Jason E. Fort's Blog, page 16

America - Why I am Still Proud

You know, it's easy to be a pessimist these days, where sin and immorality have no shame. It is easy to be frightful when you think about discrimination of Christians and the looming threat of ISIS. But I am not going to talk about that today.
No, I want to share with America - and anyone else who might see this, to tell you why I am still proud of America.
In America, we still have citizens who will speak their minds, defend their faith, argue using reason, and still proudly wear their red, white and blue.
In America, we have Ford trucks, Chevy trucks, drag races, hot rods, fast motorcycles, Harley Davidson, Mustangs, Camaros, Chargers, Challengers, Corvettes, and Dodge Vipers. We have good old-fashioned American roller coasters, with American names. We have Monster Trucks, Tractor Pulls, Motorcross, NHRA, and NASCAR! We've got more ways to celebrate the invention of the wheel than I know how to count!
In America, we have cheese burgers, New York pizza, Chicago Deep Dish pizza, Angus steak, 'French' fires, Grilled Chicken Sandwiches, Macaroni and Cheese, Black-eyed Peas, and Green Beans, Hot Dogs, and Chili! We have BBQ, KFC, Baconators, and sandwiches called the Beefeater! We have Sweet Potato Pie, New York Cheese Cake, Cookies and Cream Ice Cream, Hot Fudge Sundaes, and Home Made Ice Cream...heck - I could stop right there!
But wait - there's more!
In America we have God fearin', gun-totin', rubber-squealin', red-blooded, 2nd Amendment protectin', Walmart shoppin', rough and ready rednecks, who can be all that and still get along with...
Color wearin', straight-up rappin', basketball scorin', large rim drivin', hip-hop dancin', hard core gangsta, who can still get along with...
back breaking, pizza making, cold winter surviving, always swearing, New York loving yankee - we won't say they can get along, but, Hey - they're still Americans!
People of all stereotypes live throughout America, and yet MOST OF THE TIME, when they aren't front and center on the news, and they happen to not be part of political agenda that day - THEY GET ALONG!
In America we have Baseball, Football, Basketball, the Major League, NFL, NBA, College Gameday, College Football, Tigers and Gamecocks, College World Series, and MMA. We have more sports than you can shake a stick at - and most of them you can watch while eating a burger, hot dog, or pizza at the same time!
In America we have Hollywood, summer blockbusters, Broadway, rock concerts, pro wrestling, dinner theatres, little theatres, and Shakespeare in the park.
We have or have had Tom Selleck, Bruce Willis, Dwayne the Rock Johnson, Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Lee, John Wayne, Mr. T, and Chuck Norris!
Side note - name another country that has Chuck Norris...that's right, you can't...because America is the only country that can contain him!
In America we have or have had  Elvis Pressley, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Metallica, MCHammer, Michael Jackson, Arethra Franklin, Sammy Davis Jr., the Eagles...just to name a few.
In America we have A-10s, F-16s, F-15s, F-18s, F-22s, F-35s, B1Bs, Apaches, B2s, F117s, Ospreys, and Chinooks, and a whole lot of Air Power.
We have Navy SEALS, Delta Force, Marine Recon, Air Force PJ's, and the baddest mugs on the planet in our military.
We have a whole lot of boats, a whole lot of tanks, a whole lot of planes, and a whole lot of carriers - and we have and have had the greatest fighting force on the planet. Yes, you can say I am proud to live in a country that has all that.
In America we have or have had Hot Wheels, Hasbro, Monopoly, Transformers, GIJoe, PacMan, Contra, Super Mario, Metroid, Sonic, the DC and Marvel Universe. Sure that stuff is present all around the world, but all of those things got their sure footing right here in America, and had a huge impact on my childhood.
In America we still have the Constitution (for now), the American Flag (for now), great American icons like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and the dollar bill (for now).
All these things I have shared - these are things that have made or still make America great - and unique from any other place in the world. And I only scratched the surface. Sure, there are those out there, including myself, who think all these things are in jeopardy. But while you celebrate July 4th this summer, and who knows for how many more - think about all these things I listed. Right now we still have this. We still stand out; you can put us in a lineup with a lot of other citizens from other nations and pick us out pretty quick. I am proud to stand out - just as I am proud to stand out as a Christian. But celebrate with your families this weekend, and hold on to hope...hope that America remains unique. Hope that America lasts. And Hope that America will somehow turn its eyes on God once again. God bless the USA!

Kickstarter Project 2015

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fortress23/the-knox-mission-unleashed-3-book-set

Please check out my project proposal for Kickstarter.com. I plan on re-releasing my first three novels in a higher-class, more professional style through a self-publishing company, but I do not have the funds at this time. I think if I could put these first three out there in a better product format, I can be that much closer to achieving my dream of being a successful author. Please, pledge...I promise I won't forget it. Thank you- and God Bless...
Jason

Evil - See how it Divides Us?

Evil is real. Science can explain a lot of things in this world...but it can't explain evil. If you don't think evil is real, then how do you explain events the likes of mass shootings, terrorist attacks, and mass executions that we see today? And if evil is real, doesn't it stand to reason that good is real as well?

Please understand this - evil is the force that we see prevail in this world; in our country - when we begin to divide ourselves and want to blame this group or that group or this sterotype or religion for the actions of another, we begin to divide ourselves. What happens when you make forces divide themselves in military? If you can get a team or army or battalion to divide its forces under your direction, then the divided forces can become weak and be defeated. What is happening in America today? Religious division; racial division; political division; sexual division; even moral division. To me, it is obvious that evil, or Satan (Evil personified) is strategically moving things into place and dividing our forces. All of the divisions I mentioned above, with regard to the US, were at one point or another, what set us apart from other nations of the world.

Sure, the killer in Charleston was a white man who hated black or African American people. But if you let your focus on the problem begin AND end with that, it is exactly what the true enemy wants you to do. Don't focus on the fact that the killer was white...FOCUS ON THE FACT THAT THE KILLER WAS A KILLER.

Although I identify with more conservative values of a Republican nature, I think we should get rid of the political parties. What we need to do is UNIFY our forces again, against evil. When we truly were a nation under God - guess what...Satan was losing. I know I am an opinionated person, and somewhat inflammatory at times because I am passionate about American History and biblical teaching. But I can put that aside if more American citizens would stop caving to some entitled attitude of denial and lack of accountability, and acknowledge that we need God. We need Jesus. I pray for this nation, and this world we live in, and I hope and pray there are plenty of others who are with me. Don't let the Evil One divide us anymore.

Anger Management

We had a guest pastor this morning, and I enjoyed his message so much, that I thought I would share it from my perspective. This morning, the pastor spoke on anger - more specifically, anger management.

Those that grew up with me can understand one reason why I might have been able to relate to the sermon. I grew up with a hot temper; fortunately I have been able to keep it in check for most of my life since I was young, but I found this verse in Proverbs profound.

"An angry person stirs up conflict,
    and a hot-tempered person commits many sins."---Proverbs 29:22

Not only did this prove true as I actually turned my anger on certain friends, and even family, as I grew up...but I have also seen it first-hand in my line of work. It is truly amazing how anger can take complete control of your behavior, and even your decisions! One of the reasons I always felt like I connected to the character of the Incredible Hulk in the comics was because of how anger effected his life. (Yes, I know - there may also be some strange resemblance to the man who played him, too...at least that is what I have been told). But hearing these words of scripture today helped bring me back home to the fact that anger, while itself is even an emotion God has felt, is not something we can just write off as something we couldn't control so our actions were justified.

The pastor also pointed out this passage:

"Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,
    for anger resides in the lap of fools."---Ecclesiastes 7:9

This reminded me of exactly what I am writing about in my upcoming novel, and what happened in Baltimore. People perceive some injustice, and quickly overreact without taking time to pause and reflect on what has happened. Then they make foolish, stupid, and even self-destructive decisions. Something similar has happened to me before. I believe I have even written about it before, when I let my temper win out and I ended up punching a fire extinguisher case - and wound up in the hospital. 

Note that both verses I referred to were profound words of wisdom. Well, one thing we should all consider is that these words were written down by one of the wisest men to have ever lived. These words are not mere suggestions; King Solomon wrote them down for a reason. So take heed folks. The passages do not suggest to never get angry...but do not let your anger control you. Instead, take a page out of Bruce Banner's book. Learn how to keep it controlled. And the best way to do that? Why - turn it over to someone who is bigger than you or me. Turn it over to God, and He will help you tame the wild green hulk within us all.

Humility & Accomplishment

 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!
----Philippians 2:5-8
This was the scripture we focused on this past week at a youth group beach camp I chaperoned. The theme for the week was 'Others First', and I really enjoyed being part of this special group. We also looked at several other verses in reference to putting other people's needs before your own...but these verses I think sum up the ultimate service for mankind. Jesus put aside the human needs for survival and relief from pain in order for us to have salvation. To me, that is as selfless as one can get. 
Think about that for a second. The Son of God gave up being a supreme being and entered our space and time - just to have that life ended as the perfect sacrifice for an eternal gift we did not deserve. Then he proved his divinity by rising up from death 3 days later, defying death and joining the Father in heaven. Jesus could have said, 'Well, they had their chance'- but instead he came down in the form of a humble servant and died for OUR sins.Talk about being knocked down a few notches.
In Philippians 2:5, the Apostle Paul is asking believers to have the same humble mindset as Jesus when we relate to others around us. He wrote it down in God's inspired Word, which spiritually inspired Christian scholars to include these words in the New Testament. Therefore, we as believers are expected to pursue this task. Now ask yourself this...what if all of us, as believers, really took on this task? What would the world be like? God asked for us to do this for a reason. Think about how much peace would exist in this world if people looked out for one another, instead of constantly trying to one-up their neighbor...or degrade their enemy. Christ didn't just turn the other cheek - He gave all he had.
This past week, I got to see these words put into action by teen-aged youth. They were helping one another, putting other people's needs first, and even putting their pride aside. It was pretty neat to see, especially in this day and age. I hope I am able to meet other people's needs in a similar fashion as I move along in life. I hope that one day, I can look back and say that I helped people; I put aside my pride; I helped where I could. Perhaps my sharing of God's Word in some of my thoughts on the internet can count as some form of service. Or even my modern day parables contained in the novels I write. Who knows? But in the end, I want to please my Father. Doesn't everyone?
It wasn't too long ago, I had my first book signing, and while we sat around the dinner table afterwards, at the same venue - my father told me in front of friends and family how proud he was of my accomplishment. It brought me to tears, and it is a moment I will never forget. But now what if I can dedicate my life to having the Christ-like mindset of putting others first? What if you can, too? What if more and more believers followed suit? Then, when we arrive at the Golden Gates, won't it be that much MORE SPECIAL, when the Father of all fathers says:"Well done, good and faithful servant."Perhaps we who believe can all strive to achieve such an accomplishment!

Reaction and Emotion

Now I am the first person to tell you that I have been as guilty as anyone of this, so I am not judging anyone! But how many of us have been guilty of reacting to something we discovered purely out of emotion, not taking the time to decide the right course of action. I have done this more times than I care to admit, but that doesn't mean I didn't know any better. It is so easy for us to do in our very selfish, sinful nature. Ever wonder how many wars have started this way? What about government scandals? Hmmm, maybe even...marriages? I am writing this so that maybe someone out there can learn from some of the mistakes I have made.

Picture this...some college buddies, living on the same dorm hall, wrestling around and having a good time in horseplay. Bodies get flung around, people fall down and bump their heads, walls get dented...good times, right? Then testosterone builds, egos get bruised, and tempers somewhat flare. Now imagine one of those individuals receive less than cordial jokes about his fiancee at the time. Imagine said individual wanting to lash out in anger and punch someone, or something - anything. And then, he does. Only, instead of lashing out and hitting someone, he punches through the thick glass of a fire extinguisher case. Unfortunately, the wire mesh was not in the glass, so his fist goes all the way through, and then he has the absence of mind to immediately yank his hand right back out, severing veins in vital areas. Now the real problem arises when the individual who lashed out in emotion notices his wrist bleeding profusely, and commences to turn white as a ghost.

Needless to say, that individual was me. Now what did I learn from this? Well, I have tried to keep my temper in check a lot better since then; that's for sure. Am I always successful - no. But I do try to avoid these situations. Why? Well, I think it is safe to say, we make much more sound decisions when we take the time to think things through, or walk away from the immediate situation that is causing us such grief. But emotions can be a funny thing. Keep this in mind when you are at work; at school; at home...at church. When we just go on what we are feeling in the moment, passions can get the best of us, and we can even have the scars to prove it (I still have mine).

So the next time someone says something hurtful to you or about you at work; maybe go somewhere else in the building to cool down, or think of your next action, before you lose your job for fighting. If you are at school, and you see something that makes you fighting mad...go the other way, think about what is right, and let cooler heads prevail. If something controversial is discussed at your next meeting, take time to hash things out with people and stew over decisions made before making an emotional decision. I have found that since I have made a stronger effort in this part of my character, I have been better off for it. Of course, that's just my two cents (in the words of the Food Lion lion).

Chance Encounters? I think not...

So an interesting thing happened today during a break between training sessions at work. My partner in crime/training, Jeremy, and I were sitting in McDonalds drinking coffee, and I was just telling Jeremy about my latest writing ideas, and how they related to the second book I am about to release. We were just having casual conversation, but apparently a woman who was sitting nearby was listening intently to our discussion. In talking, the nice lady (Heidi) approached me and said that she couldn't help but overhear that I had been writing. We began talking, and I mentioned to her that I was a self-published author. She began asking about steps I took to get to that point, and I was able to give her some very basic tips. But then I referred her to my friend Jeremy, and explained to her how he was also a writer...and that he actually was the one who convinced me into putting myself out there and using the Amazon tools to self-publish my material.

One thing lead to another, and Heidi told us about her unique idea about writing children's stories (For Heidi's sake I won't say what made it unique), and she had plenty of good questions about what her next steps should be. Heidi said that she just happened to be praying with God about writing a certain kind of book before we sat down, when she overheard me talking about my book. Heidi very openly told us that we had both inspired her, and that she would be getting in touch with the both of us for more pointers. But then she did something rare - Heidi asked us if we would pray with her before she left. So there we were - a security officer, a police officer, and a random stranger, sitting around sall tables at McDonalds, holding hands. And Heidi prayed for thanksgiving to God for the opportunity to meet us, and she prayed for guidance and continued success to the both of us, and then she closed as we all said Amen. As she was about to leave us, she stopped one more time and told us she appreciated th line of work we were in, and that she would keep our safety in her prayers. And then Heidi left us to our business.

I felt like writing about this today, because I was very inspired b ythat moment. I wish other people could have seen the encouragement on Heidi's face as she explained to both of us how we inspired her to pursue her goal. I have written before about how I don't believe in coincidences, but this hammered it home for me. I truly feel like God put myself and Jeremy, two independent writers - and Christians, in that exact McDonalds, at that exact time, and opened Heidi's ears to hear what we were talking about as she prayed. Do I even have to tell you how rare it is that a random stranger asks you to sit down with them, hold hands, and pray with them? This is a God-thing, folks. This is a miracle...something that can't be explained by science. Atheists out there reading this - if this offends you, read no further...but there is a God out there who loves us. He uses each of us as his tools; he can use you at any given time in your life to touch the life or inspire someone else. This incident today put my gift of writing in perspective for me. It suddenly made the eventual goal of turning a profit from my books so insignificant. That moment today made me realize part of my purpose in this world...part of God's purpose for me in this world. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity. As for Chance Encounters...I don't believe in them.

A One of a Kind Soul

We were on opposite ends of the spectrum
As anyone could see...
You the Loves-life-to-the-fullest Bartender
And then there's straight-laced Me.

You the short little scrapper,
And me, the big Teddy Bear -
Yet whenever someone used to want to fight you
You bet your Butt I was there.

Back in my Days at Chicora Alley
You were one of the ones who welcomed me most
You always tossed me the Red Bulls,
And you rooted for our Tigers the most!

Your smile welcomed me every weekend;
It didn't matter what kind of mood I was in...
I could always count on ol' Jacob
To Cheer me up with a Grin!

In a time back when we were strangers
People would never guess we'd be friends;
Funny how a place like Chicora
Can change ALL of our trends.

You helped me feel like one of the guys
Instead of just a bouncer looking over the crowd.
You always laughed at my weird faces
When I thought the crowd was too loud!

Though after I left Chicora
And it could be months 'fore I'd see you again,
Somewhere downtown I'd spot you,
And you'd still Cheer me up with a Grin.

Jacob, I don't know why you left us
But I have an idea or two.
Somewhere the good Lord needs
More one-of-a-kind souls like you.

So you take that Grin of Yours,
Go where the Angels are Loud.
You Cheer up all those Folks in Heaven
And you wear your Tiger colors proud.

We're gonna miss you down here on Earth
Anyone on Facebook knows it's True.
Me- I'm Thankful I got to Know
A One-of-a-Kind Soul like You.

I don't even know the details my friend, but I sure wish I could have seen you again. Maybe one day...
Jason E. Fort
3/25/2015

Generalization is breeching the peace

I think it is safe to say that many people took the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. serisouly at one point, so I thought I would sight a quote from the man. He is saying something important here I think. Although peace between all races would be ideal, and a great goal (I think only God will bring about this goal eventually), I think the good Dr. King was right; let's seek to reach that goal THROUGH peace.

Racism is a hot topic these days, but it doesn't have to be. Whether it be racism, or social profiling, or religious descrimination - we have a tendency to judge an entire group of people by the actions of a very small, select sample of that group. This has been the case and point in racism for years. It's like, "Hey I saw this black guy shoot someone once, and the cops caught him and took him to jail." And so the person that makes such a bold statement assumes all blacks are criminals just by the actions of that one soul he happened to see commit such a heinous act. This is classic generalization.

Or you might have a certain religion, and just because they have certain people who proclaim that religion who happen to be radical in action, the whole religion is judged by the radicals. Don't get me wrong...I do think some belief systems, if followed according to their doctrine, are easier to sway people into radical thinking. But we should still not make generalizing statements about one whole group of people just because of the bad apples. This is yet another example of generalization.

I can use this similar example in my marriage. My wife and I have even argued over generalizations before. I might say something like, "You always do that!", when really, whatever she may have done to make me angry could be something that she has just done frequently in the last couple of days or so - but she never did it before then. Or my son might get upset because I am busy with certain activities one night, and he may say "You never spend time with me." Only, I spend lot of time with him, but he uses one small sample to describe  how I behave all the time.

Every race has its heroes, and their scumbags. Every religion has its bigots or radicals, and their saints. Everyone screws up SOMETIMES, but not necessarily all the time. It is when we get caught up with these generalizations that we find outselves breeching the peace. So here is a challenge for all of us: Let's all try to make it several days in a row without assuming the worst about an entire group of people just because we see certain people of a certain mold do things we disagree with. Let's try to get along with others when they displease us, and hope that maybe their errors in their ways are just a temporary 'glitch in their circuitry', and they get their wires uncrossed at some point. Let's try not to use generalizations, and maybe we can all just get along.

A Spontaneous Gift

I received a gift today; a really neat coin that says the Officer's Prayer on one side, and a picture of the Patron Saint of Law Enforcement - St. Michael - on the other side. It was a very pleasant surprise, and it was so spontaneous, I was dumbfounded. The Officer's Prayer is profound, and after reading it, I was moved almost as much as I was with the thoughtfulness of the person who gave me the coin.

Consider this...someone took the time to put down a prayer consisting of all law enforcement officers' greatest needs. That someone might have been a law enforcement officer themselves at one time or another. But they wrote the following words, and I really felt like sharing it with everyone I can:

Lord
I ask for Courage-
Courage to face and conquer my own fears,
Courage to take me where others will not go...

I ask for strength-
Strength of body to protect others,
And Strength of spirit to lead others...

I ask for Dedication to my job,
To do it well;
Dedication to my Community,
To keep it safe...

And please, Lord,
Through it all,
Be at my side.
Amen

If you know a police officer out there, think about all the things they have to fear. Think about all the places they go...that you won't dare set foot near. Think of the strength it takes to fight someone - truly fight someone - to stay alive. Don't you think they need as much strength as they can get? Think of the dedication it takes to do the job...and stick with it. I can truly relate to this, and even envy my other cohorts; especially the ones out there on the road, making the traffic stops, looking for fugitives in attics, entering the least desirable of places - and sticking with that same job day after day. I already know I had trouble maintaining that dedication; that's why I have stayed in the same field, but taken a different path. I admire the true dedication all my brothers and sisters in blue have to their job.

So not just because of these tumultuous times in which we live, but just for the simple fact that they need our prayers - Pray this prayer from your perspective...the outside looking in. Send a wall of God's angels out to protect the men and women in blue. Pray for them as often as you can think of it...and who knows? Maybe one day - God will use one of those officers out there - to save YOU.