Can We Know Peace Again?

Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. He humbles those who dwell on high, he lays the lofty city low; he levels it to the ground and casts it down to the dust. Feet trample it down— the feet of the oppressed, the footsteps of the poor.The path of the righteous is level; you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth. Isaiah 26:2-7 NIV

False alarms about in-coming nuclear missiles, unfiltered race-baiting comments from the person in the Oval Office, silence from the Congressional leadership, and uproar from the majority of people-loving Americans--all of this--disrupts hopes of peace residing in the land. But all is not lost as long as we, who have a right relationship with Jesus, hold onto our faith in Him, instead of another human being.

Don't get me wrong--I'm not saying we should do nothing while we earnestly wait to live at peace within our borders and outside of them. We must change the individual in the Oval Office--not attempting to change him or racist attitudes, but with another person who is far more compassionate, insightful, and intellectually capable of thinking before speaking. This is what we must work to do--knowing that this is right in the sight of God who above all things--wants us to live in peace, loving one another, defending the rights of the poor and needy.

When people take their eyes off God and have more faith in riches and celebrity and in a person's ability to manipulate the masses with lies and gaslighting techniques that lead to the overwhelming spread of false propaganda--we lose. Many blinked--taking their eyes off God--and looked upon the person who was the most vile creature we've ever seen mislead millions. Some blinked because of their hatred of Hillary and didn't bother to vote at all. Some blinked because they were misled by all the false propaganda. Others proved they have never known God because they promoted the blatant, hateful bigotry spewed by drumpf to the point they wore very telling political gear, proving their hatred of women and other ethnicities. Anyone who has ever had a right relationship with Jesus could never wear a T-shirt calling a woman a dog, or using racial slurs as it relates to other people.

I am convinced--the same people who were shouting, "Lock her up" without cause, will be the same people will be groaning and complaining, claiming, "fake news" when and if it is proven that their "savior" is a traitor to America. It is the poor and educated masses in Red States who are going to suffer financially as we have already seen with the advent of the "criteria-based" ability to receive Medicaid. Now, anyone receiving Medicaid, must pass a literacy test and pay higher premiums for healthcare insurance. The same people will see no benefit from the TaxCutScam that benefited only the wealthy--those who make millions, own private aircraft and golf courses.  In fact, it has just been revealed that drumpf had no idea that Black people were not the ones who were who received the most welfare (White-40%, Black-27.7%). But then again, he has no interest in facts about much of anything and has admitted his own net worth is contingent upon his "feelings" at the moment.

For people who are capable of critical thinking and understanding the value of research from credible sources, they understand our current dilemma. If the person in the Oval Office is not interested in facts about reality--how can he make good decisions about the welfare of the country? Short answer--he can't and unfortunately we have an impotent Republican Congress who won't exercise their authority in keeping him in check or removing him completely.

But this is what happens when we take our eyes off God--we believe the lies propagated by those in authority in a vast number of places--particularly the church--or rather the rich, White Evangelicals who convinced a few Black church leaders to believe their lies on one specific issue--abortion. Those in positions of leadership--primarily White men, have convinced people that God is not Pro-Choice and wants to control what women decide. That's the biggest lie ever promoted by those in the church. God wants us all to live a life that is honoring to Him and obeys His commandment of love. What we have to remember is God is Pro-Choice in that He gives us the right to choose the paths we take and the consequences we face. He does not control what we do and we should not allow others--mere human beings--to take that choice from us. Those who profess to be Pro-life really indicate they are merely "fetus-lovers" because they care nothing about the life outside the womb and we know because of the policies they support--in their support of the malignant narcissist they elected (with the help of the Russians). If these same people were actually "pro-life" they would fight tooth and nail to protect the poor and vulnerable and be more willing to see tax dollars spent on helping the poor and vulnerable than in supporting tax dollars spent on golf outings (over $90M spent so far in less than a year).

When people do not have a right relationship with Jesus on their own and count on those in leadership in churches, they can be misled--we know because of the number of cults that have caused people to lose their lives. And with this administration--it has become a cult. The supporters of this administration see no wrong in anything he does--whether it's perpetually lying about the obvious, maligning women or other groups of people or spending tax dollars needlessly and only considering the rich with his policies. Their blind loyalty to a bigot also keeps them from seeing they have forsaken the premises on which Christianity is built--loving one another unconditionally.

I have not lost my faith in God, my relationship with Jesus has never wavered and I know, like most true Believers, when we pray--expecting Him to respond--we must also do--giving our prayers--feet. I have faith that we--the true Patriots in America, those capable of loving others regardless of what they look like--will change the landscape in Washington and provide an atmosphere of peace again in the nation.

No matter who wins the next presidential election--I am confident it will be a person--man or woman--who understands the tenets of humanity and civility and they will protect protect the rights of the poor and vulnerable, reestablish our position on the global stage and work to maintain and preserve peace--globally.

My name is Mary Hall-Rayford, and I'm planning a run for President in the 2020 Election. If you believe I can indeed make a difference that will lead to a better life for all, I welcome your support. Please visit www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020 and leave a comment or just "Like" the page.

We'll Keep Trying Until Heard!

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions.  Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from their flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:1-10 NIV

The Word of God is yet speaking to all who will hear and for those of us who preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we have to keep trying to reach others with the Gospel until we are heard. We also have to keep trying until we are heard about other things in life as it pertains to doing things--especially to those who belong to Jesus. What about those who don't belong? What is our obligation to them? We keep speaking truth until we are heard, even when they rebuke us, attempt to abuse us, and belittle us. We keep trying until we are heard. Never has that premise been more important than it is right now.

America is in a state of near crisis with the fallout of impending investigations against the residents in the White House (seemingly all of them) and as a result, not much is being accomplished by way of actual governing. It would appear that trump had determined from the beginning of his tenure that he didn't want any "advice from the swamp." He is yet referencing the political arena in Washington as the swamp, without realizing that he has not drained it, but restocked it with more toxic and dangerous pariahs than existed before he got there. Though he claims the White House is a dump (via a Golf magazine), his being there devalues the history and sacredness of all the White House symbolizes for one who is supposed to be the leader of the free world.

Recent information leads me to believe he never wanted to be there, but wanted to humiliate Hillary and Obama. The only person he has humiliated so far has been himself. He is a one-man wrecking crew of all that is sacred and presidential. His one goal--other than making a spectacle of himself has been to keep his base chanting, "Lock her up," apparently because he has forgotten he won a rigged election and there has never been a reason to lock up Hillary Clinton. Of course, the chant work to keep his crowds at rallies fueled by the hatred, but who's going to save him when the rest of the world starts chanting, "lock him up?"

That chant won't be held at a campaign rally but on the world stage as we watch his entire façade collapse around him and all the evidence is presented against him for RICO Violations or collusion or a number of other things-including obstruction of justice and just being plain foolish. If he didn't want to govern, he never should have run for president; especially since there seems to be so much he was trying to hide.

Hiding things from people is one thing, but God has said that everything done in the dark will be exposed in the light of day. His repetitive objections to Robert Mueller's investigative boundaries have been heard loud and clear. He's fearful because he has something to hide; if he didn't he would have no need to fear. The real problem is his only way to deal with impending defeat is to stir up his base with lies, ahead of any final conclusions, in hopes that he'll keep them ready to defend him.
What he has done so far that we know about--is indefensible--whatever is exposed through investigation will result with the same attitudes by many--indefensible, and we who know truth, will not defend him.

But there are those who have been gaslighted--brainwashed into believing his lies and they will need time to regroup and rethink their blind loyalty to a man who is loyal to no one other than himself. We've tried talking to them, but they responded with belittling comments and name-calling. We're tried directing them to information needed to corroborate what we say, and we've been accused of being elitist or having a "cosmopolitan bias." What they fail to realize is that he is the "elitist" one who is taking them for a ride which will prove bumpy and hazardous by the time it's over. But we won't stop trying until we're heard.

Part of my desire to serve America as the next president is because of my love of country and fellow Patriots. I do know how to do good things for others without the need to grandstand or be the center of attention wherever I go. I know how to serve in humility and am grateful for all who support me in all things. I encourage others who have been disdained by trump followers to not stoop to their level, but to raise the bar and to engage on a level that will bring them understanding, not condescension.  It's harder than it sounds and it takes a great deal of effort not to react to their comments, but to respond to them. I'm living it on a daily basis and because God loves, He gets me through it all.

There will be a few more chapters written to this saga--the trump era in the White House--before I get my turn, but know that no matter what, we'll keep trying until we are heard, to make sure we can live in peace and harmony, respecting and loving one another, not hating one another.

Thanks for your kindness and support in reading my thoughts and sharing them whenever you're led to do so. I encourage you to keep up with my campaign efforts by visiting www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020 often since the information is constantly updated.

Deceived By The Enemy!

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:1-8 NIV

Remember when trump claimed Hillary was "unfit" to have classified information and all the Republicans fell in line behind him? Nothing on her server has ever surfaced, but this morning, trump admits--he shared classified information with the Russians--his buddies and kept the US press out of the meeting.

Most of us have always known the Russians are not our friends--at least the leadership is not a friendly person and we know--he orders the execution of his opposition. The Russian people--may not be as brainwashed by false propaganda as Putin wants them to be. At any rate--we can say--the Russian leadership is an enemy no matter what disguise they attempt to use.

Personally, I don't believe they deceived trump--they manipulated him into doing their bidding in exchange for his 2016 election win--a win that is still under a cloud of legitimacy considering we all know--the Russians interfered with it.

The leak in the WH--is trump's best friend at this point.  Or at least I can say, they are ours. They should tell the press what's going on in the WH in total transparency so we know what we're up against, daily.

The Republicans who claim to be true Patriots and the moral majority--have proven they are the hidden enemy of The State--of America. They have hidden their bigotry and disguised their hatred for "all Americans who don't look like them, think like them or worship like them" by claiming something that just isn't true (God chose trump) in their support of the worst person in the world now sitting in the WH. They knew he wasn't fit to serve as president, but they promoted him anyway because of their personal agenda. They knew he wasn't competent and certainly not a Christian, but they promoted him anyway. They knew he was not a Patriot because he doesn't want to pay taxes that support our government, but they promoted him anyway.

Now--who is America's greatest threat? The enemy occupying the Oval Office is Public Enemy #1 with Pence, Ryan, and McConnell following right behind them. They all knew about the Russian hacking and are complicit in the cooperation to just "win." How do we know--by paying attention to what they're doing or not doing as Christians.  They support and condone a pathological liar who is a bigot and ignites the worst in those who hate people because of their differences. This is not Christ-like behavior; this is the enemy hidden under the umbrella of the Republican party deceiving the masses.

There are a number of people in America who would make a better president than the one we have; I am one of them! The proof will be in the pudding. Watch for it!