Protest Promenade

From My Perspective - - -

We live in interesting and trying times. Interesting, because we stand at a threshold of new opportunity and renewed purpose; trying, because the economy is so bleak and the prospect for recovery seems so remote. In the political arena, we have prominent individuals who have unwisely championed two trends that lend themselves to hopelessness – (a) a miscalculated class warfare, and (b) an ill-timed racial divide. If this was a plan to gain votes for one candidate and/or party, it was ill-conceived from the outset. At a time when the nation needs to be united and working together, the major stimulus that most have received is diatribe that divides people and tears apart worthy objectives and goals.

There have been sounds of protest raised by those who believe the Government was too intrusive and spending too much, as well as the elected officials being out of touch with the citizens and their constituents. They also argued that Government had intruded into the private areas and were regulating more than is necessary. This group – the Tea Party - became castigated and negatively labeled by those holding a more secularist and progressive approach to governing. They were called ultra-conservative, far right, racist, and chalked off as being uninformed. Interestingly, there are currently national protests under a banner of the Wall Street Protest. These groups are functioning from coast to coast and increasing in numbers. They are comprised of those who had been on-board with the progressive movements – but – have also come to see that they were more than likely being “used” by the power groups to achieve “their goals” rather than addressing the needs and desires of the cross-section of people. These are unabashedly the far left and the share-the-wealth re-distribution champions. The politicians and media have not designated them as being ultra-progressive, far-left or any other negative or derogatory name – yet!

Hopefully, regardless of the intentions and/or neglect of elected officials, the populace will find a basis to be united once again in a just and noble cause. Regardless of the extreme political orientation of either group – Tea Party or Occupy Wall Street – there is a strange oneness that could emerge centered upon the long-reach of Government into the every day affairs of the citizenry, as well as government-intrusion into the corporate function of the country, while maintaining a close affinity to the wealthy despite the rhetoric regarding increased taxation upon that group. The purpose may have been to divide-and-conquer via a class distinction/warfare – but – it may prove to have been in vain due to miscalculation regarding the independent thinking and will of many in this country. The rhetoric may easily slide into catastrophic consequences, as well as the collapse of what was once foundational in this nation. When people in power allow the moral compass to be smashed and core values to be removed, the end result can easily become chaotic and costly.

Tougher times and greater hardships may yet besiege the nation, and severe testing may soon befall the “church” (so-called). Historically, desperate times have come that have caused life to be increasingly trying and difficult. The Bible references such times with graphic and descriptive words. Deuteronomy 28:52-57 speaks to a people who had jettisoned moral and  ethical standards. The Lord said to them: “…they shall besiege you in all your towns…you shall eat the fruit of your womb, the flesh of your sons and daughters, whom The Lord your God has given you, in the siege and distress with which your enemies shall distress you…” Years later, a similar incident is described in II Kings 6:26-29. A little later yet, Jeremiah 19:9 and Lamentations 4:10 another vivid description, “…I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and daughters, and everyone shall eat the flesh of his neighbor in the siege and in their distress…” However, in the midst of the gloom, despair and misery – there is always hope. Philippians 4:19 remains valid and operational: “My God will supply for every need of yours according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” In the same way, Matthew 6:25-34 remains as an assurance from Jesus Christ for His own: “…do not be anxious saying, What shall we eat? What shall we drink? Or What shall we wear?...Your Heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Can you believe God’s truth? Will you believe and implement it today? Consider these things with me!