Jason E. Fort's Blog, page 12

The Dark IS There - but the Light is Stronger!

You have to acknowledge the darkness. It is impossible to ignore. It's presence is obvious and it seems to exist everywhere. I've always liked this quote, "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he doesn't exist," because it is so profound. It applies to so many cultures, so much of the cliches of good vs evil, and of course in the world around us. Denying a problem's existence, especially when it is there and has power to impact whatever or whoever the problem effects, gives that problem the aptitude to feed...to grow.This is so evident in our current situations. I wanted to take a moment to just point out a couple of examples.First of all - Racism...A friend of mine, of a different race, has reminded me that it's important that we acknowledge that this still exists, and I agree. It exists, and it is in many ways becoming more prevalent because we continue to try to deny its existence. Just because African American people, Hispanic people, Asian people, and even Native Americans have more opportunities now than they ever had in the past does not mean racism doesn't exist. Take any fellow man or woman, and if they are honest, they can tell you some gripe they use to generalize different members of a different race. Say what you want, but you are just in denial if you have never once even thought or heard of these generalizations. The catch is what we do with our knowledge of such generalizations. The popular thing in the media, seemingly done intentionally to divide us, is taking those generalizations, such as cops are against blacks...or black guys are criminals...or Hispanics are illegal...or - and focusing on the bad apples in those specific cultures that make it seem true. Racism in its mildest form, minor social biases, when denied - can result in the riots and the mayhem we are seeing happen in our cities today. But those things come about when wefocuson the racism, and not on seeking peace.See - we can acknowledge the racism or biases are there, but focus on positive and peaceful solutions to problems, instead of just focusing on the darkness.Second - Power, or Corruption...Our government is full of people addicted to this power. And anyone who becomes addicted to power becomes corrupt. Since there are so many men and women in our political system who have such influence over what happens in this country - and what has happened over the past twenty years or more because of lack of term limits- it is safe to say they have become corrupt. Look at Hillary Clinton. Whether she intentionally kept the public knowing about emails and what were contained in them or not, the fact remains that even the FBI stated that her handling of the entire situation was careless. And the standard to which she is held? Well, let's just say there are people within the government, but lower on the totem pole, who did far less yet suffered far more already. This is corrupt. This is the result of too much power. This is the result of already powerful people boosting up other powerful allies for the mere purpose of even more personal gain. The fact that there are so many people still supporting Hillary despite this fact shows that we are once again denying the existence of that evil. Hmmm...wonder what will happen if we continue to deny this corruption.I can tell you; it won't be pretty. Every great nation and powerful empire or super power has fallen, and its ultimate end came about because the elite became too addicted to power, and someone came in and brought them down to their knees because of it, whether it was another powerful empire, or the collective people.And now the big one - Islam...While the chief end of Islam is peace, the means by which that peace is achieved is domination and submission. I have been reading the Quran, and although there is much talk of peace, how is it peace if one isforcedto believe something they do not want to believe? The Quran teaches that one who believes in Allah but then turns away from that belief should be killed. It is right there in black and white in too many Suras and Ayahs to count, worded in as many ways as Muhammad's clerics could word it, time and time again: apostates must be killed. It also plainly states that all infidels who refuse to believe in the first place are to pay a tax. And if the infidels refuse to pay the tax...I will give you one guess as to what is supposed to happen to them. Does this sound like a religion of peace? If Islam were to have some kind of reform in the tenets that still teach these concepts, they could coexist like the bumper sticker says. But FORCED peace is no way to coexist with any other religion. Of course it stands to reason that if we all believe the same thing, we can coexist. But that is impossible without divine intervention. It doesn't matter how many people ISIS and others put to the sword...you cannot truly change the heart by force. Yet that is how some Islamic groups are justifying their violence. And the fact that powers that be still don't want to acknowledge that ideology behind these terrorists is perhaps the ultimate example of power and corruption.So what does all this darkness mean? Is there any hope? Of course there is, but just like we don't want to focus on the negative, we can't JUST FOCUS on the positive without the acknowledgement of the other. But the positive forces are evident, and if you know where to look, you can realize that one of the most powerful forces in existence is stronger than all of that darkness combined.What happens in a pitch black room if a single candle is lit? The light from that small candle can fill the whole room, even if it is dim at the walls. What happens in a storm when a ship is tossed about at sea and loses its bearings? They see the long beam of light from a lighthouse, breaking through the chaos of the storm. Despite the fact that darkness can outmatch light in actual mass, light still ALWAYS overtakes the darkness. The only way darkness defeats light is to put the light out...and THAT is what God will not allow to happen. It is what God has not allowed to happen. Evidence is all around us.Think about the unconditional love you have for that one person who lives with you; who you would walk through fire for; who you would take a bullet for; who you would give your life for. That is love. Think of that person you hate to be apart from; that person who you can't wait to come back from a trip; that person who makes you feel better every time they are around; that person who makes you feel complete. That is love. Think about that friend who you would trust with your deepest secrets; who you would want to fight at your side; who you would want to look after things if something were to happen to you. That is also love. And God is love. And God is the light.Think about the times you've seen someone give a buck or two to the homeless, or that old veteran standing out in the median. Think about the times you've seen a person make a video about going up to random people, as many people as he can, and giving them a hug. Think about the many animal advocates out there who run pet rescues for those pets that get abandoned or abused. Think about the times you have seen a stranger tell someone else like a teacher, or a fireman, or a police officer - "Thank you for what you do." That is kindness. Couldn't we all use a little more of that? I have seen it. It still exists.Think about the times that two fighters go blow for blow, kick for kick in front of an audience, but then when the fight is over, the loser holds up the winner's hand - pointing to the winner with a toothless grin. I know, a little violent example...but, still. Think of the criminal in the back seat of the patrol car, apologizing for fighting the officer or causing trouble who arrested him before he gets to the jail. Sounds like fiction, right? Well it's not - and it has happened to me more times than I can count. Think about the times, though rare, when two people from different countries, come together and sign an agreement and put away their armies or soldiers - for a time. Though temporary instances, all of these are examples of peace. But only true peace can come if it is permanent, and people cannot be the ones to bring that eternal peace about. Only the Light of the World can do that.I have said in the past pay attention to your surroundings because evil lurks about. I was definitely acknowledging that evil exists. But let's go a step further, especially these days. Pay attention to your surroundings, and look for signs of light. It really is all around us, but just like acknowledging the darkness, we must acknowledge the light. If we do not acknowledge it, and especially if we don't find out the truth behind that light individually, then for us that light is put out. And THAT is the ONLY way darkness wins.

Warhorses of JOY and Wisdom

Due to the recent events in our country and the close ties to what I write about in my novels, I told my wife I needed to get away, maybe sell a book or two, and go see my old friend George Fields up at Bonclarken. So Friday evening after work, I had to 'get back to where I once belonged.'I woke up this morning after very little sleep because of vivid dreams and visions of the recent incidents and how they coincided with what I wrote a year prior. George got in touch with me through Facebook, and I went to go see an old friend.George was staying at the home of Jim and Ann Brice, founders of a summer camp for people with disabilities of various degrees. And when I got to the house, I had brought my trilogy as a gift for George. Before we started talking, George asked me how I'd been doing. I was honest and told him I hadn't been able to sleep well. So George did what he has done for thousands, and he cheered me up and comforted me with words of encouragement accompanied by that trademarked smile. After a while, George got up and got Jim to come and sit down with us; turns out Jim is a big fan of reading thrillers. So we talked about recent events relating to our country, and began to analyze all the evil we saw rising in this world. We talked about this war between good and evil. We talked about how although all three of us felt like sometimes you had to fight violence with violence to stop an immediate threat, intentional violence is not the answer to our problems in America. We talked about the need for something to unite people as the only solution, and whatever or whoever started that unity, they needed to bring the country back to God, back to Jesus.So there we were, three warhorses, talking about the ongoing fight between good and evil. Not a war fought physically, though we knew that is inevitable one day...but a spiritual war for the hearts of man.And let me tell you, after I left Jim's house, I had never felt so blessed in my life, getting to hear the 'war stories', and the words of wisdom and encouragement inspired by two men who had spent their entire lives knowing the real secret to life - the secret of JOY, and bringing it to others.George has been the musical face of the summer camp Camp Joy for as far back as I can remember, and many years before that. And Jim and his wife, Mrs. Ann, helped get the whole thing started. And the driving mission of that camp is to bring the truth, the Word of God, to those campers. They made it their life mission to go against the grain of society by living by the very words of the song I remember singing when I was a teenager and a camp counselor:'J' is for Jesus'O' is for Others'Y' aye-aye aye-aye aye is for You - and you, and you n you n you n you n you!The secret to real Joy!Imagine a world where we all lived by those words. The service, and hearts of a servant...the sacrifice, and sense of gratitude...the fulfillment of everyone involved...and the peace through it all.Yep, these men reminded me of that secret they stumbled upon so many years ago, and helped remind me of a time before the current Jason everyone knows came about. And it was refreshing to say the least.Nope, the three of us didn't figure it all out or have ALL the answers, as we sat there griping about the way things are versus the way they used to be. But we did discuss the one answer to all our problems that this country...this world...needs the most. And that answer is Jesus.I thanked both men for their time, and the coffee, and the times to reminisce. George had to get back on the road to Kentucky, and I had to savor the few hours I had left of my ME time. It's funny how you take for granted the friends you make along the way, and the people who influence your life in bigger ways than you may ever realize. But I am grateful for my time with the warhorses - guys who knew that there is wisdom in joy...and joy in imparting wisdom. I truly was blessed by the encounter.And you know what? Instead of giving away a gift to George...I ended up selling a few books to the warhorses.Thank you for reading, and if you get a chance today, the next person you encounter...give them a little joy.

WHAT'S NEXT? It doesn't matter - we've been told the ending

John 16:33“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”These words give us hope, if you believe.In a tumultuous time, when the environment is becoming harsher; where politicians are corrupt and evil; where race wars are incited; where terrorism runs rampant; where nobody can afford health care; where the law followers are punished and the law breakers are rewarded; where man wants to kill and hurt man; where snap decisions and judgements are made; where the rule of law is fading; where accountability is lost...COULDN'T WE ALL USE A LITTLE HOPE?!As I stood behind my laptop where it sits on my bartop in the kitchen, I watched news updates unfold on my Facebook from different news agencies about the tragic events in Dallas. I had struggled through a day in my law enforcement job before getting to attempt to relax in front of my computer tonight, frustrated with things I had read about all day involving the officer involved shootings, sensing off and on throughout the day special stares just because I was wearing a badge and a gun. I also struggled with the last call of my day where I tried to help a vulnerable adult whose family situation and psychological situation was so bad, I felt almost helpless to assist her until I finally reached the right people. I keep wanting to ask God above, 'WHY?!'But then God answered me with this verse. It hit me like a lightning bolt, or maybe a 'Godsmack' across the back of my head saying, 'Silly child - remember when I said this?' And I was brought back to the reality I can find in my faith, that is, if I truly believe.I was reminded that despite all this chaos, and disaster, and evil...I already know that Jesus has conquered it all. I already know that time is but a finite thing to an all powerful Lord and Creator of all things, therefore He has already won this battle. If I believe Jesus is who He said He was - and if there is to be any real hope in this world, then He has to be who He said He was - then there is what some people would call a fairy-tale ending, only it is TRUTH, in its purest form. The good Lord up above reminded me that despite all the fear, and dread, and anger, and frustration, and worry, and anxiety, and puzzlement...there is hope to be found. That hope is in Jesus Christ.Here's the real good news. That hope in which I so believe...is available to any one of you. It is not forced upon you, but rather offered freely to you because it was already paid for by someone else - God's Son. If you are struggling as I have mentally with seeing and absorbing all this negativity going on around us, it is easier than you think to find hope.Shall I still keep trying to warn people of the dangers I sense are coming? Maybe; maybe not. But if I have a forum to share my knowledge, and what I know to be TRUE in my heart of hearts, then I better put it out there now. So that the lost can know that they are so easily found, by the All Powerful God that loves them and offers salvation - to those that believe.God bless everyone out there. Pray we find peace soon, even if it is temporary repreival until the End of Days...but Pray for thanks for forgiveness along the way, and I pray for the hope of us all.

The Keyboard is More Powerful than the AR-15

"It [writing] is a dangerous pursuit….But it's one of the most important things that human beings do."----Toni Morrisonhttp://www.elle.com/culture/books/a37... article above may be about social activism, but the point that was hammered home to me as I read it was that the old cliche, "The pen is mightier than the sword," can still ring true, and Ms. Morrison and others in the black community have used that to their advantage.These days, however, people seem

What if? The Question that Helps Me Write...

Have you ever wanted to write a story, but had trouble thinking of the idea. Well I have a simple way to start; think of any hot topic in society today, and then simply ask yourself 'What if-' questions regarding that topic. We can have a lot of fun with this, but I thought I could use this blog to fill it with fun examples, and then maybe you can apply this same idea to something you want to write. Sounds fun, right?This is one major thing I did when coming up with the plots for my novels. For

The Stress Continuum

If you haven't figured it out through earlier writings, I express my interpretation of the condition of the world and country around us through my writing. He wouldn't know it, but something a friend of mine (we'll call him Frank ;) ) said got me thinking...and it all has to do with this little thing we call the stress continuum.We talk about it in one of the trainings I deliver to staff in healthcare, called Aggression Management. In that training, I prepare students for ways to manage

My Vision - Told in a Story

---------There I was, standing at the edge of the dark woods, and glancing up at the gigantic, almost foreboding fortress on a small mountaintop. I looked at how vast it appeared from my lowly point of view, but I knew I had to stay my course and move on. The fortress as my destination was still better than the alternative...nothing but darkness in my wake. As a matter of fact, darkness was all around, and it seemed like it had been there for the longest time. No matter where I looked, I saw

"Why Are You so Angry?"

I will never forget the anger in those eyes, his nostrils flaring, and his chest heaving up and down as I turned young Quintavius to face me - rather than letting him continue in his approach to attack the third grade girl that cut in front of him for a sip at the water fountain. I had seen it happen, and I saw the mission he set about doing and the serious intent on his face after he turned and realized the girl cut in front of him while he wasn't paying attention. I seriously believe that had

Danged if You Do, Danged if You Don't

Everyone who has read anything by me knows by now that I am not shy when it comes to telling you where I stand. And although I don't care for all of Trump's personality, I will take him over the few alternatives I have left - especially Hillary Clinton. Now I will give you fair warning...this message is strictly subjective. But perhaps some of you out there who think like me will see why I have the fears in the back of my mind - that you're danged if you do, danged if you don't when it comes to

The Trickle Down Effect

So now schools in North Carolina want to do away with valedictorians and salutatorians? What's next? Perhaps we can look at the highest office in the land, and see how things from there trickle down to spread out to the rest of society. Mainly the weak-minded...but it seems to be a problem that is actually not hard to identify. Let's start at the top then, shall we. Go back to 2009. Mr. President Barack Obama received one of the most coveted awards in the world - the Nobel Peace Prize (which may