missed the point...

There was a news story out of Memphis this past week that broke my heart...and for many reasons.
The story was about a non-married couple who found themselves expecting a baby, they got into an argument over terminating the pregnancy (the woman wanted to kill her baby via abortion) and the guy didn't want that to happen. So, he snapped and ended up strangling a puppy...which is sad.

So now you have the summary, but what is so crazy to me is what everyone has seemed to focus on...
the fact that this violent man strangled a puppy and killed it. Don't get me wrong...that is awful and we know that people who practice cruelty to animals often take their anger out on humans too, so I am not dismissing what he did. In fact, I was in an office just this week when this story was on the television in the waiting room and someone sitting near me said, "Ugh, he killed a poor puppy!"

BUT, have we as a society grown so numb to this abortion issue...because I haven't heard one person show compassion or heart ache for the baby that the mom wanted to kill via abortion (and I'm sure that is still the plan). That's a living human being...and yet we feel more compassion and sympathy to a puppy. Really? Now human life is less important than that of a dog? In no way what-so-ever do I condone that man's actions...but no one has seemed to focus on what enraged this man. No one has thought about the fact that this man realized he had a baby of his own DNA in this female, and she (not him) wanted to terminate this pregnancy. This story alone proves how ugly abortion is...women make the call, and men have no say so in the matter. This man took his anger and hurt out in the wrong way no doubt...

It breaks my heart to see how numb we are to this issue...how the liberal media has spun this issue to say babies growing in their mothers' womb are just a blob of tissue...that's wrong in so many ways. That being said...we all know people who have been associated with abortions. The beautiful part is that if we ask for forgiveness, God forgives. There are ALOT of hurting men and women out there who have been involved in abortions...but any of these people can be forgiven by Christ if they belong to him and just ask. I appreciate the few people who have told me their stories over the years...we all have those people in our lives, whether we know it or not. Statistics prove that it affects more people than we would ever think possible.

Why religion is important...

Obama made the news tonight because of voters in southern states second guessing his religious beliefs.
Some say he is Muslim, some say he is Christian, and others obviously didn't know or care.

Here's the deal...Obama has claimed to be Christian. That being said, only Jesus knows the condition of his heart and knows where his eternity lies. The sad thing in my opinion (and Obama is not alone), is that there is even a question of this...let's be honest, as Christians...it should be obvious that we are followers of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ taught us how to live our life, and that He alone transforms lives. Plenty of people CLAIM to be Christian, but there is no doubt in my mind that many offer Him lip service and say one thing, without giving Him heart service and literally living your life for him.

As for Obama, and any Presidential candidate for that matter...why is faith/religion important? Because it is a lifestyle and ideology...if one claims to be Christian, then Jesus said we will know them by their fruit. (this is honestly why there have been so many questions regarding Obama's religion...his fruit DOES NOT match up to Jesus's teachings and the fruit that comes with being a follower of Christ). Santorum is Catholic...his positions on key issues are biblical, and he is being persecuted for speaking out on them. Romney...we know he is mormon; this means we should know his ideology and what he stands for. My point is...religion is a lifestyle. That way of thinking coorelates with behavior.
When people claim one thing, but their actions are completely different from the lifestyle they claim...
then we can see where the confusion lies.

The moral of the story...practice what you preach. If you are a follower of Christ, then FOLLOW Him closely. Jesus transforms minds and lives...and when you come into contact with Him, you will have fruit that represents Him. Do not leave room to be questioned...

Tebow of Karate...

We have Tebow in football...Jeremy Lin has made a name for himself on the basketball court (and is a strong Christian)...and now I found out about another strong Christian in the sport of Karate. Yep, you heard right...Tom Scott is his name.

Funny enough, I sat by this 22 year old on a plane this past week...He is the top 165 lbs karate guy here in the US, which is why he is on our US National team (Karate isn't a sport in the Olympics, but if it were he would be on the team). This kid has a passion for karate, for Christ, and for his family...
all of which was encouraging to see out of a guy who hasn't even finished college yet.

Pray for this kid...he wants to use his name in the karate world to reach others for Christ. He has been raised in the Catholic church, is involved in a Christian student ministry at his college in Texas, and has the privilge of traveling all over the world competing in karate tournaments. He wants to witness to those on his own team, as well as other competitors. He really seemed like a good kid, so let's pray God uses him in the karate world and beyond...