What Will It Profit a Man?

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

— Mark 8:36 

 

In this fraught time in our nation’s life, it is impossible to ignore the unsettling reality: a large portion of American politicians, and many ordinary citizens who call themselves Christians, have thrown their full support behind a man whose words and deeds contradict the teachings of Christ at nearly every turn. They defend cruelty, deceit, and corruption, often excusing it as political necessity. And it is heartbreaking to witness beloved family members — even parents who once taught us values of kindness and humility — swept up in a movement built on pride, division, and hatred.

How can this be? How can those who profess Christ justify following a leader who “calls evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20), who mocks the poor, exploits fear, and sows hatred for neighbor? Jesus Himself warned us of this kind of moral compromise in Mark 8:36: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”

This is a piercing question for our time. It exposes the heart of the problem: many have chosen political power, wealth, or cultural dominance over the integrity of their own souls. They believe that by aligning themselves with worldly success — even if it requires abandoning truth, compassion, and decency — they will come out on top. But Jesus teaches otherwise: such a bargain leads only to ruin.

The Apostle Paul reminds us plainly in 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” While “money” here may mean literal wealth, it also points to the hunger for worldly power and influence. Many today justify their allegiance to a man who elevates himself above others and calls it “winning,” but Jesus warned that “whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12).

Even more alarming is the distortion of Christianity itself. Some declare that this man is “chosen by God,” despite his public mockery of Christian faith, his encouragement of violence, and his utter disregard for the teachings of Jesus, who preached love, mercy, and peace. Yet Scripture is clear: “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him” (1 John 4:16). Can one truly abide in Christ while supporting hate, division, cruelty, and lies?

Jesus said plainly: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34–35). Not by tribal loyalty. Not by political identity. By love.

When those who claim to follow Christ align themselves with what is unloving, unjust, or cruel, they reveal that they have forgotten His way. In doing so, they risk their very souls — not in the sense of a simple transactional punishment, but because they are being formed in the image of what they worship. If you worship power, you become hardened. If you worship hatred, you grow bitter. If you excuse lies, you become unable to see truth.

Mark 8:36 compels us to ask: What is worth more — temporary worldly gains, or the health and wholeness of the soul? If we win the world but lose compassion, if we gain influence but forfeit integrity, what have we truly won? Nothing. We have traded away what matters most.

In this moment, each of us must choose — not just once, but daily — whether we will abide in the love of Christ or follow the siren call of power and division. “Choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). Will we cling to Christ, who is Love, who is Truth, who is the Prince of Peace? Or will we give ourselves over to what is false and fleeting?

As you consider the words of Jesus — “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” — ask yourself: Where in my life am I tempted to trade integrity for comfort, truth for approval, or love for power? Do the leaders and causes I support reflect the heart of Christ — or the ambitions of the world? How can I more fully embody Jesus’ command to love one another, even when it is difficult or unpopular? May we each seek daily to choose love, truth, and the way of Christ, no matter the cost.

The soul of the Church in America — and the soul of every individual — is at stake.

A Somber Fourth of July

Today is the Fourth of July — a day that is supposed to celebrate independence, liberty, and the birth of a nation “conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” But I don’t feel much like celebrating.

How do we celebrate when the ideals at the heart of this country are being trampled?

We live under a Republican Party that has become openly fascist, hellbent on dismantling every shred of decency and fairness left in our democracy. With Project 2025 as their roadmap, they now dominate all three branches of government, mocking the Constitution even as they pretend to worship it. They speak of “liberty,” but only for the wealthy and powerful — only for those who fit into their narrow, hateful vision of America.

The Preamble to the Constitution speaks of forming “a more perfect Union,” establishing justice, promoting the general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity. These are not just lofty words — they are a promise. A promise this government is betraying at every turn.

We are told this is the “land of the free,” yet immigrants are vilified and rounded up like criminals. We are a “melting pot,” yet the party in power wages a war on diversity, erasing the stories, cultures, and dignity of anyone who does not fit their mold. The Statue of Liberty, with her lamp lifted high, still whispers:

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…

But the current administration would rather snuff out that lamp entirely.

We are told all men are created equal, yet inequality deepens every day. We have tax cuts for billionaires while cutting food assistance and closing hospitals. We are watching, in real time, a government that would rather people starve and die than risk denting the fortunes of the ultra-rich.

On this day in 1863, Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican president, spoke of a nation “conceived in liberty” and warned that we were being tested as to whether such a nation “can long endure.” Today, we are failing that test. The Republican Party has made it clear: they believe only rich white men are equal, and everyone else must fall in line or be crushed.

This country has stumbled before. It has made grievous mistakes and committed unforgivable sins — yet it has also found ways to right itself, at least partially, each time. But never before have we been so actively beaten down by our own government, so gleefully dismantled from within.

And the Democrats? They have grown so complacent, so timid, that they too allow this to happen. We desperately need something new — a party with courage and compassion. A party that fights for justice instead of just tweeting about it. A party that remembers that government exists for all of us, not just for Wall Street and country clubs.

If we recover from this, it will take decades. But recovery is not impossible. It starts when we remember what we shouldbe fighting for: dignity, equality, justice.

For now, though? I find myself ashamed of this country.

If Vermont decided tomorrow to secede, I’d gladly wave goodbye to this so-called union and either stand proudly as the Republic of Vermont or join Canada. (And yes, if Canada absorbed Vermont, they’d gain a monopoly on maple syrup — since Vermont and Quebec together already produce 90% of the world’s supply. At least someone would benefit.)

What it boils down to — and yes, you boil down sap to make maple syrup; I couldn’t resist — is that America has never truly been great when it comes to humanity. But it could be. It still could be. If only we chose to live up to the words we pretend to celebrate today:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…

This Independence Day, I don’t feel like celebrating — but I do feel like fighting.

Because it’s long past time we made those truths a reality.

On the Edge of War

Like many of you, I am alarmed — and honestly, frightened — at the news that Trump has ordered the bombing of Iran. It's hard to shake the feeling that we may be standing on the edge of a true global crisis. If Iran retaliates — which they very well may — we could soon find ourselves plunged into a conflict that might spiral far beyond anything we’ve seen in decades.

In blunt terms: this is a provocation of war. And Iran would be within its rights to formally declare war on the U.S. in response. The prospect of World War III no longer feels like the stuff of history books or far-flung hypotheticals — it’s something we are suddenly forced to consider, right here and now.

I also can’t help thinking of my friends who live in or near major cities, military bases, and other strategic targets. While living here in Vermont provides a small sense of safety — we are, after all, far from those centers of power — there’s always that unsettling thought: will this administration stoop so low as to create a domestic target? Vermont is a liberal stronghold. Could a false flag attack be used to further sow fear and division? The paranoia is starting to feel not so paranoid.

What makes this even more terrifying is how unprepared we are. Most military analysts have long said that the likeliest form of nuclear attack would not be traditional bombs, but dirty bombs — radioactive material dispersed in populated areas. Yet the very departments tasked with detecting and responding to these kinds of attacks have been gutted in recent months.

It’s hard to sleep at night when it feels like the world is careening toward disaster — and yet here we are. I just needed to say this out loud tonight. I imagine many of you are feeling the same dread and uncertainty. I don’t know where this will lead, but I do know that in times like these, we need to stay informed, stay connected, and keep speaking out.

Stay safe. Stay aware. And if you’re feeling anxious — you’re not alone. ❤️

“Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president.”— Theodore Roosevelt 

They Know This Will Kill Kids. They Did It Anyway.

 

Out of all the cruel, calculated, and heartless things the Trump administration has done over the years, I honestly think this one might be the lowest. And it makes me the angriest. I’m talking about their decision — part of the Republican budget plan from the start — to end an LGBTQ+ suicide prevention hotline by cutting federal support for it.

And let’s be clear: this wasn’t accidental. The Trevor Project, one of the most important and effective crisis intervention services for LGBTQ+ youth, was deliberately targeted in this budget process. The decision to defund this life-saving hotline wasn’t about fiscal responsibility — it was about ideology. About sending a message that these kids don’t matter, don’t deserve support, and should simply disappear from public life.

The timing wasn’t accidental either. It’s one more in a long string of attacks on the LGBTQ+ community that the Trump administration has launched just since the beginning of June. Pride Month — when queer and trans people are supposed to celebrate visibility, survival, and progress — has instead been marked by this administration using every opportunity to roll back protections, erase visibility, and push hateful rhetoric. This move to kill the hotline is cold and calculating — a deliberate choice to cause harm and inflict fear on a vulnerable community during a month meant to honor their dignity.

And for all the Republican talk of being so-called “pro-life”? This is just one more example of how hollow — and frankly how deadly — that slogan really is. They take away social welfare programs that leave children hungry. They gut protections for working families. And now they strip away suicide prevention services for the LGBTQ+ youth most at risk. Let’s be clear: “pro-life” means nothing to them. Their actions reveal the truth — they are pro-death when it comes to the most vulnerable. They are doing everything in their power to remove support and safety nets for those who need them most.

There is also a strong argument that this decision is not only morally and ethically indefensible — it may well violate civil rights laws and open the door to future legal challenges. When the government deliberately strips away access to life-saving services from a marginalized group — one that faces disproportionate rates of harassment, discrimination, and suicide — that can amount to deliberate indifference under civil rights standards. It can also create a chilling effect, reinforcing a climate of exclusion and hostility. Federal agencies are supposed to administer their programs without discrimination, and courts have recognized that targeting specific groups in ways that increase harm may violate constitutional protections under the Equal Protection Clause — or even Title VI or Title IX in certain contexts. This is not just political cruelty — it could, and should, be the subject of serious legal scrutiny.

Let that sink in for a moment. A hotline dedicated to saving lives — to answering desperate calls from LGBTQ+ youth in crisis — is being deliberately shut down. Not because of lack of need. Not because it wasn’t effective. But because this administration is ideologically hostile to those kids’ very existence.

And I do mean kids. Many of the young people who reach out to The Trevor Project and similar hotlines are teenagers — sometimes as young as 11 or 12 — grappling with feelings of isolation, rejection, bullying, abuse. They turn to these hotlines because they have nowhere else to go. And for the government of the United States to turn its back on them — to deliberately erase the “TQ” from its language, to send the message that they don’t exist or don’t matter — is unconscionable.

This isn’t “just politics.” This isn’t about religious differences. This is literally about life and death. Children will die because of this decision. That’s not hyperbole. The statistics on suicide among LGBTQ+ youth are heartbreaking — and undeniable. Cutting off a lifeline will only make it worse.

As someone who grew up in a deeply conservative and homophobic family, I know firsthand how much something like The Trevor Project could have meant. Back in 1994, as a scared teenager who had been taught that my feelings for other boys were sinful — that they would send me to hell — I didn’t understand my own sexuality. I was still in denial, confused, and terrified. But those around me had already convinced me that what I was feeling was evil.

One night, overwhelmed, I swallowed a handful of pills. Thankfully, all they did was make me sick — but at the time, I had no one to turn to. There was no hotline, no safe space, no adult I trusted enough to confide in. I survived, but many don’t. And I can’t help but think how different things might have been if I’d had a resource like The Trevor Project back then. I wish I could do more.

And even if you don’t personally “agree” with LGBTQ+ identity — even if you’re unsure or uncomfortable — how can anyone with a shred of compassion justify abandoning children in crisis? You don’t have to understand every aspect of someone’s identity to care whether they live or die. You don’t have to condone or celebrate LGBTQ+ lives to believe that kids deserve help and hope when they reach out.

I find myself asking: What God do these people believe in? Because it sure as hell isn’t the Christian God I was taught about. The God I believe in calls us to love our neighbor, to comfort the brokenhearted, to bind up the wounded — not to throw them away.

This news honestly makes me want to cry. Not in a performative way. In a gut-wrenching, soul-heavy way. Because I know the reality: young queer kids will be sitting in their rooms, alone, afraid, maybe thinking about ending their lives — and now they’ll have one less place to turn.

How could anyone do this? How could anyone look at a struggling 14-year-old trans kid, or a scared gay teen in a conservative household, and say: We are going to take away your helpline. We are going to pretend you don’t exist. We are going to make it harder for you to survive.

And how can Christians in good conscience support this? Jesus didn’t teach us to abandon vulnerable kids. He taught us to welcome them, to love them, to protect them.

Out of everything this administration has done — all the lies, the corruption, the cruelty — this hits me the hardest. Because these are children. And they deserve better.

And if it makes you angry too — good. Let it. But don’t let it stop there. Speak out. Write. Donate. Support the hotlines that do still exist. Vote.

Most importantly: You can help The Trevor Project continue its life-saving work by donating here: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/donate/. Without government support, they will rely even more on our generosity to keep the hotline going for those who need it most.

Because lives are on the line. And I, for one, refuse to look away.

A Shameful Gesture in Pride Month

I’ll be honest—I’m angry.

This week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the Navy will be renaming the USNS Harvey Milk. Let that sink in. During Pride Month—a time when we reflect on the courage and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals—he chose to strip Harvey Milk’s name from a Navy ship. It’s hard to see this as anything but a deliberate and deeply cynical move.

For those who don’t know, Harvey Milk wasn’t just a gay icon—he was a Navy veteran. He served this country. He wore the uniform. And after being discharged during an era when being openly gay meant exile or worse, he went on to become the first openly gay elected official in California. He fought for equality with both passion and integrity, and ultimately gave his life for the cause of justice and representation.

When the USNS Harvey Milk was christened, it felt like a small but meaningful step toward acknowledging that queer Americans have always served—often in silence, often in danger, always with dignity. That ship’s name stood for something more than just metal and machinery. It honored visibility, service, and sacrifice.

To remove that name—during Pride Month, no less—isn’t just tone-deaf. It’s cruel. It’s shameful. It’s part of a larger effort we’re seeing to roll back the clock on diversity, inclusion, and basic decency. This isn’t about strengthening the military. It’s about erasing queer people from the story of America. It’s about rewriting history in a way that suits a narrow, regressive agenda.

We’re told this has something to do with restoring “warrior ethos” and “core values.” But here’s what I know: real strength includes empathy. Real warriors fight for all people, not just the ones who look or love like them. Real leadership doesn’t cower behind performative patriotism—it uplifts the truth, even when that truth makes some people uncomfortable.

Secretary Hegseth’s record already includes a DUI arrest and a long list of questionable decisions. But this one? This feels personal. This feels targeted. This feels like a slap in the face to every queer person who has ever served this country and to everyone who continues to fight for equality and recognition today.

Harvey Milk once said, “Hope will never be silent.” And neither should we.

So no, we’re not going to sit quietly while our heroes are erased. We’re not going to accept Pride Month as a time for symbolic gestures and empty rainbows while the actual legacy of LGBTQ+ people is being dismantled. We’re going to keep remembering. We’re going to keep speaking. And we’re going to make damn sure that the name Harvey Milk is never forgotten.

Birthright Citizenship

Disclaimer: this is not my usual type of post, but as a historian, it is something I feel very passionate about. I hate when people try to rewrite history to suit their own political agenda. Republicans do it constantly, and it is a typical fascist ploy to gain support from the ignorant. (As I have always said, ignorance isn't stupidity, though they can go hand in hand, ignorance is the disdain for learning.

In recent years, attempts have been made—most prominently by Trump and his allies—to narrow the scope of the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause by asserting that it was intended only to apply to formerly enslaved people after the Civil War. This interpretation, if adopted, would dramatically alter the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship by excluding the U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants or non-citizen parents. On January 20, 2025, Trump signed Executive Order 14160, titled "Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship," aiming to end birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to non-citizen parents, including undocumented immigrants and those on temporary visas. The executive order asserts that the 14th Amendment's Citizenship Clause does not apply to these children, challenging longstanding interpretations of the Constitution.

Trump’s reinterpretation of the 14^th Amendment is not only legally unsound, but it also contradicts the very principles of originalism—a judicial philosophy espoused by several current members of the United States Supreme Court, including Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, Amy Coney Barrett, and Brett Kavanaugh. Originalism holds that the Constitution should be interpreted according to its original public meaning at the time of its ratification. An honest application of this methodology to the 14th Amendment—adopted in 1868—reveals that the framers and ratifiers understood birthright citizenship to extend far beyond the formerly enslaved. The original debates, statutory context, and legislative intent make clear that the amendment was designed to establish a broad and enduring principle of jus soli (citizenship by place of birth), not a narrow race- or status-specific remedy.

The first sentence of the 14th Amendment reads:

“All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”

This language, while triggered by the injustices of slavery and the Supreme Court’s Dred Scott decision (1857), was not restricted to formerly enslaved persons. Rather, it established a general rule of national citizenship. As Senator Jacob Howard (1805-1871), who introduced the Citizenship Clause in the Senate, explained during the 1866 debates, it would “include every class of persons” born in the United States, with only narrow exceptions—notably, the children of foreign diplomats and tribal members under, sovereign jurisdiction.

Representative John Bingham (1815-1900), the principal framer of Section 1, likewise affirmed that the amendment was meant to secure the rights of “every human being born within the jurisdiction of the United States of parents not owing allegiance to any foreign sovereignty.” This phrasing did not exclude immigrants; rather, it excluded only those legally insulated from U.S. law, such as ambassadors and ministers. Immigrants, whether legally or illegally present, are subject to U.S. jurisdiction in every meaningful legal sense.

Thus, under originalist principles, the public understanding of the 14th Amendment in 1868 included birthright citizenship for all those born on American soil and subject to its laws, regardless of their parents’ status.

The broader context of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, passed shortly before the 14th Amendment, further undermines any restrictive reading. That law declared:

“All persons born in the United States and not subject to any foreign power... are hereby declared to be citizens.”

This clause formed the legislative basis for the 14th Amendment and demonstrates that Congress deliberately created a universal standard, not one limited to the formerly enslaved. While the Amendment’s ratification followed the Civil War and was motivated in part by the need to secure citizenship for freedmen, its framers understood that equal citizenship was a universal principle, not a racially contingent one.

This understanding has been upheld repeatedly by the Supreme Court, most notably in United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898), which affirmed that a child born in the United States to Chinese parents—who were not U.S. citizens and were barred from naturalization—was nonetheless a U.S. citizen under the 14th Amendment. That decision relied heavily on both the text and historical intent of the Amendment, and it is directly contrary to the Trump-era argument that children of non-citizens are not constitutionally entitled to citizenship.

For originalists, the legitimacy of constitutional interpretation rests on fidelity to the Founders’ and ratifiers’ understanding. The attempt to redefine the 14th Amendment’s reach based on a selective, ahistorical reading that imagines it applied only to freed slaves is inconsistent with the actual record. It distorts the original public meaning by conflating historical motivation with constitutional scope. The motivation for an amendment may be rooted in a particular crisis—like the abolition of slavery—but its language and application must be understood in light of the general principles it enshrines.

Moreover, originalism demands that courts avoid imposing modern policy preferences or political pressures onto the Constitution. The Trump administration’s push to reinterpret the Citizenship Clause is a modern political maneuver, not a historically grounded legal argument. To accept such a revisionist reading would be to violate the very core of originalist jurisprudence. The legality of Executive Order 14160 is currently under review by the U.S. Supreme Court in the consolidated case Trump v. CASA. The framers of the amendment wrote in broad, inclusive terms—and debated and defended those terms publicly. They did not write a clause about race or lineage; they wrote one about the universal promise of citizenship to anyone born on American soil and subject to its laws.

Originalists on the Supreme Court, therefore, have a duty to honor that promise—not just as a matter of precedent or policy, but as a matter of fidelity to the constitutional text and its original meaning. Therefore, from an originalist perspective, the executive order contradicts the original understanding and judicial interpretation of the 14th Amendment. Originalist justices should uphold the Constitution's text and historical intent by rejecting the executive order's attempt to redefine birthright citizenship. And, while Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor, and Ketanji Brown Jackson do not identify as originalists, they would likely rule against Trump for the reinterpretation of a long standing understanding of the 14th Amendment. That leaves only Justice Alito, who occasionally employing originalist arguments, so whatever side of the fence he falls on this issue. Trump v. CASA will ultimately come down to the judicial consistency and moral integrity of their originalist ideology, though we know the most conservative Supreme Court justices, particularly Thomas and Alito, have no moral integrity or judicial consistency and are inherently political in their rulings.

All of that being said, after yesterday’s hearings, it should be a unanimous summary judgement in favor of CASA. Sadly, I have little faith that this will be the case, especially with the current politicized nature of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Utter Destruction

I haven’t said much about the current state of American politics, and in this case I mean all of North America because Canada and Mexico or at least resisting the bullying of the current administration. While the current US government is dominated by conservative, idiotic asshole fascists! They have attacked every major institutions in the government. They are attacking anything that they perceive as a threat or even the most minor opposition to their hateful ideology. They are following the blueprint for totalitarianism and fascism that Mussolini created and put into practice in Italy in 1922, and Hitler expanded in Germany in 1933.

Each day, I think when will it end. When will someone in the government go on the offensive. But the Democrats are sitting back and watching the destruction hoping that it will backfire on the Republicans in the 2026 election. But if the current government is allowed to continue pursuing their agenda, they will either not allow elections or they will fix them in their favor, probably with the help of Putin in Russia.

So, why did I decide to talk about this today when I haven’t said much before? They are attacking the Smithsonian Institution. My university has dealings with the Department of Defense and, as a university, the Department of Education, two departments that have been gutted. That being said, I work with the Smithsonian on a regular basis. The administration is trying to politicize the Smithsonian, an institution that has always remained apolitical. When I bring in curators from the Smithsonian, they are expressly prohibited from broaching politics in even the slightest statements. However, the current administration of clowns and goons wants to turn it into a political pawn in their ideology.

When will somebody say, “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!”? I have a hard time watching the news because it makes me despondent. Every time I turn on the news it’s more disastrous than the day before.

Just as a side note, this post is late because I had a severe migraine last night, which is marginally better this morning, but it still means I’ve been a bit slow moving so far today.

I apologize for such a downer post, but I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend! It’s going to be a weekend of snow and ice for us here in Vermont. Hopefully, the weather is better where you are.

Answering God’s Call

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"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

—Galatians 6:2

After hearing how Trump and Vance treated Zelinsky on Friday, I have been horrified, embarrassed, mortified, and depressed. No president ever in the history of the United States has decided to turn against democracy to buddy up with our greatest enemy. Seeing what went on was like witnessing a bully who wants your lunch money in exchange for making the other bullies leave you alone, except this was on an international scale. I could use a prison analogy too, but this is a Sunday post, and I don’t want to be crude. I knew they were hateful people, but what they did Friday was disgraceful. I do not see how anyone who supports this president can call themselves a Christian. It goes against every Christian principle in the Bible.

Living in a country that often prioritizes self-interest, God calls us to live differently. He commands us to love, serve, and give generously, rejecting greed and selfishness. One of the clearest ways we can live out our faith is by helping those in need—especially those suffering from war, displacement, and hardship. The people of Ukraine, enduring the devastation of conflict, offer us a powerful opportunity to put our faith into action. Scripture repeatedly teaches that our lives should not be driven by greed but by a heart of generosity. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” If we focus only on accumulating wealth and possessions, we risk missing out on God’s eternal purposes. Instead, He calls us to invest in things that last—acts of love, justice, and mercy. One of the greatest ways to do this is by helping those who are suffering.

Jesus also made it very clear that loving others is central to our faith. In Mark 12:31, Jesus commanded us to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The people of Ukraine have faced unimaginable hardship—families torn apart, homes destroyed, and lives upended by war. Many have fled to other countries as refugees, while others remain in dangerous conditions. As followers of Christ, we are called to respond with love. One of the most well-known parables in the Bible, the “Parable of the Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:25-37), illustrates this perfectly. A man was left beaten and helpless on the side of the road. Two religious leaders passed by without helping, but a Samaritan—a person from a group often despised by Jews—stopped, cared for the wounded man, and provided for his needs. Jesus tells us to “go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37). Are we willing to be like the Good Samaritan? Will we stop, see the pain of the Ukrainian people, and respond with action? I know that I am likely preaching to the choir, but if there are those who are Trump supporters that read this blog, I hope you will take this to heart. We may not be able to do much until the midterm elections, but we can resist as much as possible.

One of the biggest barriers to helping others is greed—clinging to what we have out of fear or selfishness. This is seen all to clearly in the executive branch of the United States federal government. But the Bible warns against this mindset in Proverbs 21:13, “Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.” Instead of hoarding wealth, God calls us to be generous. In 1 Timothy 6:17-18, Paul reminds us, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” We may not all consider ourselves rich, but compared to those who have lost everything, we have much to give. Whether through financial support, prayer, advocacy, or welcoming refugees, we can use what God has given us to bless others. James 5:6 tells us that we should, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” We should pray for peace, for those affected by war, and for leaders to seek justice and wisdom. Proverbs 19-17 tells us, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” We can support humanitarian organizations providing food, medical aid, and shelter. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. If you live in a community with Ukrainian refugees, offer friendship, support, or resources. Finally, Isaiah 1:17 tells us to “Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.” We must speak out against injustice and support policies that help those affected by war

In James 2:15-17, James reminds us that faith without works is dead, “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Let us not be passive in the face of suffering. Instead, let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus, showing love to those in desperate need. By helping the Ukrainian people—or anyone in crisis—we reflect God’s love and live out the Gospel. May we answer God’s call with open hearts, rejecting greed and embracing a life of generosity.

How is God calling you to help today?



*The Photograph Above

The photographer Liam Campbell is the editor of Elska Magazine, a project centered on traveling around the world, meeting a selection of everyday local guys, and introducing their city and their lives to readers through honest photography and personal stories. The ‘Elska Lviv’ issue of Elska Magazine was dedicated to the men of Ukraine. The model above was named Marko, and Campbell had this to say about him:

Marko was one of the men we photographed toward the beginning of the war. While editing, I became a bit uneasy about the impression we would leave. Would people see Marko standing amongst the detritus of destroyed buildings and feel like we were somehow glamorizing the war? Perhaps some would, but the reality is that we shot these scenes on the site of a former Soviet industrial complex.

In this context, there was a clear message that the Soviet Union was well and truly over. There Marko was walking proudly over the rubble, asserting a new Ukrainian future. This is a message I absolutely had to share, but at the same time, I can’t help but feel immense sadness when I imagine how much of Ukraine now lies in ruins, at the hands of a campaign to bring back Soviet-style ‘glory’ and [Russian] supremacy.

TGIWFH

Thank goodness, it’s a work from home Friday. I can relax and not be bothered. I have to do some online training today, and I’ll probably grade some midterms. Other than that, it should be an easy day. This week has either been incredibly busy or incredibly boring. There hasn’t been much in between. I have a four day weekend at home since we are off Monday for Spring Break.

If you are in the USA, you might have heard about the organization People’s Union USA calling for a nationwide boycott. They want today to be an economic blackout. This movement follows the rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at several major companies, including Target, PepsiCo and others. (Coca-Cola and Apple have both refused to rollback DEI initiatives.) The boycott coincides with protests against President Dumbass's plans to reduce the government workforce and mass firings at federal agencies. The boycott began at midnight last night and will last for 24 hours. During this time, the organization encourages Americans not to buy anything — this includes gas, fast food, or shopping in-store or online at major retailers. If participants need to buy anything, they are encouraged to shop at local and small businesses. Essential items such as medicine, food and emergency supplies can still be bought.

I hope you’ll join in. The thing about boycotts is that if enough people don’t participate, then it won’t be successful. There had to enough of an economic impact to make a difference and to make the point your trying to make. So, please consider following this boycott and only buy locally today.

Almost Here

I am so glad to be back on my regular schedule, and this is my work from home day. Our idiot president said the other day, “Nobody’s going to work from home, they’re going to be going out, they’re gonna play tennis, they’re gonna play golf. They’re gonna do a lot of things—they’re not working.” The reporter who was presenting the story then went on to show the orange asshole playing golf. Just because he doesn’t not actually do any work other than sign executive orders that he didn’t write and make the most idiotic appointments, doesn’t mean that other people who are working from home aren’t doing their job. Most days that I’m working from home, I get more accomplished than when I’m at the office. No one is there to bother or interrupt me. And besides, the Oval Office, where the president is supposed to actually work is in the White House and is his home. Furthermore, he spends more time at Mar-a-Lago or his other properties than he does at the White House. Our president is the master of projection, which in psychology means a defense mechanism where an individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, and behavior on others. So, if you want to want to know the truth about anything orange slob says, just change the name of whoever he is talking about and replace it with his name. Nothing that ever comes out of his mouth is truthful, and everything is hateful. In one month, he’s done more damage to our country’s democracy than any president in history has done their whole term in office, and we have a depressing 47 more months to go.

Sorry! When I started this post it was supposed to be about the weekend being almost here and getting to enjoy spending the day with Isabella as she supervises me working at my desk. I got a bit sidetracked. I have things to do to prepare for next week. Most of it has to do with the class I’m teaching, but I’m sure other things will come up as well.

Presidents’ Day

Presidents' Day is often seen as a celebration of leadership, democracy, and the vision of those who have shaped the United States. But for the LGBTQ+ community, this day can carry a more complex meaning. It is both a reminder of how far we have come in the fight for equality and a call to action against the rising tide of fascism threatening our freedoms.

In recent years, far-right politicians have worked aggressively to roll back LGBTQ+ rights, attack transgender individuals, and undermine democracy itself. This Presidents' Day, we must ask ourselves: What kind of leadership do we truly honor? Do we celebrate those who uphold justice, or do we resist those who seek to oppress?

American history has been shaped by leaders who both upheld and denied justice. While presidents like Abraham Lincoln fought to expand freedom, others have enforced policies that marginalized communities. The LGBTQ+ community has had to fight for every inch of progress—from the Stonewall riots to marriage equality—often against leaders who sought to erase us.

Today, we face new threats. Across the country, lawmakers are banning gender-affirming healthcare, censoring LGBTQ+ history, and criminalizing queer existence. These actions are not just about policy; they are about power, control, and the systematic erasure of marginalized people.

We cannot afford to pretend that what is happening in the U.S. is politics as usual. The rise of authoritarian leaders pushing anti-LGBTQ+ policies is part of a broader attack on democracy itself. Fascism thrives on scapegoating vulnerable groups, restricting freedoms, and silencing dissent. If we do not resist now, the consequences will be catastrophic—not just for LGBTQ+ people but for everyone.

How to Fight Back:

1. Vote and Mobilize – The LGBTQ+ community and allies must organize, vote in every election, and push for leaders who uphold human rights. 
2. Support LGBTQ+ Organizations – Groups like the Trevor Project, Lambda Legal, and the ACLU are on the front lines, fighting for our rights. 
3. Challenge Hate in Our Communities – Whether in churches, schools, or workplaces, we must speak out against anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies.
4. Engage in Peaceful Protest – From Pride marches to demonstrations, public action remains a powerful tool against oppression. 
5. Uplift and Protect One Another – In times of rising hate, mutual aid and community care are essential. No one should have to fight alone. 

Presidents' Day should not just be about honoring the past—it should be about shaping the future. We must demand leaders who fight for justice, not those who spread fear and division. The presidency should be a position of service, not oppression. If those in power refuse to uphold human dignity, then it is our duty to resist them with everything we have.

The LGBTQ+ community has always been resilient. We have survived persecution, discrimination, and violence. And we will continue to fight. Presidents' Day can be a reminder that leadership is not just about those in office—it’s about all of us, standing together, building a future where love, justice, and equality prevail. This year, let Presidents' Day be a call to action. The fight is far from over, but we are not alone. Together, we will resist. Together, we will win. 

The End of the Week

It’s Friday, and I’m back on my regular schedule of working from home today. It is so nice to be able to log into my work computer with my cup of tea in hand, in sweats and a t-shirt, knowing the weekend is just around the corner, and I don’t have to get out in the cold this morning. Working from home is more than just a shift in location, it’s a chance to set the tone for a productive yet relaxed day. It’s easier to focus without the buzz of the office, and the flexibility means I can finally tackle the laundry piling up. Mostly though, I will spend the day preparing for next week’s classes. I’m just glad I can do it while being more relaxed from home.

I feel bad for all the government workers out there who have lost the privilege of working from home. In this first week, the new administration in Washington has already begun to dismantle America, whether it’s revoking job offers and laying off all government employees who have worked less than a year to allowing ICE agents to invade schools to take away students. In the United States, don’t kids have enough to worry about with school shootings and not feeling safe in school, but now worrying that armed agents of the government are going to burst into classrooms and drag them away?

You haven’t heard much about the new administration on this blog because I find it so disheartening and depressing. It’s not like there isn’t a lack of things to say. Since a fascist oligarchy has assumed office on January 20, the new administration has enacted several policies that have raised concerns about the erosion of human rights and democratic principles: 

• Terminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs; 
• Banning non-U.S. flags at embassies preventing the display of flags representing various social movements, such as LGBTQ+ Pride and Black Lives Matter; 
• Revoking affirmative action policies ending hiring practices that had been in place since 1965 ending attempts to create workplace diversity; 
• Signing an executive order on “Biological Truth” enforcing a strict male-female binary and disregarding the existence of intersex individuals and transgender individuals; 
• Attempting to end birthright citizenship, disregarding a key provision of the the definition of a US citizen in the Fourteenth Amendment; and 
• Erasing transgender rights by halting the issuance of gender-corrected passports and other policies aimed to promote transphobia in the federal government. 

Each of these actions have been widely criticized by human rights organizations and advocacy groups as undermining civil liberties and democratic norms. Legal challenges are anticipated as stakeholders seek to uphold protections against discrimination and preserve democratic principles. My fear is that with the current makeup of the Supreme Court, these policies will be upheld no matter how blatantly unconstitutional and undemocratic they are.

MLK Day

On this very cold January 20th (It’s currently 6º F and it will drop to -4º by midnight tonight.), we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, honoring the legacy of a man whose fight for justice, equality, and love transformed the world. While Dr. King’s work focused on the Civil Rights Movement and dismantling systemic racism, his message of universal dignity resonates deeply within the LGBTQ+ community.

Dr. King believed in the interconnectedness of all struggles for equality, famously stating, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” His words remind us that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is part of a broader movement for human rights and liberation.

Throughout history, LGBTQ+ activists have drawn inspiration from Dr. King’s nonviolent approach and his unwavering hope for a more just society. Bayard Rustin, one of King’s closest advisors and the chief architect of the 1963 March on Washington, was a gay man who lived his truth despite societal discrimination. Rustin’s vital contributions to the Civil Rights Movement show the shared stakes between racial and LGBTQ+ justice.

On this day, we reflect on how Dr. King’s dream challenges us to continue the work of building a world where everyone is free to love, live, and be their authentic selves. His legacy urges us to fight against hate and discrimination in all its forms and to envision a future rooted in compassion and equality.

As LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a reminder of the power of solidarity, courage, and the belief that love truly conquers all. Together, we honor his dream by continuing to create a world where everyone can thrive.

The Drones 🛸

 

***This post is meant to be tongue-in-cheek. Do not take it seriously.***

 

If you have been following the news in the United States, you have no doubt heard about the drones that are appearing in the skies. If you are not familiar, here is a little background. A large number of mysterious drones have been reported flying over parts of New Jersey and have been spotted in recent days across the eastern U.S., sparking speculation and concern over where they are coming from and why. Dozens of witnesses have reported seeing them in the state since mid-November. At first they were spotted flying along the scenic Raritan River, which feeds the Round Valley Reservoir, the state’s largest aquifer, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of New York City. But soon sightings were reported statewide, including near the Picatinny Arsenal, a military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. The government has stated that a review of the reported sightings shows that many of them are actually manned aircraft being flown lawfully, echoing the opinion of officials and drone experts. The Homeland Security and the FBI also said in a joint statement they have no evidence that the sightings pose “a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.” 

 

Conspiracy theories are going wild. Here is my theory: they are a precursor to an alien invasion. If you have read this blog for a while, you no doubt know that I am a fan of science fiction, especially Star Trek. I also find it hard to believe that the people of earth are the only intelligent beings in the universe. Astronomers have discovered planets in the known universe that are in what is known as a "habitable zone," region around a star where planets can receive the perfect amount of heat to maintain liquid water on their surfaces. The theory being that planets in a habitable zone may also be planets capable of supporting Earth-like extraterrestrial life and intelligence. It’s hard for me to believe that we are the only ones out there. What has not been figured out by scientists on earth is how to bend the laws of physics to allow interstellar space travel like we often see in science fiction. However, that does not mean that someone else out there has evolved enough to make this discovery.

 

In 1947, the United States Army Air Forces balloon debris recovered near Roswell, New Mexico, was actually a crashed extraterrestrial spacecraft. Operated from the nearby Alamogordo Army Air Field and part of the top secret Project Mogul, the balloon was intended to detect Soviet nuclear tests. After metallic and rubber debris were recovered by Roswell Army Air Field personnel, the United States Army announced their possession of a "flying disc". This announcement made international headlines but was retracted within a day. To obscure the purpose and source of the debris, the army reported that it was a conventional weather balloon. While this has always been a fun conspiracy theory (though there are those who will believe anything), what if that crashed “weather balloon” was really a crashed extraterrestrial spacecraft? The government and the military has been known to lie to cover up different things, so this could be one of them.

 

If it was an extraterrestrial spacecraft, why have they not made contact since? It could be that they looked at the geopolitical state of the Earth, the Cold War, and the potential for nuclear war as a reason to “wait and see what happens.” The people of Earth might destroy themselves with nuclear weapons and either make the planet uninhabitable and thus useless or with the advances in technology available to an advanced species, they could rid the planet of deadly radiation and colonize the planet with no resistance. So, they waited. What they saw was a planet of people who were constantly at war, but that one country had developed an overwhelmingly powerful military industrial complex that might be able to make an invasion difficult, but probably not impossible. I am talking about the military industrial complex of the United States here if you had not realized that yet. Then in early November 2024, the country with the greatest military known in human history proved that more than half the country is fucking stupid enough to elect an old, fat, stupid, and senile rapist, convicted felon, and lifetime conman to be the leader of this country. Then they have watched as he appoints people to his government who are drunks, child traffickers, other rapists, and just plain evil/stupid/crazy (use whichever adjective fits) people. They would have realized by now by watching right-wing news media and the Republicans in Congress, that this proposed cabinet and loyal followers this orange idiot who was elected president love conspiracy theories and will get whipped up into hysteria quite easily over nothing. So, by sending a few low tech observation probes to scout the United States, they can get these blithering idiots (and to their surprise and delight there are many Democrats who are also falling for their scheme), they can distract the people of the United States into now seeing the big picture, which has always been apparent throughout the nation’s history.

 

In other words, if you are going to strike when the iron is hot, defeat them at their lowest weakest moment, NOW is the time to do so. By January 20^th, all three branches of the United States government will be controlled by some of the stupidest people to ever exist in the country. These extraterrestrials probably have realized that China could pose a problem but could be dealt with effectively. The country is already ruled by fear and a corrupt government, they could probably be bought off and convinced to surrender because the extraterrestrials would take care of their largest competitor, the United States. Easy-peasy. Hell, COVID-19 could have been their first strike to weaken the planet, and they got lucky (we got unlucky) when stupidity won the 2024 presidential election.

 

So, the drones could be observation probes sent by extraterrestrials to scout out the planet, or…it could be a group of people who think it’s hilarious to freak out the United States like the so-called “killer clowns” in 2016. Then again, it could be some nefarious foreign government behind the drones. Maybe they started “innocently” by appearing over the Raritan River in New Jersey, then moved onto military complexes, major cities, and an orange idiots golf course. I don’t think they would be gathering intelligence for an invasion, there are much better ways to do that, but they may be scouting potential terrorist targets. A large percentage (though not a voting majority apparently) of the United States and the rest of the world know that form January 20, 2025 until at least January 2027 (if the Democrats are able to take control of Congress in the midterm elections), the United States will be in utter chaos as the patients have been chosen to run the asylum, or more appropriately in this case, the inmates have been given control of not just the prison, but the government as well. 

 

Regardless, the United States is fucked for at least the next two years. Honestly, if there are extraterrestrials scouting out the United States, they have at least proven that they have a far greater intelligence than the inhabitants of Earth and might actually be benevolent beings who could save us all. Live Long and Prosper!🖖 

This post is brought to you by me being bored at work and having too much time for my mind to wonder about senseless things. Luckily, you will be spared another set of similar musings because I will not be at work today and instead will be going to Dartmouth for my next Botox treatment for my migraines.

Last Week’s Election

For many LGBTQ+ individuals, the recent election of Donald Trump in 2024 may feel like a step backward, bringing about complicated emotions and concerns. For those of us who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer, this election outcome can be a reminder of the challenges we face in securing lasting acceptance and equality. It may seem hopeless to many of us. I certainly feel that way, but I am trying to find something to be hopeful about in looking towards the future.

The first time Trump was elected, his administration often took stances that left LGBTQ+ people feeling vulnerable. From the debates over protections for LGBTQ+ employees to battles about health care access and the rights of transgender individuals, there was an undercurrent of uncertainty about whether our rights would be respected or reversed, especially with the current makeup of the Supreme Court, which has for several decades mostly protected our rights, but with a majority of ultraconservative justices, our rights are on the line. For some of us, it felt like a time of resilience and strength as we supported one another. But even that resilience can wear thin over time.

Now, in 2024, the news feels overwhelming or even triggering for those who felt we were just beginning to feel secure in our identities or equal in our rights. It’s not uncommon to feel depressed or anxious about what this election means for us and our loved ones. We know that the fight for equality will have to continue in new ways, with new challenges. In this moment, it’s crucial to reach out for support, to find community, and to look after our mental well-being.

For many LGBTQ+ individuals, this election is (or should be) a call to action. It cannot be a time for quiet reflection. We have to be vigilant in our struggle for equality. No matter what, it’s essential to recognize that we’re not alone. There are communities, organizations, and allies ready to stand beside us. Finding hope and comfort in shared spaces, whether online or in person, can help us navigate this complex and sometimes overwhelming time.

The River that Divides

And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

—Joshua 24:15

 

More than half of American voters have chosen to serve the the “gods” on the “other side of the River.” They have chosen evil, hatred, and subjugation over goodness, love, and freedom. They have chosen poorly, but “for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” and I hope you will too. Hopefully, time will fly over the next four years, and we will be rid of the orange Mussolini forever. His legacy will likely continue long after he is gone, and things will inevitably get worse before they get better, but we can still believe and fight for democracy.

 

No country has allowed fascism to be the law of the land forever. It will fail. People will get tired of it when the fascists come for them. Hopefully, the end will come sooner than later. We must believe in God’s plan. My friend Susan said to me on Wednesday after the election, “Before the election, I asked God to please not let this happen. But I also contemplated the fact that if it did, and if it was God's plan, it may be because things need to get so much worse before the people in this country can find their way out.” I just hope that those of us who sounded the warning call will not suffer too much.

 

In Joshua 24:15, Joshua, the leader of Israel, challenges the people to choose whom they will serve. In this verse, Joshua is addressing the Israelites as they settle in the Promised Land. The essence of the message is a call to commitment and loyalty. Joshua presents a choice: either continue following the one true God who led them out of Egypt, or turn to other gods and idols, like the ones worshiped by surrounding nations. He makes it clear, however, that his own decision is to serve the Lord.

 

Joshua asks the people to make a deliberate decision about their faith and values. Rather than following out of tradition or obligation, he urges them to consider carefully and personally whom they are deeply committed to serving. The Bible often addresses the challenge of choice—the decision-making that involves choosing between obedience to God and alternative paths that might seem appealing or easier. Throughout scripture, there is a strong theme of free will and moral responsibility, where individuals and communities are called to make deliberate, faithful choices.

In Deuteronomy 30:19-20, God, through Moses, tells the Israelites, “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” This passage underscores the choice between life (obedience to God) and death (turning away from Him). God urges them to “choose life” as the path of blessing and flourishing. On Tuesday, many Americans, even though they would disagree with me, turned away from God. They chose to follow their own prejudices and vote for a man who professes their hate loudly an unashamedly.

God gives us the freedom to choose right or wrong. In Genesis 2:16-17, while I n the Garden of Eden, God gave Adam and Eve a choice regarding the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This choice tested their obedience and trust in God’s commands. Their decision to eat the forbidden fruit reflects humanity’s capacity for moral choice, with consequences. Paul writes in Romans 6:16, “Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey?” This passage emphasizes the importance of whom we choose to obey, be it sin leading to death or obedience leading to righteousness. Again, many chose to obey sin, greed, and hate over obedience to God. In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus teaches about the “narrow gate” that leads to life and the “broad road” that leads to destruction. He emphasizes that choosing the path of righteousness is often more challenging but ultimately leads to eternal life.

Paul assures believers in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that God will provide a way out of every temptation, but they must choose to take it. This highlights that while God is present to help, the responsibility of choice remains with us. In Galatians 6:7-8, Paul warns, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” This principle of sowing and reaping reflects the importance of making wise, faithful choices, as they bear consequences for ourselves and others. Those who voted for Trump on Tuesday made a poor choice that not only will they have to face the consequences of, but we will suffer the same consequences because they were deceived by an egomaniac who strives on the people who worship him. He is not their savior as they claim. He will be their destruction. Jesus says in Matthew 16:24, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Following Jesus requires a decision to prioritize Him above all else, even when it involves sacrifice.

 

The Bible’s teachings on choice show that we are empowered to choose our path—God does not force obedience but calls us to a relationship that requires our willing commitment. In the face of competing influences, believers are encouraged to pursue lives of faithfulness, love, and trust in God, understanding that our choices are not just for ourselves but impact others and our relationship with God. The consistent biblical invitation is to choose wisely, aligning one’s heart and actions with God’s will.

 

Joshua’s statement in Joshua 24:15 emphasizes personal and family commitment. By saying, “as for me and my household,” he demonstrates leadership and integrity, showing that his decision is not dependent on what others choose. The Bible places a high value on commitment and integrity, highlighting these qualities as foundational to a faithful life. Commitment is often seen as unwavering loyalty and dedication to God, while integrity represents honesty, moral consistency, and alignment between belief and behavior. Together, these qualities are essential for living a life that reflects God’s character and commands.

In Matthew 5:37, Jesus says, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” This teaching emphasizes that people should honor their word, highlighting that commitment in relationships and actions should be truthful and dependable. Proverbs 10:9 says, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” This verse underscores the security and trust that comes from a life of integrity, contrasting it with the instability of dishonesty. Many people may be tempted to lose their faith in God or fight fire with fire and insult with insult, but 1 Peter 3:16 encourages believers to “keep a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” Maintaining integrity allows Christians to witness to their faith, even when facing criticism or opposition. We must remember this as we deal with those who pervert the words of the Bible to back up their hateful and sinful ways. We cannot stoop to their level. When we look at Donald Trump and his followers, we should remember Proverbs 12:22: “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” God values honesty and trustworthiness, demonstrating that integrity is integral to our character and relationships.

The coming years may be difficult for us to endure, but we must keep our faith despite the challenges. Paul writes in Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful,” to encourage believers to remain committed to their faith, trusting that God’s promises are steadfast even in difficult times. James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life.” James shows that commitment and integrity through trials bring rewards, as God honors steadfast faith.

 

The Bible shows that commitment and integrity are qualities that lead to a life of trust, security, and alignment with God’s will. Commitment involves a deep, unwavering dedication to God, others, and truth, while integrity calls for consistent moral character and honesty. Both are essential for a meaningful relationship with God and an effective witness to others. The Bible teaches that God blesses those who live with integrity and honors their commitments, providing strength and guidance even in the face of challenges. Joshua 24:15 is a powerful statement of family faith. Joshua’s words encourage families, whether biological or chosen, and individuals to make their commitment to God central, regardless of cultural or societal pressures. Joshua issues a call to faithful devotion. It reminds believers that faith is a conscious, personal choice—one that involves commitment and has implications for future generations.

 

As we navigate the river of life, there will be rocky shoals and rapids that will test you, but there will also be smooth waters that will allow you to glide through effortlessly. The smooth waters seem to be quickly becoming rapids that will be harder and harder to navigate. If we work together and keep our faith, we will get through any rocky shoals we come across. Which side of the river will you end up on? I hope you will join me on the on the river that serves the Lord and works everyday to make the world a better place.