Jonathan R. Walton's Blog

The Greater Heritage?

I am normally not so blunt or straightforward about such controversial of a topic. However, since my media feeds have been filled with this debate, most of which I find unbalanced, I have felt it necessary to speak on this subject. I do so out of love. If I offend anyone by what say, I apologize beforehand. However, I will not apologize for what I will say. I believe in what I will say, or I would not write it. My purpose is not to create offense, but to hopefully create understanding and deeper dialogue. I know I risk being hated by some. I will say this. I respect your views. All I ask is that you prayerfully consider what I am saying. If you still disagree, that is your prerogative.

 

Should the government force anyone or any institution to take down Rebel flags? No… I do not believe the government has that right. Part of what makes America such a great nation is that we have the right to offend each other with our speech (within legal grounds). We have the right to fly flags or wear shirts or other clothing of our choosing. If we allow the government to force removal of certain items or beliefs because they are offensive to any segment of people, where will that stop. It's too slippery a slope to be comfortable granting the government such power. But, to me, that is really NOT the point at all. We are missing a much bigger picture.

 

In this day and age that we live, the government should not even have to contemplate taking down symbols that do nothing but remind some people of the most divided time in the history of our nation. I am patriotic to the core. I love the red, white, and blue. I love what this nation stands for, and I cringe at what is happening today by the manipulative tactics of both the Republican and Democratic parties. However, I will unequivocally state that the stars and stripes is all the flag that I will ever need.

 

For the record, I am a white Christian who believes that it is a sad day when many Christians are debating this topic instead of looking toward a higher calling. I want to make it clear that I cannot even pretend to understand the feelings of African-American men and women who have endured the atrocious prejudices of the past. I will not be one of those "educated" people who try to put myself in their shoes and then state that they should not feel the way they do on such a powerful topic. The truth remains, agree or disagree with how these people feel, their feelings are real, and should be considered by the Christian community.

 

With that said, I was raised in the south. My best friend, whom I call my brother, is African-American. The pastor and pastor's wife who helped me through the darkest days of my young life are African-American. I have been there when we showed up to play basketball at a church in northern Louisiana and were told that we would not be allowed to come back if we brought the "colored boy" with us again. We politely told them how we felt, and we didn’t go back. I was there when my closest friend at work was called a "nigger" by an elderly white woman who he was merely helping carry her bags. I got in trouble for politely correcting the error of her speech, even when my friend encouraged me to "just let it ride."

 

I grew up in a community that was surrounded by racist white people who took pride in flying the Rebel Flag as a sign of loyalty to their southern white roots. It turned my stomach then and it does so even more today. I am a listener and a researcher. I have heard the dialogue from white America. "If they want to be considered equal, they should just be Americans. Not African-Americans. They need to quit crying. None of the people that are crying about slavery were ever actually slaves. If they want equality. Step from the past and be equal."

 

Sort of a double standard. Don't you think? Forget your past. If you want to end racism, forget what happened over a century ago. Let it go. Let it go. Let it go.

 

But allow me to keep holding onto my "heritage." Allow me to fly the emblems of my "past." How is that fair and just?

 

Someone has to make the first move. If you really don't think lowering the flag is such a big deal, and if you think that others should not make a big deal out of it. Then why is it so hard to take down? If you truly want to honor your heritage and remember the past, do like so many other relics that have gone before, put it in a museum and go honor it any time you like. There are other ways to honor your heritage without flaunting a symbol of racism.

 

The next bit is not my own, but it is too good not to share. I give credit to Ryan Austin Dean (http://ryanaustindean.com/blog/) for his take on this subject and for agreeing to let me share.

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Many Southerners defend the display Confederate Flag, claim that it's not racist, and insist that anyone who thinks it is should read their history books. Here's the problem: no matter your intentions, the flag has been, and will be, associated with racism. If you are genuinely against racism, but simply proud of your Southern heritage, there is no way to communicate that sentiment to a stranger who sees you from afar. To them, you're just another racist. You can say, "Heritage, not hate," but it's not going to make a difference.

Yes, the Civil War was fought over "states' rights." But what state right was the fundamental, defining issue that severed the bond between the North and the South?

Let's read an excerpt from Georgia Congressman Alexander H. Stephen's famous "Corner Stone" speech:

Our new government is founded upon exactly the opposite idea; its foundations are laid, its corner- stone rests, upon the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery subordination to the superior race is his natural and normal condition. This, our new government, is the first, in the history of the world, based upon this great physical, philosophical, and moral truth.

What flag represented his "new government"?

Included in Mississippi's Declaration of the Immediate Causes which Induce and Justify the Secession of the State of Mississippi from the Federal Union: 

Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery-- the greatest material interest of the world. Its labor supplies the product which constitutes by far the largest and most important portions of commerce of the earth. These products are peculiar to the climate verging on the tropical regions, and by an imperious law of nature, none but the black race can bear exposure to the tropical sun. These products have become necessities of the world, and a blow at slavery is a blow at commerce and civilization. That blow has been long aimed at the institution, and was at the point of reaching its consummation. There was no choice left us but submission to the mandates of abolition, or a dissolution of the Union, whose principles had been subverted to work out our ruin.

What flag came to represent their new government? Georgia's official secession addressed it in the second sentence. Systematic racism, emphasized by the continued legalization of slavery, was essential to Confederate beliefs. Make no mistake about it — it is the reason for the Civil War.

By all historical accounts, the flag remained popular after the war as a symbol of Southern pride and in remembrance of the fallen soldiers. But it didn't stay that way. It was adopted by the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacist groups, as well as the short-lived Dixiecrat Party, whose official platform included the line, "We stand for the segregation of the races." (Article 4)

Throughout the 20th century, the Confederate flag became inexorably linked with racism. Nothing that anyone says at this point can sever that tie. No, it wasn't always the primary flag of the Confederacy. No, it wasn't always a clear-cut symbol of racism. However, it is today.

In short, flying the Confederate flag doesn't necessarily make you a racist, but it definitely makes you look like one, and to that I say...

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What an awesome summary.

 

I had an extremely enlightening conversation today. I called a good friend of mine that I hadn’t spoken to since high school. He is a white guy. I called him because he is now married to an African-American lady. He loves her and is raising a family with her. Now, that may not seem like much in today's world. It happens all the time. However, I called him to get his take on this subject because I remember Steve Revels as a racist. He flew the Rebel flag high and liked to talk about how white people were better than black people. I wondered what had changed. So after much contemplation, I mustered up the courage to get his number and give him a call, and he graciously and courageously talked straightforward about this topic with me. These are just a few of the highlights.

 

Steve talked about how racism in America is still alive. He discussed how he sees it on both sides of the fence (another topic for another day). He talked openly about his past and how he would always say that he supported the Rebel Flag because of heritage, but really it was because he believed with all his heart in white supremacy. He believed that white people were "simply better."

 

So, I called Steve today, because that is the Steve I remember. Not the guy in the pictures in love with a beautiful African-American woman and raising a family together. I asked about the flag first, and Steve matter-a-factly stated that the flags definitely need to come down. Not because every person who flies the flag is racist, but because there are far too many who fly it that are. Far too many are like he used to be, claiming heritage but really believing in white power.

 

I said, "Steve, you have pretty much said it without saying it, but I want to ask just to be clear. Back then, would you have considered yourself to be a racist."

 

"Without a doubt," he replied. "Not as strongly as the guy who just shot the people in South Carolina by any means. But there is no doubt that I judged people and hated people based solely on the color of their skin."

 

In the course of the conversation, I said, "Steve, I have to ask. What caused such a transformation in your life? How did you go from believing such things so strongly to loving and having a family with an African-American woman? I mean, that's a big change."

 

He didn't hesitate, "Jesus Christ… You know, Jonathan, the most confused person in the world to me is a racist Christian, and I was there… The reason I believe that is because where God is, there is no room for hate. Hate cannot exist if God is really in a person's life… I realized that if God loved me, and He loved the black person next to me equally, then I could not really be like Him if I felt any different."

 

And then, I believe Steve hit the nail on the head. He got to the crux of the matter. "When God changes you, he doesn’t just make it where you can treat people of a different color differently because you are supposed to. You don't think about it because you know that's what God wants. When God really changes you, you don't see a person any different because of their differences. You don't treat them as equal because you are supposed to. You treat them equal because it's your nature. It comes just natural now. That's the power of Gods' love."

 

Thanks, Steve Revels for that booming reminder. The world would be a better place, if we could all somehow come to the same revelation. I applaud your honesty and courage to discuss such controversial a topic in detail.

 

My final analysis on this subject. The government should not have the right to stop anyone from flying the Rebel Flag as high as they want to. It's your right. But for me and my house, we won't be supporting it. As a Christian, I personally feel like I have a higher allegiance than to a Confederacy that died a long time ago. Or even a nation that still exists today. My first alliance is to Jesus Christ and His Word. As a Christian, I have been warned to abstain from the very appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). We have been challenged by the apostles and disciples to not be offensive unless it is because of a Biblical truth that we stand for.

 

Therefore, I cannot in good conscience rip open wounds or cause reminders of a painful past to be constantly displayed, knowing that I have brothers and sisters in Christ who hurt because of "heritage." More important than national heritage is Christian heritage.I don't want my children inheriting a nation stained by a dispicable past. I want to give them a nation that has overcome that evil that was by the love that is. I agree with Dr. King. There is the dream. However, it can become reality, for as Steve said, "That's the transforming power of God's love."

Perhaps if the Christian community would stop feeding the fire and fanning the flames, the world would not find it so easy to propagate its message of hate. Maybe if the Christian community would be more willing to engage in meaningful dialogue, the media would not possess so much power to divide. I am thankful for my Godly brothers and sisters of all colors and races, and pray that this evil agenda that seeks to do nothing but continue to seperate people will be stopped by the greatest force on the planet. The force that the victims' families in South Carolina have chosen to display. Absolute grace and unconditional love. In the midst of such perverse darkness, His truth is marching on…

Wake Up America!

WAKE UP AMERICA

 

Okay… Let me set this straight from the beginning… I intend to be extremely nice and polite, mainly because I do not harbor bitter feelings on this subject. It's nothing personal. This blog is NOT intended to be one of many from Christian perspectives that are "gay-bashing" or homophobic. Matter a fact, keep reading all the way through. Don't stop reading until the end, for I will touch on negative Christian attitudes as well. This is not intended to be a discussion on my personal beliefs whatsoever. I will provide no evidence to support the rightness or wrongness of that lifestyle. Those who know me know what I believe and those who don't can tell by the way I live and the books I write. I am Christian and believe what the Bible says.

 

My purpose for this blog is singular. If I get off on a tangent then I haven’t served my purpose. That’s what is wrong lately. Too many people chase the tail of the snake and allow the venom to continue striking. I want to open people's eyes to a fast moving agenda that is sweeping this country. I want to counter that agenda. So let me make this statement, boldly and loudly, but without any prejudicial undertones.

 

I BELIEVE IN GOD'S WORD. I DO NOT BELIEVE GOD'S WORD SUPPORTS HOMOSEXUALITY. BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT I HATE PEOPLE WHO ARE GAY.

 

I AM AGAINST MANY OF OUR CURRENT GOVERNMENT'S POLICIES. I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ANY ONE MAN CLAIMING THAT THEY HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE CHANGES ON A GLOBAL LANDSCAPE WITHOUT THE CHECKS AND BALANCES THAT HAVE MADE THIS COUNTRY GREAT... NO ONE MAN IS BIG ENOUGH TO DECIDE THE FATE OF THIS NATION. AND BECAUSE I FEEL THAT WAY DOES NOT MAKE ME A RACIST.

Again, those who know me, know that I love just about everyone around me. Yes, I said "just about," because I am still on a journey and am striving to reach the point that I can honestly say I have attained Christ-like, perfect love. I am not there yet. However, I can say that those that I do not "love," it is not because of race, sexual orientation, or any other factor the media would like for you to believe. It is personal. Most of us have people that rub us the wrong way. I'm human, but I am trying. At least I'm honest about it.

 

What upsets me about the current framework of media bias and political agendas being pushed is not so much the politics themselves. If a person wants to promote liberal agendas that do not line up with God's Word, that is their business. I will not get angry about their voice. The same right that guarantees that they have the freedom to speak their opinion is the same right that supposedly guarantees that I have the right to express my disagreement. So, go ahead, use your governmental right to free speech. BUT YOU MUST AFFORD ME THE SAME OPPORTUNITY.

 

What saddens me, and quite frankly infuriates me, is the movement within this country to apply labels to people who do not line up to their theme or belief being pushed. So what started this? I received an invite to like a page on Facebook the other day. I clicked on the page, which had an obvious liberal agenda (which again is fine. Everyone has the right to their opinion). However, what upset me is the caption at the top of the page. "Hate is not a family value."

 

So, there was the ultimatum staring me in the face. Like the page, or I am a hater. Like the agenda being pushed, or I hate gay people. Support gay marriage, or I hate a certain group of people. That is offensive and stupid, and here is why.

 

First, homosexual people want to be treated fairly and as individuals, not lumped into some category as only being known by their sexual orientation. It is true, and the religious world has a hard time acknowledging this, but homosexuals are individuals. Individuals with hearts and minds and feelings. Individuals that don't deserve to be shunned or abused. Go ahead and accuse me of being a sympathizer. Whatever! The truth is that if you claim to be a Christian and believe homosexuals are lost and going to hell, how will you explain to God why you never reached for them? Homosexuals have feelings, hearts, and minds, but they also have souls, just like everyone else. And we as Christians should never forget that.

 

Here is my problem. If those pushing the homosexual agenda want to be treated fairly as individuals and not known based on their choices, then quit trying to lump all heterosexuals who don't support your viewpoint into one category. Quit trying to label all Christians into one group, falsely and arrogantly claiming that if we don’t agree with your agenda, by association we hate you. That's ridiculous. YOU CAN'T  HAVE IT BOTH WAYS... Individualism works for everyone or it works for no one. Stop speaking out of both sides of your mouth. As a Christian, I can love you without agreeing with you. My wife and I disagree on issues all the time, but that does not mean we don’t love each other.

 

Another problem with the liberal agenda being pushed by mainstream media is the frequency with which it is being pushed. It doesn’t match actual demographics. People want to say that the media is not overtly pushing a homosexual agenda, but that is a lie that’s forced in your face everyday. The proof is in the pudding.

 

Why does television not draw an accurate picture of the actual population in America if no agenda is being pushed? A gallop poll in 2011 concluded that, on average, American adults estimated that 25% of American people are gay. They get this in a major way from television programming. Approximately 4.2% of characters on television are homosexual. This may seem like a low number. However, that is more than double the amount of people in America who are truly homosexual. Also, that number is taken from total cast members, not main characters alone. For example, although the percentage of actual gay characters is low, Fox was honored by GLAAD because 42% percent of its programming consists of homosexual themes. That is nowhere close to representing the less than 3% of Americans who are actively homosexual.

 

Why are major networks not more interested in keeping their numbers to the realistic norm, if there is no agenda being pushed? Even GLAAD reports that television has played a major role in bringing about key changes in the way Americans perceive homosexuality. They are excited about the changes on the horizon that they feel are being influenced by national programming. This country is being desensitized to a liberal agenda and has been for years. Our children are being programmed to believe certain issues are way more "normal" and prevalent than they actually are.

 

The recent coke commercial that caused such a stir is ridiculous. So many people are offended because it has multicultural voices singing America the Beautiful. Why should that offend anyone? It is what it is. America is a place where many people from all over the world have decided to relocate. Face reality, if you were living in another country, wouldn’t you want to come to a place that offers the freedom, financial stability (compared to most countries), and opportunities that we enjoy? America has become a blend of people from many nationalities. Who cares if they get a tribute on a ninety second ad from a company that has multicultural obligations. Coca-Cola is not just an American company. It sells to an international market. So what's the big deal?

 

The big deal is the underlying message being portrayed. If I disagree with them playing that commercial, automatically, I am called a racist. Lost in the name-calling from this video is an important fact that no one is talking about. Mid clip, the only family that received three shots in a row in the entire commercial is the homosexual couple with the seemingly adopted child. Watch it carefully, two men, obviously in love, are having fun with what appears to be their daughter. Why did the homosexual couple receive more face time than any other couple in the commercial? It's an agenda, and if I don’t like the fact that Coca-Cola choose to clearly push an agenda that I disagree with, then I am discriminating against homosexuals. I am a hypocrite because obviously I am harboring hatred.  

 

This is alarming. It's becoming a major problem. Because the media and many political powers that be are not just battling over gay rights. There is a more subtle, and quite frankly, much more dangerous agenda at play. The powers that be want the world that we are trying to reach to feel like we are outdated, selfish, hypocritical, and behind the times. We are intolerant and cruel, and we are the problem with what is taking place in society. Why would anyone want to be a Christian today? They present stereotypes to the unsaved that make it difficult for us to reach them unless we have something REAL to offer (which is a completely different post that will be coming soon).

 

I am not claiming persecution by any means. I still believe the early church had it much worse than we do today. But it is frightening that I can envision a world where my children will not be able to have a Christian organization in school or college because it would be a "Hate crime," simply because they want to live their moral convictions with a group of like minded believers.

 

Being Christian is not about opposing anyone. It's about adhering to the Bible. It's that simple. If others take offense to that, so be it. I won't militantly push my position on someone who doesn’t want it. That does no good. But I should not be expected to sit back and allow someone to militantly push there's onto me. Again, let me say this plain. I DO NOT HATE JUST BECAUSE I DO NOT AGREE.

 

It’s a great deception, and we must not fall into it. I can disagree without hating. That is my God-given right… It is also supposed to be my governmental right. How is it possible that people who claim they want freedom to live their own choices without discrimination are willing achieve this at the expense of my freedom of choice? And I am called a hypocrite for believing in God's Word but not embracing a lifestyle that is against His Word. Now, that's hypocrisy.

 

Live your life. Fine… I won't judge you. But I still have the right to base every one of my beliefs, opinions, and lifestyle on the Bible. If something the Bible teaches offends your belief system, I make no apologies for that. Just as you feel you should make no apologies for your beliefs.

 

You don’t like the system that currently exists in the government. That's fine too. I didn’t create it. But you can't just recreate the system to fit how you want to life. You can't infringe on my rights to guarantee yours. You can't paint me as an evil, unjustified, Bible toting, whacko, just because I refuse to push a button saying I agree with your cause.

 

As an American, I have the right to disagree with your political ideas.

 

As an American, I don’t have to agree with someone of another race just because they have a different skin color. And guess what, that doesn’t make me racist. If I disagree with you solely because you are different, then we can talk.

 

As an American, I have the right to stand for the religious beliefs that this country was founded on, independent of your personal preferences.

 

As an American, I have the right to teach my children the ordinances of God's Word while balancing it with the grace, mercy, and love of Christ. Just because I am mandated to love others as I do myself does not mean that the Bible paints me in a corner to agree with your agendas. The Bible doesn’t force me to agree with things that are contrary to God's Word and neither should my country.

 

If someone is actively and militantly encouraging the abuse or harassment of homosexuals, that is a hate crime and should not be accepted under the laws of this country. However, disagreement is a far cry from abuse and harassment. It is not categorically a hate crime if someone asks me to support gay marriage and I refuse to do so based on my convictions. Those are two separate ideas, and I refuse to be lumped into the same grouping as someone who hates just because.

 

Wake up America. There are only a few choices right now. You are either part of the group promoting the deception. You recognize the deception and don’t care that it's taking place. You see the deception and refuse to be labeled by liberal narcissist. Or, you are being gently rocked to sleep by the media and mass entertainment industries.

 

Fox network… You have the right to push your agenda… But I have the right not to watch your programming.

 

Starbucks, you have the right to push your agenda… But I have the right not to drink your coffee (and many church goers were with me until now).

 

Coca-Cola, you have the right to push your agenda… But I have the right to not drink your products.

 

Let me be clear. I am not calling for a boycott. Nor have I boycotted anyone. I am merely making a point. Others are allowed to make decisions based on their beliefs and values, but so can I… And just because my values and beliefs do not mesh with yours does not make me less American.

 

So, stop the deception… Stop making others feel that disagreeing with your ideas makes them less patriotic. Stop pretending that I am a HATER because I won’t promote your message and may even oppose it (the same way you do mine). Stop trying to make this world a place where my kids will not have the same freedom of choice that we have all enjoyed. Stop trying to make America your America. Freedom is what makes this country great, and just because you feel you have not been treated fairly does not give you the right to mirror those feelings onto me. You can't fix what you feel is wrong with this country by doing the same things to others that you feel has been an injustice to you. Infringing on my rights to further yours is the ultimate hypocrisy. If you have rights, then so do I. And I refuse to let you deny mine to strengthen yours. That’s not how this country works.

 

I am a Christian… And I am an American… And I still believe the two should be synonymous.

 

I am a Christian… And I am an American… And I still believe that both give me the right to live righteously according to what the Bible teaches.

 

I am a Christian… And I am an American… And I am proud to be both… For both assure me the rights to speak about my convictions.

 

Perhaps you have gotten it backwards… Perhaps the real anti-American and anti-Christian are those who deceptively create these stereotypes and then try to force everyone to fit into that mold.

 

Just something to think about… Please… Wake up, America. Wake up before the deception becomes reality. Please… Wake up, America. Before it becomes a crime to voice Christ's message at all. Please, America, wake up… before your children and grandchildren suffer because of your silence. America… Please, wake up.

 

Prologue to The Sin Cloud

PROLOGUE

Darius rounded the corner in a full sprint and excitedly stopped near Hayden, who was sitting near the eastern most wall. As usual, he was alone, staring into the distance. They all wondered why he did it.

The same time everyday.

Same place.

Same faraway stare.

Almost reminiscent, but not quite recollecting. Deep intuitive searching, but not ever able to conjure up the memories. If only they could have read his thoughts. He was more bitter than before. His animosity toward God was burning brighter than ever. He had mentioned those feelings to the Timekeeper, but those days seemed so long ago. He had progressed in his attitude toward this God he vaguely remembered. He used to hate Him, but now, he barely even believed that such a God could exist.

Because of the sullenness of his expression, they'd chosen to never interrupt him, until today. Darius reached him out of breath.

"Sir Hayden, you're being summoned by the ruler of the city. He wishes to speak with you at once."

Hayden continued to gaze ahead, his features unchanged.

"I'm sorry, Sir Hayden. I told him you wouldn’t like to be interrupted, but he said it's important and you'd want to hear it immediately."

No response.

"Sir, please. I don’t know what to tell him."

No answer.

Darius worriedly touched Hayden's shoulders and shook him. "Sir Hayden, are you okay?"

Hayden's hypnotic trance was broken. "Darius, what's wrong? You know I don’t like to be bothered here."

"I apologize, sir, but you must come with me at once. The high counsel is calling for you. The man himself wants to see you."

"Why?"

"I don’t know. Maybe to see for themselves the giant who has caused so many problems among the Babylonians. Perhaps they want to look upon the man who has garnered so much attention from the Captain of the King's command, to see the feared warrior who shoots lightning bolts from his eyes and topples legions with his tenacity," he said with a laugh.

Hayden wasn’t amused, "Those days are over, Darius. Abaddon Dearth must have bigger things to worry about now. It's been weeks."

Darius shook his head. "He's not the kind of man to let things go. Not him. He'll be coming until one of you are dead and probably murder the rest of us just for spite."

"Well, as long as we're here, we're safe. We could make out just fine here for a while."

"I dunno," Darius disheartenly answered. "Maybe if I can send for my family, perhaps I'd be okay. It's been weeks since I held my wife and children. Do you know how hard that is on a man?"

Something within Hayden instinctively cried out that he knew exactly what Darius was feeling, but where had that thought come from? There was no way he could know. He wasn’t a father. He had no wife for that matter. Why had he suddenly felt the strange detachment Darius described?

He calmly cleared his head. "No, and you're right, Darius. You should take some time to be with your family. I'll have Amarsin send word to Marcus to have them escorted here at once. You've earned it."

Hayden stood and walked back toward the inner city. "Let's go see what they want. Hopefully they've granted you permanency. We could work on your family once they arrive, but that would be primarily procedural once yours gets done."

Darius smiled. "I appreciate all you've done for me. You've truly proven a brother.

 

.     .     .

 

Hayden stepped before the counsel with Darius at his side. Two guards stepped forward as they entered, their swords falling to form an impenetrable wall. The man in the center of the council stood. He wore a golden crown on his head, and a white silk robe over his body. A golden sash hung loosely around his waist.

He motioned his hand forward in a welcoming wave. "We wish to speak to you alone, Sir Hayden, of supposed Babylonian heritage. We have no need to speak to your servant."

Hayden scoffed. "He's no servant, Your Honor. He's my brother. One would do well to note the difference."

"And what's the difference, so I might make further note of it in the future?"

Hayden detected the arrogance in the man's tone but decided to humor him anyway.

"Well Your Honor, he walks beside me and not behind me, speaks to me whenever he pleases, has sacrificed much to be on my journey, and-"

"He's sacrificed much for you. That can be said for most slaves. They all sacrifice for those they serve. It's why we have them," he said with a laugh.

Hayden paused to allow the room's laughter to cease. He took a deep breath to stifle the anger rising inside. The greatest intolerance he had in life was toward ignorance, and this was it in its purest form.

"Yes, that's true. But I've also sacrificed for him, and would again many times over. Therein lies the difference, Your Honor, between slavery and family. This man is family to me."

The spokesman agitatedly nodded. "Well, Sir Hayden, he's no family to us, as he's only been granted temporary protection, not permanence. Therefore, he's still under our jurisdiction. We wish to speak with only you."

"Anything you can say to me, you can say in front of him," Hayden indignantly proposed.

The man was growing agitated, and motioned for the guards to escort Darius away.

"Don't bother arguing with me, Sir Hayden. We have our ways here. He's protected because it's the law, but we don’t have to like it. Likewise, you don’t have to like our views, but you do have to tolerate them... Toleration, now there's a strong concept. The world would be a better place if we'd all just learn to be a bit more understanding."

Hayden smiled, almost arrogantly. "There's a fine line between toleration and compromise, Your Honor. I have no problem tolerating the opinions of others. However, I won't surrender my integrity or convictions on the altar of someone else's pretenses. Ultimately, I must live with the choices I've made; and I'd rather die than compromise myself."

The man in the white robe stepped down the first step and sat down. He made sure that Darius had been removed.

"You speak as a man who has nothing to lose." He briefly paused before moving on. "And we have a problem, Sir Hayden. One we think you can help us with."

"What's the dilemma?"

The judge flashed an expression of fear. "Abaddon Dearth is dead. He was found near his childhood home just days after our battle outside the Fortress. It was obvious that he'd been ambushed. The King of Babylon is demanding that someone show for an official inquiry into Abaddon's death."

"And you want me to be that voice?" Hayden incredulously asked. "You expect me to leave the safety of the city and return to Babylon where I was on trial just a few weeks ago? The king's man has been murdered, and you want me to appear before him on the city's behalf? Why?"

"No, Sir Hayden. I'm afraid you misunderstand my request. We don’t want you to appear before the magistrates of Babylon. We want you to convince Amarsin Shamash that he needs to. We need him to leave the city and speak for us."

Hayden was appalled. "Why? If he does that, those loyal to Captain Dearth would seek him out. He'd be killed before he met with the king."

"Perhaps, but at least the king's quest for justice would be realized. We'd both benefit from this. The king would forget about you… and us."

Hayden was wroth. "I won't betray a friend to save myself. I certainly wouldn’t entertain the thought to save you."

"Sir Hayden, it could come down to one life verses thousands," he said, almost pleading. "You'd let the future of our city be jeopardized for refusing to sacrifice one man?"

"It's not my position to make such a choice. I'm not god or king."

"Well, then perhaps you'll do it because the only person the king would listen to from your group is a delegation made up of Amarsin Shamash and his grandfather, Marcus."

"Ah," Hayden replied, the Court's intentions becoming clear. "You want to use Babylonian authority against the king. If the king respects the representative of the city, you think you'll be spared."

"Sir Hayden, we did nothing wrong. The only reason we must worry about defending ourselves is because the blood of an elitist Babylonian was spilled outside the gates of this grand city because of the antics of your group. If you hadn't barged into my city, none of this would have occurred. You owe us this much. Please, just grant us an opportunity for peace."

Hayden seemed disappointed. "Have you forgotten that this city was created to serve people in trouble? It's your duty. When the strong stop protecting the weak, humanity is in trouble. Sometimes helping people has a price. It can jeopardize one's pretty little notions about peace. But you must remain willing to pay that price, or this city has already become like every other city in the world. Are you so willing to sacrifice what has set you apart?"

"What's set us apart has been our leniency toward others concerning their mistakes. We boldly blink at the transgressions of people's pasts and allow them the opportunity to begin again without scrutiny."

"A noble gesture indeed, but forgiveness doesn’t give you the right to hold the guilty hostage. True forgiveness means the atrocities of the past have been permanently removed. There's no longer anything to be lenient about. Everyone in the city stands on equal footing, because all men are free from the weight of their past."

"But we must still-"

"There is no but, Your Honor. You either forgive or you don't. It's that simple. In this case, it appears that you've been most unforgiving. You've only granted one of us permanent citizenship, and you're now asking him to sacrifice himself on the altar of obligation. I find no honor in this."

The leader turned without saying a word and walked back up the step toward the council members. They spoke for several seconds, leaving Hayden out of their conversation. He could see the tenseness with which they talked. There was urgency in the members' faces. He knew that look all too well. They were apprehensive.

He calmly approached the platform and climbed the few steps upward toward their small group. One of them motioned to the leader as he drew near. The leader whirled around and found Hayden standing face to face with him.

"I'm afraid you have us at a disadvantage, Sir Hayden. The veracity of your words has been razor sharp. You've opened our eyes to the error of our own logic. We mustn’t use our goodness to manipulate people into our desires. True forgiveness means presenting each man with the opportunity to choose his own fate, even if his choice isn’t the one we'd make for him… At times, he may even choose to bite the hand that feeds him or hurt the ones who've given him new life. Our duty, as the officers of this city, is to uphold our integrity regardless of the feelings and actions of those around us. We understand that now. Sorry to have inconvenienced you, Sir Hayden, and thank you for helping us see the light again."

Hayden politely smiled. "Grace is always given to those who equally bestow it… Besides, I may have an alternative solution."

"Good, because we weren't done with you yet either."

"You first then?"

"No, sir. It can wait. Please share your idea."

Hayden moved right in, "If the King of Babylon wishes to speak with Amarsin, you could welcome him with open arms. Present him with the niceties of your city. Let him witness first hand your hospitality and learn how many guilty Babylonians have benefited from your existence. It could be an eye-opener, as well as a safe place for Amarsin to lead this delegation."

The judge smiled. "A wise suggestion indeed. This committee shall ponder it and probably put it into practice if the king would be willing… and Sir Amarsin."

Hayden winked in their direction. "I think he could be thus persuaded… Now, what of the other business you have with me?"

The leader showed concern. "We're extremely worried about your man… Darius. It's why we didn’t want him in here. He-"

"I assure you, that man is honorable. I'd lay my life on the line to vouch for his credentials."

"It's not that we're concerned about him. We're concerned for him."

Hayden was confused. "I'm afraid I don’t understand."

"He's an Aksumite, is he not? That’s what he reported on the papers he filed requesting permanency. I assume those reports are accurate."

"Yes. He's from Aksum."           

"Well, we do our due diligence before granting anyone permanent residence… What he didn’t report is that he's Aksumite royalty. Were you also aware of that?"

Hayden's lips pursed at the corners. "Yes. I'm aware, but that shouldn’t be a problem. If anything, it further proves his honor. He doesn’t gloat in the fact that he's the son of a king."

"His honors not in question, Sir Hayden. We just thought you should know, Darius of Aksum, son of King Adollion of Aksum, is in trouble."

"What? Why?"

"His family is under attack. His country is in shambles. Many of his siblings have already been killed or captured."

"By whom?"

"There's been an uprising from within the Ethiopian province. Most of these uprisings are quickly dealt with, but someone influential is funding the coup. We aren’t aware whom. Some say the Romans. Some say the Jews. We aren’t sure if it's either."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Respect, sir."

"Respect?"

"Yes, sir. You've come here and combated the great Babylon with higher principles than we've ever witnessed. King Adollion was known as a fair man among the world's noble alliance. Because it's only Aksum where the war spreads, many of the allies pretend not to notice… We don’t have much to offer, but we can at least make you aware."

"Was?"

"Excuse me?"

"You said the king was known. Has something happened to King Adollion?"

"I'm afraid so… He's been murdered. His last remaining factions are trying to raise support to keep the fight alive. This civil war will be over within months if no new hope is given."

"A civil war? Someone from the inside is fighting to destroy the Aksumite Kingdom?"

"Yes, sir. It is bad, sir."

"Who is it?"

"It's Prince Demsas, Darius' younger brother. He's leading the rebellion from inside. No one has been able to trace his external allies yet."

Hayden was stunned. "Are you certain?"

"Yes. The fact that someone powerful is funding this means the rebel leader is someone influential in the Aksumite culture. King Adollion was always well protected. His guard was one of the best in the business. No one could have gotten close to him. We knew it had to either be one of the elite guardsmen or someone close enough to the king to be granted private access. The king's own guardsmen have indicated that Demsas has blood on his hands."

"And why make Darius aware now? What's in it for you?"

"Nothing at all, but having men like King Adollion made the world a better place. Besides, Darius is in danger whether he stays here or goes there. Demsas has hired assassins to hunt his brother down."

"Why would he do that? Why not just let his brother find out about this months later, when he's ruler and there's nothing Darius can do?"

The leader shook his head. "Because, Sir Hayden, Darius is the rightful heir to the Aksumite throne. If he ever returns to Aksum, he'll be the ruler by Aksumite law. You must protect your friend, Sir Hayden, and we're afraid that the only way to do so is to escort him across the great watery divide so he can present himself as the new Aksumite King. If he's as honorable as you believe, then he's exactly what Aksum needs."

Eternal God

    "What does it mean when an eternal God says that you want have to wait long to see your promise or answer?" Jonathan Lewis (Sunday morning lesson)

    I have pondered that statement many times this week. It is interesting to say the least.

    God... Timeless... Eternal... No constraints... From ever lasting to ever lasting... One day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like as one day...

    Humanity... So finite... insignificant... small... life like a vapor...

    So what does it mean? It means that we don't have the answer. However, it also means that the fact that we don't know should not frighten us. It should bring a certain level of comfort. It means that He holds it all in His hands, and His timing is perfect because He knows every detail of the past, present, and future together. It means that I can literally quit worrying and merely trust Him to work out the details in accordance with what He, in His infinite wisdom, sees what is best for me. It means that my timing rarely works to my advantage, but I have a Father who lovingly works on my behalf.

    At times, we lose sight of that because we are impatient, stubborn, selfish, and fearful... Human... But when the answer comes, it's worth every moment of waiting. He always makes sure of that...

    So, wait patiently and know that YOUR God is in control, working every detail for your good. Trust Him...

Does racism exist in the church?

   Someone asked me the other day if racism still exists in the church. Now, there is a loaded question. At a minimum highly volatile to say the least. In an hour in which so much media attention has been focused on this topic, it has become one that we as Christians learn to fear if we are not careful. But, why should we? Why should we remain silent on key issues? Why should we be afraid to create dialogue about issues that concern God and His Kingdom in the world in which we live? Jesus never walked away from the "dangerous" conversations. He embraced them. He loved them.

     I must say that I honestly hadn't thought about the topic in quite some time. I am blessed to be part of a local congregation in Church Point that has embraced multicultural diversity. At our church, we are truly all family, in this journey together, to do a great work for God. Race NEVER enters the equation. It's about people pulling together to advance the Kingdom of Heaven. All people. Any people. And it works.

     So, this question sort of stumped me for a moment, before I felt God speak to my spirit. Is there racism in the church? I answered a resounding "No..."

     The response I got was rash, although expected. "How can you say it doesn't exist in the church? We have come a long way toward bettering things over the years, but it definitely still exist."

     But it doesn't... It's only a matter of perspective. Now, hear me out before you click off the link and stop reading. Don't judge until the conclusion of the matter. The real issue is this: What do you mean when you say "the church?"

     If you are referring to an institution, corporate body, or local assembly, then it is very possible that racism is still rearing its ugly head. However, when you say "the church," if you are referring to the body that Christ came to this earth to establish, the blessed group of the redeemed that are cleansed and saved through His blood, then the answer is no... Racism does not exist in that type of climate... Not the climate that Christ purchased through His death and subsequent resurrection.

    What does that mean? It means that this issue puts many Christians and possibly churches at a crossroads, for there is no watered down version of truth when it comes to what Christ taught. Everyone is equal at the foot of the cross. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God examines the heart. Man views color or societal differences, but God views only the thoughts and intents that make the man. Under the cover of the blood of Jesus, EVERY believer is the same. There is no US. There is no THEM. There is only HIM.

     This means that His body and all of its members are what truly matters. The cold hard reality is that if you claim to have the heart of Christ but judge others based on petty differences that shouldn't matter, you are not truly a Christian. You are someone who has changed some behaviors to appease a moral conscience, but your heart has not been truly changed by the love of God. If you're part of a group that refuses to fully embrace others because of race, you are not at THE church. A Church is not always THE church. We would do well to know the difference. THE church that was purchased by Jesus is on a completely different plain. Any church professing the mind of God while holding to archaic practices in doctrine or attitude is not truly THE church.

     Does racism exist in church? Unfortunately, where there are people, ignorance will always show up. But the redeemed can look away from the religious. Jesus came to establish a movement, a people. His movement. His people. And there are no requirements or prerequisites. He loves us all. Short. Tall. Fat. Skinny. Black. White. Young. Old. Educated. Uneducated. Wealthy. Average. Poor. Love is the great equalizer, for where the love of God truly exists, there is no room for erroneous opinions, inflated egos, or judgmental attitudes. Love breaks down every stereotype and sees only one's heart, and love always enables those who are captivated by it to do the same. No US. No THEM. Only HIM.

     I'm grateful to be serving that kind of God.

Importance of Self-Control

In this microwave world, it is of utmost importance that we learn the value of discipline. Our flesh, as well as the enemy, are master manipulators at causing us to destroy the blessings that God seeks to give to us and work through us. Here are common ways that we fail because of lack of control.

1. Impatience - Most often, there is a delay between the promise of God and the performance of God. In our flesh, we refuse to wait on God's timing, trying to force doors open that God may not have intended. The problem is that if man opened the door, it may just get slammed in your face. If God opens the door, it cannot be closed, regardless of who wished to do so.

2. False evaluation of God's will. It is extremely easy to equate what we desire to the undisputed will of God. This is most often a huge mistake. Just because I desire something, pray for something, work toward something, and feel right about something, that does not make it the will of God... That is true no matter how much I selfishly pray, fast, and try to believe it into existence. God doesn't change his will based on my fleshly desires.

God's will is rarely the best case scenario for my flesh... And when I pursue natural desire over spiritual discipline and true faith, failure is certain.

3. We fail to understand true faith. True faith is not doggedly believing God to grant my every desire just because I make my petition known. The higher faith is accepting God's answer when He doesn't give me what I desire. Better yet, truth faith is still believing when He gives me what I do not desire.

Prologue from The Fortress

 

The man sat on the bulky leather couch, sank into its pliable back, unsurely glanced toward the ceiling, and curled his toes through the Berber carpet covering the living room floor. Leaning slightly forward, he reached for the bottle on the coffee table.

Fire in a bottle.

Instant fury or immediate comedic relief, depending on the drinker.

For him, it did neither. It seemed to anesthetize the pain some. However, after the initial numbness, it did nothing but bring on a more severe state of depression. He was finding it easier and easier to slip into this place.

He reached onto the table again and picked up the large blue pen nestled next to the bland notebook. The counselor had suggested that he write his feelings down. It was supposed to be therapeutic and cause him to discover truths about his emotional breakdown.

Another pointless ploy by psycho-analyzers who thought they understood the workings of the world. He didn’t know what made him feel worse; concentrating on his feelings enough to write them or drinking his way into oblivion.

Tonight was going to be different. He'd made up his mind. He was ending the madness.

His descent had been tragic. It had occurred quickly. It was always alarming how swiftly life could turn. One day he'd been on top of the world. A man of morals, raising a family with strong Christian virtues. The next day an empty shell of who he'd formally been. He didn’t recognize himself anymore when he looked in the mirror.

He opened the journal and slowly began to write.    

Journal Entry: July 4, 2012

Life is empty. Purposeless. Meaningless.

They've given up on finding him. So have I. Justice will never be issued. The guilty will continue to live freely.

There is no God. He can't be real.

The alternative is worse. He's real but gets a cosmic laugh at the twisted affairs of men. He finds pleasure in exerting His will over feeble humanity.

How could he be real and loving, when He lets so many traumatic events transpire in the lives of those who follow Him.

Shouldn’t a believer be able to find comfort in his decision? Shouldn’t the All-knowing be able to predict when calamity is about to strike? Doesn’t He possess the power to make a difference?

If so… as I used to believe… then why doesn’t He?

Why does He sit on His pious throne and watch as His people are pummeled with the rest of the world? Why does He allow innocence to be lost? Perfection marred? Those who have been faithful and true to be abused and forsaken?

Where is He? Why has He forgotten me? Why'd he allow it to happen? How could He ever expect me to love Him when all I can feel is betrayal and hate? They were my world. He took them. Or allowed them to be taken. And I'm supposed to love Him for it. In what sort of sick theology does that make sense?

I'm supposed to believe it's for my ultimate good. I'm supposed to blindly follow His lead into the barren wasteland of my own expectations.

I can't. He can have His frivolous worldview. I am done. He failed to protect what I valued most. I can no longer find it within my heart to love Him. I simply find it impossible to believe. It wasn’t their fault. It was more mine. How is this fair to them? How is it fair to me?

I think I have found the truth. I think I am on to them. Why must it be this big? It seems there is nothing I can do. With nothing left to live for, I'm ready to leave this world. It holds nothing, means nothing, and has nothing for me anymore. If I must, I will leave this world like I came into it. I have left no indelible marks in this life. Only stains that I pray can be forgotten.

If He is indeed real, I only ask to find forgiveness in possibly my final act of free will on this earth. If He isn't, it doesn’t matter anyway. It really never has.

(More to come)