BASKIN-ROBBINS COMEBACK

From My Perspective - - -

Somewhere in the 1950’s, Baskin-Robbins started Ice Cream Franchises that featured 31 different flavors. Even though the Chain is somewhat diminished from its peak popularity, where it continues to be operational, they advertise and boast of now having more than 1,000 flavors. Some of us grew up being very content with Vanilla, Chocolate or Strawberry – but – that was then and this is now.

It seems as though the Baskin-Robbins Concept has become engaged in other parts of our experience ranging from the food choices available, to the religious variants, and the changing political climes. During the Inaugural Prayer Service, when a Unity Prayer was being offered, it seemed as though it was a type of Religious Cross-Cultural Seminar. There was a range from an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi to a Hamas sympathizer to a Television Preacher (T.D. Jakes) attempting to quote from Star Wars and calling it Star Trek, when he said: “I say to you as my son who is here today, my 14-year-old son - he probably would not quote scripture. He probably would use Star Trek instead, and so I say, 'May the force be with you." In the name of being contemporary and relevant, the misquote also represents a missed opportunity to stand tall and represent clearly that all-power belongs to the Eternal God and He allows one to temporarily have a portion of power to work in the affairs of State and to lead in a righteous way.

Where was the prayer suggesting the words of Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace/reproach to any people…” – to offset the Inaugural Benediction of a weary and hackneyed civil rights proponent (Joseph Lowery) who prayed: “Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen. Say Amen!" Only in America can one view a Political and Historic event – The Inauguration of A President – while at the same time being exposed to an ecumenical hodge-podge of religious talking (prayer?) points?!

Where was the alternative word regarding the movement toward a Tax Rebate for all Americans – even the more than 40% who pay no taxes at all – with the word from God, “If a man doesn’t work – neither should he eat.” (This does not suggest or imply that people groups should starve to death! What it is suggesting is that people need to be motivated to be diligent and productive – becoming a people who can arrive at a point where they can share with others rather than conniving to receive from “the system”!) It’s an idea the Apostle Paul shared in II Corinthians 9:10-12, “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”

Consider these things with me - - - It is one thing to embrace I Corinthians 9:22-23, “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel…” as a purpose for one’s life mission. It is entirely another matter when one promises that the government will provide for everything a person or family needs to survive and progress in this nation and world. The Baskin-Robbins approach is incapable of providing enough flavor selection to please and satisfy every appetite. The short-sightedness is the idea that Government will do what only the Grace of Almighty God can accomplish, namely, II Corinthians 9:6-8, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” Quite a difference – but then – quite an Excellent God Who will do it!