Abortion War : Rod Parsley, what you said on your programs about abortion is weighed in the balances and found wanting.

       

        (1) Go to 
www.ladylibertyqualityoflifebrigade.com
  and download for free:

  La Verde de la Vida.  

This is wisdom for the Abortion War. 

          It is said to be the issue that won't go away; as divisive as slavery before the Civil War.  Ending this conflict is vital.  Causing havoc in our political process and draining our resources, this internal impasse touches us all.  La Verde de la Vida transcends the history-laden labels of Pro-Life and Pro-Choice. We need to see the whole picture.  

         (2) Watch the documentary by Ken Burns, Prohibition.  

         (3) Watch the documentary, A Walk to Beautiful (about little girls in Ethiopia whose bodies are too small for childbirth)

          (4) Read A Hole in Our Gospel by Dr. Richard Streans of World Vision. 

          As you said, we all have our seasons.  After every season of fruitfulness, there needs to be pruning.  If we keep going, what is it?  Dead Works.  

          (5) There are wonderful organizations helping girls and women during their pregnancies and helping them keep their babies or arrange adoptions.  Such an organization is New Life Solutions:  http://www.newlifesolutions.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63&Itemid=108
Roe does not prevent these organizations.  Roe does not prevent helping single mothers, being a Big Brother or Big Sister to her children. So many things to do--no screaming protests with false compassion. To help prevent abortions, support such organizations.  But not one penny to Operation Rescue and those judgmental, screaming organizations just wanting to legalize or unlegalize something.  The laws that will change the world are written on the heart. Go about preventing abortion God's way.  Get down to root causes.
"The greatest progress needs to be made in the human heart."  President William Jefferson Clinton                      

         (6) In your TV presentation, August 19, 2013:

https://www.rodparsley.com/watch?v=nQu%2b6VwcjvOHqWSl0KoFuA%3d%3d

you spoke of how all these aborted babies would never have:

 a mother's loving arms, 

know God's wonderful plan for their lives,

 no birthdays, 

1st days of school,

 proms, 

weddings, 

success, etc. 

Mr. Parsley, Are you aware that right now there are millions of children all over the world for which this is true?

Sex trafficking--little girls as young as 5,

 some children have these choices: 

drugs, 

prostitution 

 war

From World Vision:

"Right now

A child

is crying. . .

Right now

a child

is suffering

Right now

a child

is dying

Every 3 seconds a child under the age of 5 dies. . .

23,000 a day dying form preventable causes. . .

Nearly 9 million a year. . .

We know what it takes

and it is not hard and it is not expensive:

safe, clean water

skilled birth attendants

good nutrition

access to health care. . ."

Just today little girl, 8, dies on her wedding night from sexual injuries--husband 40--http://www.news.com.au/world-news/girl-named-raman-8-dies-of-injuries-on-wedding-night-in-yemen/story-fndir2ev-1226715698645

Would it not have been better for this child to be playing on the grassy slopes of Paradise? 

 And, anyway, Mr. Parsley, we are not a body.  Don't you think God can bring a soul back into another body?  I have 3 living children,  but I had 7 pregnancies.  My first born, Lori Leigh, lived 25 hours, I had 2 miscarriages and 2 tubal pregnancy.  

The way you raise money:
https://www.rodparsley.com/watch?v=mU8fPwz%2f2izv5dNYoIkThg%3d%3d

Did you ever hear of Indulgences during Martin Luther's time?

 Your program: Breakthrough, October 8,2013: https://www.rodparsley.com/watch?v=pnwH5rf4jKS6FFaIziFxQg%3d%3d

Do you think the 

Reversal of Roe
is going to stop action like Dr. Gosnell?

No, it will multiply this happening.

And so. . .finally at long last, you succeed--Roe is reversed--abortion is now illegal again.  Decades and trillions of dollars and hours focusing on this effort and now victory!

 Problem solved; Mission accomplished.  

You have rescued the unborn.  You have stopped abortion.

You have rescued the unborn.  You have stopped abortion.

Have you?

Now what?

Have you really stopped abortion? So now how shall these anti-abortion laws be enforced?  What shall be the penalties?  Life imprisonment?  We already incarcerate more people than any other nation.


Consider:

 (1) You have stopped abortion by the Reversal of Roe?  The experience of  other countries (and our own) will testify that you have not.  

Columbia, Mexico, Haiti, The Dominican Republic, and others—all are used to feed the United States’ appetite for drugs—35 billion dollars a year and has been going on for nearly 40 years. Of course, the problem is not a lack of laws against drugs.  Passing laws and dealing with symptoms will simply never bring lasting results.

              Outlawing abortion with the reversal of Roe will not solve the problem or stop abortion.  Instead such action would multiply the problem, distracting and tying up energy needed for the goal of reducing abortions.  Romania had the most stringent anti-abortion laws--abortion was punishable by prison and torture.  Yet when freedom came, record showed that Romania had a high abortion rate.  Latin American countries also have strong anti-abortion laws and yet multiple dangerous illegal abortions are still performed.

The Reversal of Roe

is not the way to go!

   (2) Observing the suffering brought on by alcoholism, there were those who worked hard and long for Prohibition, the 18^th Amendment. The worthy goal was to protect families, women and children from the evils of alcohol and to bring down crime.  But instead it just brought in new gangs and gangsters who bridged the gap between supply and demand.  So after 13 long years, (1919-1932) it was repealed by the 21^st amendment.  (See Prohibition documentary, Ken Burns, PBS) 

However Bill Wilson’s Alcoholics Anonymous, which began in 1935, continues to this day.  Why the difference?  Because it addressed root causes and brought results. 

The Reversal of Roe

is not the way to go!

         

2.      (3) Overturning Roe would have limited effect. Douglas W. Kmiec, a constitutional scholar who headed the Office of Legal counsel under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George bush, said: 

 “There is a widespread misconception that overturning Roe is the only way to be pro-life. . . I doubt that many of our non-legally-trained pro-life friends fully grasp the limited effect of overturning Roe. . . Senator Obama is articulating policies that permit faithful Catholics to follow the church’s admonition that we continue to explore ways to give greater protection to human life.  Consider the choices. . .continue on the failed and uncertain path of seeking to overturn Roe, . . Or  Senator Obama’s approach could be followed, whereby prenatal and income support, paid maternity leave and greater access to adoption would be relied upon to reduce the incidence of abortion. . .There are clearly partisan forces that want nothing more than to manufacture or stir up faith-based opposition to their political opponents.”

The Reversal of Roe

is not the way to go! 

3.     (4)  Laura Bush in her book, Spoken from the Heart, says that she believes abortion should remain legal for medical reasons and other reasons.   People who have thought this through outside the single issue focus, come to this bi-partisan conclusion.

 The Reversal of Roe

is not the way to go! 

4.      (5)  Richard Stearns, the director of World Vision, wrote in his book The Hole in our Gospel, after a visit to Uganda said: “What sickened me most was this question: where was the Church?  Where were the followers of Jesus Christ in the midst of perhaps the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time?  Surely the Church should have been caring for these ‘orphans and widows in their distress.’ (James 1:27).  Shouldn’t the pulpits across America have flamed with exhortations to rush to the frontlines of compassion?  How have we missed it so tragically, when even rock stars and Hollywood actors seem to understand?” (See Learning from the Sin of Sodom, by Nicholas Kristof, New York Times, February 27, 2010.)

What was the reason?   Too many Evangelicals have been so focused on the useless effort of reversing Roe.    Since it’s been a distraction from caring about and addressing the needs of dying children, this so called “Pro-Life” campaign actually has really been “Pro-Death.”   "There certainly needs to be a public outcry!"   How can we pretend to be so concerned about silent screams when we are deaf to audible screams?

The Reversal of Roe

is not the way to go!

5.     (6)  T.W. Wilson in his book,  The Key to Lasting Joy , writes:

"I also believe that if we’re going to stand against abortion, we have a further responsibility to provide alternatives to women who are pregnant and don’t want the children they’re carrying.  This means counseling and encouragement, medical help, financial aid, and assistance in placing children for adoption once they are born.  All these services must be offered in love and without condemnation." 

         Roe  prevents none of the above.  Efforts should be given to  positive steps to reduce abortion.

The Reversal of Roe

is not the way to go!

6.     (7) Amnesty International:

I                 It's appalling how many women are dying in the United States from complications due to pregnancy and childbirth.   The shocking truth behind these numbers is that half of these can be prevented.  These women are dying because they have no access to health care or maternal care.  In fact, 1.3 million women between the ages of 15-44—that’s 1 in 5 women of reproductive age—have no health insurance at all.  Many begin pregnancy with untreated or unmanaged conditions that only get worse with pregnancy. 

 All of these are surely life concerns and should no longer be neglected.

The Reversal of Roe

is not the way to go!

(8) I have eight grandchildren--Noah, at two years, is on the cover of La Verde de la Vida. ( He is now five and has a brother, Nathaniel Charles.).  I took care of him several days a week since his birth.  I have been so aware of what an explorer he is, seeing and learning things for the first time.  Other children, so fresh from heaven are also learning for the first time--children like Noah, but unlike Noah, they learn what hunger, thirst and fear are.  Shouldn't we be concerned about  these children?

Children are dying from preventable causes, with no health care, no nutrition, no safe water, and no birth attendants.  Little boy soldiers are forced to carry guns and kill.  If we are for life, what kind of life is this?   Hunger is Afghanistan’s biggest killer—greater than violence.  To feed and educate their children, parents surrender their children to the Taliban where they are taught suicide bombing is  favored by Allah.  Then that boy grows up and lands in Guantanamo Bay. Where there is no redemption—a place to be tortured and punished for being so wicked as to have been born to poor parents who had no food.  “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”  (Matthew 10:28) Endeavoring to see the whole picture, we don't just observe the end result, but consider how a person came to be at Guantanamo Bay or a suicide bomber.   How can we pretend to be so concerned about the unborn, but have no concern for the souls of Guantanamo Bay?  They are all terrorists and deserve to be tortured?  That’s the redemption Jesus paid for?  You’ve investigated? We have no time for investigation, because we have to spend wasted time seeking to reverse Roe.  Many of these prisoners have neither been charged nor tried and some have been acknowledged innocent and sent back—though they were tortured. With such treatment we have threatened our own security and have created terrorists with  revenge in their hearts.  Please see the research.  ( http://www.shiningriver-sheilah.blogspot.com/2009/10/if-your-enemy-hunger_03.html  http://www.shiningriver-sheilah.blogspot.com/2009/09/behind-walls.html   http://www.shiningriver-sheilah.blogspot.com/2009/08/what-shall-we-do-with-prisoners-of.html )

 "I was father to the poor and the cause I knew not, I searched out" (Job 29:16).

The Reversal of Roe

is not the way to go!

(9) Where is the Christian outrage about this?   We have to drown out all thinking with screams of “Baby Killer” at anyone who thinks beyond the reversal of Roe?
               However, we no longer are held hostage, for the sword of truth has revealed this taunting Goliath yelling "Baby Killer" to be in actuality the "Baby Killer" itself consuming our center of attention instead of preparing for healing and restoration and an environment of love and safety for children.

 “There needs to be a public outcry!” "Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace," the angels sang.  What an opportunity lost to show the love of Christ!  "By this shall all people know you are My disciples by the love you have one for another. .. Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you.. ." ( John 13,  Matthew 5)  I wonder what our world would be like had we applied these principles after 9/11 along with really helping the birth and lives of mothers and children instead of demonizing people and shouting distortions at each other?"The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but are mighty through God to the bringing down of strongholds.. .for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers of darkness. . ." (II Corinthians   10; Ephesians 6)

" We met the enemy and it was us."

"Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom and the glory and power for ever. Amen."

            (10) Do we want to stop abortion?  Then we must prepare for the babies.  Keep hospitals like St. Vincent’s open and prepare for the 24/7 care some babies may require.  Until we are ready to listen to the audible screams of children, leave Roe alone.  Let the unborn return to God and play on the grassy slopes of Paradise, or wait in the Garden of Souls.  Is there a Garden of Souls?  I don’t know.  There are things we don't know.  My first baby, Lori Leigh, lived only 25 hours.  I have three living children, but I also had two miscarriages and a tubal pregnancy.  Do these pregnancies represent souls without a chance to be born?  God knows and I'm sure God has ways of taking care of things. "As the heavens are higher than the earth so are His ways than our ways.. ." (Isaiah 55)

         One thing we can know for sure. Something that is always right—Love.  My daughter, Rebecca, said long ago as I was writing my first paper about peace for the abortion war:  

             One problem: Love denied.  One solution: Love applied. 
”Judge not, lest ye be judged. . .Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment,”  (Matthew 7, John 7)  More love.  Less judging.

7.      (11) The extreme elements that have been hijacking our legislative process need to be depleted of energy. As Nicholas Kristoff says in his article, Sister Margaret’s Choice, New York Times, May 26, 2010, “There needs to be a public outcry.”  What kind of religion—what kind of thinking ex-communicates a nun like Sister Margaret for saving the life of a mother when both mother and child would have died?  What kind of religion consigns a little 79 pound, nine-year-old girl, pregnant by the rape of her stepfather, to continue and endure the pregnancy? (Amid Abuse in Brazil, Abortion Debate Flares by Alexei Barriionuevo, New York Times, March 27, 2009) No wonder some people say they are atheists.  They reject the god that has been presented to them.  There are those who seek to push through their views that abortion is always wrong.  Every situation, every pregnancy is unique. For decades we have allowed ourselves to remain hostage to this kind of thinking.  “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” ( II Corinthians 3:6 ) Rigid rule keepers know little of the Spirit of God—they cannot.  Jesus said the Spirit is like the wind (John 3).  If you put the wind in a box, there is no wind.  The Word of God has to be living and breathing and flexible—moment by moment.  Just as today, the greatest trouble Jesus had was with religious leaders.  He had to tell them that “the Sabbath was made for man; not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2)  He also said, “I thank Thee, Father, that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them unto babes.”  (Matthew 11)  Addressing religious leaders He also said: 

"                  "You are your father, the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do.  He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him.  When he speaks a lie, he speaks form his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it." (John 8:55)

"            "Woe to you , scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men,but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." )

8.        (12) We are not debating when life begins or disputing the miracle of birth or the sanctity of life for we acknowledge these.  The Pro-Choice view leaves itself open to wrong arguments as T.W. Wilson points out in his book, The Key to Lasting Joy: 

"One of the arguments often used by the so-called pro-choice advocates is that the unborn is only a fetus that represents “potential” life, and that it is not a fully human person until it is viable—that is until it is able to survive outside the womb.  Until then, they say, the fetus is only a part of the mother, a group of cells growing inside her with which she can do as she pleases.  Using this criterion, they conclude that he fetus is not a child and until late (at least six months) in a pregnancy, and that abortion is therefore permissible at least up to the point of viability."

        When people say, “A woman’s right to choose”, immediately Roe opponents say, “A woman’s right to choose murder? Her body ends where the child’s begins.” We hear such words as, “Baby killers.” Calling a baby a “fetus” gives the impression one gives too little value to the unborn child. Instead focus (1) on the conditions leading to abortion instead of legislation.  Focusing on the needs of the people and root causes is the quickest way to fewer abortions and more wanted conceptions.  (2) Focus on the fact that outlawing abortion will not solve the problem or stop abortion. That’s all we have to agree upon to end this quagmire. We don’t have to get into such questions as to when the soul enters the body, etc. Don’t distract by saying, “A woman’s right to choose.” If people are against abortion, don't seek to persuade them otherwise. Focus together on the above two points. Then everyone’s goals and needs are better met..  

The Reversal of Roe

is not the way to go!

 

                   (13)  There are many wonderful organizations promoting life 

          In 1974, Dr. Catherine Hamlin and her late husband Reginald established the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia.  She says, “The vaginal fistula from obstructed labor is one of the worst injuries that a woman can ever suffer from. She's been in labor, she's suffered tremendous pain and long, long labor, she's lost her baby—the baby is stillborn in nearly every case. Then she is left with urine and body waste leaking from the vagina. This is a most terrible tragedy for a beautiful young girl. Her life is ruined.”  When you think of little girls forced to give birth, think of labor for a week to give birth to a still born and then her body leaking urine. . .   Is this life?  Is this God’s will? 

Please listen to the documentary Walking to Beautiful.  Your heart will be touched by little girls and women, their bodies too small, too young to be giving birth, with no maternal care and too far from the hospital.  See the sweet light on their faces when they are cured and given back their lives.  

            An extraordinary story is that of Irene Gleeson’s who visited Uganda in 1988 and was touched with the plight of the children there.  In 1991, she sold her Sydney beachside home in Australia, said goodbye to her four children and grandchildren and went to the war zone of North Uganda.  Here she gathered 50 war traumatized children under a mango tree and began to teach and feed them.

Today 

10,000 children are given Full Day Care/Schooling/medicine and Feeding in 5 CKS schools.

Now CKS Provides:

• Medical and malnourished feeding clinic
• Gloryland Junction AIDS hospice & infant orphanage
• Community Churches
• FM Radio Station
• Cultural Arts Studio
• Water bores

See the story for yourself with the Award winning documentary - 

CINDERELLA CHILDREN, THE DVD

The Real Diamonds of Africa—God’s Children

Whenever I  picture Irene Gleeson—a lady standing there with food and books and little ones, skinny legs running toward her, hope and wonder on their little faces, I feel like crying and wish all children could have such a lady come. But what is preventing it?  How many people have never heard of Irene Gleeson? We hear of this abortion war—this false compassion, this consuming battle tying up our resources, shouting “Baby Killer” to those outside their narrow view—the belief  that the Reversal of Roe is the answer. Again and again abortion is the most heated topic of presidential primaries.   All these years and there haven't been enough of us realizing how we have been hijacked?

 “There needs to be a public outcry against this travesty.”  Irene Gleeson is another example of a person promoting life. Think of doing more work like she is doing.

1(14)   In our political debates it is imperative for our democracy that we respect truth in presenting our opponent's view. I do not support all of President Obama's policies, however, he does not deserve to be portrayed as the worse of persons--in many ways he is outstanding and most admirable. In my lifetime (and I have three children and seven grandchildren) I have never known anyone to be criticized so much who so little deserves it as President Obama.  The oil spill spewing endlessly seems an appropriate metaphor.  ( http://shiningriver-sheilah.blogspot.com/2010/06/president-obama-and-poetic- significance.html)  What if we got the President some say we have?  There were the birthers saying the President was born in Ghana and therefore, disqualified to be President.  Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and other TV and radio hosts leading a mentality comparing the President to Hitler, Stalin and calling him a Communist or a Nazi. President Obama couldn't even give an inspiring speech to the school children about staying in school and working hard without some thinking he was contaminating the students.  Newt Gingrich and his speech writer Vince Halley falsely accused the President of taking Jesus out of his Easter message.  (http://www.2010/04/obama-edits-jesus-out-of-easter. html)  It seems as though the assessments of the abortion issue permeate  our whole culture.

The President was invited to give the commencement address at Notre Dame.  This caused a tremendous uproar demonizing the President, calling it a scandal--which is an example of how out of balance our society has become.  There were letters and protests from 350,000 people--all because of the abortion issue.  President Obama is not pro-abortion anymore than I am. It is past time to do some meditating as to how the fringe has pushed right over reasonable people.
I pray that blind eyes be open and deaf ears unstopped to truth.
Here are the opposing views--The President Speaks at Notre Dame:

Listen first to  Fr. Corapi of The Cardinal Newman Society—You Tube: Obama Notre Dame Scandal or NotreDameScandel.com www.CardinalNewmanSociety.org

Then listen to President Obama: In Praise of Fair Minded Words at Notre Dame posted by Jess Lee—The Whitehouse: Obama answers Notre Dame Hecklers with ‘fair-minded words. . . www.whitehouse.gov/.../Remarks-by-the-President-at-Notre-Dame-Commencement/ - Cached - Similar
May 17, 2009. . .The speech underlined the president’s desire to elevate public discourse on issues such as abortion in order to find common ground. www.csmonitor.com/.../obama-answers-notre-dame-hecklers-with-fair-mionded-words
You will be impressed with Notre Dame’s enthusiasm for the President...  His speech is masterful.   As you listen prayerfully with your heart, you will know God's answer.

From The Audacity of Hope by Barak Obama

“. . .weary of the dead zone that politics has become, in which narrow interest vie for advantage and ideological minorities seek to impose their own versions of absolute truth. . .8,9

“No, what’s troubling is the gap between the magnitude of our challenges and the smallness of our politics—the ease with which we are distracted by the petty and trivial, our chronic avoidance of tough decisions, our seeming inability to build a working consensus to tackle any big problem. . . 22

      (15)  story of the firing of Shirley Sherrod.  Her speech to the NAACP was edited by a blogger, Andrew Brietbart to make it sound exactly the opposite of what she was really saying.  This video was gleefully put on Fox News and the Secretary of Agriculture also became aware of  it.   Uncharacteristic in its haste, the Obama administration--actually the Secretary  of Agriculture-- fired  Mrs. Sherrod without investigating the false evidence. The distortion of truth is commonplace and  certainly Mrs. Sherrod should not have hastily been fired. However, one good thing to come out of this is that had not this administration fired her, most people would still be in the dark as to the true situation.   The media climate is at fault setting up people for these wrong judgments. This sort of thing should be a criminal offense.  How can people know what they believe or how to vote if they are not given the truth? "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 16).

(16)   It is vital to end this abortion war, which is tearing our country apart, wasting so much time, money, and energy without result or solution and fomenting hate. Causing havoc in our political process and draining our resources, this internal impasse touches us all. In our mistaken focus we are weakening our whole society in neglecting the problems and suffering that need to be addressed.

The Reversal of Roe

is not the way to go!

If our energy is consumed with the Reversal of Roe (which is fruitless effort to stop abortion), then it will not be sufficient to attend to the audible screams of children in our own country and all over the world. This futile argument is rather like arguing about whether to clip the hedge or let it grow free when there is a bulldozer down the road apace that will mow the whole thing down, clipped or free.  Together we focus  on the bulldozer.

The Reversal of Roe

is not the way to go!

         (17) If the same energy and passion that has been given to the organizing of protests, legislation and trying to reverse Roe had been dedicated to real solutions and the conditions leading to abortion, we could be having utopia by now.  However, we no longer are held hostage, for the sword of truth has revealed this taunting Goliath yelling "Baby Killer" to be in actuality the "Baby Killer" itself consuming our center of attention instead of preparing for healing and restoration and an environment of love and safety for children.

         We wish for our brother and sister's children what we wish for our own children.  It all goes together.  As I help the children of the world, I help my own. We love children and want the  best for every precious baby.  We visualize  it and do God’s work God’s way.  We leave Roe alone. There are plenty of projects to put our hands to.  The terms: Pro-Life, Pro-Choice, Pro-Abortion, Anti-Abortion are worn out.  We throw them in the river with a “No Fishing” sign. 

          Will you be a part of: La Verde de la Vida?

Our declaration:

We accept La Verde de la Vida.  Knowing that the Reversal of  Roe not only provides no answers, but actually prevents solutions, we support real efforts to reduce abortion and promote life, such as: clean water, nutrition, health care, maternal pregnancy care, adoption, an end to child soldiers, and child sex trafficking.  We do not support the manipulation of our society by this unproductive single issue focus on the Reversal of  Roe.  We are La Verde de la Vida.

“And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing. . . “(Zechariah 8:5) 

After President Clinton’s Second Inaugural Address, a reporter, when asked if he thought he heard anything really quotable said, “No, I don’t think so.” However, I did:

“The greatest progress needs to be made in the human heart.”
--President William Jefferson Clinton

Note:  Much of this is from my book, La Verde de la Vida (The Green of Life), which can be gotten from Amazon or Barnes and Noble or downloaded for free at this website: www.ladylibertyqualityoflifebrigade.com

LA VERDE DE LA VIDA

By Shining River (Sheilah Hill) 

A Review by

John Santosuosso, Ph.D.

(retired professor of political science at the University of South Florida—

also lay Episcopal priest) 

 I found your wonderful book in the lobby of the YMCA. . .I just wanted to tell you that it is a very beautiful book filled with healing and common sense.  I just can’t say enough wonderful things about it.  I wish the message could be given to every American and everyone in the world.  It goes far beyond the abortion issue.  It’s for healing the hearts and souls of all of us.  The world is crying out for this message.  . .

66 million children under 5 die from preventable diseases

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/13/unicef-66-million-children-died_n_3919794.html?ir=World&ref=topbar

Maylala raising 500 million for Syrian Refugees

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/12/malala-syrian-refugees_n_3916075.html?ncid=webmail1

 

 

 

 

 

And Now to the End of Our Polarization

And Now to the End of our Polarization!

Yes!

With vision I see it!

Not in the distant future, my friend,

Even now, coming into focus.

 Eyes are open—

Ears are unstopped.

With clarity, it is understood how single issue advocacy has

 Distracted,

Distorted,

Divided.

And now to the End of our Polarization of social issues and Toward a More Perfect Union!

Too long held captive—too long preoccupied by unreasonable frenzy

Erupting in cancerous tumor

 Suffocating the breath from our Republic.

Internal impasse

Causing havoc in our political process

 Weakening our whole society

Wrong focus abandoning problems and suffering of elephantine proportions

No undivided attention or prayerful consideration for “the poor, the widow, the fatherless

in their affliction.”

But Weeds of Neglect in Fields of Desertion.

Passing over tribulations and untold sufferings

Scant time “to bind up the broken hearted. . . proclaim liberty to the captive. . .give bread to the hungry. . .water to the thirsty. . .to comfort all that mourn.”

And Now to the End of our Polarization!

For the Sword of Truth has revealed this taunting Goliath.

The Giant, the Consuming Question

The Voter Litmus Test and The Who to Demonize Guide:

Abortion

And its sister/cousin:

Gay Marriage

On the left and on the right

So strong and unrelenting has been this choking grip that it has become the norm

 by which we address all other issues.

 A macrocosm, an ingrained, computer like pattern and response as to how we have notoriously dealt with our differences.

We won’t move.

We won’t budge.

And Now to the  End of Our Polarization!

Differences—what makes us unique, coming from so many backgrounds:

“Red, and yellow; black and white

We are precious in His sight.”

The richness of diversity

From the pageantry of regal worship,

Flowing robes, silver chalices and stained glass windows,

“Great is Thy Faithfulness, O God my father

Morning by morning, new mercies I see. . .”

To the camp ground of

Hallelujah!

“Clap, your hands, all ye people,

Shout unto God with the Voice of Triumph”

Psalm 47:1

“Go Down, Moses”

“Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”

The silence of Quaker meeting—

a pregnant silence, to bring forth Children of Action.

“I go cheerfully over the earth, responding to the divine in every person,”

 said George Fox, the found of The Society of Friends.

Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island, though strong in his Baptist faith, realized,

“Faith, by its very nature, must be a free act.”

Every snowflake is different and if we be co-creators with The Creator,

We too must celebrate our diversity.

And Now to the End of our Polarization:

Dealing with our differences as assets to enlarge perceptions

 As we listen with discernment to one another—

forgiving,

tender hearted--

No longer differences to magnify and twist out of context

 for seeming advantage,

 Snatching one sentence here and another one there.

With careless haste, not rightly putting them together,

Giving them a meaning not meant.

“And they send unto Jesus certain of the Pharisees. . .to catch him in his words. . .”

Mark 12:13

“But the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.”

Psalm 63:11

“To love abundantly is to live abundantly, and to love for ever is to live forever.

Hence, eternal life is inextricably bound up with love. . .

From The Greatest Thing in the World by Henry Drummond

And Now to the End of Our Polarization:

“If any lack wisdom. . .”James 1

“If any lack wisdom. . .”

Who doesn’t?

Is there anyone here who thinks they don’t need to ask for wisdom?

What is the promise?

“. . .it shall be given to her.”

We can know anything we need to know.

We listen inwardly for the discernment the Spirit gives

beyond “the seeing of the eye and the hearing of the ear”

 “Judge not according to appearance but judge righteous judgment.”

John 7:24

Listen!

This is a time to hear angels sing.

“. . .a thrill of hope,

the weary world rejoices,

for yonder breaks a

new and glorious morn!”

“Stand on your feet. . .”

Yes!

“They that sit in darkness have seen A Great Light!”

“I am The Light of the World,” He said,

“You are the Light of the World!”

“Let your light so shine before others

 that they may see your good works

 and glorify

 your Father in heaven.”

When Moses came down from the mountain, his face glowed.

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John,

 and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men,

 they marveled;

and they took knowledge of them,

 that they had been with Jesus.”

Acts 4:13

“Thy people shall be willing

in the day of thy power,

In the beauties of holiness

 from the womb of  the morning:

thou hast the dew of thy youth.

Psalm 110:3

And Now to the End of Our Polarization:

I propose tossing the history laden labels of Pro-Life and Pro-Choice and starting afresh.

La Verde de la Vida

Let this be a New Day with a New Title.

Pro-Life? Pro-Choice? Oh, no,

I’m

La Verde de la Vida

We see The Big Picture and realize that when we come to Solutions—

they are best for everyone concerned. 

As you listen with your heart, I believe, you, too, will find you are

La Verde de la Vida—the Green of Life.

“The Lord bless you and keep you and cause His face to shine upon you.”

And Now to the End of Our Polarization!

I wrote a book for the healing of America. 

I wrote it Among the Trees of Van Cordlandt Park--which is the first chapter.

Gratefully, this park is but a stone’s throw from me,

A place frequented by the whisper of angels—

Angels ascending, descending,

Showing all the facets of concerns—which, to the human eye, are too convoluted, too complicated to understand.

And now to the End of our Polarization of social issues and Toward a More Perfect Union!

 Dr. Rev. John  Santosuosso, a retired professor of political science at the University of South Florida and also an Episcopal priest, said of my book:

            “I found your wonderful book in the lobby of the WMCA. I just wanted to tell you that it is a very beautiful book filled with healing and common sense.  I just can’t say enough wonderful things about it.  I wish the message could be given to every America and everyone in the world. It goes far beyond the abortion issue.  It’s for healing the hearts and souls of all of us.  The world is crying out for  this message. . .You have done something to heal me today!”

And now to the End of the Polarization of social issues and Toward a More Perfect Union!

 I can see the end, as an example, in the views of our two presidential candidates. If the truth be known, both think alike about the polarizing social issues.  They would be relieved to forsake what the single issue advocates, with their distortions, have sought to bully through and come to the conclusions I have put forth in a letter to President Obama.

                                                                                                                                            

President Barak Obama

The Whitehouse,

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President,

            My prayers are with you tonight. 

Quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, “Do what you feel in your heart to be right--for you’ll be criticized anyway.”

 Also this quote (unknown):  What you compromise to keep, you lose. 

Stick to Civil Unions.  If people want to have marriage ceremonies, they can still do so.  Don’t let this be a voting litmus test.  (Civil Unions might be considered for everyone.)

Abortion: Your Notre Dame speech was excellent.  Just because you believe”

The Reversal of Roe

is not the way to go

does not mean you are “pro-abortion.”  Douglas W. Kmiec, a constitutional scholar who headed the Office of Legal Counsel under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush said, “Overturning Roe would have limited affect, Senator Obama is articulating policies to explore ways to give greater protection to human life. . .  There are clearly partisan forces that want nothing more than to manufacture or stir up faith based opposition to their political opponents. 

Laura Bush, in her book, Spoken from the Heart: “Abortion should remain legal for medical reasons and other reasons.”

She, and other people like her, who have thought this through, certainly should not be considered or labeled “pro-abortion.”

                                                            Blessings,

                                                            Sheilah Hill

Note:

My book, La Verde de la Vida, does not address the Gay/Lesbian issue except to give the example of intersex—when a child is born with both male and female, ovarian and testicular, tissue.  This should help us admit there are many things we do not know. Why does God permit intersex babies?  What should be done? If we had such a baby, would we, with surgery, decide for a boy or girl or leave the baby alone?  

At a mental health drop-in center I met a young man named David who had been such a baby.  His parents had elected that he be a boy.  He was one of the most unhappy people I have ever met--which he expressed in writing tragic poetry.  He said, “I wish they had let me alone. Or at least let me be a girl—not a boy.”  How can we make a judgment in this case?  Isn’t it all right to say, “I don’t know”?

As far as the Gay/Lesbian debate presently tearing at the fabric of our nation, I believe it is wisdom to promote Civil Unions with all the advantages of what we call “marriage.” Consider-- two men or two women, who are not sexual, may wish to be a household—they need Civil Unions.

 Always detrimental, single issue advocacy, insisting on the term of “marriage”, does not realize the whole picture.  And this insistence actually  is counter-productive to their cause as it gets out the opposing vote, electing those who are not sympathetic to this cause at all—such as, in Ohio when this question was on the ballet.  This insistence probably put George Bush back in office.

 It’s important to realize we are one nation-- seeing the whole and not demonizing those whose views we do not share. I think of the graciousness of Joel O’steen as he answers this question and gives his belief of marriage being between one man and one woman.  We come from different backgrounds.  Standing for our rights or beliefs does not have to be done in hateful ways.  Hence, the letter I wrote to President Obama—it is not liberal, conservative, Democrat or Republican but takes in consideration  all views to what can be acceptable to most.  Forget labels—think things through.

It is not the economy that is destroying our nation—no money?  You could have fooled me with all the money being thrown about in super paks.  The economy, could right itself with our proper attitudes of listening to one another.  If hearts aren’t right, it doesn’t matter what they do in Washington.  Conversely, with right spirits, seemingly foolish things could work—historically, this is true.

 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.. . .For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.  But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.”

-- Proverbs 18:21; Galatians 5:14, 15

Now to the End of our Polarization!

Because the Lord is My Shepherd

6:36 a.m.  July 26, 2012,  I opened Dad's hymnbook, The Singing Church, to:

Because the Lord is my Shepherd,
I have everything that I need;
He let me rest in meadows green
and leads me beside the quiet stream.
He keeps on giving life to me,
and helps me to do what honors Him the most.
Even when walking tro 'the dark valley of death,
valley of death,
I will never be afraid,
for He is close beside me.
Guarding, guiding all the way,
He spread a fest before me 
in the presence of my enemies,
He welcomes me as He special guidest with blessing ever flowing,
His goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life,
and afterwards I shall live with Him forever, forever in His home,
forever in His home,Forever in His home.
                           Ralph Carmichael, 1969

Since I don't know the above Lord is my Shepherd song, I opened to another hymnbook for a Shepherd song I know--in fact, we sang it Sunday at church.  In opening this hymnbook  I opened to:

Song: Faith of our Mothers




I opened my Dad's Bible.  The verse I saw first was Mark 5:15:

And they come to Jesus and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.


I planned to write today:

The Boy With the Orange Hair

                       

The Mosque, a defining moment

The Mosque—A Defining Moment

As a Christian, I believe in redemption. As an American, I believe in religious liberty. Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island said, "Faith by its very nature must be a free act." Though a Baptist and strong in his faith, he did not exclude people from Rhode Island because of their religion or even no religion. He said that government should be concerned about law and order, not religious belief. It was foundational for our religious liberty and should be an example for us today.

The label does not determine what something (or somebody) is. Many horrible things have been done in the name of religion--would I want to be held accountable for what some, who have the label of "Christian", have done? Not all people who say they are "Christian" are peacemakers and follow the teachings of Jesus: "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven . . .Blessed are the peacemakers." (Matthew 5)

Likewise not all Muslims are terrorists and it is unfair and un-American and a betrayal of our values to make them accountable or exclude them because of what some Muslims have done--it is insensitive in the extreme.

Muslims were also killed on 9/11. Listen to your heart; have some empathy. Think of how some of them must feel. I don't want them to think this is Christianity. Do we want to be known as a culture of vengeance? Or have the barbaric belief in collective guilt and collective punishment? What if we believed in redemption? Isn't that foundational to what Christians believe along with forgiveness, grace and mercy? “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” (John 13) Jesus said, "By this shall all people know you are my disciples if you have love one for another." By this qualification, how many disciples does Jesus have? To allow this cultural center and mosque does not mean compromising what we believe or a blurring of the significant differences between our religions. To forbid it compromises our American values. I'm grateful for the speeches of both the Mayor of New York and the President of the United States--neither of which need retract anything. As a matter of principle, that mosque cannot be relocated out of fear. No one need move to the middle of the bus.
Clearly there are those who want to stir up faith based opposition for their political opponents. Among those against the New York mosque are the very vocal Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin. However, in opposition to this view, President Obama reminds us at a Whitehouse speech for Ramadan: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/08/13/remarks-president-iftar-dinner-0 “This is America. And our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome to this country and that they will not be treated differently by their government is essential to who we are. The writ of the Founders must endure.”

Matters of religious liberty should have been settled long ago—in fact, they were.

And Newt Gingrich, you’re trying to take this away from us—and as a potential political candidate? Your efforts would be better served and the cause of peace by helping the children and people of Pakistan’s flood. instead of forcing our focus on forbidding mosques.

Despite abundant evidence to the contrary, (For example, PBS, October 10, 2008, Religion and Ethics: What the Candidates Believe, "All four candidates describe themselves as Christian. . .Barak Obama has been the most outspoken about matters of faith. . ."I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and that I am redeemed through him. That is a source of strength and sustenance on a daily basis. I know that I don't walk alone.. ." .http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episoes/october-10-2008-campaign-what-the-candidates-believe/885/ ) there are voices that wish to portray the President as “secular” or Muslim. It is said that one out of five Americans wrongly believe this. And now the Iftar speech is eagerly given as evidence to perpetuate this claim. Mr. Gingrich helps fuel this confusion. Take his book title: Stop the Secular, Socialist Obama Machine. What needs to be stopped is how Mr. Gingrich invents things. A very provable invention is that Mr. Gingrich, promoting his writer, Vince Halley, accused the President of” “editing Jesus out of Easter.”

http://www.torenewamerica.com/obama-removes-jesus-from-easter-message

From this accusation came at least three googled pages of outrage against the President—and who knows how much on talk radio and TV. Talk about a machine, Mr. Gingrich, your polarizing, hostility machine needs to be stopped and NOW! And we're to consider you an example of spirituality? Jesus speaks of "the wheat and the tares" growing together. It seems the tares often get the microphone. This is unacceptable. Truth and love shall arise and come forth and their voices shall swallow up and scatter that which is not.

Yes, Sarah, there is a death panel. "Death and Life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21) Your death panel statement was like an avalanche which brought unreasonable anger against our President and our government. People couldn't even talk in the town meetings. We have to listen to one another. Sarah, people who trust in you--who like your sparkling vivaciousness--believe you. For good debate and solutions, it is important that the truth be known and you are the person who has the stage to tell it. Do you agree? Especially when you know many are listening and some are ready to follow your example, it is totally irresponsible to falsely accuse the President of something "downright evil." This is abusive power of your freedom of speech and democracy can't work this way. Before such a drastic statement is made--before one pours kerosene on differences, there is a need to double check and get facts straight. I cannot express myself too strongly. Extreme harm has been done. and I feel you need to apologize to the President and to the American people and publicly explain since you so publicly accused.

“Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely. . .” Luke 3:14

Your "Death Panels" lie was given the Lie of the Year award by St. Petersburg Times, home of The Politifact, which was awarded the 2009 Pulitzer Prize in Journalism. However, unfortunately, some people don't know it was a lie. (For fuller explanation see: http://shiningriver-sheilah.blogspot.com/2010/07/dear-sarah-to-begin-these-words-from.html ) Talk about Mama Grizzles, I'm enlisting. It certainly is true that lies circle the globe while truth is just getting its boots on.

Getting our boots on, President Obama gave two Easter messages—neither of which he “edited” Jesus out. (In one he did not quote everything another speaker said.) Instead Mr. Gingrich is the one doing the editing. This is a serious accusation clearly designed to stir up the people. Take Jesus and the resurrection out of Easter which is most precious to Christians? Please listen to the President’s Easter Prayer Breakfast Message –he speaks of redemption. I have listened to it ten times and took it to church for others to listen to: We need redemption. Who dares judge the President “secular”?

http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/white-house-easter-prayer-breakfast

“But the King (the President) shall rejoice in God. . .but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.” (Psalm 63:11)

At the prayer breakfast the President said of Jesus, “We are awed by the grace He showed even to those who would have killed Him. We are thankful for the sacrifice He gave for the sins of humanity. And we glory in the promise of redemption in the resurrection.”

I am awed by the grace of the President. In all my years—I have three children and seven grandchildren so I am not young—I have never known anyone to be criticized so unfairly who so little deserves it. He is not perfect, I do not agree with all policies, but he “is trying hard,” as he said, “and wants the best for our country.” Who are the perfect ones to throw stones? If you don’t like the polices, I’m sure he could do better without all this edit-Jesus-out-of-Easter kind of criticism. And who knows—with all this commotion—what some of the policies really are? If he has made unwise decisions and you've been fault finding and seeing what you can dig up and take out of context, then you're part of the problem. Do you make good decisions when you are being constantly criticized and lies are being thrown about? I have never before realized how much our collective consciousness limits the options and decisions of those in Washington. We are to pray for our leaders. As a friend said, “The Bible says to pray without ceasing. Where does it say to criticize without ceasing?” What if we got the President some say we have? There needs to be some gratitude. We need to nourish and uplift our young President. What kind of hearts do we have? I feel like crying. To combat all this negative energy, I’m going to praise the President:

for his love of country and people,

for his knowledge and intelligence--

that he has diligently studied our history, our founders, and our Constitution,

that he is appreciative of our diversity of cultures,

that he stays calm under pressure, (In this culture, this is BIG one. ("He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city." Proverbs 16:32)
that he is a listener--that he wants to hear and consider opposing views and that he wants to be fair,

for his wisdom and speaking ability,

that he is forgiving and not vengeful, for his generous spirit,

that he knows, as he has expressed, the importance of humility,

for his sense of humor.

I'm thankful for how noble he is and that we can be proud of him when he travels to other countries and gives speeches.

I'm thankful for his dignity.

I'm thankful for his family--for Michelle and his girls to whom he is a good husband and father.

I'm thankful that he is a man of faith,

A man named Bill Derksen, apparently from another country, in responding to PBS analysis expressed , “. . .it is increasingly clear that journalists absolutely MUST criticize a president at all cost to maintain ‘credibility’. My perception of your president is that he is one of the greatest leaders of all time, appreciated in almost all other countries, and perhaps, the most under appreciated, under supported president in your own country. . . "
And now the climate of our country has escalated in controversy over the dream project of another leader, Imam Feisal Rauf. Who is he? I had never heard of him until a few weeks ago. A biographical sketch is given in Complicated Balancing Act For Imam in Mosque Furor, New York Times, August 22, 2010 When giving a speech in Cairo in February, the imam said, "Muslims need to understand and soothe Americans who fear them. They should be conciliatory, not judgmental, toward the West and Israel." He was asked, "Aren't you being financed by the United States?" "I'm not an agent from any government," he said, "I'm a peacemaker." . . . Akbar Ahmed, professor of Islamic studies says, "He hurtles in, to the dead-center eye of the storm. . .expecting it to be like at his mosque--we all love each other, we all think happy thoughts. . .so this mild-mannered guy is in the eye of a storm for which he's not suited at all."

I disagree. He is well suited. In the eye of the storm is silence, peace. This is especially needed in this chaos. I'm grateful. We need this calm. We've enough fanatical voices and the last thing we need is more hothead leaders. I'm grateful that our President keeps his cool--he's an example for us--for me. But even for this, he is criticized. Consider:
"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city." (Proverbs 16:32)
"An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire." (Proverbs 16:27)
Perhaps you, like me, have found that often you have more rapport with those under another label than with those supposedly under your own label. Lesson: Forget labels. Remember love. Sojourners has a civility pledge. The Coffee Party has a civility pledge. Americans are longing for civility We are tired of this "endless spewing" of which the oil spill was a metaphor.

In Obama and the Chaos Perception, New York Times, June 6, 2010, Matt. Bai states that since President Obama is a gifted writer, he will “understand the power of a good metaphor. . .the poetic significance of that cloud of oil. . . spewing endlessly . . .the accumulating cloud. . .”

Yes, the accumulating cloud .

Spewing endlessly.

As has been said in many ways by poets, mystics, and theologians, both ancient and modern: The physical is a shadow of the reality in the spirit. The president should appreciate the poetic significance? I disagree with the author's metaphor. What about we as a people appreciating the poetic significance?

What accumulating cloud has been spewing endlessly? Criticism, the distortion of truth, jumping to judgment. The birthers saying the President was born in Ghana and so is disqualified to be president, Glenn Beck Rush Limbaugh and other T.V. and radio hosts leading a mentality comparing the President to Hitler, Stalin, and calling him a communist or a Nazi. Ann Coulter referring to the President as "B. Hussein Obama" in a derogatory way--his middle name should be an asset to connecting with Muslims. He is criticized even for giving a speech to the school children about working hard and staying in school--some advised boycotting that school day. We're supposed to turn liabilities into assets--not assets into liabilities. What a role model and inspiration for our black youth--all of our youth. The fact that he is both black and white should be another asset. Fortunately, others, including Laura Bush, praised him and defended his back-to-school speech, but damage was certainly done. Oh, why can't we pull together and be proud of our President, The First Lady and the children. There's Michelle, she looks like so much fun--the smile on her face, a lady of style and I love her thinking up a vegetable garden for the Whitehouse. I am positive there is nothing we can't do if we stop this negativity and help one another--Listen to your heart and do your part!

There is no greater threat to our democracy than this endless spewing. This accumulating cloud hangs now over ground zero.
When my children were young and quarreling, I sometimes put them on "silence." Like unruly children, there are those who need to be put on silence--Newt Gingrich, you’re on silence, as well as Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Ann Coulter, Keith Halloran, others—on the left as well as the right—put your name in there--Actually, we all need to do this--have moments of silence. Go for a walk in the woods, pray, meditate, let the Spirit speak to you--through the birds, the rippling of the water, the whispering of the leaves. Get away from The Maddening Crowd, have a Walden moment, get a John Muir complex--most of all walk with the Master and sit, as Mary, at His feet. He is the Prince of Peace. . "I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses. . ."
This is the best way to affect what happens in Washington, our country, our world. http://shiningriver-sheilah.blogspot.com/2009/10/if-your-enemy-hunger_03.html

Read a chapter out of Proverbs everyday. There are 31 chapters so read whatever day it is and then start over. Wisdom needs to arise and craziness needs to fall. “Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets.” (Proverbs 1:20) We need to build up our reservoir of wisdom. Actually I believe it’s out there, but outrageous voices have been competing and almost drowning it out. America has all the wisdom, information, understanding, gifts, talents and abilities to do everything in this country that needs doing and answer every problem that needs solving. We have so many wonderful, kind-hearted, generous people, but it’s hard to hear them. And with these political campaigns-with millions of dollars being spent –actually much to finance this spewing--words that should not be said. Think of, not only, the money, but the time spent on elections. How can we get anything done? Did you see the pictures of the children in the flooding of Pakistan? Mothers giving birth and no milk?. It tears at my heart. What if that were my two-year-old grandson, Noah? What if this campaign money was sent to Pakistan? I pray we have politicians who say, “I’m getting off this train.” I’m going to take a walk in the woods. I’m going to trust and have the backing of the “One Who inhabits eternity”.

We need to know our seasons—when to speak and when to be silent. When to take center stage and when to retreat backstage. Too many people have been in the spotlight too long who should be going to the back side of the desert.

I need the silence and have been as though in labor going almost daily to Van Cortlandt Urban Forest near me. Today’s verses:

“Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. . . A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.” (Proverbs 25)

This is really a teaching opportunity and defining moment for us as Americans. Who are we and what do we believe? What positions do we take and why? Other countries are watching. I am embarrassed over these protestors. . Some Arab countries do not allow churches. Is this an example for us, or are we the example? I pray that many will rethink this matter and follow the leadership of our President and come to wisdom and understanding regarding it and let it be an opening for healing, beauty and restoration--and thus the sacrifice of those who died there and since then be memorialized, the ground hallowed.

"What better could be done with an enemy than to make him a friend, and especially to make him a friend of God. . .It enables you to see unlimited possibilities in everyone and even in the most tragic of situations"—J. Rufus Moseley
Sheilah Hill.

I am a Baptist minister's widow
Notes::

Rev. Jim Wallis of Sojourners writes in his article, Who Wins When the U.S. Restricts Religious Freedom? "When Muslim leaders step up to lead an initiative to reduce tensions and promote respect and understanding, do we first judge those leaders by the actions of terrorists. . .: . Feisal Rauf and his wife Daisy Khan are friends of mine, and I can testify that they are indeed peacemakers."

On NPR, this morning, August 25, 2010 I was directed to Iman Rauf’s words on 60 minutes: Below are some quotes—not all of which were referred to on NPR, Brian Leher:

Invoking Pearl’s final words before his beheading, Rauf declared: “If to be a Jew means to say with all one's heart, mind and soul, ‘Sh’ma Yisrael Adonai Elohenu Adonai Ehad -- hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One,’ not only today I am a Jew, I have always been one.”"

The critics come armed with their own set of quotes: Shortly after the September 11, 2001 attacks, the imam told “60 Minutes” that “I wouldn't say that the United States deserved what happened; but the United States policies were an accessory to the crime that happened.” In a radio interview in June with WABC’s Aaron Klein, Rauf described himself as a “supporter of Israel,” but declined to label Hamas as a terrorist group, saying, “I do not want to be placed nor will I accept a position where I am the target of one side or another.” And, this week, his detractors are trumpeting a 2005 speech in Adelaide, Australia, in which he cited the impact of U.S.-led sanctions on Iraq and asserted that “we tend to forget, in the West, that the United States has more Muslim blood on its hands than Al Qaeda has on its hands of innocent non-Muslims.”

The quote discussed on NPR and said by some to be under attack was:

“I wouldn't say that the United States deserved what happened; but the United States policies were an accessory to the crime that happened.”

My friends, that sounds like the word of the Lord. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice and another they will not follow.” “If any speak, let her (let him) speak as the oracles of God” (I Peter) We can hear the voice of Jesus through the words of another. Are there those who object to the Imam statement? We are a perfect nation and have nothing for which to repent? I think not. When I heard the President’s speech in Cairo, I heard greatness—no wonder the people of Norway were so affected. Those voices who criticize the President’s apologies on our behalf as a nation definitely need to take a walk in the woods. It needs to become a cliché—have you walked in the woods? Before you speak or write a book—have you taken a walk in the woods? I need the silence—I ask myself, have I gone to Van Cortlandt Park, so to speak—have I spent time in the quiet place, the Secret Place?

We do not condone violence for any reason. For we know “that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. . .for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places.”
However, we reflect upon 9/11 and ask the Spirit to show us. How did it happen? What door was left open? What shall we do differently? What shall we do for our safety and the safety of our children? We need to see behind the scenes. We cannot listen to those who grab statements—the twisters, causing verbal hurricanes and tornadoes. We are ready to repent and ask forgiveness. Thank God for a President who knows this
A quote from Audacity of Hope, by President Obama:

“No, what’s troubling is the gap between the magnitude of our challenges and the smallness of our politics—the ease with which we are distracted by the petty and trivial, our chronic avoidance of tough decisions, our seeming inability to build a working consensus to tackle any big problem. . . 22

The answer is still:

“If my people, who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14

Answering: How did 9/ll affect you?





SECURITY IS IN THE SECRET PLACE





I live in Riverdale in the Bronx, less than one hour by subway from the World Trade Center. The morning of 9/ll I went to vote. I half heard some ladies talking something about, “Isn’t it terrible? The World Trade Center. . .” But my mind wasn’t focused on this conversation. I was thinking of my new grandson, Jonathan, born just three days earlier on the eighth.



As soon as I got home, I called my daughter in Tallahassee, Florida, to see how they were doing.



“Mom!” she exclaimed, “We’ve been trying to call you but couldn’t get through! The World Trade Center. . . .”



It was she who told me. I flipped on the TV as she spoke. However, only one channel was broadcasting because of what had been done to the towers. Finding that one, I, like most Americans, watched all day.



In my first reactions, I wondered, what other things were going to be blown up. Should I get out of New York City? And if so, what should I take with me? But where would be a safe place to go?



However, as days passed and I heard of military plans, increasing security at the airports, etc., I instinctively knew that security did not rely in these measures. Physically, no matter how much money was spent, there was no way that one could foreknow where to put policemen, scanners, and the military for certain safety. There could only be one antidote for fear—Security is in the Secret Place. Victory is only possible through weapons of the Spirit—love, joy peace, prayer, praise, faith, food, clothing, shelter, etc. If ever there was opportunity to learn this, it is now.

“911,” people said, “The emergency number.” However, God has a 911 number—Psalm 91:1: “He that dwelleth in the Secret Place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” This Psalm became an anchor for me: “Thou shalt not be afraid of the terror. . .He shall give His angels charge over thee. . .” I determined to be motivated by love and develop my inner listening powers.





From Return to the Garden in Somewhere on the Edge of Dreaming



“O divine Redeemer. . .Night gathers around my soul. . .Hear my cry. . .Come to me. . .Haste to help. . . In thy mercy, hear my cry. . .”

It has been my experience that when I cry, He comes. “unto them who look for Him shall He appear.” When I am in despair and think I will never be happy again, ”Wait upon the Lord and He shall strengthen your heart.”

How many times have I been rescued? I can’t count them. It may be in the form of an encouraging word, a phone call, a line from a book, a verse that leaps out at me or. . . a garden. (“God speaks in the guise of everything that happens,” Martin Buber said.) “Amazing friends have been God’s arms to hold and comfort me.” I may be walking in nature, washing the dishes, taking a bath, or riding on the subway. Within my heart I hear a word. And I know I am not alone. I am loved. All is not lost.

And so I say, whatever the situation, “With divine help, I’m getting right back up and I’m going to walk in beauty. I will be steadfast in the steadfast love of God. I forgive and I am forgiven. ‘No weapon formed against me will prosper. . . I dwell in the Secret Place of the Most High.’”

“Faith is the evidence of things not seen.” It takes time for faith to be perfected. Exercising the faith we do have, more and more we accept the mystical answers. Spirit beings temporarily in this temple, we learn not to “judge by appearances” but look beyond what our physical eyes and ears see and hear. In the energy of the flesh, we don’t try to change externals to end conflict. We seek the whole picture and root causes. We ask for the wisdom we lack.

Seeing “Him, who is invisible,” we walk and talk with Him in the Garden as a friend. We are at peace. “. . .in quietness and confidence is our strength.” He is the One who says to the storm, “Peace be still.”

Return to New York City? Return to the Garden.



Shining River, 4568 Manhattan College Parkway #5G, Riverdale, NY 10471,

718-548-4420

Happy Birthday, President Obama

This morning I opened to this verse:


". . .God hath visited his people . ." Luke 7:16

from the Mission Statement of the World Peace Prayer Society:

The Power of Thought:

Thought forms create an energetic field strong enough to empower the course of planetary destiny.

The Power of Words:

Words carry vibrations strong enough to inspire, heal and transform the human heart as well as the Kingdom of plants, animals, and all creation.

Birthdays are milestones in our lives--a time for reflection of past events and future goals.

President Obama is spending a quiet birthday back in Chicago in his old home--one daughter is at camp and Michelle and another daughter are in Spain. I pray this day be a special time of the consciousness of the Presence of God for President Obama --a visitation of wisdom, guidance and strength. Lord, may he be encircled with Your protection. Still the enemy and the avenger. Cause him to look to You continually for understanding and surround him with good counsel and defeat wrong counsel. May we as a people be hands, feet and voice to work together with Your Spirit of Love and Truth to bring forth that which is best for everyone. We say "no weapon formed against this shall prosper."

We pray peace and understanding for Iraq and Afghanistan. "Scatter those who delight in war" (Psalm 68:30)
Today on the President's birthday, I wish to send again these qualities of the President in contrast to the unfair accusations and to distill the negative energy directed toward him,( please see: http://shiningriver-sheilah.blogspot.com/2010/06/president-obama-and-poetic-significance.html

I wish to express my gratitude and thankfulness for President Obama's many fine qualities. I'm thankful
for his love of country and people,
for his knowledge and intelligence--
that he has diligently studied our history, our founders, and our Constitution,
that he is appreciative of our diversity of cultures,
that he stays calm under pressure,
that he is a listener--that he wants to hear and consider opposing views and that he wants to be fair,
for his wisdom and speaking ability,
that he is forgiving and not vengeful, for his generous spirit,
that he knows, as he has expressed, the importance of humility,
for his sense of humor.
I'm thankful for how noble he is and that we can be proud of him when he travels to other countries and gives speeches.
I'm thankful for his dignity.
I'm thankful for his family--for Michelle and his girls to whom he is a good husband and father.
I'm thankful that he is a man of faith,
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episoes/october-10-2008-campaign-what-the-candidates-believe/885/
for the message of redemption that he gave at Easter.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/white-house-easter-prayer-breakfast
&
http://www.blogger.com/goog_574823676

http://wjz.com/video/?id=69183@wjz.dayport.com


Two days ago, August 2, I opened to:

"Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth." Psalm 138:8

and

"I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted and the right of the poor." Psalm 140:11,12
We are aware of the extreme polarization and distortion of truth of many in the media. Concerning the President, you can read about the Birthers, about false death panels and how he "took Jesus out of Easter"--the above Easter Breakfast Message will show that wrong.

Someone said, " We could do more for our country by praying instead of criticizing. The Bible says to pray without ceasing. Where does it say, "Criticize without ceasing"?

Several weeks ago I read these verses--which are a good declaration to speak into existence along with the above:

"But the King (the President) shall rejoice in God. . .but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped." Psalm 63:11

August 3 I opened to:"In that day there shall be a fountain opened. . ." Zechariah 13:1

In looking for a verse above I came across: ". . .they stopped all the wells of water. . ." II Kings 3:25
There are things that need to be shut and things that need to be opened. Example: the oil well--also an example of how words "Drill, baby, drill" brought it forth. In Revelation 3:7 ". . .he that hath the Key of David  he that openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man openeth." Jesus spoke of living water (John 4) There are forces that would shut this water so there be no life. (We are thankful that the oil bringing death is stopped and that it is not as bad as it could have been.) Let the Fountain of Life be open--the truth that sets free, the Royal Law of Love (James 2:8) ". . .out of your belly (your innermost being) shall flow rivers of living water (John 7:38). Unstop these wells and let these rivers flow! It comes to me: rivers of living water. . .for the healing of the nations." I look up:
"In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." ( Revelation 22:2) Which reminds me that the stopped wells verse also had: ". . .and they stopped all the wells of water and felled all the good trees. . ." II Kings 3:25 So let the fountain be open and the trees stand. ". . .that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord. . ." Isaiah 61:3

Which reminds me of what God said to Jeremiah:

". . .I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.


Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.


But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.


Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.

Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold I have put my words in thy mouth.


See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build and to plant. Jeremiah 1: 5-10
". . .that ye being rooted and grounded in love. . .might be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3s you can see this can go on indefinitely--I didn't intend to write all this--it's an example of being led from one verse to another on a treasure hunt--you can do it, too. Let it speak to you. "My words they are Spirit and they are life." (John 7) "The letter kills; the Spirit gives life" (I Cor. 3) The Logos is the word--but the rhema is the word that speaks. Martin Buber said, "God speaks in the guise of everything that happens." It's not just in the Bible. Be listening.

Song:

When He calls me, I will answer;

When He calls me, I will answer

When He calls me, I will answer,

I'll be somewhere listening for my name. . .

May we be a people whose collective consciousness not only brings forth such a leader,

but nourishes and protects our young President with our prayers and goodwill.

May we see with vision the seeds of greatness within him,
even as those in other countries have seen--some having given him the Nobel Peace Prize believing in the things he can do.

May good seeds be watered and not uprooted with careless hands,

enabling him to lead with the audacity of hope and the greatness possible.

May we deal with our differences as assets to enlarge our perceptions instead of liabilities to divide us. .
Happy Birthday, Mr. President!