June 11, 2009 1:44 PM
As Obama deconstructs, what can we do? 10 Ideas
While most of my readers probably aren't watching the Politics of Hate on MSNBC and other Government Media outlets, chances are your friends and neighbors are. Chances are you will hear them recite the Official Talking Points on every current event.
While I would prefer to drop politics and focus on motherhood - which I do when the nations' future isn't at stake in an immediate sort of way - my aim here is to equip you to be knowledgeable enough to challenge common mistaken assumptions about issues that affect our families now and that will affect the world our children will inherit.
I've been reminding my grownup children lately of the times way back in our homeschooling days (the 90s), when I would go off on a tangent as those who love to teach are inclined to do :) "Where one or two are gathered, there mother will give a sermon." I often warned them that the world they found as adults might be very different than the world we were living in then.
And it is, isn't it?
I knew that because as an analytical parent who'd already raised kids born in the 60s and 70s I could see how much the world had changed. Clinton was in office and the media and Aging AbortionFanatic Feminists were giving him a pass on his misogynistic treatment of women. Our history books were already being rewritten to expunge Christianity and to cast doubt on our nation, to portray it as less worthy of respect. I knew that if I didn't teach my children the truth about our country no one else would.
Preparing my children to have strong character and values in the face of a collapsing culture really motivated me to work harder at my job. If I have anything to pass on today, it's probably because of this.
But as much as I tried to prepare for my children to be able to handle a brave, new world I would never have envisioned where we are today. In fact even last fall, when I was researching and bringing you news which cast doubt on the wisdom of electing an inexperienced, unproven and virtually unknown person to the White House, I could never have believed envisioned where we are today.
Who would have believed in only five months
- that our bank and auto industries would be well on the way to nationalization
- that the President of the United States would be hiring, firing and dictating to private CEOs
- that our media would have become an American version of the former Soviet Union's Pravda
- that our citizenry would have become so easily manipulated by Obama fear mongering
- that our President and his minions would publicly ridicule and destroy private citizens whose crime was to disagree with policy
- that the White House could get away with refusing to release documents, figures and photos which should be part of the public record (Statue of Liberty photo stunt, the Obamas' expenses, etc) - even as they publicly claim to be the "most transparent."
My point?
It's really a very simple one. The Obama administration and the Obama Media have made it clear they are not to be trusted. Therefore, I am saying that you do have to do a little extra work to keep informed. I'm devoting my days now to summarizing the news and linking to the sources where you can find more. But there is so much alarming stuff going on every day, I'm hard-pressed to decide. And on a day like today when I know I've already posted 11 items - and I have a couple nonpolitical posts left to go - I feel bad about overburdening you.
All I can say is that I hope you pray for me to be led by the Holy Spirit each day just as I pray you will read whatever is useful to you and discard what is not.
In the background, I'm listening to Rush, who just said, "There will come a day when people are saying, 'Why didn't anyone warn us?'
"You are being told. You are being warned. I am telling you.
"And I'm sure a lot of you are sounding the alarm too."
The fact is that we are under the leadership today of a man intent on deconstructing this country and rebuilding it according to his own agenda - aided and abetted by a complicit Media Machine which holds the American masses in contempt (If O&Co are the pigs in Animal Farm, then they are the dogs).
Someone asked yesterday what we can do. I have some answers. they involve thinking of yourself as an integral part of the opposition:
1) Improve yourself. Use each day to advance yourself mentally, physically and spiritually. If you need to lose weight, lose it. If you're a liberal like Michael Moore you can get away with being fat and dirty and slovenly. But as you can see with Rush Limbaugh, even if you're cleancut and wear Polo shirts, your credibility will suffer. This was a major reason why I lost weight myself - to be the best messenger I could be.
2) Develop self-discipline. Choose intellectual growth over entertainment. Read more widely and deeply. Turn off the TV. Become a lifelong learner.
3) Find role models. If you want to live life fully, listen to people who are living life fully themselves. One example comes to mind: why take parenting advice from someone who only loved kids enough to have two kids? Yes, I know some people would have chosen more if they could, but that's not who I'm talking about. Most people today CHOOSE the size of their families by what they think they can handle or afford. Why take spiritual advice from someone - no matter what their postion within a particular church - whose life does not demonstrate Christlike sacrifice.
4) Question authority. In my old counterculture days, this was the rallying cry. Now that my fellow travellers have taken over, they have become like the pigs in Animal Farm. They are the Status Quo we should be questioning today.
5) Use logic. Improve your critical thinking skills. Argue ideas and principles rather than passions and personalities.
6) Know your facts. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing - especially when such a great portion of our entertainment/pleasure driven populace (think WALL-E's cruise ship) only know what's drubbed out to them by the Government Media. For example, do the liberals in your life know how many czars have been appointed and what the implications are for our way of life to live under this sort of dynastic leadership? Have they ever thought of the consequences of nationalized health care - that care may be rationed and that decisions now resting with the family may be made by a panel of bureaucrats?
7) Keep God first. Mind you, I am not saying Church First, but God First. Think about Him while you teach your children, do your laundry, make your grocery list. In all things, give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Pray without ceasing (ditto 5:17)
8) Keep family second. I will be writing more of building strong families in the days ahead. But here's a simple idea: Did you know that eating dinner together every night is one of the biggest boosts you can give your children? Even if it's just fishsticks. light some candles, linger, laugh and talk.
9) Live a life of service. This may sound radical, but I see so many Christians whose lives are consumed with church activities. If you want to have an impact on your community and the world, then you need to get out of the cocoon of the local church and engage in serving others - no strings attached. As St. Francis Assiss said, "Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words."
10) Teach your children well.. That means teaching your children principles #1-9 above, showing them through your example how to live it and then expecting the same from them.
For now, with at least 3 1/2 years of ObamaNation to look forward to - and even more years to undo the damage he has done - all we can do is turn our lives to God and ask Him to help us become the best people we possibly can be. For some, this type of motivation could be life-changing.
As parents, you are in the position to make a difference - not through powerful czars and sweeping mandates, but through quietly and purposefully building the next generation.
But you already know how I feel: that's the most important work of all. And I am here to help in any way I can.
Be brave. Be strong. Be the best you can be! Our trust is in the Name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Posted in Mothering, Obama Nation | Permalink
Comments
Barbara, I know that I am very grateful for the time you spend linking to things. I have forwarded on many of your posts. Sometimes I have seen things first somewhere else, but often I have not and you are the first person I've seen post about something. It is impossible for me to read all the sites, so thank you again for keeping me informed!
Posted by: lucy | June 11, 2009 2:16 PM
Thank you so much for this! I will be linking to it anywhere I can.
Posted by: Lauren | June 11, 2009 2:20 PM
Thanks for the levelling advice. Things can get a little overwhelming with all the ways that this country is changing now. Thanks for the encouragement!
Posted by: Sarah | June 11, 2009 2:45 PM
Thank you for the advice, Barbara. After Obama was elected, I went through the first few stages of grief: shock, denial (he's not a US citizen), pain, anger, and depression (which lasted quite a while, unfortunately.) My blood pressure, which had historically been below average and healthy, spiked 15 points and has remained at the level. Never before have I been even remotely as apprehensive, disgusted, and frightened over politics as I have been these past 8 months because, really, we've never seen anything remotely like this in our political landscape. I think I'm just now entering the "upward turn" of the grief continuum. Last week, I asked my husband to password block many news sites and political blogs because it was consuming me and I wasn't spending as much time as I should with my littles; since then, I have noticed an improvement in my emotional and spiritual well-being. I constantly struggle with the balance of knowing enough to be wise in this revolutionary change-at-warp-speed world and an informed teacher of my children, but not knowing so much that it is harmful to my spirit and causing me to neglect the needs of my family. Because, really, what can I do besides vote and participate in the tea parties, both of which I have done?
So, thank you for giving me some practical steps to take within my own home and for my own family. They move me to feel less helpless. (I Thess 5:18 is my favorite verse in Scripture and is very challenging to do in these scary times.) Reading the book of Ezra has also been beneficial to me, as it reminds me that no matter which evil person is in power or what the oppressive laws of the land are, God's purposes and plans will ALWAYS come to pass because he is sovereign over all people and all creation. Hallelujah, I am His child.
Thanks, also, for the names of God post the other day. I had lost mine and yours is a fine replacement. And I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
Posted by: MrsD | June 11, 2009 3:51 PM
Barbara, you are one cool Momma. Thank you for blogging.x
Posted by: Dorothy | June 11, 2009 5:18 PM
The only problem I have with you posting a dozen times a day is that I'm liable to miss something if I'm not logging on as frequently.
Thank you for what you are doing.
Posted by: Michele Mom of 8 | June 11, 2009 5:28 PM
A good mix of principle and practical suggestions in attempting to deal with the destruction being wrought by the Obama reign.
Posted by: Watchtower | June 11, 2009 6:24 PM
Great post, Barbara!
I Tweeted your name and this link on Twitter. I don't think you're on Twitter yet, but I would highly recommend that you Tweet links to your blog posts. More people need to see your writing! :)
God bless you and yours!
[I do actually tweet my blog posts! But I still appreciate anything you all do to spread the word.]
Posted by: Kristen J | June 11, 2009 7:55 PM
thank you!
Posted by: Kathy | June 11, 2009 10:01 PM
Lots of things come to mind...As always, I can't say thank you enough for your inspiration... I've been on a long journey towards thinking outside the box, and you've been an influencial part of that. Your 10 points were great. :) I agree whole heartedly in bringing up the next generation to affect the world in very positive ways. God gave me that vision a few years ago, and he reminds me of it constantly. Those of us who share the vision also face opposition from the enemy of our souls, and our children's souls... We stand firm on God's word... and people like you keep fanning the fire that keeps us strong in the Lord. :)
Posted by: Lisa | June 11, 2009 11:31 PM
Thank you for this. Many days I feel so disheartened and powerless that I just try to focus on my little family and be thankful that our country is not a Monarchy where Obama could "reign" for his lifetime. Afterall, my "power" is in raising the next generation as you pointed out.
This jumped out to me:
"I knew that if I didn't teach my children the truth about our country, no one else would."
As a young mother I look to you (as an "experienced" mother) for advice, experience, ideas, and encouragement. That is what drew me to your site, (and has kept me coming back for more!) My eldest is just entering 2nd grade, so we haven't had a chance yet to hit history/government.
I need your advice on how to raise my children with that "truth of our country."
I need your experiential wisdom of what worked for you in teaching this to your own children. (books? curriculum? what is appropriate for what ages? when do I start history? when do I start government? How can I ingrain into them the morals, value, integrity, and vision for our country that the founding Father's had? Even interview your older/grown kids and ask them what did they love about learning history? looking at things as they are now, in hindsight what would they have liked to learn differently? what has aided them the most in who they are now, their ideals, and how they interpret our countries current status...etc) Do you understand what I am trying to say?
I need your ideas and encouragement to keep hope, that we do hold the power to turn this country around in the years to come, no matter what Obama manages to bring about. I have the hope in my own children, I just don't know exactly how to teach it to them.
(and I totally agree with leaping out of our own fishbowls...point #9. God made us to be streams, not lakes. We do tend to get comfortable in our own church environments where we feel safe and have "our" needs met. but it isn't about "us." it's never meant to be about us, but about Him. I loved your quote from St. Francis Assisi! to reach out and serve not always by preaching, but most certainly by loving. In today's economy where "need" is so great in so many different ways, the opportunity to serve is even greater. So many ways to show love and thus give hope, even the smallest things can bless a complete stranger.)
well, now I've rambled. I'm sorry...your post just brought so much to me. ;)
Kristy in Germany
Posted by: Kristy in Germany | June 12, 2009 5:02 AM
Thanks!
Thanks so much!!!
Posted by: A Mac and a Mug o 'Joe | June 12, 2009 8:03 AM
Wonderful post. The Animal Farm comparison is right on. I've thought that a lot lately. I'll watch the news and say out loud to my husband, "All pigs are equal, but some are more equal than others."
My husband will look at me and say, "He would deceive the elect, if that were possible."
Prayer, I believe, is now our only recourse. If the Hand of God doesn't move, I'm not sure if our right to vote will continue to exist.
Posted by: Sara | June 12, 2009 8:35 AM
Barbara,
We unplugged our television last October...I saw what was coming and I couldn't bear to watch anymore. We get our news from the Internet now. Much easier than watching the news 'they choose'.
It is heartbreaking for me because my husband and I are the few in a family of left-wing non-thinkers. Which is horribly sad. And unfortunately, the love we have for one another is strong, but when you don't share your beliefs it makes for a very shallow conversation pool.
Loved my time here!
Posted by: Joanne | June 12, 2009 4:14 PM
I LOVED reading this. Thank you for being a voice of reason in such scary times. I admire you greatly!
Posted by: Rachel | June 13, 2009 11:11 PM
I found it fascinating that a link in a friend's blog led me over here this evening.
I was just talking to a friend in another part of the country about what is happening in Washington. How by next year we won't recognize it as the old USA and wondering why our Republican reps weren't saying more (also wondering about third party candidates).
She suggested I read Solzhenitsyn .
Posted by: Brenda@Coffeeteabooksandme | June 16, 2009 7:51 PM
Barbara, keep up the good work, and NEVER worry about posting too much! I've begun using my Facebook account for the same purpose: posting links to important stories and commentaries the mainstream media won't give the time of day. Your blog posts are frequently on that list, too.
If there is a silver lining to Obama's mad dash to the Left, it's the fact that it has jolted many people to action who have been slumbering through years of GRADUAL government erosion of liberty and expansion beyond constitutional boundaries. Americans are finally waking up, and those like you at the forefront of the conservative resistance are making a greater impact with a wider audience than you think! :)
Posted by: oneloved | June 16, 2009 11:19 PM
I can't believe I have found a Blog with a voice of truth and wisdom. I was reading Copper's Wife and she mentioned your blog and hinted that it was political and she didn't always agree with what you wrote, I think I have that right, so I just had to check it out and WOW what a breath of fresh air. I have raised all of my children and I have to say I didn't do the job I wish I had since they all lean left knowing I'm conservative and a traditionalist. I am really frightened and past the age of doing anything about it. And wondering what are they thinking, all these people across this country who think THE ONE is doing a great job. Yes a great job of turning this great country into the largest socialist country even more so then the Soviet Union in fact some leader from that country made that point recently that the USA was becoming more left than they were. Please keep blogging you are a good writer and I will continue reading now that I have found you.
Posted by: Nell | June 17, 2009 1:02 PM
Superb post! Thank you for putting it together. It is inspirational and challenging. I am praying we are all up to the challenge!
Posted by: Jen | June 18, 2009 9:17 AM
I'm not in America, so I can't really comment on the Obama line, but I just wanted to say how great your ten tips are. I am amazed at the lack of logic and plain and simple common sense that spews from the mouths of many Christians I know on a daily basis. So often it comes in the form of "acceptance" and "tolerance". I can so often grow weary and feel despondant!
Thank you for your thoughtful insights - they are inspirational and a timely reminder! I'm going to print out your tips and put them on my fridge to remind me that I CAN be an overcomer!
Posted by: Tara | June 22, 2009 8:23 PM
