Look at yourself in a mirror. Is the reflection you see the same as what others see? Probably not. Usually, people can see the qualities within your soul that a mirror does not reveal. Mirrors never reflect our true inner selves.
Our real selves have been created out of love and have a soul. From our soul, we have two wonderful powers: intellect and free will.
Every day we use our intellect and free will to make choices. The choices we understand and freely make are called deliberate choices.
Just as we have a free will and intellect, we also have emotions and feelings. These feelings and emotions have the power to influence our choices. Feelings and emotions are neither good nor bad and are part of what makes each one of us a human being.
Included in emotions is anger. Anger, just as all emotions, is neither good nor bad and can actually help us live righteously. Anger that transforms into hatred, however, is ruinous.
As I think of our nation, my mind wanders toward our brokenness. Amidst our own passions, we have become prisoners within our own hell. Full of anger and rage, we are no longer listening to each other and building walls of misunderstanding, name-calling and hatred.
Hatred stings.
I pen my thoughts as an American who has lost trust in all who proclaim to be our country's gate keepers and am tired of the rhetoric emptiness that has been infecting our land.
A few years ago, radio talk show host, Michael Savage once asked, Qus custodiet ipsos custodies ? (Who will guard the guardians?)
With our country in decay, Savage reminded his audience of Plato's paradox from his magnum opus, "The Republic," where Socrates answers the question: Who will guard the guardians with these words for the ages:
"... We must choose from among our guardians those men who, upon examination, seem most of all to believe throughout their lives that they must eagerly pursue what is advantageous to the city and be wholly unwilling to do the opposite."
Plato's Socrates is clearly saying that in addition to having the wisdom-loving and spirited parts of their souls well-trained, the rulers of his ideal state are to have a very highly developed sense of social concern [care] (throughout their lives, he says, they are to be tested to see that they don't put their own advantage above that of the state).
Interestingly, about 200 years before Plato's dialogues on Socrates were written, the biblical prophet Ezekiel declared:
"I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one."
So it is in America today.
And so it is I trust neither party to heal our broken America.
Am I a racist living in fear because I am against Obama? No.
Am I a left-wing radical because I am not sold on McCain? No.
I am an American who values my freedom and recognizes our brokenness and "wishful thinking" mentality. It's just not good enough... not for our children and not for our America.
Judi Lynn Lake has kept up with leading edge business trends throughout her varied and successful career. She had already had her ‘15 minutes of fame’ over and over again before starting her family. Judi and her family now reside in South Carolina but, having been born and raised on Long Island, NY, it is clearly evident that she will always be a "New Yorker." Today, she successfully runs her own advertising agency which handles everything from logos, branding and package design while she continues to work closely with self-published authors from design to promotion.
» left by Judi Lake(2,860) Judi Lake (38 days 6 hours ago.)
Thanks, Sandra and good choice! As for me, I think I'm going with Robert Melaccio only he doesn't know it yet... smile... Hope you enjoy your day!
A very good article Judi and I agree with all you said. I am for neither of the candidates. Our country has sunken so deeply into greed and ungodliness that we are unable to field a qualified candidate. May God extend His tender mercies toward us.
» left by Judi Lake(2,860) Judi Lake (37 days 7 hours ago.)
Joel, the key word you used is this: "ungodliness" and that's the problem. This is not something I want our children to inherit: "an anything goes society" -- I pray with you begging God to extend His mercies on us because we just aren't getting it. Thanks for your comments and hoping you are well!
Excellent article as always. I can not or will not put my trust in any man. We are seeing Biblical prophecies, but I am still trusting God. I also think our country is a bit more spoiled than we used to be, including myself, so I try to focus on the positive.
» left by Judi Lake(2,860) Judi Lake (37 days 7 hours ago.)
Yes, Michelle, we are witnessing many Bible prophecies and we, as Christians, need to rely on God. I also believe, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that we need to be a voice for enlightment and "change" -- some will get it and some won't but that's God's job to handle.
we all have the right to believe as we choose, that is why we live in the United States of America. those who think their opinions are right, and all others are wrong, are scary to me, too much like dictatorship.
we all think we know who's right for President, and that is our independent right.
putting other's down for their right to believe in their opinion is wrong.
if we all were to vote for the same person, there would be no need for debate.
respecting other's opinions, while disagreeing, is being responsible.
» left by Judi Lake(2,860) Judi Lake (37 days 7 hours ago.)
Well, Sue, what more can I add to your comments -- you've said it all. Thanks for commenting!
» left by robert melaccio sr. (37 days 5 hours ago.)
Judi, I just found out and I am honored you would select me for that position of leadership. It would be scary to many if I ever got in. I don't sit still and don't except excuses, results. Yet all kidding aside a really great, direct, honest and truthful article. We all are searching for the answers today. Placing our hopes in people for that is all we have. The only thing God ever asked us to do was his work on earth and to use the gifts he gave us. You are exercising yours quite well. No where did our forefathers ever and I mean ever say for us to set aside our values and beliefs . We are to use them to make moral, ethical and right decisions for the Gerneral Welfare and prosperity of all, not just the few and privlidged. We base those decisions on the works of people not mere words. Now when anyone speaks out for God and His teachings they will of course be attacked, ridiculed, called names. Hey didn't our Savior meet the same from the world? A message of peace and love and they beat and killed Him yes and in the name of His father, God. The simpilest of fact and truth can never be killed. Did he not prove that. Great Job Judi, oh and by the way are you free in January to start work? You didn't think i could do this alone now did you?
» left by Judi Lake(2,860) Judi Lake (37 days 5 hours ago.)
Uh-oh, you finally found out, did you? Well, I don't think it would be a bad idea to have a leader who can't sit still and expects results -- what a refreshing change! Your comments scream loudly to me and that is what is most important to keep our focus on Him - to remember it isn't about us... No pity parties allowed (I needed to hear that!) And... yep, January sounds great!
» left by Judi Lake(2,860) Judi Lake (36 days 12 hours ago.)
I must admit, Anna, that the inspiration for this came from Michael Savage so with that, I have to give him credit with my heart attached. Thanks so much for commenting.
Beautifully penned, Judi. A tsunami of thoughts flowed through my mind as I read this article. That's what excellent writing does for its reader. We can react or respond and how we do that mirrors exactly what is inside our hearts. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. Respond to this comment
» left by Judi Lake(2,860) Judi Lake (36 days 4 hours ago.)
You see, Avis, even as you comment, you sing! Please know that you ARE gifted in writing and I am so happy "seeing" you! Thanks for commenting, friend!
What troubles me is that you are niether (racist,radical) but seem to find--without finding--the Republican/McCain leadership (adultery, thief, fraud, lies, deceit--none of the fruits of the spirit) as an acceptable option!
» left by Judi Lake(2,860) Judi Lake (36 days 1 hour ago.)
Actually, Walter, I don't. I find nothing within our government acceptable; perhaps you may have read more about Obama from me due to the media spin that has been going on with people buying into it -- No, no, for me I am disappointed and saddened by them all and my unending prayer has been "God help us all".
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