I know better than most the price you paid, and you gave these institutions the best of yourself for most of your life. Knowing the grief you experienced in the beginning of your forced separation, it warms my heart to see you thriving in your new role, answering only to God. You are free, and while I know the trauma from your experience lives with you, it is not the captain of your soul.
I’m scared for the disabled community. I’m scared my husband will lose his government job. I’m thinking about Jesus a lot—staying close to him. Thanks for this friend. 🧡
You describe so eloquently the choices made by many of us former pastors. For many of us, we conformed for too long and our families were the sacrifice on the altar of conformity!!
I really appreciate Charlie’s engagement here and in his own post. We need more good faith conversations like this. For me, this is part of the hope I have in this space!
Karen, if you have been following the news, you will know my country has been impacted too. I also think you have genuine cause for concern about illegal actions in your government, as it is well known your Congress is the department that decides on spending, and having formerly been an NGO worker in partnership with an American-based mission, I know how important U.S. participation in aid was - we used rapid malaria tests and treatments, and distributed mosquito nets, all funded by international aid. There are two passages of Scripture I keep remembering. The first as a cry for justice, since there have been repeated threats of this nation's annexation (it isn't a joke - see also Proverbs 29:18-19):
'Don’t plan any harm against your neighbor, for he trusts you and lives near you.
'Don’t accuse anyone without cause, when he has done you no harm.
'Don’t envy a violent man
or choose any of his ways; for the devious are detestable to the Lord, but he is a friend to the upright.' (Proverbs 3:29-32)
The second passage was the entirety of Psalm 37 as a reminder to wait for God, who sees all and will work justice for those who trust Him and walk in His ways. Here are the first 11 verses:
'Do not be agitated by evildoers; do not envy those who do wrong.
'For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender green plants.
'Trust in the Lord and do what is good; dwell in the land and live securely.
'Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
'Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act, making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday.
'Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for him; do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way, by the person who carries out evil plans.
'Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated—it can only bring harm.
'For evildoers will be destroyed, but those who put their hope in the Lord will inherit the land.
'A little while, and the wicked person will be no more; though you look for him, he will not be there.
'But the humble will inherit the land and will enjoy abundant prosperity.'
Thank you for these very relevant scriptural reminders, Holly. I have indeed been following the news and all this about your county, our Northern neighbor is equal parts horrifying and embarrassing. It is so disrespectful and arrogant. I am ashamed and sorry.
But yes, we must “trust in the Lord and do good” all these days.
I deeply respect you as a sister in Christ and a scholar, and I have grieved over your mistreatment in the past by Christians who have let political ideology contort the faith. But I do want to push back on how you and many have characterized the President's actions: "...the seeming extralegal status of many of the actions being undertaken in the federal government over the past couple of weeks, including the takeover of government offices and databases."
The President is the head of the executive branch, not in name but in fact. The executive departments are always required to conform themselves to the political ideologies and platforms of the party in power. Trump is carrying out his role as chief executive more openly than others have, but so far I don't see anything "extralegal," and both the courts and Congress have the power to limit his authority if he crosses any constitutional red lines. I hope and pray that he'll uphold the Constitution as he has sworn to do. Meanwhile, for myself, I don't believe the sky is falling. Time will tell, of course.
Thanks for this counterpoint. I was trying to summarize the argument of the podcast (the perspective of which seems right to me). In fact, I added the word “seeming” to what they said in order to err on the side of caution. I think the issue is the non-elected folks to whom the president is giving this access. I am indeed alarmed, but also hoping (and praying) for the best. Thank you for offering a different perspective. It is all so chaotic and confusing. 🫤
I agree with Charlie Lehardy. As in any large corporatrion, Musk iseems to be carrying out an audit, so I wonder about the use of the word takeover. A CPA doesn't take over you business when he examines your books. If the audit shows duplication, waste, or even fraud, what should the President do? It's your money and my money and Charlie Lehardie's money. I, for one, don't want my money to facilitate trans gender ideology in traditional African countries where such a blatant vioaltion of their traditions will foment chaos. What I have said assumes the President's good faith and good will.
I saw that Musk said that just the other day and explained it in some detail in the terms of an audit. Of course that would make sense and seems to be much needed. I wonder why it wasn’t explained that way from the first? Why locking people out and denying access to buildings? Accountants are generally very boring sorts of people. 😂 I hope and pray your characterization is correct. But I have been around ruthless people before and if you look at Musk’s X feed, he seems to be doing far more than an audit.
But if that’s all it is, I would be so glad! Thank you for offering this perspective.
We are feeling this in our house deeply these days as a military family. We pray, think, explore, talk, strategize, and mostly for now we wait. But we have plans and bright lines and know… we might be here soon.
Jesus went to the desert and high places to fast and pray, and Satan came, tempting him with dominion over the whole earth, if only Jesus would worship him alone. Jesus Knew the price of rejecting Satan, but he did not hesitate: “Get thee behind me, Satan; for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Luke 4:8).
Now, so many Americans want the deal, have taken the deal, and are embraced in the arms of Satan where their souls and the nation will shrivel. May we all be as strong as you, Karen, and be willing to pay the price of faith and decency in the dark days ahead.
I pray that God will bless you and expand your territory, that His hand might be with you, and that He keep you from harm so that it might not bring you pain.
I pray that God will bless you and expand your territory, that His hand might be with you, and that He keep you from harm so that it might not bring you pain.
I've never been in a situation where my employment hinged on conforming to some political ideology. I've been fortunate to have worked most of my life for a Christian ministry where members and leaders held very divergent political views and many were non-Americans. As a group we focused on the things we held in common -- our calling, our faith, friendships, family, etc. I guess I believe Christian institutions can be better, should be better, and it's disappointing when some of them lose sight of what's most important. It's good that you've been so honest about your own trials and disappointments. Thanks for speaking out.
I agree with you. I think most of them mostly do but we are in a unique moment where there are so many pressure points. That doesn’t make it right, but I know I’m not alone in experiencing this kind of injustice.
Thank you for not conforming.
🩵
I know better than most the price you paid, and you gave these institutions the best of yourself for most of your life. Knowing the grief you experienced in the beginning of your forced separation, it warms my heart to see you thriving in your new role, answering only to God. You are free, and while I know the trauma from your experience lives with you, it is not the captain of your soul.
Thank you, dear friend. Sometimes I need reminders like this to see what the bigger picture. I am thriving. I am free. Amen.
I’m scared for the disabled community. I’m scared my husband will lose his government job. I’m thinking about Jesus a lot—staying close to him. Thanks for this friend. 🧡
Oh, friend. I fear with you. But I hope and cling to Jesus with you, too. 🩵
🥹
May your tribe increase EXPONENTIALLY, dear Karen. This is overwhelmingly terrifying and so very, very wrong.
It truly is.
You describe so eloquently the choices made by many of us former pastors. For many of us, we conformed for too long and our families were the sacrifice on the altar of conformity!!
Gary, what an intense and particular kind of grief that must be. I’m so sorry.
I really appreciate Charlie’s engagement here and in his own post. We need more good faith conversations like this. For me, this is part of the hope I have in this space!
https://open.substack.com/pub/lehardy/p/post-modern-idolatry?r=90e4e&utm_medium=ios
Karen, if you have been following the news, you will know my country has been impacted too. I also think you have genuine cause for concern about illegal actions in your government, as it is well known your Congress is the department that decides on spending, and having formerly been an NGO worker in partnership with an American-based mission, I know how important U.S. participation in aid was - we used rapid malaria tests and treatments, and distributed mosquito nets, all funded by international aid. There are two passages of Scripture I keep remembering. The first as a cry for justice, since there have been repeated threats of this nation's annexation (it isn't a joke - see also Proverbs 29:18-19):
'Don’t plan any harm against your neighbor, for he trusts you and lives near you.
'Don’t accuse anyone without cause, when he has done you no harm.
'Don’t envy a violent man
or choose any of his ways; for the devious are detestable to the Lord, but he is a friend to the upright.' (Proverbs 3:29-32)
The second passage was the entirety of Psalm 37 as a reminder to wait for God, who sees all and will work justice for those who trust Him and walk in His ways. Here are the first 11 verses:
'Do not be agitated by evildoers; do not envy those who do wrong.
'For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender green plants.
'Trust in the Lord and do what is good; dwell in the land and live securely.
'Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
'Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act, making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday.
'Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for him; do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way, by the person who carries out evil plans.
'Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated—it can only bring harm.
'For evildoers will be destroyed, but those who put their hope in the Lord will inherit the land.
'A little while, and the wicked person will be no more; though you look for him, he will not be there.
'But the humble will inherit the land and will enjoy abundant prosperity.'
Thank you for these very relevant scriptural reminders, Holly. I have indeed been following the news and all this about your county, our Northern neighbor is equal parts horrifying and embarrassing. It is so disrespectful and arrogant. I am ashamed and sorry.
But yes, we must “trust in the Lord and do good” all these days.
Correction: the first Proverbs reference should be chapter 26.
I deeply respect you as a sister in Christ and a scholar, and I have grieved over your mistreatment in the past by Christians who have let political ideology contort the faith. But I do want to push back on how you and many have characterized the President's actions: "...the seeming extralegal status of many of the actions being undertaken in the federal government over the past couple of weeks, including the takeover of government offices and databases."
The President is the head of the executive branch, not in name but in fact. The executive departments are always required to conform themselves to the political ideologies and platforms of the party in power. Trump is carrying out his role as chief executive more openly than others have, but so far I don't see anything "extralegal," and both the courts and Congress have the power to limit his authority if he crosses any constitutional red lines. I hope and pray that he'll uphold the Constitution as he has sworn to do. Meanwhile, for myself, I don't believe the sky is falling. Time will tell, of course.
Thanks for this counterpoint. I was trying to summarize the argument of the podcast (the perspective of which seems right to me). In fact, I added the word “seeming” to what they said in order to err on the side of caution. I think the issue is the non-elected folks to whom the president is giving this access. I am indeed alarmed, but also hoping (and praying) for the best. Thank you for offering a different perspective. It is all so chaotic and confusing. 🫤
I’d love your thoughts on the podcast if you have a chance to listen. Truly!
I am trying to hear other perspectives, so yes, I'll listen this morning.
Wonderful. Look forward to your thoughts.
I agree with Charlie Lehardy. As in any large corporatrion, Musk iseems to be carrying out an audit, so I wonder about the use of the word takeover. A CPA doesn't take over you business when he examines your books. If the audit shows duplication, waste, or even fraud, what should the President do? It's your money and my money and Charlie Lehardie's money. I, for one, don't want my money to facilitate trans gender ideology in traditional African countries where such a blatant vioaltion of their traditions will foment chaos. What I have said assumes the President's good faith and good will.
I saw that Musk said that just the other day and explained it in some detail in the terms of an audit. Of course that would make sense and seems to be much needed. I wonder why it wasn’t explained that way from the first? Why locking people out and denying access to buildings? Accountants are generally very boring sorts of people. 😂 I hope and pray your characterization is correct. But I have been around ruthless people before and if you look at Musk’s X feed, he seems to be doing far more than an audit.
But if that’s all it is, I would be so glad! Thank you for offering this perspective.
Thank you for this and for your example.
Thank you. 🙏
We are feeling this in our house deeply these days as a military family. We pray, think, explore, talk, strategize, and mostly for now we wait. But we have plans and bright lines and know… we might be here soon.
Oh friend. I see you and am praying now for those lines to be bright and clear, should they come.
Jesus went to the desert and high places to fast and pray, and Satan came, tempting him with dominion over the whole earth, if only Jesus would worship him alone. Jesus Knew the price of rejecting Satan, but he did not hesitate: “Get thee behind me, Satan; for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Luke 4:8).
Now, so many Americans want the deal, have taken the deal, and are embraced in the arms of Satan where their souls and the nation will shrivel. May we all be as strong as you, Karen, and be willing to pay the price of faith and decency in the dark days ahead.
I can’t claim I always know what the right thing to do is, let alone do it. But the darker the days are, the easier it is to see Jesus.
Yes!
I pray that God will bless you and expand your territory, that His hand might be with you, and that He keep you from harm so that it might not bring you pain.
Thank you, Martin. Amen. 🙏
I pray that God will bless you and expand your territory, that His hand might be with you, and that He keep you from harm so that it might not bring you pain.
Thank you. 🙏
I've never been in a situation where my employment hinged on conforming to some political ideology. I've been fortunate to have worked most of my life for a Christian ministry where members and leaders held very divergent political views and many were non-Americans. As a group we focused on the things we held in common -- our calling, our faith, friendships, family, etc. I guess I believe Christian institutions can be better, should be better, and it's disappointing when some of them lose sight of what's most important. It's good that you've been so honest about your own trials and disappointments. Thanks for speaking out.
Thank you for your compassion, Charlie.
I agree with you. I think most of them mostly do but we are in a unique moment where there are so many pressure points. That doesn’t make it right, but I know I’m not alone in experiencing this kind of injustice.