I feel this week as though we’ve fallen down a rabbit-hole, much like Alice’s, into a world—a country—turned upside down.  Suddenly, in place of the family honored since the beginning of time, laws in some states—including my own—have changed the very definition of marriage and family.  Gambling has been legally increased as a way to stimulate revenue, and in some states marijuana has become a legal recreational drug—despite its mind and behavior altering consequences and the fact that it is federally illegal.  Abortion of unwanted human life sees no end, and questions are raised regarding the value of the life and healthcare of elders.  I am heartsick.

I am also starkly reminded of attitudes of special interest groups and key legislators in the early years of the last century—years that nourished through mighty American dollars the pseudo-science of the eugenics movement, and even our legislation for sterilization—which Adolf Hitler endorsed as he wrote Mein Kampf.  Does that sound drastic?  A brief reading of Hitler’s letters and book, and medical journals, books, and histories regarding those issues and times will be eye-opening.  Attitudes and catch phrases like “quality of life,” and “those who create a drain on society,” and “life unworthy of life” mingle like premonitions.  Knowing history and where it led clarifies perspective on the present.

Francine Rivers, in her excellent blog written shortly before the election, http://francinerivers.com/blog/elections,raised concerns regarding the future of health care in the U.S. as regards the elderly.  It’s well worth reading.  I’m reminded that history repeats itself with astonishing regularity.

America, through those determined to pass their agendas, has planted both feet on a very slippery slope. It’s too late for any of us to say “I should have voted,” or “I didn’t think it would come to this.”

It is not too late to make a recommitment to teaching our children and grandchildren right from wrong, that God is sovereign and will prevail despite man’s folly, and that not all things legal are moral, ethical or God honoring.

There is a difference between treating others with respect and passively allowing them to demean our faith, ride roughshod over our values, take away our rights and change the nature and culture of the society in which we live.

Hiding our heads in sand or rabbit holes, remaining silent or compromising godly principles—for fear of sounding politically incorrect—is not an option for moving forward or creating a better world for the next generation.  We’re called to be light set on a hill, and salt that doesn’t lose its savor.

Please join me in praying for our country and its leaders, and in remembering that our first allegiance is to God.

In this Season of Thanksgiving, let us bow our heads and bend our knees, thanking God for our freedom to worship and honor Him openly—a freedom upon which this country was founded, a freedom that did not come through apathy or silence–a freedom that was not free.

Looking forward to seeing you here in the garden next week, I pray God’s blessings upon you,