Friends, Faith and Action

Yesterday my friend Bob Bentley from Nairobi, Kenya told me the news about the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of John Garang the Vice President of Sudan. This man was a peace maker. He was very well educated. Garang had been in office only a few months. It was a bold move by the government to have a leader form the South in office with a Northern president. The hope was peace. It is sad that bad weather and a crash may result in riots, death and more religious fighting and genocide in Sudan.

So, why not get rid of all religion? > > >
My friend Jackie King happened to mention something she saw on CNN Saturday night July 30th. The interview was with a woman who wishes to see the elimination of all religion. Because religion is the cause of war, fighting, violence. In fact, she is a leader of a group to work for the elimination of religion.

Wow! Do people focus on the negative? Never mind that the history of hospitals is tied to Christianity. Never mind the billions of dollars given away to needy by churches. Never mind the millions of good citizens who are followers of Jesus. Instead, lets look at the failings. We all have failings.

So who's to blame - Not Me! > > >
Today another friend, Mary Perry, mentioned an article to me from today's Dallas Morning News. It was a reprinted article from the Washington Post.

Read it here: Story

This was a story that for some reason I decided to write the author. Why do we write authors? I don't know. Do we expect them to respond? Rarely. It is easier to hide under a pillow. After you read the story. Read my reply.

John -

Are you serious? Your article admits and rationalizes your non-presence in a community of faith. Your article acts as a pulpit to accuse others of not doing enough for the poor, gangs and ghettos. These words flow beautifully even as you pull your pillow over your head. I really expected you to admit that you and your parenting were ironically part of the problem, but it never came.

I appreciate your call for churches to do more and pastors to show material restraint. I agree with your treatment of the hypocrisy of some ministers and churches. But your own words come as soft as the pillow that covers your eyes and ears.

Justification is something God offers all of us as failed sinners. Justification is not something we offer to cover our own backsides.

Blessings,
Brady

Last words > > >

We excuse ourselves and blame others.
This is the remedy for complacency.
When do you find yourself in excuse and blame mode . . .