, or too late. His grace rewrites those stories, filling them with hope and love. 

And the most remarkable thing about the Divine Rescuer is that He doesn't just leave after the crisis is over. Instead, He remains. He gently guides those He rescues, helping them learn to walk again, to trust again, and to hope without fear of falling. He transforms survival into a sense of purpose, pain into a story of faith, and scars into beautiful symbols of mercy.

Whenever the weight becomes too much to bear, or the way forward feels unclear, and your heart feels like it can't go on. Remember this: You are seen, you are loved, and you are never alone. God is closer than you realize, stronger than any fear, and more faithful than any doubt. Even now, He is reaching out, not to judge, but to support and carry you home. 

The Absence Of Love!

The absence of love isn't loud or disruptive. It sneaks in quietly, much like a room gradually chilling while no one notices the open window. Initially, people try to adapt by wrapping themselves in distractions, routines, and habits, convincing themselves they're okay. However, if left unaddressed, that coldness can eventually settle deep into the bones. 

In a home lacking love, conversations can feel more like texting. Words are spoken, but they sometimes miss their true meaning. Meals are not really shared. Eyes might pass each other in the hallway without much recognition, almost as if each person is a stranger living in the same house. There's no shouting or obvious cruelty. Silence can be even more hurtful. This silence can make the heart feel invisible, leading us to believe that our longing is unreasonable and that our ache is a personal weakness rather than a natural human need. 

When love isn't around, it teaches us how to survive, but it doesn't show us how to truly live. Children often learn to rely on themselves too early. Instead of reaching out for comfort, they might start bargaining for attention. They get good at reading moods, not because they are wise, but because they've had to learn. While they might become efficient and achieve a lot, they can still feel emotionally empty inside. Maybe they hold success in their hands but carry a feeling of hollowness within. They learn to look okay on the surface while quietly yearning for a real connection. 

Without love, forgiveness can be hard to find, often replaced by memories and records. Every mistake is kept, every slight stored like evidence in a trial that never finds resolution. Pride grows stronger where humility once had room to grow. Instead of understanding each other, people defend their positions, shielding wounds rather than healing them. The heart, which should be a nurturing well, turns into a barrier. 

Communities that lack love don't break apart suddenly; instead, they gradually weaken. Neighbors begin to drift apart, barely noticing each other anymore. Pain and suffering become just a distant hum in the background. Kindness no longer feels like a necessity but more like a choice. Justice turns into mere paperwork, losing its compassionate touch. Faith becomes just a routine, missing the warmth of caring. Even truth, when spoken without love, can feel like a blow rather than a healing embrace. 

And yet, the most heartbreaking consequence of love missing isn’t just loneliness, it’s distortion. People start to forget what true love really looks like. They mix up control with care, tolerance with genuine compassion, and attention with real affection. Sometimes, they settle for crumbs and think it’s a feast. They accept just surviving as truly living and mistake numbness for peace. 

Still, the heart keeps its feelings alive. Even when love seems gone, the soul holds onto a comforting memory of warmth, like a phantom limb that longs for what once was or what could have been. This memory isn’t cruel. It’s a gentle reminder of mercy. It softly whispers that emptiness isn’t the natural home for the human spirit, but rather a sign that something vital is missing. 

The absence of love is like a wound that half heals. Even wounds, while painful, serve as gentle reminders that our bodies are meant to be whole. Where there's pain, there's always a spark of hope for healing. And where love is absent, there's a beautiful opportunity to come back, fully heal, and find your sense of completeness again. 

Love might have left, but it’s always remembered. It patiently waits next to hardened hearts, beneath layers of disappointment and fear. It doesn’t push its way in; it simply knocks. And when someone opens the door, even just a little, it does something amazing: it brings warmth back to the bones, clarity to the eyes, and life back to the soul.

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.