Christine Smith's Blog

When Government Replaces God and Family

I invite you to read my article, When Government Replaces God and Family, published by The Future of Freedom Foundation.

The Root of All the Crises

There is an enormous hunger for reassurance, protection, and security as ever increasing uncertainty is emphasized by the power seeking politicians. Fearful of the unknown future, many people look to anyone promising comfort. This, of course, plays right into the politicians’ hands.

One predominately controlled by fear chooses to ignore even that which they know is wrong, unethical and unjust. How can such a person effectively challenge political matters in their own community such as issues of taxation and regulation, much less issues at the state and federal level, even though both will directly affect their life and their family?

Fearful for their jobs, retirement, healthcare and their very lives, they desperately choose to believe what they are told, favoring hopeful sounding rhetoric over substance. This accounts not only for rampant apathy and complacency, but for the irrational emotional fervor and support given to politicians and political parties even when they have no real reason to believe those they support will try to change anything. Trusting those who deserve it not (people whose actions contradict their platforms), makes the fearful feel better than the alternative of recognizing their loneness and vulnerability. Their weakness, and thereby vulnerability to manipulation, makes a deep void which adds to their fear of the unknown and the circle of dependency of government continues.

People seek to fill their inner void with meaningless group activities where they can feel a part of the crowd. Getting excited with others substitutes for the hard (and perhaps painful) introspection required to become whole, true to oneself and others, and wholeheartedly welcoming and seeking liberty no matter the work and risks required.

It is as Thomas Merton wrote in New Seeds of Contemplation, “…the experience of being seized and taken out of oneself by collective enthusiasm, in a totalitarian parade: the self-righteous upsurge of party loyalty that blots out conscience and absolves every criminal tendency in the name of Class, Nation, Party, Race or Sect. The danger and attraction of these false mystiques of Nation and Class is precisely that they seduce and pretend to satisfy those who are no longer aware of any deep or genuine spiritual need.The false mysticism of the Mass Society captivates men who are so alienated from themselves and from God that they are no longer capable of genuine spiritual experience. Yet it is precisely these ersatz forms of enthusiasm that are “opium” for the people, deadening their awareness of their deepest and most personal needs, alienating them from their true selves, putting conscience and personality to sleep and turning free, reasonable men into passive instruments of the power politician.”

Such internal emptiness afflicts many to such a degree that anything which promises to relieve it, even if only temporary, is sought after. When that distraction ends, another is found to replace it. Aimless, such a one somehow deceives their mind into thinking they are doing something significant and worthy merely because so many others are participating in the same group activity as they. Pleasing everyone in their circle rather than being themselves, they take the easy path of wearing acceptable masks which will never receive criticism or rejection.

Again, as Thomas Merton wrote, “We are at liberty to be real, or to be unreal. We may be true or false, the choice is ours…Causes have effects, and if we lie to ourselves and to others, then we cannot expect to find truth and reality whenever we happen to want them.” (New Seeds of Contemplation)

In the long run, the cost is high for such falsity and weakness. In the end, in moments alone, the emptiness returns thereby increasing the illusion of whatever fearful scenarios are being offered them on that day by those who would control and steal from them. One then so easily forsakes the things they once believed to be right and wrong, they then become part of the evil done in their name. They do not challenge and fight for what is right, but give tacit approval to evil by their non-action and often go so far as to rationalize the evil as if it is justified.

But when no such void exist within an individual, he possesses a strength of character, integrity, and self-reliance rarely observed and certainly rarely esteemed in society. Rather than superficial illusions of power derived from being part of a group, true character is bold, strong and courageous and ready to tackle whatever tasks are before it. It seeks not to control, and will not allow itself to be unjustly controlled. Neither does such an individual become arrogant and prideful in his work; they simply, in humility, do what must be done because of the passionate commitment they have to truth. They are strong because truth guides them. Such were those who founded our nation.

We were a nation of rugged individualists who valued natural rights and respected freedom. Self-reliance was a way of life. Community, friends, churches, and family might honorably come together to assist those in need in times of trouble, but the government wasn’t sought for such assistance. Individual rights, as stated in the Declaration of Independence, weren’t viewed as being granted and permitted by the government, but were yours from birth. That’s not only political, it is a spiritual assertion and truth which the American people have largely forgotten.

Fear is the root of the crises this nation is experiencing, and politicians will use it to the hilt to further their agendas. It takes courage to defy the common myths perpetuated by the government and media, but such courage is within each individual if they so choose it. It is the courage this nation was founded upon. Before outer issues can be addressed, we must look within.

I highly recommend the book New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton. His writings can confirm and strengthen truths you may recognize in yourself and enhance your understanding, and I believe his writings can also serve to awaken awareness of your spiritual nature if currently dormant or rejected by your mind. I view the mind as a tool to implement that which is within a man’s heart – the two are inseparable.

Finally, I leave you with one last quote from Merton’s book: “At the root of all war is fear: not so much the fear men have of one another as the fear they have of everything. It is not merely that they do not trust one another, they do not trust even themselves…They cannot trust anything, because they have ceased to believe in God.”

Best of April – Liberty Recommendations

I found these 6 articles to be particularly powerful, and important to share with others. Though I comment only briefly upon each, they are some of the best of this past month packed with logic, reason, and facts.

These days, everyone, and I do mean everyone, is discussing the economy in reference to the Federal Reserve (rarely citing them as a problem however), bailouts, and now the banks and credit card companies. I’ve overheard numerous conversations (at cafes, restaurants, and even standing in line) among people who are obviously concerned about what is going to happen, but their “reasoning” is based on fear as well as acceptance of government regulation and intervention rather than questioning it all together:
Boomerang: Government and Systemic Risk
By Sheldon Richman (Foundation for Economic Education)

The following article communicates everything I thought as the piracy situation developed and ended. It’s a position I shared with those I knew, but until this article appeared, had not seen it so well stated in print:
World Cop and American Daddy
by Jacob G. Hornberger (Future of Freedom Foundation)

The title says it all – this should be demanded by all Americans:
How About Abolishing the CIA Now?
by Jacob G. Hornberger (Future of Freedom Foundation)

Since when has our military been used for “defense?” Rather our “defense” dollars, as Knapp states, “…buy a standing army available for use by politicians to pursue politicians’ goals.” :
The Best Defense
by Thomas L. Knapp (Center for a Stateless Society)

Facts to have ready for those who doubt or resist the fact that the U.S. is an empire with continued empire building:
America’s Military Empire
by Jake Towne (known as “the Champion of the Constitution” in his columns)

I’ve read some excellent articles by Darren Wolfe over the past year which have appeared in a variety of places online (like NolanChart, OpenSalon, and others), and now he has his own blog. In other places on the web, his articles have created much dialog and comments. His first blog there makes a great observation, I recommend this article from his new blog:
How Dare You Want To Know What “Your” Government Is Doing!
by Darren Wolfe

April in the Mountains (photo collage)

April has brought two snowstorms, though mild with much sunshine following the snowfalls, the snow and wind combined with the new plants and blue skies is classic springtime in the Rockies. Snowcapped mountains are brilliant in the morning sun! And the warm longer sunny days are irresistible to get outside and experience.

The past two days, warm and sunny, after a 10-inch snowfall only four days ago, felt like and looked like spring. The snow melted quickly, giving moisture to the new plants sprouting up everywhere.

Those of you in the rest of the country may have been experiencing warm days and spring growth for over a month, but in the Colorado mountains it’s about the end of April before it starts to feel and look like spring. Now is when I start doing all those outdoor activities that sunshine and gentle breezes enhance…from hiking (without coat and hat) to a little gardening/yard work to other work around the home – it feels so good with this much sunshine again.

As Oscar Wilde (in De Profundis) wrote, “With freedom, flowers, books, and the moon, who could not be perfectly happy?”

I invite you to view a collage of the photos I just took of one of the sure signs of spring at my home – every year their beautiful sight makes me know spring is here, and every year there are more of them to brighten my days and nights (they even seem to glow at sunset).
Click the text to view the pdf:
aprilinthemountains

The Memos Don’t “Shock the Conscience” of Obama

Though the interrogation techniques described obviously didn’t “shock the conscience” (a term used by the Supreme Court; see The Shock the Conscience Test) of the Bush and Obama administrations, I believe it certainly shocks the conscience of any spiritually sane objective reader, and I certainly think it will be perceived as such by the rest of the world, further fueling the rage against our nation.

If you haven’t looked at the most recently available Bush administration memos regarding use of “interrogation tactics” against detainees (pdfs at the ACLU website), I suggest you do.

Read the U.S. Code definition of torture(Legal Information Institute/Cornell Law School site).Then read the memos.

Please don’t just read the excerpts in brief news stories – go read from these memos yourself. Though we’ve been exposed to descriptions of these before, reading these documents depicts how ingrained and committed to using these evil methods the CIA is.

Having just finished with two of the four memos, two words comes to mind: sick and disgusting.

What is described is conveniently not called “torture,” by those rationalizing its use, but as I read the descriptions of the techniques used I certainly regard it as torture.

Read what the abominable CIA was able to do because Bush and his administration used careful legalese to justify what any objective individual could not help but classify as torture, but which they classified as “extreme” not “severe” techniques thereby craftily using words to fulfill their agenda of intentional infliction of mental and physical pain and anguish upon detainees.

These memos, in my opinion, show the administration cared not for ethical or moral standards requiring humane treatment of prisoners, but only for being able to justify the CIA implementation of the enhanced techniques because after all, they believe the end justifies the means. The thrust of these papers, as I read them, is to justify what they wish to do, they do not at all impress me as sincere objective analysis to determine whether said techniques are torture or not. It is as if they were written with a foregone conclusion, but they had to be written to justify the actions should it ever be called into question.

Obama and his administration will do nothing to try and correct the harm which has been inflicted on fellow human beings and which our nation will be held responsible for in the eyes of millions worldwide.

Obama, as was to be expected, has announced no action will be taken against those who perpetrated this evil. This, in my regard, makes him just as responsible for what occurred as those who authorized and performed it. It’s not enough to give lip service against such human rights abuses. If one truly rejects their use, they would seek accountability and justice. But justice doesn’t appear to be something Obama places any value upon whatsoever.

However, Obama upon releasing the documents, is quick to assure CIA interrogators they’ve nothing to be concerned about. They will not be subject to prosecution, and that’s something he wanted them to be aware of right away. His focus on supposedly moving ahead will not happen, as a horrid recent past must be dealt with.

But the CIA, the Dept. of Justice, the president, attorney general, and all others who are part of ignoring these wrongs are setting our nation up for more anger against it. The world will not forget what happened, and the evils of the past are now compounded in the present by the Obama administration. To not challenge such mistreatment in court is to give approval. For Obama to be capable of this, makes me distrust anything he says he will do or has done in regards to human rights violations, including the ending of such practices.

Read the actual documents, for this is what is now identified with America and our people’s values….because of our government. If this does not reflect the values of America, then the people must hold Obama accountable (as they so vocally did against Bush) for not seeking accountability.

Obama may throw around words like “ideals,” and “laws,” referring to our nation, but his lack of action against those responsible speaks much louder.

These memos not only provide more evidence of what Bush and his administration authorized, but brings with it a condemnation of Obama for his lack of concern for violations of human rights. Regardless of whether deemed justifiable or legal by this government, what was done by our government was inhumane, cruel, degrading, and immoral. Its effects will be profound and lasting in the eyes of the world, as it should be.

(I also invite readers to my Jan. 23, 2009 blog: No Moving Forward If Serious Crimes by Government Ignored and August 22, 2008 blog: The End Does Not Justify The Means.)

Libertarian Dialogue – On Charity

A comment I received from a reader of my blog, Steve Gresh, poses an interesting question:

Christine,

I agree with your statement:

“Give of yourself, but force not others to give.”
- Christine Smith [from blog entry "Thoughts"]

I also agree with Ayn Rand’s statement:

“I swear, by my life and my love of it, that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine.”
- Ayn Rand

There appears to be a contradiction between both statements, though. Both of you agree that it’s wrong to force others to sacrifice themselves. I wonder what Rand meant by “I will never live for the sake of another man.” I don’t think she meant to never “give of yourself.” Perhaps she meant give of yourself only if you believe that you will receive something that you value in exchange for what you give… -Steve Gresh

Your speculation, Steve, as to what Rand meant by that quotation is just that – speculation – as is mine which follows.

Personally, I interpret that quote from Rand’s Atlas Shrugged character John Galt, as meaning that as an individual, I will choose how I live my life – and you will choose how you live your life. I will provide and am responsible for myself; you will provide and are responsible for yourself. In other words, a man is an end to himself. He is not obligated to live for the sake of others nor does he seek others to do so for his existence.

I concur with you, that both she and I would agree “it’s wrong to force others to sacrifice themselves.” Forcing another to provide anything for another is a violation of his fundamental rights as a human being.

But her position on the importance or validity of charity or any form of voluntary giving, coming from objectivism and based also on interviews with her, likely differed from mine. I have always placed a strong importance on giving and helping in my life. In fact, I would say I place a very high value on helping others and those things I believe in and that is something Rand would probably have considered irrational, but which to me is a part of life dearly important to me to do. I don’t help other people or causes for any reason except that I wish to from my heart.

In my view, there is nothing inconsistent with loving oneself, and also loving others. I give to alleviate the suffering or enhance the well being of another, or to assist and help strengthen those who are doing work I believe in. When I choose to help, it’s a personal decision free from social obligation or government coercion. Thus, when I wrote “Give of yourself, but force not others to give,” it is a statement sharing of my personal commitment and spiritual belief.

There is nothing irrational about voluntarily helping others, but there is most certainly everything irrational and immoral about forcing people to help others.

But I take the emphasis of the quote itself to be on the freedom of the individual to be enslaved to none. I also interpret it to mean that one not place a sense of obligation for another above first their own provision. I think the emphasis in Galt’s quote is the freedom from any obligation but to oneself.

Without development of an individual’s character and values, there will not be be good relationships with others, nor much benevolence toward strangers, nor commitment to principle.

The Galt (Rand) quote you mentioned is also consistent with the realization I am able to more fully express love to others when I have first chosen to love myself (something few actually choose to do in life.)

Digressing slightly, but pertaining to this point: I feel it is similar to my long-held belief that one cannot truly love another if they do not first love themselves. I define this as becoming a whole person mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically. One can be happy and fulfilled when they are passionate in what they do and believe.

A whole person is focused on their life, fulfilling themselves in whatever activities, work & beliefs important to them and pursuing which they want to achieve. They seek not to complete themselves with another person, they are already complete. But they may be receptive to another whole person with whom to joyfully share; in other words, they can be receptive to another complementing their life. Such a true experience of love between two persons (whether love in the romantic sense or love as between friends and family) takes place only between those who have been true to themselves first, then they have something to share. Thus, their choice of focusing on their own lives, happiness, values and character, has made them individuals capable of sharing with another who has done the same. It is the development of oneself which makes a meaningful relationship with another possible.

And on the contrary, I believe it doesn’t happen between those live always seeking the approval of other people rather than fulfilling themselves in life. Development of oneself as an individual must come first. After all, how can you effectively give or share with another, if you, yourself, are unhappy, empty and void of purpose?

There’s a great line in Rand’s The Fountainhead from protagonist Howard Roark, “To say ‘I love you’ one must first know how to say the ‘I’.”

I think that prerequisite applies as much between individuals as it does to the love we express through private charitable giving. At least, that’s how I view it and how I live.

Thus, should an individual wish to contribute money, time, or even sacrifice their life for a cause, that decision when done in freedom is entirely consistent with our liberty as individuals. We must live for that which we believe, and in some cases that may mean choosing to die for it. Such willing sacrifice for that which one values highly, appreciates, or loves, just as charitable giving, is in no way inconsistent with the message of liberty and personal responsibility. It is an expression emanating from the free will of an individual to use one’s life and resources which they have earned and developed as they so choose.

Voluntary giving to help others is the only true charity. Government taxation, rationalized to help the poor through various welfare programs, is legal thievery because it takes by force one’s income in order to give it to another. No one should be forced to help others. Nothing altruistic there, nothing charitable, nothing compassionate, nothing loving…but it is extreme exploitation of both the poor as well as those from whom the money is taken.

In a truly free society, in a libertarian society, philanthropy would be accomplished solely by individuals, charities, and churches who voluntarily choose to assist others.

You may find an article in the Ayn Rand Institute newsletter Impact, entitled “Discovering Ayn Rand’s Philosophy – Charity” of interest (page 3 on the pdf). Her views on charity as expressed there differs from my own, as I do not evaluate whether the person, organization, or cause to which I may give of my time, work, or money will benefit me directly. (Semantics may also cause differences in interpretation, as I get the feeling Rand’s usage and definition of the words “rational” and “altruism” differ from my own.)

I give because I view all others as my brothers and sisters, and to help even a stranger whom I may never see, is happiness in itself. Likewise, helping those who are doing good work (perhaps in areas I am unable or perhaps I feel they are being very effective for a cause I believe in) is important to me. I do not view the world in terms of scarcity, but in abundance. I do not feel I’ve “lost” anything when I give.

One’s own happiness comes first, but in that, or shall I say even as part of that for some, we may be happy when we also help others to have happiness or provision as well. Sometimes our help can assist them in beginning to create and realize a different, more rewarding life for themselves, or it may further a venture they’ve begun, educational or spiritual growth, or a dream which may prove not only a blessing to that individual -but sometimes in its achievement- a blessing to others as well.  So, I believe it is rational to help people and causes if you are led to do so.

Thank you, Steve, for writing with your comments upon my quote and Rand’s. I appreciated the opportunity to address your question and and share it and my answer with my readers.

Easter

On this Easter, I share biblical selections from the Book of John, King James Version:

John Chapter 3:16-21:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

John Chapter 6
37-38: All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
47-48: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life.
51: I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

John Chapter 7
37-38: In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

John Chapter 10
27-30: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.

John Chapter 11
25-27: Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

John Chapter 12
26: If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
46: I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

John Chapter 14
1-4: Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
21: He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

John Chapter 15
11-14: These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

John Chapter 16
33: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Conclusion of “Fear -Enemy of Liberty” with a Film Recommendation: “Tuesdays with Morrie”

Liberty requires relinquishment of fear.

A few questions: Ever asked yourself “What will the neighbors think?” or anything similar in regards to those you associate with?  Do you value “fitting in” or “not making waves” over pursuit of something you wish to do or rather than standing up for the truth? In small or large matters, are your decisions significantly influenced by what you imagine others will say about you?  Are you hesitant to make a change in your life for fear that a family member may disapprove? Do you withhold sharing your thoughts or beliefs for fear of what others might think? If even in small matters you withstand not such pressure, how do you hold up in the most important matters of your life?  How many important choices in your life were governed not by your truest thoughts but from a fear of what others might think or a fear of what you might loose? Fear of loss, be it tangible or emotional, frequently keeps people from fulfilling their potential and thus keeps them from both receiving blessings and being a blessing. Another question, are you someone who fears death?

In my February 16th blog entry, “Fear – Enemy of Liberty,” I examined how easily many people are manipulated by those in positions of power, and even by those with no real “control” over other’s lives but yet whom one willingly gives such power. Liberty and happiness are inseparable; permitting fear to govern any of your actions will result in loss of both.

In that blog entry, I explored how in areas of the great importance to an individual’s life, such as finances/education/healthcare/etc., many people opt to let others do the choosing for them. That piece addressed the political and social issues of our nation and how fear is craftily used to encourage the people to willingly forsake liberty for what they perceive will be security. The points I made there, I will assume have been read (if not, I suggest reading it first), before reading the following, as this is its continuation. That blog entry focused upon current political issues as they related to liberty and its loss; this entry will now explore personal decisions.

Liberty isn’t just a political matter. In fact, it is first a personal matter.

All too often conventional thought is permitted to shape decisions made in life. Few seem to research, think, and ponder for themselves what they truly want in life, and rather choose the easy route of simply doing what their particular peers or family expect of them instead of following their heart and mind.

Libertarians recognize how fear has been used effectively well to dupe the American people into seeking assistance from the government from cradle to grave, and how that weakness has twisted this nation’s government into an enormous power-hungry entity far from what it was constitutionally intended to be. While most libertarians readily identify such fear tactics used by the government, do they ever stop to examine their own personal lives to see if anyone else is using the tactic of fear to assume a control over their life? Have all your choices really been your own, or have you at times succumbed to a decision, choice, or behavior simply because it was easier to conform than make your own unique way? Ever acquiesce to another simply to keep their approval?

Fear isn’t just used by politicians to manipulate citizens, in fact, it is most commonly used by those closest to one who sadly feel a need to control what another individual does in his or her life.

Children are brought up to be fear being without things and people. Once they accept such a false premise, they learn early to use whatever tactic (even if unethical) to have those things and people. They feel “less” as a person unless they “measure up” to others in their peer group. They later become adults desperately seeking security and approval, rather than pursuing their own desires whether it be in career, avocations, the place they live, their beliefs, or the persons they choose to have in their life.

Many decide it’s “safer” to listen to their fears rather than possibly subjecting oneself to rejection, ridicule, failure or loss. In doing so, they never experience the blessings and miracles of life. Their personal lives, as well as often their professional lives, remain unenlightened and thus unfulfilled. They manipulate others to alleviate their own fears, and are subject to the manipulation of others. (This same mindset, obviously, is what makes them vulnerable to the politicians who paint fearful scenarios of worsening crises in order to exploit them.)

To maintain liberty, one must guard against all fear thoughts.

Common as it is, the experience and manipulative use of fear is something one must be on guard against at all times – both in it being used against oneself and in making sure one does not lapse into using it against others.

Far to often, fear governs people’s personal relationships with family and friends. Even what should be the closest of relationships are most often a fear-based joining of two incomplete persons seeking to take from the other. In fear, people come together to gain some sort of “security” in life, but it is both meaningless and transient. To base any close relationship on what you may receive from another is false (and headed for disaster). Fear of being single, fear of not having a family or home, fear of what family members and friends think, fear of being alone…all these lead people to involve themselves in relationships they call “love.” But it’s anything but love. Being alone is far better than being in such false relationships. Good relationships are based on the strength of the truth of love; false relationships on the weakness of fear.   In fact, anything attained based on fear is void of love (be it a relationship or anything else), and thereby keeps true joy from you.

Fear can actually prevent, harm and destroy what would be good in your life. It causes one to compromise, thereby allowing that which is false to enter one’s life in the guise of offering some benefit, comfort, or advantage. 

In fear, people lie and deceive. Again we easily identify how lies and deception are used in government to the people’s detriment, but do we carefully examine our lives and purge those who use such deceptive practices against us? Do we refrain from lies? One who repeatedly lies to those they say they love, no matter the length of said relationship (even if a parent, a sibling, or other close relationship), shall prove a curse in your life.

Fear also leads people to not communicate with another. It promises a lack of vulnerability. But fear is no defense against being hurt. Instead, it blocks out that which could bring joy and fulfillment. To trust, to share, and to simply want to joyfully share with any other person in life, family or friend, requires casting aside all fear.

True love from one’s family or friends will always respect your individuality. It seeks not to control. Even when your choices disappoint or perhaps go against another’s opinion of what they thought best, the non-judgment, support, and respect should lovingly remain at all times. If it doesn’t, then it’s not “love” the other has for you, but a distorted emotional attachment with a facade of caring cultivated to keep you confused and ensnared under their control. Many a life has been spent fulfilling someone else’s idea of what one should be, rather than becoming whom one was intended to be.

Fear also leads one to judge and condemn. It is an emotion responsible for all the destructive feelings such as anger, vindictiveness, jealousy, and all manner of other forms of hatred. Fear precedes every act of unjustified immoral violence and persecution whether perpetrated by an individual against another individual or a group against another. Fearing those who differ, all manner of evil becomes possible.

Where fear reigns, truth is not valued, and all suffer. Again, just as this is what is taking place in our nation politically, it takes place in millions of lives daily.

Fear is always overcome with love.

Love of oneself and love of others respects individual liberty. It looks not for anyone else or anything to take care of you. Love is bold and courageous. It requires, indeed it always seeks, personal responsibility.

Those in government, who use current difficulties to their own advantage in the guise of “alleviating” struggles and “advancing” your dreams, are just people using fear to gain further power. Likewise, those in your life who would use the giving or withholding of their approval, acceptance, or assistance to you based on whether you pursue the path they want for you are no different. They are both scoundrels. The seeking to control another’s life, in any form, is morally reprehensible. Love never seeks to force others to behave in any manner, it respects their free will to choose.

Choosing love will always bring the greater reward because it is true. Fear based decisions, being false, ultimately lead to sadness because fear mistakenly leads you to neglect or reject those things which would truly manifest joy in your life.

Get rid of fear and you take away the mask, the facade, the role playing. You then allow your business/professional life, as well as your personal, to grow and flourish.

 “Tuesdays with Morrie”

Recently, I watched the film, “Tuesdays with Morrie,” based on Mitch Albom’s nonfiction bestseller.

I highly recommend this beautiful, poignant and powerful film. Repeatedly, this commitment to love versus fear is illustrated and shared.

I think the film well captured the fear which keeps people from experiencing all manner of joy in their life. If you haven’t seen it, and if you can appreciate the difference between merely existing before you die and really living before your physical death, you will appreciate this film.

In every area of life, I endeavor to reject fear as the basis for any decision I make. I love myself which means I trust myself, celebrate freedom, experience much happiness, and live with the consequences, whatever they may be, of my decisions. I try to never let any fear thought get my priorities out of order. I love myself, as I endeavor to express love to others. Once fear is gone, truth can be expressed and listened to. It creates a refuge where happiness and sadness can be shared. Tender understanding occurs. Fear doesn’t get in the way.

I experience a loving relationship first with God, and it enables me to then endeavor to understand what is most loving to do in relation to all other matters and persons in my life. Receiving the ultimate love as God has for me and for each of us, enables me to be stronger in rejecting fear as I choose to be an expression of His love in all I do. And His love is stronger than any fear this world poses. In it is true liberty, even as to death. Fear never (knowingly) plays a part in the decisions I make; if I recognize something as a fear thought keeping me from doing something, I quickly reject it and proceed, in faith, in love, with the task at hand.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18, KJV.

Choose again. Let every area of your living be decided upon from the strength of love. Identifying the fears in your life and rejecting them is the first step to breaking free…living…and liberty!

Socialist Obama Speaks

Did you hear Obama after the G-20?  It is obvious what this man desires, and it is far from the America our founding fathers envisioned.  Our place in the world, as it has already become, and worse yet as Obama envisions it, is becoming a place of tyranny, a place where liberty is not valued, a place where the “collective” replaces the individual American.  It is a place we must not allow our nation to devolve farther into.