Who's Really Free?

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galatians 5:1-6 NIV

The debate about whether to stand, kneel or sit during the a presentation of the National Anthem has become a contentious discussion. Now, it would seem that everyone wants to chime in and have an opinion and most seem to think their opinion is the only one that counts. Before anyone's opinion can be counted, everyone must understand what the debate represents. Kneeling during the anthem is a protest against the injustice suffered by those in the Black community because of police brutality--unarmed Black males being killed.

Now, whether people understand the angst felt in the Black community or not really is not debatable.  Unless a person is Black, they would not understand why some of us feel so strongly about the deaths of young Black males. To fully understand, one must understand the discrimination we've suffered for a very long time. And just to make sure, the message is understood, I encourage everyone to review the history of Black people in this country.

We were imported as slaves, treated like animals or worse, denied the rights provided every human being, babies taken from mothers, families separated, lynched, burned, wrongfully jailed and executed without recourse through any judicial system because the laws were against us, not for us. It was not until 1968 that most of us had the right to vote because we didn't count. Most people don't realize the electoral college was established for those who owned slaves--so they wouldn't have an advantage over those who didn't. (14th Amendment, Section 2) Slaves were set free in 1863, but were still treated like third-class citizens or worse. We had been denied the right to pursue an education, kept of out certain careers and even though many Black men fought in wars "for this country" they were still denied the same rights as others.

There is a stanza of the anthem--written as a poem in 1814--that most are not aware of and it embellishes slavery rather than denounces it and hence--the kneeling during the anthem--is about systemic racism; not about patriotism!

Oh, say! can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming;
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there:
Oh, say! does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In fully glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution!
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Oh, thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust":
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

When we understand that this country has diminished the rights of Black people and still does not respect us as human beings, we protest and with a peaceful protest where no one is harmed or violated--there should be no dissension or debate about the right to do so.

When trump disrespected Black football players by calling them SOBs, he demonstrated his racism and all who applauded him and encouraged his racist rhetoric demonstrated where they stood.
Systemic racism is still a problem in this country and there is no denying it. The fact that over 70% of all football players in the NFL are Black speaks volumes and the fact that the biggest fans are white also speaks volumes--we are still seen as being nothing more than "entertainers" for those with "white privilege."

I'm taking a stand against those who claim the football players are arrogant, spoiled brats and should be "grateful" for the opportunity to become rich. Do those who make these statements say the same thing about "White Players" or is it just a condemnation of the Black players? Every Black and White football earned the right to play by their relentless pursuit of excellence in playing the game. They were not given spots on a team, they earned them. 

For decades--probably to the chagrin of many people who said, "Black people were inferior to White people--we have proven time and time again, we are not an inferior race of people, but those who are fearful and bigoted have not stopped thinking they are the superior race. Well, I have news for all--there is only one race of people--the human race and none superior to another, but if people want to deal with facts and not fiction, they only have to understand where man originated--on the continent of Africa--and if there was a superior race--it would be the African race--where life began.

If we ever get to a place in society where we can see people and not color, we'll all be better off. We can live in peace and spend our time--collectively trying to find cures for cancer and other debilitating diseases, establishing lifestyles that will preserve the planet for the benefit of all, and keeping the human race--alive, prosperous and vital for the next millennium.

The truth of the matter is--until we are all willing to discuss--rationally--the social injustices that exist with the systemic racism--nothing will ever change. We must come together and understand "the reasons" for the divide and then pursue unity as a whole--for all Americans.

When Will Enough Be Enough?

An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels. Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. When wickedness comes, so does contempt and with shame comes reproach. The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream. It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice. The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating. The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives. Proverbs 18:1-7 NIV

Since I highlight in red for emphasis, it would have been appropriate to highlight the entire passage, but there are specific points I want to make here about fools and what happens when they run their mouths without thinking.

The real problem before I began to clarify is this--when will Americans say enough is enough?
There is a segment of America who did not speak out and denounce the "birther movement" perpetuated by trump and it was because of this lie, he ignited hatred and bigotry against Barack Obama and America didn't say, "enough is enough!"

He rode this lie right into the hearts of haters who elected to govern America for all Americans, but nothing has changed--if anything his rhetoric is about to ignite all sorts of wars, because Republican leaders haven't said, "enough is enough!"

Recently, he practically endorsed the behavior of white supremacists and the killing of Heather Heyer when he said, "some of them are very fine people" and America didn't say, "enough is enough!"

He has criticized Colin Kaepernick for taking a knee to protest injustice and igniting polarization against him because he was exercising his 1st amendment rights and now all the ruckus has resulted in a great football player being deprived from doing what he loves and America has not said, "enough is enough!"

From the podium at a press conference, Sarah Huckabee Sanders that Jemele Hill should be fired because she told the truth in saying trump is a white supremacist and America has yet to say with a loud voice, "enough is enough!"

At the United Nations General Assembly, trump vowed to commit war crimes in threatening to, "totally destroy North Korea" which entails murdering 25 million people and some see the statement as "strong" instead of deplorable, but no one has said, "enough is enough!"

Now, he's turned on Steph Curry simply because once again, Curry decided "to not visit the White House and ignited the rhetoric again and here we are, with not many saying, "enough is enough!"

But perhaps the most telling racist and bigoted remarks (of late) is his calling Black Athletes, "sons-of a b****" and calling them to be fired by owners. He didn't call the white supremacist who killed Heather Heyer a hateful name, but Black Athletes--he's perfectly comfortable with calling names. Is it enough, yet?

Then he turned on the owners who honor a person's right to express themselves. Is it enough, yet?
He hasn't said a negative thing about Putin and has attempted to excoriate every other person who does not agree with him. Is it enough, yet?

He's promoting the Graham-Cassidy Health Care Reconciliation that guarantees over 30 million Americans will not have access to affordable healthcare. Is it enough, yet?

There's a "base" of people supporting the nonsense and bigoted rhetoric who have ignored the fact that this draft-dodging, tantrum-throwing-toddler-in-chief has no clue what it means to "serve" America or what the Constitution means for all Americans. Is it enough, yet?

His Cabinet is using the United States Treasury as their personal ATM and no one has said, "enough is enough."

Will Americans wait until a nuclear war is ignited to say, "enough is enough?" It will be too late then, not just for America, but for the world since radioactive material doesn't discriminate in destruction of human beings and the planet.

If I had the time and thirty extra fingers, typing on three more laps, I still wouldn't be able to express all that I feel about this horrendous apparatus sitting in the White House, tweeting threats and igniting racial divide in this country. Many of us--recognize what he's doing and it is not for the benefit of the country, but to appease his base in keeping the racial strife alive--hoping it will be distraction enough to keep the media from reporting on the status of the Mueller investigation. We know distraction when we see it and most of us know, truth will be revealed and he will be exposed as an illegitimate president because of his involvement in the election meddling, he probably applauded.

It is more than enough for me! I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired with his maniacal megalomaniac wannabe dictator and his nonsense. It's time for everyone with a functioning brain and a heart for Christ to stand up and speak out and say, "Enough is enough!" We have become the laughingstock of the world and the WH idiot thinks other world leaders like him. He's too foolish and self-absorbed to know, they all think he's an idiot and none of them trust him.

I'm standing up and speaking out and today, though I'm not normally sitting in front of a television watching football, I will "take a knee" as an expression of my support for those on a football field anywhere and as my right to do so.

When will you say, "Enough is enough" and demand Republican leaders censure trump or start drafting articles of impeachment for his many violations of the constitution?

And since I'm tired of complaining (though I will continue to speak out against all the hate and bigotry), I'm doing something about it. If you're tired of all the nonsense, too--join me in my quest to become President in 2020!

Would Jesus Sacrifice Lives For Money?

All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” Matthew 25: 32-46 NIV

Okay, so which of these statements by Jesus can the pseudo-Christians use to justify their lack of empathy and compassion for the poor and the needy and vulnerable?

Those who care only about money and their donors and how much they might benefit from the “billionaires” like the Koch brothers, have essentially sold their souls to devil with their constituents as the leverage. Would Jesus really sacrifice lives for the sake of receiving money?

With the Graham/Cassidy Bill –designed to deprive over 30M people of healthcare, we see how much the GOP Senators care about money rather than saving lives. This is not the first time the Republican-Right-Wing-Religious hypocrites have shown their true colors and I’m sure it won’t be the last. However, healthcare is a right that should be accessible and available to all, whether they have pre-existing conditions or not; whether we are rich or not. If they truly want to do something about the rise of healthcare, they should start with the Insurance Industry but they won’t do that because most of the GOP are heavily invested in the industry and they’re making money, hand over fist and they’re not about to diminish their income. Again–it’s all about money and not about lives.


I know people who are being treated for cancer, are diabetic, have heart conditions, children born with health challenges and special needs. Cutting $243B dollars out of the budget for healthcare is not a good move for anyone. Rather than move $700B dollars into the military budget–especially since the military pays exorbitant prices for the most basic of needs, they should reduce the military allowance, and put the money where it’s needed the most–education and healthcare–not a border wall.
I’m not the only one speaking out about this horrendous bill, there is much to research and learn.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/graham-cassidy-bill-would-cut-funding-to-34-states-new-report-shows/2017/09/20/48741d92-9d58-11e7-9083-fbfddf6804c2_story.html?utm_term=.95957b90dfc9

http://www.businessinsider.com/graham-cassidy-health-care-obamacare-repeal-bill-funding-issue-2017-9

For those who insist upon believing Republicans care about the poor and needy, they prove they do not know Jesus and will not accept facts in order to make a decision, but will promote false propaganda for the benefit of a few.

We need elected officials who are making decisions for all to care about all.

"No" on Graham/Cassidy Bill!

Call now and tell Senate GOP to vote no on the Graham/Cassidy Bill
All numbers begin 202-224:
Graham 5971
Cassidy 5824
Capito 6472
Murkowski 6665
Collins 2523
Gardner 5941
Flake 4521
McCain 2235
Portman 3353

Ask them what would Jesus do? Would Jesus sacrifice the lives of over 30M people just to shore up campaign donations? People are worth more than money.

Stability

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name forever and ever. Everyday I will praise you and extol your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty--and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works--and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. Psalm 145:1-7 NIV
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. James 1:5-8 NIV

What we need in the world now, more than ever is stability--stable-minded leaders--in order to effect peace and security. Without stability--especially in operating in the minds of world leaders--the entire world is at a place where few feel secure.

The founding fathers of our nation in America--sought to create an environment of stability when they composed the Constitution. Now, the right-wing tea-partiers want to destabilize our democracy by ignoring the Constitutional framework of how government works. When we allow any one person to violate the Constitution, we put at risk the entire Constitution being violated by those who think they are above the law.

We see this continuing line of thought on a regular basis in the WH--where all we have are enablers of an unfit, unstable, double-minded illegitimate person who was installed by Russia. The GOP--supposedly the party of family values and morals have been derelict in their responsibility by first allowing the nomination and they continue to abrogate responsibility by not "keeping him in check" which is their job--the purpose for which they were elected.

Until we all get involved--Republicans, Independents and Democrats to stop ignoring the fact--we have a mental midget in charge, we're never going to see or have stability in this country again.

The white supremacist was elected by other white supremacists and then he appointed another racist bigot as Attorney General and we can see it in all he does in the position, then he appointed a bigot as Education Secretary and thieves and liars in other positions--which should not be a surprise since he is a thief and liar--totally corrupt and morally bankrupt.

What do the rest of us need to do? We need to encourage those pseudo-Christians who are worshiping trump to read their bible with understanding--worshiping him is idolatry; and we need to remind them--daily--God did not choose trump to be president, they did--along with the rest of the racists and haters in this country.

There will be no peace without the acceptance that America was not founded on the bible; was not built on white European values, but on the backs of slave labor and ignorance of the context of the bible. White Europeans came to this land already inhabited by the Indigenous Natives and stole the land from them. They additionally complicated matters by importing Africans as slaves--free labor to build the infrastructure and stabilize their economic power--corruption at its best.

If America is not willing to accept the facts and reality of its existence, we will continue to have turmoil and chaos because of those who think they are superior to others. As long as we have leadership constantly flip-flopping on policy (if there is policy) we will be the laughingstock of the world. Without stable-minded leadership, there will be no stability in the country. It is time for us to wake up and see the danger we're all in from NK, Russia, and China because we allowed an idiot to reside in the White House.

We can change things and begin the journey to stabilize by changing who we elect. In 2018, we need to flip the House (from Red to Blue) and in 2020, those Senators who are too old to see reality as it exists, not as they want it, need to retire.

We are a nation of diverse cultures and we need to protect that right by remembering--every person of European ancestry was an immigrant and had the Natives not been as helpful as they were, they would surely not be a majority voice in this country. We need stability and the only way that will happen is when the rights of all Americans are acknowledged and protected. If we continue to treat those who come into this land as though they were less worthy of equal treatment, we may incur the wrath of God for not obeying His Word about how we should treat, "foreigners" as outlined in Deuteronomy.

I'm Mary Hall-Rayford and I am not ashamed to admit--this country is headed in the wrong direction and if we don't change course soon, we will cease to exist as the founding fathers envisioned.

In The Midst Of It All!

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way, and mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.  God is within her, she will not fail; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth.  He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46 NIV

With all the hurricanes, tornadoes, and storms of life, we can sometimes feel overwhelmed with all turmoil, chaos, and upheaval, fear and frustration. But take heart, God is in the midst of all we experience--good and bad, right and wrong. We simply need to exercise wisdom in all things in order to survive the forces of nature or man-manipulated events.

Yesterday, we acknowledged the events of 9/11 in 2001. A disastrous day for many and a horrific event most of us will not forget any time soon. While many reverenced the memorial moments of silence--trump barreled through his (Miller written) speech without any consideration for the significance of the event.

For those who are yet dealing with the challenges and struggles left behind by Harvey and now Irma, looking at enormity of the situation--lives lost and property loss and damage, we know it's difficult, but know that God has not forsaken and He will always be in the midst of our struggles.  This doesn't mean that we should ignore the extended hands of those who wish to help--God has always worked through people and He always shall.

So, for those who think prayer alone is the answer--think again. Prayer works when people allow the help God sends to manifest the answer to the prayer. Simple analogy: Two people are praying to get jobs. One goes out and applies for jobs until they get one and the other, sits and mopes all day long, complaining about why God hasn't answered their prayers. "Faith without works is dead" and if we're praying for anything, we must also do something--make our requests known to others (apply for the job) or accept the leads from others when offered.

We can believe for healing and never do anything--see a doctor, a specialist, take medicine, whatever--and never get healed. Or we can pray and do all that we are instructed to do and get healed.

Living life and seeing God in the midst of all we do--isn't hard. We just have to know what our relationship is with Him and trust Him in all things. God is love and He is going to love us regardless of what we do and since He loves us--He will not "send" tragedies to get our attention or teach us a lesson. We learn lessons from living--daily and in the midst of it all--God speaks to those who are willing to hear Him, but it is a message of love and encouragement, not a hateful word of condemnation. When we proceed in life with our own sense of "righteousness" we often miss God in the midst of situations that require us to show others who He is, by our interactions with them--loving others, no matter what.

Since I know my relationship with Him is strong and always getting stronger, I'm trusting Him to lead me on this path I've chosen (I, not Him) in pursuing a bid for the 2020 presidency. Whether He wants me to win or not remains to be seen, but no matter what happens, I know He will be right there in the midst of it all!

New School Year!

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young–let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance–for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:1-7 NIV
Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. 4:5-8 NIV
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. 4:10-16 NIV

Though there are those in the WH administration who do not think an education is important, those of us who know The Lord, know wisdom and knowledge go hand-in-hand and we should never take access to a quality education for granted.

So, on this first day of a new school year–I’m praying for the students who are entering schools all over the place. I know that some schools (not in Michigan) started weeks ago, but this is the first day for many of our public schools and having access to education through public schools is important.

Of course, Betsy DeVos will never understand that and neither will trump supporters since they think getting an education makes a person “an elitist,” and therefore they are happy to stay ignorant and trump is also happy for them to say ignorant; he can continue to dupe them into believing anything he says. I guess they don’t realize he has a Bachelor’s degree, but then again, the way he talks and writes, no one would believe that anyway.

I’m straying from what I need to say: to the students who are crossing that threshold of your school building–have a wonderful first day and a great exploration throughout the school year. Stay respectful and inclined to learning.

This is a particular emotional day for me since my grandson is beginning his last year of high school–at 15 years-old and will soon be driving (in a few days) on his own. Time flies and next year, he’ll begin his first day of college.

I pray that every student, in every school, will clear their minds of old lazy habits and prepare to receive wisdom and instruction from every teacher in every classroom; by the end of the school year, all will be more knowledgeable about every subject taken than when they were on the first day.

For those 17 years-old and older–pay attention in your history and government classes so you will vote wisely and consider country over political party agendas.

Have a safe and wonderful day!

Keeping It Real!

Just needed to remind folks that I'm planning a run for the White House in 2020 and encourage all who are like-minded in knowing Everyday Americans need to be represented in Washington, to join me. Let me know your thoughts--respectfully, please.

My position, stances and proposals are found on www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020