Redeeming Qualities

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God. 1 Peter 1:13-23 NIV

As far as Christ is concerned, we who were sinners have been redeemed with the precious blood of Him who hung on the cross and shed His blood for us that we might have eternal life. And the only thing He requires of us is that we love one another with a sincere love, not a plastic, superficial love that is conditional.

There are some who only care about those who care about them.
There are some who only respect those who respect them.
Then there are some who expect loyalty when they are not loyal to anyone but themselves.
These are conditional responses and what Christ wants from us is unconditional love shown to one another whether others love us or not.

Loving others--especially when they are unlovable can be hard to do, but we must if we are to demonstrate the love of Christ within us. If we have not His love, our love for others is superficial and easily diluted based upon how others treat us.

How do we know when the Love of Christ dwells within us? We know because the fruit of His Spirit is evident in our lives. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." Galatians 5:23-26 NIV

Therefore, our redeeming qualities are evident in our love for one another, the joy we have in rejoicing with the success of others, the peace we have in our homes and communities when we know we are peacemakers and not peacebreakers, the patience we have with those in our environment, understanding we all have to find our way with the help of others; the kindness we can show complete strangers as well as those we love; the goodness in our hearts that ignites the desire to do good things for others; the faithfulness we demonstrate to those things we have committed to doing as well as the people we have committed to being faithful in our lives; the gentleness we show those who have not yet reached the same level of maturity we have; and the self-control we demonstrate on a daily basis, not allowing our feelings and emotions to drive us.

Are there any who have yet to demonstrate having any redeeming qualities in our midst? Do we dare to speak truth to power in order to set the record straight and to make sure when we stand before God on the day of Judgment, we can rest assured we have done all we could do to sound the alarm, warning others of the danger in not following Christ? Are we capable of loving others, no matter what and how do we know that?

Loving others unconditionally has been the foundation for me to do what I do--as an educator, a community activist, a wife and mother and grandmother, and a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a writer with a platform, what I say may not always be indicative of unconditional love, but when we love--we tell the truth--whether others agree with it or not. That is--unconditional love!

As a further demonstration of unconditional love of all Americans, I am taking on the posture of jumping into the political arena in my bid to become president in 2020. I am not running for the position in hopes of gaining power or status, but for the love of country and my fellow Americans. I have neither political baggage for the opposition to inspect, celebrity status and wealth, and I don't play golf. I am a total representation of the Everyday American, having faced the challenges that most Everyday Americans without celebrity, political pull or wealth face, daily. What I do have is honor, love and integrity. If you can handle truth and love in voting for an Everyday American, you won't regret it. Please--spread the word--and remember my name!

Love Combats Hate, Every Time!

I Corinthians 13 NIV
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. v 1-3
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. v 4-8
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.  v. 11
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. v 13

When Paul wrote to the church at Corinth in his first letter, he wanted them to understand that when love is the key element that guides--things will work themselves out to the benefit of all. Now if love is key to positive things occurring in our midst, the opposite would be true as well. If love is the greatest of all the virtues, then hate is the worst.

Without love, all the talk becomes a lot of noise--as we see in the White House--noise about everything, but caring about all Americans. Without love--we are nothing and gain nothing worthwhile in life.

Let's look at what happens when hate (the polar opposite of love) abides in the hearts of men and women.

Hate is impatient with self and others. Hate is not kind, but brutal, lacking compassion for others. Hate is envious of everyone and leads to mindless, incoherent obsessions about others. Hate is always boastful about perceived accomplishments, even when none exists. Hate is proud--always wants to be the center of attention, taking credit for what others do that is good, always blaming others when things don't go their way. Hate shows contempt and disdain for others, never respecting others as they want to be respected. Hate shows no concern for others, but always pushes forth what they want regardless of circumstances. Hate gets angry easily--everything is a trigger for their anger when people don't agree with them or praise them. Hate keeps an enemy list--always ready to seek revenge upon those who dare to oppose them. Hate promotes treating others with contempt and with violence and never accepts facts as truth, but instead promotes alternative facts as truth and then gets angry when they are disputed. Hate trusts no one, but self and those who worship them; hate never hopes for anything but what they want, and is constantly changing directions (flip-flopping) just to align what happens with their "lips" in an attempt to take credit for whatever good occurs. Hate doesn't protect anyone other than self and will throw others under the bus in an instant.

Because hate destroys, nothing can be built on a firm foundation unless love exists to build.
When most of us navigated childhood into adulthood, we stopped thinking like spoiled brats and accepted responsibility for all we do or did. We understand that we are accountable for everything we do or don't do and we cannot blame others for our shortcomings or ineptness.  When we became adults--we left behind the ways of the child that we no longer were.

If we look closely at what Paul is saying, we can easily see that love is a far better virtue than hate. What I don't understand is how--people who claim to be Christians can allow so much hatred to abide in their hearts that they do all sorts of hateful things to others and think they have a right to do so.

There is a difference between people being religious and being truly Christian and those who hate others--are not Christians, they are merely religious.  Christians--by the virtue of who Christ is--are never to hate people, but sin--the act of opposing God, not the person opposing God. For if we are always condemning others because of what they do, we will never win them with love.

Are we so "perfect" that we forget we, too were once sinners (and some still are)? We are not perfect people and we will never be perfect people as long as we can "choose what we do." That is an inherent fact that many so-called Christians overlook in their condemnation of others--not one of us is perfect.

I am dismayed over the revelation of right-wing Christians and white nationalists groups in their attempts to overthrow the government by voting for the current resident in the White House. I have found evidence that points to what I have long suspected that trump is simply a tool and now that things appear to be unraveling, those behind the plot to destroy democracy expect to escalate their plans--including getting away with murder of anyone who doesn't look like them (the purpose of Sessions as the AG). And the saddest revelation is that Russia is behind it all.

Nevertheless, I will continue to love and speak truth to those who hate and those in positions of authority until I can speak no more. Love is all we really have to combat hatred and I will not submit to the enemy and hate other human beings. 

It is because of love that I plan to run for president in 2020. It is because of my love for children, the working class, senior citizens, veterans of the military, and all those who work to protect and educate others. It is my love for my colleagues, family and friends--known and unknown that I know I can be a president to and for all Americans. When love leads the way, all benefit and none fail.

Everyday I Wake Up!

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:  Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:21-26 NIV

Everyday that I wake up, I am reminded of God's goodness towards me. Though I have challenges with respiratory issues, and joint and muscle aches, and circulatory issues, I am counting on Him to provide me with relief and inspiration.  Nothing is too hard to face when we know God is on our side; He will be our rearguard and frontline. When we know we are surrounded by His love and held in His embrace, we have nothing to fear. For what can the enemy do against love?

Love--the cure-all for everything that ails us as individuals and as a nation. We can never be all that God plans for us to be without knowing how to love others. When we let go of the hatred we feel against others because of our own insecurities, God can and will fill hearts to overflowing with love, wisdom, and direction in making the world a better place for all human beings.

So, everyday--I wake up inquiring of God--what can I do today to make life better for someone else? Sometimes, a smile is all it takes and other days, it takes a little more.

How can I make life better for others as President of the United States? I can begin by realizing--if elected--that I have to govern for all Americans and consider all Americans in every decision made.
I have to make the best decisions possible for those with I agree and those with whom I don't agree; with those I know who love me for who I am and for those who hate me because of the color of my skin or my gender or my age or my audacity in running for president in the first place.

I have to govern for those who believe as I believe and for those who don't. I have to govern--respecting everyone's right to make decisions for themselves as long as they do not violate the Constitution or other laws or infringe upon the rights of others.

I have to govern knowing I'll have to make tough decisions that some won't like but I'll have to think beyond the moment and consider all those who will come after me.

I have to govern understanding the role of Congress and the Judiciary as well as the Executive Branch of government.

I have to govern with a mindset to protect Americans and America's interests on a global level.
I have to govern knowing I don't know everything, but counting on God and His infinite wisdom to guide me in all things. This is how I know I can make life better for all Americans--by considering all Americans--and not a personal or party agenda.

I am seeking input from those who think I can make a difference. I need your support in spreading the word and welcome your ideas. Please leave a comment on the FaceBook page that provides more details about the plans I have for all Americans and how we can make it work. www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020. Thanks for your consideration!

If Not Now, When?

Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord. Many, Lord, are asking, "Who will bring us prosperity?" Let the light of your face shine on us. Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4 NIV

For those actively involved in The Resistance, we have won a small battle, but the war is not over. We must continue the fight against injustice and an unjust person in the WH.

For those who were not actively involved, what's holding you back? Are you waiting for God to come down out of the clouds and speak to you personally about defending the rights of the poor and the needy? He has already said what we are to do in His Word.

For Christians to not know that it is our responsibility to defend the rights of the poor, needy and vulnerable, what is it going to take to get that through to hearts? How can anyone say they are a Christian and not do what Jesus did and told us to do--love?

If not now, when will it be a good time to demonstrate our love for God and in obeying His Word?
If not now, when will it be a good time to repudiate the notion that God chose trump to be the president of the United States when all he has done--indicates his love and fear of Putin is greater than his love for America?

If not now, when will Christians lift up the name of Jesus in their conduct and not just lip service by caring for all human beings and in protecting their rights?

If not now, when will Evangelical leaders remember they are supposed to follow after God and all He has put on their hearts to do--according to His Word--not their personal agendas.

If not now, when will those sitting in churches, listening to those promoting hatred and bigotry of others have the courage to get up and walk out--letting the leadership know, why they're leaving?
If not now, when will people stand up and speak out against those who perpetuate hatred against other human beings?

God is not pleased with our lack of compassion for other human beings, our treatment of those who are not like us and certainly our lack of concern for the rights of the poor, needy, and vulnerable. If anyone thinks that God is going to bless them for promoting hatred and embracing the lies of a liar, think again. God hates liars and has prepared a place for them all in the lake of fire.

People have rejected the most qualified person on the planet to be in the Oval Office and elected a "Napoleon wannabe" as a leader of the free world. He has accused President Obama of not being a strong leader (like Putin) and yet he has failed to be an "effective leader" since he has no clue what it means to be a public servant. He wants to be a dictator--who abides by no rules or policy or protocol--and uses threats and attempts to intimidate others--being a cowardly bully instead of a leader. He has refused to accept the fact that he cannot govern a nation run like one of his failed businesses. The chaos in the White House will continue until the people--all the sane folks in America--wake up and see that it's time for a real change--and if not now, when?

In 2018, the people must balance those in Congress so they'll be forced to work for the people, not a party agenda. In 2020, we must elect a president who understands the struggles and challenges Everyday Americans face and who will represent Everyday Americans and not a personal agenda. I'm an Everyday American who has lived the challenges most of us face and I know, I can and will represent all Americans since I have no personal or political agenda to achieve--other than doing what is best for all Americans.  Your support in this endeavor is appreciated.

Never Giving Up!

They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination. Nehemiah 6:9 NLT

This is what I feel watching GOP attempting to dismantle the ACA and risking the lives of millions of people. They are consumed with a 7-year promise to repeal ACA (out of hatred for President Obama) and not even paying attention to their constituents who now understand that the "hated Obamacare" is the needed ACA that many depend on to use. This is what happens when people lie and allow hate to reign rather than wisdom and the love of Christ. GOP--with Mitch McConnell leading the way was determined to obstruct President Obama and make sure he was not able to accomplish anything--from day one. In spite of the obstructionist attitude and behavior--President Obama was able to accomplish much and all of it--the GOP are now determined to rollback, throw out, and eliminate--because of hatred.

The GOP hated Obama, trump hates Obama and with all that hate--there can be no room for love--just hate and hate as we all know destroys utterly and completely. The GOP will be destroyed utterly and completely if they don't wake up and pay attention to their constituents and not the crazed idiot in the WH (I cannot bring myself to call him a "man" because he has not demonstrated that he is one. So, if you're upset with me now, you're going to be upset with me for a long time).

In spite of the hatred against ACA and Democrats in general, I will continue to pursue the path to the White House, never giving up, no matter what the idiots do.

My family's history--has provided a record of endurance, courage, boldness and determination. They were brought across the ocean, ripped from their families and only known culture. They were denied identity other than what the "white man" wanted them to have. They were treated like sub-human beings, forced to work on empty stomachs, never consideration. They were freed by the signature of Abraham Lincoln, but kept entangled and bound by fear and hatred by Jim Crow laws.

Civil rights laws have yet to bring an era of true freedom for the Black Community and with the GOP in position of the majority in Congress, we are taking a regressive route in the 21st Century rather than seeing forward movement as it pertains to positive race relations in this country. Hate crimes are on the rise against anyone with "brown or black" skin tones, different religious beliefs, and misogyny is also on the rise. All of this is a result of gullible people (with hidden hatred of those who are different than them) who voted for the greatest fraud and con artist who ever lived--trump.

Though many may feel there is no hope--I will never give up and I will continue the good fight of faith--in service to my country and fellow True Patriots who understand that every American deserves equal treatment in all things. We will Raise the Standards for all Americans.

Counting on fellow Americans who think like Christ to support my bid for president in 2020. I'm not seeking financial support at this time, just your vote to guarantee we will have a voice in Washington representing the Everyday American.

What's Next?

However, as it is written: What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived"--the things God has prepared for those who love him--these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit." 1 Corinthians 2:9,10 NIV

Yesterday, I began writing this post, but had some technical difficulties impede what I wanted to say. But that's what happens when a person is in a strange environment and WI-FI is sketchy at best. What I wanted to express--primarily to the McDowell Clan--is there is nothing impossible for us to accomplish with God. He has already prepared the path and we have to do is to stick with it.

Obstacles and challenges arise for most people and the only ones who succeed in their pursuits are the ones who are determined to finish "the course" no matter how difficult things become.

From everything I heard this weekend, I am proud to belong to a family of overcomers. Some have overcome illnesses, financial setbacks, heartache in relationships and the loss of loved ones--the things most Everyday Americans face.

No matter what we face, we can overcome the challenges and stand tall and proud of our ancestors and who we are as a family.

So, think about what comes next in your life and plan to be the best at whatever it is. My goal is to garner the support of other Everyday Americans so I can get on the ballot for the 2020 election in all 50 states. With your help in FL, PA, OH, VA, NY and MI, I know we can all make Polly McDowell proud of her descendants in whatever capacity we allow God to use us. She has shown us--though born into slavery and treated like a subhuman being--that we have within us--what we need to survive anything. I'm making it my mission--to consider her and all she suffered and yet survived to raise her children in freedom--so I'll never be ashamed of anything I do. I want to make sure, her descendants understand that though our beginnings were humble--from slavery to coal-miners in WV--to educators, nurses, entrepreneurs, and so much more, we can set our sights higher and succeed--all the way to the White House.

For those who are not related to me--that I know of--who are reading this today, please bear with me as I underscore the importance of my family.

In order to get all the ballots in all 50 states, I need the support of people in all 50 states to help spread the word and my name. I believe I have what it takes to represent all Everyday Americans in the White House and what I don't already know about the job and what it takes to do it well, I know how to seek the wisdom of those who do. Thanks in advance for your support.

We Are Family!

But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks. Psalm 107: 41 NIV

Last night, I was reminded of the importance of family at a reunion at which I was reacquainted with family members I had not seen in years. To say, it was a bit emotional for me would be an understatement. Not only was every person there recognized for something, but a presentation was made about all who are no longer with us.

This reunion was about our genealogical connection, "blood family" and all connected by marriage. Our family matriarch--as far as anyone could remember, was Polly McDowell--born in 1848 into slavery. Her son, my great grandfather, James McDowell was born in 1867, just a few years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, freeing the slaves.

Because of a desire to know more about my ancestry, I recently had my DNA tested and discovered I am a descendent of people from 8 different countries in Africa, Scandinavians who migrated to Scotland, and Indigenous Native Amazonian--who migrated from North Asia and then to North America (Native Inhabitants). What a heritage! But let me get back to James McDowell. He was the only grandfather I had known and he died when I was 12 years-old. But I was told something last night that I never knew. He was coal-miner in Powellton, WV and raised his 8 children with this thought, "If you don't do anymore than I've done, then you haven't done anything." That struck a particular chord within me because I remember my great aunts training me to do day work when I was 5 years-old. Some might think that was child abuse now, but at the time, since there was very little opportunity for a Black woman to do much else, they did what they thought was needed in order to prepare me for life.

I'm sure, Polly McDowell would be proud of her descendants and I'm equally sure that my grandmother--Isabelle Woodson and my mother, Mary Mosley, would be just as proud of me. Without knowing what had been instilled in them, I have always wanted to explore my potential in a number of areas. Academically, I have exceeded the expectations of many and I can't imagine what Polly would have thought if she knew there would be a writer in the family since she had been denied the opportunity to read and write. All of this was brought home to me last night--the importance of knowing family. The last surviving child of James and Isabelle (his wife) is my Aunt Maxine McKinney--who is now the matriarch of the family and is 89 years-old. She narrated our family history and it was recorded by her daughters to share with the rest of us. While I can't speak for the rest of the family, I was moved to a heightened awareness of pride in family and inspired to keep motivating others to pursue greatness.

It's not just the "blood" family that we need in our lives to keep us connected; it is the Blood of Jesus Christ family that we need to keep us connected and moving forward in this life, being a comfort to others, encouraging others to be all that God would have them to be, and to remind each other always of this great heritage we have in Christ.

I had not planned to make an announcement about my potential candidacy, but after hearing more about Polly McDowell and what my grandfather said, I couldn't let the opportunity get past me. I'm absolutely sure, great, great-grandmother Polly would be surprised to know one of her descendants had the audacity to seek being the President of the United States--when she was born a slave in this country.

Now, it is more important than ever for me to succeed in my quest because this is not just about me or what I think I can do for Everyday Americans, but it now becomes the motivation that fuels me to show the world that how we arrive in life, should have no bearing on what we can accomplish in life.

So, to both "blood" families I thank you for the opportunity of being connected and in the hope of seeing all achieve all that God has put into your hearts to achieve, no matter what your age is, no matter what obstacles have attempted to impede your progress in life, when we know we can depend on family, we can make it.

Remember the name--Mary Hall-Rayford and be prepared for the run to the White House in 2020--honoring family.

Why Should Truth Matter?

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father. "Abraham is our father," they answered. If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do what Abraham did. As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. You are doing the works of your own father." "We are not illegitimate children," they protested. "The only Father we have is God himself." Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:32-44 NIV

When will we know truth? When we hold to His teachings--not religions' teachings, not man's teachings, but those things taught by Jesus and honoring His commandments--Love God, Love One Another.

If knowing truth sets us free, then lying would...contain, imprison, imperil, impede, hold us in bondage?

For those claiming to be transparent--they have yet to figure out that a person cannot be transparent and hide truth at the same time. For if we attempt to hide truth by lying, we demonstrate that we are children of Satan--the father of liars.

Now, pause and calmly think about that. Whoever lies is a spawn of Satan. Whoever understands and practices truth--is set free--from misery, hiding, stressing, and speculation as to when the next shoe (from this centipede in Washington) will drop.

When we do what our Father God does--which is just to love others--we don't run the risk of being identified with Satan or any of his minions. People who are transparent...answer questions when asked, have nothing to hide and tell the truth the first so they don't have to keep "amending" what they say.

I won't belabor the point. Anyone with a functioning brain can determine when a person is lying and why, when they put all the evidence (already revealed) into its proper place. There is a problem in Washington and America's democracy is at risk with the connections to Russia. Therefore, those who thought "God chose trump" need to rethink what they thought and realistically see what is right in front of them. There has never been any evidence of the "fruit of the spirit" operating in trump.

It is time for a change--in attitudes from every American--as to who can best represent our interest. Is it a career politician, a celebrity, the rich and famous, old white men or someone who has lived the challenges that Everyday Americans face, daily? It's time Americans took their Patriotism seriously. Our democracy is being eroded daily by those who will not uphold their oath of office and will not adhere to the Constitutional frameworks, designed to keep our democracy afloat--for generations to come.

How Are We Walking?

For we walk by faith, not by sight! 2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV

Therefore we are confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 NIV

I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Habakkuk 2:1-3 KJV

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18 KJV

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom's instruction. Proverbs 29:18 NIV

In some ways, this post today could be a continuation of the "Where are the watchmen?" series. But today, as I was completing my mile walk, it occurred to me that sometimes, we all overlook the significance of using words appropriately because "words matter." Follow my thoughts here.

I was thinking about all the challenges I've faced in life as I prepare my run for the presidency in 2020.  I've been rear-ended twice and in both collisions, cars were totaled; I've suffered a stroke which could have caused a total collapse of my body. In all three incidents; my "sight" was temporarily impaired, but I never lost hope and fought through the darkness, determined to keep living. My vision--to live until I'm 95--kept me from losing hope in the longevity I want to see. 

You see, what I get from this--is our sight has to do with our physical ability to see and even if our sight is impaired, it should never interfere with our vision--a vision we have hopefully written on paper, cyberspace or in our hearts. My vision for longevity is written in all I do--on paper, in cyberspace and in my heart. I have a lot to do before I leave the earth realm and I plan to get it all done--and I will--as long as I keep my faith in Christ Jesus and not in people or things.

If America loses sight of the vision--a great place for all to live where we have the freedom to think independently from government or religions or any other entity--we cave to those things and people who want to control us.

I challenge every American--to wake up and pay attention to what's going on around us--specifically in the political arena. Do not allow one political party to interfere with your right to vote with their gerrymandering, election rigging, or any other means to suppress your vote. Rise up and know--your vote is your voice in our government and this is why--GOP leadership wants to restrain your voice--so only theirs is heard.

I have a vision for America--the place where we have fought for freedom and now must fight to retain it. The America I love will embrace people from all walks of life, opening arms and hearts of compassion for all who are in need of shelter and comfort. We will learn to think and act as one unit--united by love of country, not divided by party politics. We will not allow a foreign entity's misdeeds to overshadow what we have already accomplished, caving to their dictates through the embodiment of greed and corruption. We will stand firm, determined and convinced that our Constitution is right for us and we will not allow greed to change our path. Though our "sight" may be impaired for a moment by the glitz and idiocy of those in leadership positions, we will not lose sight of the vision--written in the Constitution and in our hearts, confirmed with the gift of the Statute of Liberty, and upheld in the motto of our military actions--America is the land of the free and there is no other place, I'd rather be--than at the helm in the White House, in 2020, governing for all Americans and not just a handful of the privileged, elite.

• We will defend the rights of the poor and the needy and put out of business the corrupt and the greedy.
• We will provide quality healthcare and education for all who seek one beyond the environs of public education.
• We will lead this new technological era with revolutionary ideas that will keep all employed who want to work and pay them well, so they won't shirk.
• Taxation will be fair to all, with the lesser income households paying the least, and the greater incomes, paying the most so government won't suffer loss. 
• We will maintain our military might as they watch and guard us through the night.
• We will honor our senior citizens and treat them with the respect and honor they deserve, giving them what is rightfully theirs, held in reserve.
• We will learn to love and respect all human beings as one race, with none being superior to another, alleviating the need for strife based on race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or skin tone. There is but one blood, shed for us all and there is but one blood, red--that flows through us all and it's time we recognize that fact and change our act. 

Though there are days, my sight gives me reason to pause, since aging has it's own pace and challenges, I will never give up my vision--now written for all to see on the walls of cyberspace--easily shared. 

Are you ready to assist in this task, making the sure the vision is never curtailed, but will last for generations to come, on a planet will survive the test of climate change because we will change how we live--living by faith and acting with prudence in all that we do?

I'm ready, willing and able to do all to make sure the vision comes to past and all Everyday Americans will have-assurance in government once again, at least in the leader who shall lead all nations in the proclamation of peace and prosperity, none knowing lack. I don't know about you, but I'm walking by faith in God and all He has poured into me to do, not by what I see that's imperiled by man.

Where Are The Watchmen (Part 4)

"Therefore, son of man, say to your people, 'If someone who is righteous disobeys, that person's former righteousness will count for nothing. And if some who is wicked repents, that person's former wickedness will not bring condemnation. The righteous person who sins will not be allowed to live even though they were formerly righteous.' If I tell a righteous person that they will surely live, but then they trust in their righteousness and do evil, none of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered; they will die for the evil they have done. And if I say to a wicked person, 'You will surely die,' but they then turn away from their sin and do is just and right--if they give back what they took in pledge for a loan, return what they have stolen, follow the decrees that give life, and do no evil--that person will surely live; they will not die. None of the sins that person has committed will be remembered against them. They have done what is just and right; they will surely live. Ezekiel 33:12-16 NIV

It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not keep it.

The sinner has a better chance of making it to heaven once they repent--turning completely away from their sin and turning to God than the self-righteous who claimed to know God and yet will not live according to God's ways--loving all!

What we see in Washington with the religious-right GOP (including trump is neither a Christian or Republican)--are those who proclaim to know God, yet do not know how to live Godly lives.

We know from God's Word that He hates liars and lies.

We know from God's Word that when the righteous turn to evil, they have lost their claim to heaven.

We know from God's Word that He came down to earth in the likeness of sinful flesh to take sin upon Himself so we might be saved.

We know from God's Word that it is better for us if we never claim to know God than to claim to know Him and then reject His ways.

This is what happens when we study God's Word: we know! Only those who never study, never understand, can refute the truth of God's Word and humiliate themselves in front of others. 

My take from the above-mentioned passage of scripture is that Pence is leading the pack (Sessions, Gorsuch, Ryan, McConnell, et al) of those who claim to be righteous, but are trusting in their own righteousness and rejecting God's Word--to love. If they were truly righteous, they would defend the rights of the poor and the needy, embrace all human life and encourage love for one another. This is not what they do. They make distinctions as to who they'll care about and who they'll reject. They choose corporations and generous donors over the needs of Everyday Americans.

At the moment, they (GOP) are rejecting: any and all persons who do not look like them, worship like them or live like them. Though they claim to be "pro-life" they are actually, pro-fetus because they care less about the life after it appears and we know this by all the legislation they promote that denies access to healthcare for the poor, education for the poor, and opportunity to gain wealth since they want to hoard all the wealth for themselves.

The GOP want to defund Planned Parenthood, an organization that serves the poor and women. They claim their stance against abortion is why, but if they impede women from having access to birth control and other services that helps to keep living (cancer screening, etc.), they prove they are misogynistic and nowhere in the Bible are we told to mistreat women.

So, in Christ Jesus (those believing and living according to His Word) you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:26-29 NIV (parenthetical is mine). 

We know that many of the "religious-right" confuse Old Testament historical knowledge with "contemporary application," but that's because they do not understand what their relationship with Christ should produce.  Yes, we can look back at what God said through the prophets and apply what much is said to us in the 21st Century. That is for our understanding, not our doing. God used the prophets to speak to the people "before" He appeared in the earth. It is because of His appearance in the earth and His return to heaven, leaving behind His Spirit--that we can "all" have access to Him, directly.

Okay, I know some will be offended by what I've already said, but I will not retract any of it. People are offended by truth especially when truth reveals their hypocrisy. I will speak His truth no matter how many are offended for people have neither heaven or hell for me--only God does. I'm not sacrificing my mansion to appease people. And those who do--turn from righteousness to wickedness and evil--have a place reserved for them, too-- in the lake of fire.

We should carefully consider who we put into positions of authority and power and know by their love for others whether or not they belong to Christ. If they have no love for others, they cannot rightfully claim a relationship with Christ. Pause and meditate on that and willingly receive truth about the nation's leaders in Washington. Time to make a change.

Where Are The Watchmen? (Part 3)

Son of man, say to the Israelites, "This is what you are saying: "Our offenses and sins weigh us down, and we are wasting away because of them. How then can we live?" 'Say to them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?" Ezekiel 33:10,11 NIV

If we are--born-again, true Believers and know we are Spiritual Israel--do we hear Ezekiel speaking to us now?

For those who are truly Believers and know their role as watchman, we hear and we must continue to warn the people to turn from their evil ways. Turn now, while they yet have a chance.

I'm going to go on the wall today, beseeching the Republican Congress to turn--turn from the wickedness that allowed them to sit in Congress today; turn from the evil they put into the White House, and turn back to God--acting with integrity and knowing how to live as Christ wants us to live.

Turn--from the evil that keeps them from seeing the devastation they wish to put upon the poor and needy, depriving them of the ability to live long healthy lives.

Turn--from the evil of greed and corrupt riches and see God in all they do, knowing our God is not concerned with material riches, but the state of the soul in all things.

Turn--from having a blind eye, disavowing everything revealed about the current evil that resides in the White House and all they do to erode democracy.

Turn--from being obsessed with power--illegitimately obtained with the help of Russian hacking and disinformation.

Turn--from disavowing truth with deflections, distractions, denials, and distortions created in the minds of evil people who will face truth.

Turn--from feeding main stream media misinformation and outright lies just to support talking points of a deluded party.

Turn--from misleading the gullible and creating an atmosphere for their continued frenzy of hatred and bigotry.

Turn--from the loyalty to party and turn back to loyalty to country, upholding your oaths of office.

Turn--from trying to appease corporate donors and the wealthiest of the population when it will bring ruin to many families.

Turn--from promoting attitudes of superiority, feeding the hate-filled frenzy of the white supremacists and other hate groups.

Turn--from thinking that God is not watching or has turned a blind eye to the lies and corruption bubbling over on a daily basis.

God is not mocked and knows the heart and intent of everyone--those who believe in Him, obey Him and those who don't.

The Republican-led Congress is not doing anything to benefit Americans, but to destroy American democracy to appease a madman who knows no truth, and will sell America to the highest bidder, which happens to be Russia--to compensate for his debt to them.

How long O Republicans will you not do your jobs? How long O Republicans will you allow 22 million Americans to suffer? How long O Republicans will it take for you to admit your role in the corrupted 2016 Election? How long will you deny participation in the most devastating corruption of a Presidential election of our times. How long? How long? How long will it take you to turn back to God--confessing, repenting, and resigning? Is saving face by going along with the foolishness more important than saving our democracy?

You have a responsibility to America to do what's best for all Americans and if you abdicate your responsibility, whatever happens to you is what you deserve.

I'm seeking the support of every American, regardless of political affiliation to support my run for president in the 2020 election. I am more than qualified to fill the position per Constitutional requirements and understand how government runs, have no Russian ties or Connections, no political baggage to lug around, love to read and write and don't play golf. I am wise enough to know what I don't know and to seek the expertise of those who do know and heed sound advice. My integrity does not have a price tag attached nor do I cave to intimidation or bribes. If this sounds like the type of person you want for president, please let me know I can count on you when I declare my candidacy, officially, at a later date.

Where Are The Watchmen (Part 2)

"Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, 'You wicked person, you will surely die," and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will for die for their sin and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn them the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved." Ezekiel 33:7-9 NIV

Where are the wicked, O Lord that I might warn them to give up their wickedness? If we believe we are called to be watchmen, this should be our daily cry--where are they so we can warn them and not have to be concerned about their blood being on us.

This one truth I have learned long ago: My job is tell people what God said; I do not have to convince them, they have a right to accept or reject what is said. If I don't tell them what God says, then I put myself in jeopardy, and no one--absolutely no one--is worth me losing my mansion in heaven.

Therefore, I will continue to sing His praises and telling the world--every chance I get--confess, repent, and seek a better relationship with Him. This is especially true of those in the White House. Every day, more information is revealed that there is indeed collusion, coordination, cooperation, participation with Russia and that Russia has been instrumental in installing the current resident.
 Someone needs to sit down with history books, the Constitution, the Declaration of the Independence, and the Bill of Rights, read and understand in order to help this country move forward with a better understanding of what a Patriot really is. A Patriot cares about the country and will stand upright, ready to fight for country, more than aligning themselves with a president.

Here's the Word from God--though paraphrased for contemporary use--for all the GOP including trump and clan.

 

I will keep saying this until the evil is removed from the White House and sanity is restored across the nation. Though wickedness may reign for a moment, its time is coming and all the world shall see how God deals with those who commit wickedness against His people.

Please continue to read Ezekiel 33 for I shall continue with Part 3, another day. Sometimes, we simply need to meditate on segments until they are deeply rooted in our hearts so we'll know how to move forward.

In the meantime, I shall continue laying the foundation--alerting the masses that I'm running for president and seeking their support. I believe as an Everyday American, with no Russian ties, no political baggage and no celebrity status that I can and will serve Americans well.

Where Are The Watchmen?

Son of man, speak to your people and say to them: 'When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their men and make him their watchman, and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their head. Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning, their blood will be on their own head. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves. But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone's life, that person's life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchmen accountable for their blood.' Ezekiel 33:2-6

Every born-again believer is called to be a watchman for the rest of the world. When we see danger coming, it is our responsibility to sound the alarm and warn the people. When we don't do our job, and people are harmed, God will hold us--who refuse to sound the alarm, making sure the people are warned of impending danger--accountable for all loss of life and any harm to others.

I take God's Word seriously and have been sounding the alarm for months. Some have derided my attempts to warn, some have listened, but many have ignored. The time is coming and it is soon approaching where every man, woman and child will have to make a decision in resisting the impending doom about to fall upon America and our democracy. We can submit and succumb to the fascism looming, or we can resist and remember how we came to be in the first place--fighting back to protect our freedom.

I won't belabor the point, but I would encourage any and all reading this post to read all God said through Ezekiel and to understand the importance we all play. I don't mean shouting from the rooftops, "The sky is falling." I mean exclaiming to all you meet and greet and interact with on social media that a plot is afoot to deny Americans basic rights--freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to vote for our choices, without interference. Don't take my word for it, read the independent publications as well as the Main Stream Media publications. Knowing is half the battle; how we win depends upon what we do with the knowledge we obtain. If we do nothing, we get nothing; if we act upon what we receive, we make the world a better place for all.

So, what are you going to do? I'm going to continue fighting back, alerting everyone that the Republican Party has been compromised by white supremacist groups and they desire that no brown or black people reside in this country. They are fearful of having "white skin tones" obliterated and are in dire straits to protect and preserve "white privilege" at the expense of the others--without regard to the fact that we are "one human race" established by God, not men. They are guided by hatred and bigotry, not love and they observe religious activities, but do not have a relationship with Jesus.

I'm Living to fight all the way to the White House so everyone will know--there is a voice speaking out and up for the Everyday American who loves all and recognizes all life as precious--regardless of the outer complexion.

 

God Has Plans For Evil!

Why do you boast of evil, you mighty hero? Why do you boast all day long, you are a disgrace in the eyes of God? You who practice deceit, your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor. You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth. You love every harmful word, you deceitful tongue! Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin: He will snatch you up and pluck you from your tent; he will uproot you form the land of the living. The righteous will see and fear; they will laugh at you, saying, Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others! (v.1-7)
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever. For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good. Psalm 52 NIV

I could stop right here and say nothing more. Those who have discerning spirits can see how The Word (v 1-7) applies to our current resident in the Oval Office.

Think back to all the campaign rhetoric spewed (most of which GOPers say we shouldn't give much credence). Think about all the evil trump encouraged and spouted about every one of his opponents.

Think about all the hateful merchandise sold at his hate-filled rallies and all the hateful chants ignited by him and other spokespersons like Michael Flynn and Jeff Sessions as well as others. Think about it and reflect upon it and then connect the dots to what we see--the reality of the rhetoric--alive and well in the White House.

We know Russia hijacked the election for trump and trump and key Republicans collaborated in the effort--which is why none of the House or Senate GOP have much to say about the disgraceful mess unfolding from the White House. They knew and they wanted power so badly they went along with it. The bad part is--they were instrumental in convincing the Evangelical leaders to go along with their madness. And if any of the "Religious Right" are still supporting this administration, they prove they hate America and all we stand for.

No knowledge of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, or Declaration of Independence has been demonstrated by trump. He has no knowledge of history and certainly not of geography (aptly demonstrated in both trips abroad).

His voice patterns indicate his ineptness at understanding the importance of "reading material" before trying to give it as a speech before the public. He is slow--hesitant--and indicates a lack of understanding how to pronounce certain words. In the presence of truly powerful men--his tone is submissive, not firm and assertive; but at his rallies, he practically screams because he knows those who attend are the undereducated and ill-informed and won't challenge his knowledge about anything. They just accept.

But the last two verses in this Psalm should serve as encouragement for the righteous--those who try to live right before God without committing the atrocities we see committed by trump. We will flourish in the presence of God and all those who committed evil and plotted the destruction of American democracy. We shall be victorious in coming elections and we shall be wise in our selection of people who should lead us for coming generations, so we'll never see the likes of this type of evil again, in America.

I'm Mary Hall-Rayford, and I approve this message. I hope after reviewing the information on my FaceBook page (www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020) , you'll support my effort to bring respect back to the White House and put America back in its rightful place on the world stage--front and center.

How Misplaced Hope Blinds

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down--this leaning wall, this tottering fence? Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies.  With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. Yes my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock , my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them. One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: "Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love"; and, "You reward everyone according to what they have done." Psalm 62 NIV

We all have hoped for things that were just out of our reach or have blindly placed our hope in people, only to be disappointed, time and time again.

We are reminded in The Word, that our hope cannot reside in things or people, "some may trust in horses and chariots, but we shall trust in the name of our God." Only when we trust in God, totally and completely can our hope attain its goal.

Therefore, once we understand that hoping in people is futile, we can see beyond the blinders and face reality. There is no hope for this country if we depend upon its current leadership to retain its position on the global stage. That knowledge was reinforced on 7/7/17 when we witnessed (some of us) a meeting between trump and Putin (the initial meeting and handshake), and then later learning that trump caved--being "honored to meet" the person who attacked our free and fair election process. Putin played trump like a finely tuned guitar--stroke, by stroke--arousing his ego to the point of blindness.

Anticipating trump's reaction to this alleged, "first meeting," I posted a thread on Twitter and pinned it so all who care to dispute what I said won't have a problem finding what I said.

Body language says it all. With the initial greeting--the handshake and pat on the back (reassuring Putin that he--trump was being obedient) was telling for all who were observant. While trump sat anxiously awaiting their "time alone" Putin was relaxed and acknowledged--intentionally or unintentionally--their "finally personally meeting." Now, some could say I was deliberately attempting to make something out of nothing, but from everything I've discovered about Putin--he understands the import and impact of words--they matter. He wanted the world to know and especially Russia to know--he and trump had been communicating for some time. In fact, I've concluded the entire meeting was choreographed by Putin so he could make sure that his wishes were being followed. We are in the throes of being absorbed by Russia and its autocracy since trump doesn't have the balls or backbone to stand up to a tyrant. And it would appear that the GOP Congress is also missing balls and backbone to address the situation and to remove the traitor from the Oval Office.

Anyone hoping trump will become "presidential" is blinded by their refusal to see the reality playing out in front of them. He may hold the title, but he is not the president of the United States when he undermines and bashes American intelligence officers and our Free Press--disavowing any acknowledgment of our Constitution. 

My hope--is in Jesus Christ--and Him alone and I trust Him to guide me in all things. I know Everyday Americans are smarter than those who were gullible enough to vote for trump in the first place, and they'll research and discover the plausibility of supporting me, as the next president. I'm not asking people to have hope in me, but to have faith in their own judgment and relationship with Christ as they ponder supporting me.

We Can Never Get Too Much Wisdom

Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble. They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. Proverbs 4:10-19 NIV

If we read one segment of Proverbs on a daily basis and meditated on what Solomon is saying to us, we'd become wise enough to know--truth when we see and separate it from the fictional lies--offered as "alternative facts" and get America back on track to being as great as she is. Wisdom abides in the soul of the ones who came before us when they have learned their lessons well and share them so we won't make the same mistakes.

Our recorded history--world history--not just American history, should be lesson for us all to keep the evil of greed from leading an entire country in the wrong direction. Truth is a beacon of light that shines in dark places and finds every niche and cranny of evil trying to hide in the darkness and exposes it. 

Evil--in the person of alt-right groups who think they can defend their savior by threatening CNN hosts and their families. They are cowardly bullies, just like their savior--and though they claim to be Christians (most of them), they are no more Christian than my dog and I don't own one. Only evil and those influenced by it threaten to harm others simply because they cannot make people think the way they do. Wickedness resides in the hearts of those who encourage evil to run rampant and there is no place for love for hatred has taken root, and sucked all the life out of the person who may have been headed for greatness, but allowed evil to get in their way.

My prayer, for all those who exercise their right to freely express--in print and broadcast media--their findings of research and opinions on matters that affect the nation--is that every news outlet will stand--in lock-step, and not be moved--reporting every evil that surfaces and exposing those behind it. Most of us--as Patriots, stand behind the 1st Amendment and support a free press to keep our government accountable to the people.

For those who don't understand the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution or Bill of Rights, as some have demonstrated, let me remind you here:

Declaration of Independence from King George of England

In Congress, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Preamble of the Constitution

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

From The Bill of Rights

Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

All found on the government archives website--easily found on Google or any other reliable search engine.

In the very near future, I will endeavor to further analyze and break down information from the three documents which cement our democracy and I--along with many other True Patriots--will not allow a handful of illiterates and low-information voters to trample and crush the democracy we enjoy in America. I'm taking my stand and I pray others will do the same.

Enemy In The White House

Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, "You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun." Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord. Acts 13:9-12 NIV

I can hear this being said about trump and his entire administration. They are spawns of the devil and enemies of everything that is right. They are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery (lies and alternative facts) and worst part of all is--most claim to be Christians--making a mockery of who Christ is.
Jesus Christ--God wrapped in human flesh--who is love, came down to earth after watching how we were desecrating ourselves and misleading others with religious behavior. He loves us so much, He was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice--His life for ours--and yet we see the mockery--in the White House--in America--and they think no one sees through their lies and they don't care when their lies are exposed.
Now, I don't know everything, but I am filled with Holy Spirit and allow Him to direct me and correct me. Just as Paul called out the devil when recognized, so am I--calling out the enemy in the White House. 
Jesus served--the needs of all who came to Him. Although there were those who wanted to serve Him, He preferred serving others--an act of humility we'll never see from those in the White House. Egos are driving their actions and they feel they are above the law and any and everything they want to do--should simply be accepted and applauded (and it is by those who have been gaslighted--the gullibles--low-informed voters who resent others having college degrees).  The rest of us--those whose minds have not been cast into the throes of receptivity of lies and are capable of thinking for ourselves--will not fall prey to those who use gaslighting to seduce others into their cult. 
What is gaslighting? I've defined it before, but I will again and again, until all come into the knowledge of truth and turn from the evil ways of those who do not love, do not desire to serve others and are only interested in profiting financially from their position of power, no matter what happens to others.

• Gaslighting is the attempt of one person to overwrite another person’s reality.
• Gaslighting is a sophisticated manipulation tactic which certain types of personalities use to create doubt in the minds of others. Here’s how it works and what to watch out for. 
• Effective gaslighting can be accomplished in several different ways. Sometimes, a person can assert something with such an apparent intensity of conviction that the other person begins to doubt their own perspective.
• Other times, vigorous and unwavering denial coupled with a display of righteous indignation can accomplish the same task. 
• Bringing up historical facts that seem largely accurate but contain minute, hard-to-prove distortions and using them to “prove” the correctness of one’s position is another method. 
• Gaslighting is particularly effective when coupled with other tactics such as shaming and guilting.
• Anything that aids in getting another person to doubt their judgment and back down will work.

( http://counsellingresource.com/features/2011/11/08/gaslighting/)

Now, a thinking person--after reading the information above--would reflect upon what has happened recently and as far back as a year ago--to understand why trump is a manipulating gaslighter. If having a weak, gullible mindset--susceptible to cultism behavior is who they are--they have probably been gaslighted. The manipulator seeks a point of weakness and frustration with the status quo and exploits it for their own purposes. Once gullibles are engaged, totally dependent upon the manipulator--people become incapable of separating truth from fiction or rather false propaganda and proceed to keep promoting it as though it was true.

We know this is true because of what happened when Alex Jones promoted the false narratives about Hillary Clinton and had help from James O'Keefe who manipulated videos to spread false narratives. The "pizzagate" lie ended up with a man in jail and it could have cost lives when he went into a pizzeria, determined to "save children from a child-sex ring," who didn't exist. Now, they're in cahoots trying to undermine the credibility of CNN, even though there are a number of republican contributors spotlighted on the cable news network. Once again, Fox Entertainment's hosts, trump administration, and trump all attempt to manipulate their base of low-information, low-educated voters who from all we can see--are totally susceptible to the manipulation (though they won't admit it). They have been manipulated into believing children have been kidnapped and are being held on the planet Mars. Talk about National Enquirer mentality! They're also propagating the false narrative that CNN is on the side of dictators and are blackmailing "Tweeters" on Twitter. When I see those who proclaim to be Christians promote this nonsense, I begin to doubt they ever knew Christ.

I think I've made the point of what gaslighting does and who's susceptible to the practice. How does a person avoid being gaslighted? Seek information from multiple sources (especially those with differing opinions from yours), analyze and draw conclusions based upon the reality unfolding in front of you--not what one group says. Watch--without the cloud-covered blinders--what the manipulators do and hear what they say. They lie from one minute to another and their behavior--especially the egotists--is to do whatever puts them at the center of attention, while denouncing everything everyone else does.

Now, that the explanation has been made and illustrations offered, are you being gaslighted by the manipulative crew in the White House? If so, pull away from a television and social media for 21 days (time it takes to form good habits), pray, and seek God's Wisdom over your own, and then be willing to call a lie a lie and a liar a liar. If you're not willing to exorcise yourself, then you'll have no one to blame but yourself when you see your world crumble around you, catching you unaware.

While many will be trying to understand or undermine what has just been said, I'll continue to lay the foundation for my presidential run in 2020. Yes, I am going to run because I'm a much better candidate than the person in office right now, on multiple levels and the biggest is--I don't and won't lie to make me look like something I'm not.

American Values

If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work. It what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved--even though only as one escaping through the flames. Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst. If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for God's temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become "fools" so that you become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness," and again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile." So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future--all are yours, and you are of Christ and Christ is of God. I Corinthians 3:12-23 NIV

As America celebrates its independence from British rule in 1776, we must also reflect upon the situation of that time--leading to the declaration and remembering the sacrifices made to ensure independence from those who sought to keep people in bondage, being under the thumb of authoritarian rule of royalty. The entire purpose of establishing The United States of America (then only 13 colonies) was to make sure people were not ruled by any one person or one group of people--who would abuse the rights of all people in order to benefit themselves (no taxation without representation).

That's the mini-lesson for today and there is so much more we need to remember and understand.  For instance, why people left Britain, what happened to the Native Inhabitants of the land, why slaves were imported from Africa and other Caribbean Islands, and why religious freedom was a must for those who came to inhabit the land.

It would appear that we are having a continual discussion about the foundational beliefs of America--one being that it was founded upon Christianity--which is a myth. The founding fathers referred to biblical principles when writing the constitution, but it was not about Christianity--since many people establish religions based on biblical principles but do not call themselves Christians. But let me clear--biblical principles are great to use to determine how one lives and in how we should treat others, but it takes having a relationship with Jesus Christ to call oneself a Christian (follower of Christ). Not understanding the need for a relationship with Christ is what caused so many problems in America and in other places, but today--I'll just deal with America.

It was "religion" not Christianity that led the early settlers in America to believe that "slavery" was their right.  Much of this belief was held because of not understanding what they read in the bible (not know who was talking or why). And yes, I know Paul talked about slaves in the New Testament, but it was a matter of understanding slavery--benefiting from free labor--not the mistreatment of other human beings. And we see the mistreatment of human beings in how the Native Inhabitants were treated, the imported slaves, and those who later migrated to America, but did not look like those who first came. I don't want to make this a "black and white" issue, but let's be real, white settlers took over the land from the Natives and restricted their movement because they were not white; they mistreated slaves and even after they were freed, the black people were restricted in movement and ability to thrive, as were those who migrated from Ireland, China, Poland, Italy and just about anywhere else.

And today, a fear-monger has ignited fear in others again--about those who do not look like them or worship like them and has "restricted" others from coming into the land, afraid they'll no longer be a "superior" race of people. That's what American Values have become--if a person is white and holds fast to the "religious-right" way of thinking about the bible, they are welcomed into this country; if not--they are kept out.

Being religious is not being a Christian since religions hold fast to man-made rules and doctrines that leave Jesus wondering if He could measure up to the standards, petty, vindictive, bigoted people establish. As stated earlier, being a Christian means to follow Jesus--doing what Jesus did--care for the poor and needy, the vulnerable, the abandoned, the bereft, those looked down upon by those in positions of authority and ignored. If we--as Christians understand that God is love and He could do nothing but love, then we understand why-- in the person of human flesh-- Jesus dined with sinners without judging them, went into areas where normally Jews wouldn't wander, and healed all who came to Him. He was not concerned about a person's position or wealth or lack thereof (though He admonished the religious who tried control people based upon their rules), he was compassionate towards all and commanded all who would follow Him, to "love God and to love one another."

Where is the love? How do we demonstrate our love for one another? Is it rejecting--out of hand--the value and worth of another human being's life because they are not "white" or wear a head covering, or pray five times a day, or three times a day or not at all? Is it dictating to others how they should live and then disparaging them when others don't comply? Is it proclaiming to be "pro-life" as it pertains to a fetus, and yet refuse to assist those who are already here, by pushing an agenda that decimates the poor? Is it disregarding all those who helped to make this land great--regardless of their skin color, religious beliefs, or their gender?

If American Values are regressing to those times when people lacked understanding and thought they had to "make decisions" for others, then our values are worthless and they make the Constitution a waste of paper and sacrifices made to achieve the opportunity to write it.

This is the 21st Century, not the 1930s or 40s or 50s or 60s. We are living in an age of technology that when used appropriately, can catapult us into a future of wonder and amazement to the rest of the world. If used to undermine the very nature of what we claim to hold fast--those rights clearly established in the constitution--then we set ourselves for derision and become a non-entity to the rest of the world.

We need to reassess our American Values and make sure they align with the Constitution and the biblical principles used to establish it. Every human being in this country has the same rights as others regardless of skin color, religious belief, or gender and no one--no group has a right to undermine or destroy that. For when they undermine the Constitution, they demonstrate they do not know God and their authoritarian spirit--defies God since God is the only person we should obey. 

We have a choice--we always have a choice as to what we believe and how we treat others. I am a proud American--descendant of slaves and Native Inhabitants--a patriot in the truest sense of the word and I hold sacred the plight of the country over any political agenda to control people. And because I have a relationship with Jesus Christ and know how to love--I am a true Believer and try always to do as Jesus would do. Not everyone wants to hear truth and accept it, but God did not call me to just teach His Word and only speak truth, when people wanted to hear it. In fact, He reminded me that my job is to teach His Work and speak His truth; I'm not accountable for what people do with the truth--they are--reject or accept--it's on them, not me.

So celebrate today in remembrance of obtaining freedom from the control of others--have a wonderful time--but remember how we got here and know the only way we stay "free" and enjoy the liberties we have is to seek God and rethink what our American Values are and what they mean to all.
I'm Mary Hall-Rayford and I approve this message.