Celebration Of Life

I was told many times that you should never reveal a lady’s age. But I’m going to break that rule because I watched Mary Louise Lowe rise before the crowd at the MOCC in Winona Lake on Monday, September 17th to confer an award named after her to a deserving couple. The throng rose in a standing ovation for her before that presentation. A fitting tribute to a wonderful woman 93 years young. (Yes, I broke the rule. Please forgive me Mary Louise!) I sat there with a piece of paper in front of me and started jotting down some statistics and thoughts. The Roe vs. Wade decision was in 1973. Mary Louise has been fighting for life and the rights of the unborn for just under 45 years when a Right to Life group was formed in Kosciusko County. It was also noted that over 60 million children have been aborted in America since that date. That’s 1.33 million on average per year. Only God knows how many children have been saved in our area because of her and others who have carried this banner for almost a half century. The speaker for the Right to Life of North Central Indiana Banquet, Retired Lt. General, Jerry Boykin, ended his gripping talk with this question about abortion, inspired by his wife whose mother chose not to terminate her in 1957 and his leadership in the United States Army. He asked everyone, “Have I done everything within my power to save the lives of the unborn?” Boykin, in his plain speaking way said, “Abortion is murder, period.” A nation that does not protect life is moving toward an appointment at the judgement bar of God, the Creator who has given us Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Life is the key issue of our day from womb to the tomb. Thank God there are folks like Mary Louise who have graciously borne this torch of truth along with many others. Micah 6:8 says, “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” As we follow Christ seeking justice for the unborn, may we show forgiveness, mercy and humility because of our own sins. Thanks Mary Louise for your example (and Jerry, wow I just called a 3 Star General by his first name!) for your perseverance!
There are bright signs that folks are becoming more pro-life...let us pray and work for that day when abortions are rare in this land of liberty...His truth is marching on...

Abuse In The Church

Recent reports of sexual abuse occurring in the church have risen to the surface. Children have been abused and targeted by priests, pastors and leaders. High profile men in houses of worship have used their power to be sexually inappropriate with women. They are without excuse as their sin puts children and women in horrible situations. Victims have carried pain and suffering for years because of this corruption. Churches and religious organizations must be held to a higher standard to prevent this wrongdoing. Taking the letters of the word “Abuse” the following should be followed to prevent future indiscretions. A - Accountability: Pastors, priests and leaders are human. There must be a system of accountability in the church or organization that maintains a watchful eye by a board that is not “hand picked.” B - Believing the Victim: People are innocent until proven guilty but the church must change its practice and listen to someone who reports. There are situations where the person has been asked to leave instead of confronting the perpetrator. U - Unreported: Any suspicion of a minor being abused must be documented and reported to civil authorities, period. Many of these instances have been brushed under the rug to protect the church from any damage. Adults taken advantage of by leadership should be granted a grievance process of their claims. S - Sexual Purity: There is no excuse for a leader of a congregation or organization to take advantage sexually of a child or adult under any circumstance. Individuals should have background checks done before they work with children and never allow one on one contact. E - Environment of Safety: The church or religious organization should be a place of safety where the Spirit of God resides. If a group can’t provide security then close your doors. You are a danger to people and a detriment to the Kingdom of God. In this sexually charged society where porn is one click away and morality continues to slip on shifting sands the church is being called out. Our Heavenly Father is calling us to holiness and appropriate sexual contact. The church should be a haven where people struggling with the “stuff of life” may come and find mercy, healing and forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I hope as His follower’s our hearts break over the silence, cover-up and abuse of power we hear about each day. 1 Peter 4:17 (NIV) says, “For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household” Light is exposing darkness, sadly in cathedrals and chapels all around. The World is watching to see if we really live what we believe...God help us...