A Lovely Response

In a recent article released by Channel 11 news, the writer used a very

interesting topic to point out the behavior of not so applaud worthy of
America; and consequently, the down-right disappointing behavior of those
of us claiming to be followers of Christ.
The article can be read here: http://abc11.com/politics/how-to-explaindonald-trump-to-a-5-year-old/1243907/
To give a synopsis, the writer explained her 5 year old daughters disdain for
Donald Trump. The childs dislike for Trump, lead to comments and actions
that the parents found disturbing, therefore the mother took action to give
the child a better way of dealing with someone she considers rude. She
simply explained to her that just because you arent voting for a certain
candidate, doesn't mean we have to talk nasty about them. A powerful
message that even a 5 year old can understand.
Whether by intention or not, the parent has addressed issues we all should
consider. In particular us bearing the name of Christ.
First, the article really challenges adults to be a positive example for those
little eyes that are following us. Undoubtedly there are millions of other little
5 year olds whose thoughts are being framed by Trump's tactics; likewise,
whose characters are being framed by "our" tactics. They're picking up on
our actions and behaviors, so we have to be Christ like in all instances,
regardless of how much we dislike an individual or subject matter. In this
instance the child is believed to have picked up the "behavior" of the world,
and this mother responded in a wonderful way. Instead of allowing her to
continue and frame what could very well be a permanent behavior of hate,
she alternated the child's thoughts and actions, and hopefully her future. She
has set an example for us all to follow. I have an 11 month old Caleb and
though I don't quite think Caleb is ready to follow politics, I do think the
alternate route this mother decided to take should be mirrored. The world is
doing a well enough job of exemplifying hate; we dont need to help them.
We should strive to over-achieve in the exemplifying love.
Secondly, the "non-violent" method the mother explained to her daughter
should be commended and followed. Not just to the children amongst us that
are acting like adults in civil matters and affairs, but more importantly, to us
adults that are still acting like children in civil matters and affairs. Going a
little deeper: the supposedly mature Christians that are still acting like
babes in Christ in civil matters and affairs. Perhaps we all can benefit from
this story! This is a cute and rather subliminal way of being non-divisive, but
the message is LOUD AND CLEAR.

This is a pivotal moment in history. At no other time since the civil war has
there been this much racial unrest in the political arena. The racial divide we
are seeing in America is only 1 aspect of the sinful uprising we are seeing in
the world. Though one aspect, it is monumental. The sad thing is that if we
Christians aren't careful, in attempts to dwarf this movement, we actually
promote it. If we respond with hate, we are only increasing the hate. Every
tweet, text, blog, and comment that we send out with hate attached is only
fueling the fire. And we seemingly justify our actions by saying we are taking
a stand in opposition of Trump or the NAACP, the Black Lives Matter
movement or Law enforcement, the Democratic party or the Republican
Party, the LGBT agenda or whatever. Some have even labeled each of these
the anti-christ. Presidential candidate Trump, is the most recent to be
labeled, and it is safe to associate his presence with hate. It is what it is. But,
if our actions are producing the same hate that his actions are, should we
consider ourselves anti-christ like, at best? If our actions are causing the
same feelings to be produced, shouldn't we be held accountable as well? 1 +
1 = 1 twice; Hate + Hate = twice the hate. Let me be clear on this; I am not
supporting a non-confrontational approach to sin. On the contrary, I support
the idea of being confrontational with love vs hate/sin on every corner. I am
of the mind that for every act of hate there should be an equal or greater act
of love. Do not misinterpret this or believe that I am a passive individual,
hoping of a euphoric garden of Eden state while here on earth. I fully
understand that this is a battle field, but the war is won with grenades and
bombs of love. The only remedy for hate has always been love. The only
remedy for hate will always be LOVE! Instead of promoting disgust and hate,
arent we instructed to take a stand by producing love? One very important
book says, love conquers all. I am confident that if we do it right, we will love
the H word out of the world. That H word is hate. If we are relentless in
giving the world Christ, he will handle the rest.
Hate tactics, principles, ideals, and methods of hate are wrong whether it
comes from Trump, the NAACP, the anti-christ or from Christians. If we would
examine ourselves hard enough it isn't hard to see that we are behaving like
that child; responding to hate with hate. Like the parent, God has instructed
us in His Word to respond in love; not hate. But being we have seemingly
forgotten this, perhaps Dr. Seuss would be more effective. I imagine Dr.
Seuss would have success with getting this message across to us like such:
I am Sam.
Sam I am.
That Sam-I-am!
That Sam-I-am!
I do not like hate, Sam-I-am!

Do you like hate and ham?

I do not like them, Sam-I-am.
I do not like hate and ham.
Would you like hate
here or there?
I would not like hate here or there. I would not like hate anywhere.
I do not like hate and ham.
I do not like them, Sam-I-am.
I could not, would not, on a boat.
I will not, will not, with a goat.
I will like hate in the rain.
I will not like it during the campaign.
Not in the dark! Not in a tree!
Not from Trump nor the NAACP!
I do not like hate in a can.
From the Democrat nor the Republican.
Not from the LGBT nor the Christian.
I will not condone hate in a house.
I do not like hate with a mouse.
I do not like hate here or there.
I do not like hate ANYWHERE!
Sometimes we have to be reminded in the simplest manners. The truth is I
disagree with the agendas of anything or anyone whose agenda is not based
on Christian principles. I would assume that in some shape, form, or fashion,
we all do because of the sin it produces. As Christians, we should even hate
the sin. So I hate the sin of hate and have vowed to do my best of getting
rid of it. Therefore I have concluded that I refuse to respond out of hate; not
only because I hate hate, but because I love Jesus more!

#hate+hate=twicethehate
#LOVEvsHATE=LOVENEVERFAILS