Win With Favor!

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. Proverbs 3:1-7 NIV

I am amazed and grateful for the support I've received from those who acknowledged my intent for a presidential run in 2020. As I said before, this time over the next few months will be used in my quest to determine the feasibility and the needs of others. I am concerned about the welfare of all people so I must make sure that I represent the needs of all people.

What I bring to the table for a presidential run is this: A desire to see all Americans thrive; especially the 98% who were not privy to the access of wealth (some born into it) of the other 2%. When I speak on behalf of the 98%; it is from the experience of living as we do, enduring what many have endured, and overcoming as many have overcome--without gaining wealth by cheating, lying, or humiliating others. Beyond my flaws and shortcomings, I still have much to offer this country if I'm elected president.

This is how I've explained what I have to offer to others:

• I fully recognize that I don't know everything I need to know to be president of the United States, but I'm also wise enough to know how to find those people who know all I don't know.
• I am a qualified educator (with multiple degrees), an avid reader and prolific writer.
• I am more than just an educator; I am a life-long learner and look forward to learning something new every day.
• I am both compassionate and passionate and believe in standing up for all who are unable to fight back for themselves.
• I am a committed Believer in The Word and in my relationship with Jesus Christ (though I know there are some who think a liberal can't be a Christian--based on what I've seen of the "far-right Christians," I'm better at being more like Jesus than they will ever be).
• I know many of the issues that plague women--especially women of color--because I experienced them through living.
• I know the challenge of trying to raise a family on minimum wage jobs as a single parent and yet never giving up.
• I know the challenges of creating an environment and opportunities needed for a quality education because I've taught in some of the most difficult situations and yet managed to inspire students to excel, in spite of their circumstances.
• I know the importance of the need for equality in pay for women who are working just as hard as their male counterparts, but often in more challenging situations.
• I know the challenges that many grandparents face on a daily basis trying to raise grandchildren because I'm doing just that.
• I know the challenges many senior citizens face because I am one and my husband I face those same challenges.
• I know the challenges students face in trying not to get involved with negative behaviors and in rebelling against parents because I was a rebellious teenager.

The list could go on, and when the time comes--it shall.  I know what I know because I've lived it and even with all the experiences I've had, I don't know it all and so I need to hear from those who have "learned to appreciate life because of having lived it" and want others to learn from their experiences.
I'm knowledgeable in a number of areas, but realize I have much to learn and will spend time seeking those who know to help me understand what I don't know.

My interest in running for president is not just a "reaction" to the current inept administration (though that is part of it), but it is more about caring about all Americans and doing what I can for them and in maintaining peace throughout the world.  Plans are coming together--rather quickly--and with the help of those who have already offered I should be able to present initial ideas for policy plans that will lift all Americans--to whatever standard they want to reach.

I don't presume to know what all Americans need or want, but I will be asking questions and I hope as many Americans as possible will respond to a survey that will be available in the coming weeks.
Whether I continue to making that decision to becoming a candidate for President remains to be seen, but if I do and even if I lose--I will still have won and become a better person for the experience of a lifetime. With the favor of the Lord showered upon me, I win!

The Favor of The Lord is Upon Me!

On This Journey--Let Passion Drive!

“Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. “And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ “So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.“So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.  “So I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.’ Acts 22:6-10 NKJV

Most of us know Paul's testimony about his trip to Damascus to persecute followers of Christ--how his encounter with Jesus--changed him and established a clear path for all who followed Jesus.

From persecutor to champion of the cause--from Saul to Paul--God's grace on his journey in life was due to his passion.

Now, the same grace that saved Paul and put him on the path to securing solidarity for the Body of Christ is available to all who are willing to receive. Much has been said about Paul's conversion, but perhaps the most important thing that any of us need to know is this--in order to be effective at doing anything--passion must drive us!

Paul (as Saul) was taught by the masters of Jewish faith in the law--he understand better than most what the law said, but it wasn't until his encounter with Jesus--contact with The Living Word--that he learned to apply what he thought he knew. At the point of his conversion to knowing how God wants us to treat us, he changed--the scales of blindness came off and he clearly saw how The Law kept people in bondage, making a mockery of a faith they claimed to be in God.

Are we religious or are we Believers in the Most High God? Have we allowed religious traditions to hinder passion for true belief and action on our part? Are willing to have an encounter with Jesus--The Living Word--to set us on the right path--a path destined with challenges and victories? Are we ready for the journey of a lifetime--promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our conduct and not just our words?

The journey--may have it's ups and downs, but if we remain faithful to Him, He will be faithful to us and accomplish all He has put our hearts to do. This journey called life--has not really been lived until we are living it for The Lord! What is your passion?