Recent travels have brought me into frequent contact with Texas and Texans. I've always loved the mystique surrounding the Lone Star State. As a boy I watched Westerns religiously and still do today. I've read the history of the Westward expansion and studied the history of raising cattle in America. Texas, of course, plays a significant role in all of those topics. But it is only recently that I have had so much exposure to the real Texas.
I've got to say...I'm impressed.
I like living in Michigan. Don't mis-understand. I like the weather (most of the time) and I love the lush woodlands, the marshes, and the Great Lakes. What strikes me about Texas, though, is the attitude.
I was recently talking to some business associates. I made the suggestion that perhaps we utilize some government resources available to us. The room got quiet and the group squirmed in their seats. Finally someone tactfully spoke up and said "Well, I know what the owner of our company will say. He'll say 'I'll close this shop permanently before I'll let the government run my business.'"
I laughed heartily at that.
I think that very statement encapsulates what endears me to the people of Texas. How much better off we would be if the people of the United States thought (to use JFK's popular phrase) not of what their country could do for them, but of what they could do for their country. And how satisfying to think of a government that empowered its people to lead and not pay politicians to live a life of extravagance. Unfortunately our country is in a state of decline. I believe much of that decline is a direct result of a lack of accountability. It has become our expectation that someone else is responsible for taking care of us. Yet deep in the heart of Texas I find much of the opposite viewpoint.
Take their gun laws for instance. The laws are much less restrictive than what we have in Michigan. In an informal poll I've been taking I have found that at least 75% of those I spoke to carry a fire arm. 75%! Each one believed that it was not only his or her right to bear arms, it was their responsibility. In the minds of those I talked to it is their responsibility to care for themselves and those they love. I have watched videos shot in other states where the elderly were brutally beaten, by standers gawking at the scene, and not a hand raised to help the victim. I somehow cannot see that scene unfolding in a state where most folks carry firearms and aren't afraid to use them.
Our forefathers sought to create a county that was united in the Independence of their respective states. Although in no way anarchists, they sought to limit the strength and over-arching dominance of a national government. Sadly, today we beg for the intervention of the Federal Government. If only we had listened to those who have gone before us. Instead we have recreated the intrusive government entity that they fled from so many years to go. Selfishly I look around and feel hemmed in. Unlike the founding fathers I don't know where else to go. Is there any undiscovered habitat in the world? I'm fiercely proud of our American heritage and I am profoundly disappointed in what we are fast becoming. My heritage is comprised of European immigrants and Native Americans. The need for freedom somehow flows in my blood. The continued growth and dominance of a central government strikes fear in my heart. Yet there is a glimmer of hope. Texas has talked of seceding the union. Hmmmm...there's something to think about.
Really, from the Austin music scene, the Dallas oil refineries, to the cattle ranches that dot the Texas landscape, the state has made a name for itself as being an example of "State's Rights" in the 21st century. Heck, if they do end up seceding from the union, they may find the population grow by one family.
Oh, and by the way, did I mention that Chuck Norris lives somewhere near Houston?
Showing posts with label rights. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rights. Show all posts
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Be A Man
As many of my readers know, I am a proponent of manhood. Yes, some may
call that sexist but it's not. I do not promote manhood against
womanhood. It is merely a celebration of being a man. I've been giving
some thought on the topic now that the weather in the Midwest states
begins to feel very autumn-ish. As always happens this time of year I get
ready to walk out the door and I am put into a quandary. To wear or
jacket or not to wear a jacket. That is the question. As I am typically a
hot blooded sort of man I don't like to wear a jacket until it's good
and cold. However, when it raining hard I generally use a windbreaker.
That's just how I roll.
What is amazing to me is that every time I wear a jacket or a coat, almost without exception, someone will question my manhood. "Are you serious? Do you really need a jacket? It's not even cold out here!". Or "I don't wear a coat until it gets below freezing!".
Every single time.
Men need tests of manhood in their lives. Say what you will but it's embedded deep within our psyche. We must prove we are men. I don't think that's all bad. Every society must choose for themselves what the test will be.
Ours is apparently whether or not you wear a jacket.
Seriously it is pathetic what we in America do to prove we are men. If you scratch yourself and drink beer you must be a man. If you curse and disrespect authority you must be a man. If you gain power and image you must be a man.
It was not always the case. In America we had fine men who knew what it was to be both strong and kind. They knew how to act in the field and display manners at the table. Today we are in desperate need of modern examples of manliness. Real men who are not defined by societal influence but are rather driven to do that which is right. If you'll indulge me, I'll provide a few examples.
Example 1: My Grandpa
My Dad's dad was a true man. He was part of the last great generation. He served in the second world war and afterward moved to Detroit. He wanted to work in the automotive industry but became an educator in the public school system. He even wore a pocket protector. What made him a man, though, was his commitment. He was a loving husband to two wives (one died at a young age) and fathered three children. He could fix anything that broke. He was a master with wood and genius with mechanics. If you had a problem with your car, he'd come over for a visit in his trademark dress slack (yes....slacks is a good description) and short sleeved button down shirt and climb right under your car to start working. Yet he was, in my mind, refined. He was an antique dealer and his table manners were impeccable. The truth is, he was a nerd before being a nerd was cool. He was committed to seeing his family taken care of. He was committed to serving God in church. He was committed to helping others. He was committed to doing what was right even when there were easier ways.
Example 2: Harold
My friend, Harold, is father to 9 children. That was not a typo. He has structured his life, both professionally and personally, in a way that allows him to give of himself to his wife and children. He has had a series of successful businesses (construction based) in which he actively involves his sons. He considers his wife's needs and desires in his decision making and actively communicates his love for her. He puts a strong emphasis on loving God and serving others. Selfless is the word that comes to mind. And the results? I've never met a finer bunch of kids in my life.
Example 3: Chuck Norris
No, this is not a joke. I've spent some time learning about Chuck. I've been a martial arts fan my whole life. Although the Chuck Facts may be humorous (some are not) they do not in any way truly measure this man. Despite what you may think of him politically you cannot deny that Chuck is in every way a gentleman. He is passionate about God and country. He loves his wife and children. He uses his ample resources to help others, including under-privileged children who receive martial arts classes that emphasize self worth and good citizenship...all for free. His dedication to serving God in more recent years has been evident in his life and his writings. Plus, his roundhouse kick totally rocks.
The truth is that manhood, real manhood, is not about brute strength and Neanderthal-like thinking. It's not about power and prestige. It's not about money. Its not even about wearing a jacket. Its about commitment, honesty, integrity and love. It's about a selfless devotion to God. It's about strength of character.
True manhood is about living to serve.
As I thought of this post I found it difficult to identify modern examples of real men.
How about you? Who are your examples of real men?
What is amazing to me is that every time I wear a jacket or a coat, almost without exception, someone will question my manhood. "Are you serious? Do you really need a jacket? It's not even cold out here!". Or "I don't wear a coat until it gets below freezing!".
Every single time.
Men need tests of manhood in their lives. Say what you will but it's embedded deep within our psyche. We must prove we are men. I don't think that's all bad. Every society must choose for themselves what the test will be.
Ours is apparently whether or not you wear a jacket.
Seriously it is pathetic what we in America do to prove we are men. If you scratch yourself and drink beer you must be a man. If you curse and disrespect authority you must be a man. If you gain power and image you must be a man.
It was not always the case. In America we had fine men who knew what it was to be both strong and kind. They knew how to act in the field and display manners at the table. Today we are in desperate need of modern examples of manliness. Real men who are not defined by societal influence but are rather driven to do that which is right. If you'll indulge me, I'll provide a few examples.
Example 1: My Grandpa
My Dad's dad was a true man. He was part of the last great generation. He served in the second world war and afterward moved to Detroit. He wanted to work in the automotive industry but became an educator in the public school system. He even wore a pocket protector. What made him a man, though, was his commitment. He was a loving husband to two wives (one died at a young age) and fathered three children. He could fix anything that broke. He was a master with wood and genius with mechanics. If you had a problem with your car, he'd come over for a visit in his trademark dress slack (yes....slacks is a good description) and short sleeved button down shirt and climb right under your car to start working. Yet he was, in my mind, refined. He was an antique dealer and his table manners were impeccable. The truth is, he was a nerd before being a nerd was cool. He was committed to seeing his family taken care of. He was committed to serving God in church. He was committed to helping others. He was committed to doing what was right even when there were easier ways.
Example 2: Harold
My friend, Harold, is father to 9 children. That was not a typo. He has structured his life, both professionally and personally, in a way that allows him to give of himself to his wife and children. He has had a series of successful businesses (construction based) in which he actively involves his sons. He considers his wife's needs and desires in his decision making and actively communicates his love for her. He puts a strong emphasis on loving God and serving others. Selfless is the word that comes to mind. And the results? I've never met a finer bunch of kids in my life.
Example 3: Chuck Norris
No, this is not a joke. I've spent some time learning about Chuck. I've been a martial arts fan my whole life. Although the Chuck Facts may be humorous (some are not) they do not in any way truly measure this man. Despite what you may think of him politically you cannot deny that Chuck is in every way a gentleman. He is passionate about God and country. He loves his wife and children. He uses his ample resources to help others, including under-privileged children who receive martial arts classes that emphasize self worth and good citizenship...all for free. His dedication to serving God in more recent years has been evident in his life and his writings. Plus, his roundhouse kick totally rocks.
The truth is that manhood, real manhood, is not about brute strength and Neanderthal-like thinking. It's not about power and prestige. It's not about money. Its not even about wearing a jacket. Its about commitment, honesty, integrity and love. It's about a selfless devotion to God. It's about strength of character.
True manhood is about living to serve.
As I thought of this post I found it difficult to identify modern examples of real men.
How about you? Who are your examples of real men?
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Shackled by Must
I went to the Greenfield Village again over the Memorial Day holiday. It was the Civil War Remembrance weekend. I can't miss that! As usual I got lost in thought and a yearning to finally understand simplicity. This might be the real reason I like to go to Greenfield Village. Maybe I really just like to get lost in the pre industrial age ponderings.
As I was watching the re-enactors cooking their dinners over an open fire in the spring rain, I thought again that I am a man born out of time. My joy would overflow if only I lived in a simpler time. Yet as I allow that train of thought to take shape, I realize that being born into another time period would not give me the opportunity to appreciate that period. Knowing me, no matter what period I was born into I would likely be looking to a time before that and longing for an even simpler way of life.
In fact, I realized that simple living starts with simple thinking. It starts with a determination, a will, to live more simply.
But that's not so simple.
Here is the scene. A man is rekindling a now damp fire in the rain. His wife is stirring the pot and wiping the rain from her face with her apron. Now, for just a moment forget about the fact that they are wearing civil war era clothing. What are they doing that I could not do? Notice I say "could" because, in fact, I would not stand in the rain....but I could. And yet standing in the rain and cooking over an open fire, as much as it appeals to me, is in itself not simple living.
Still, as I looked at the scene I have just described, I think it does point to something that feels a bit simpler. The couple standing at the fire has given up a need to control their environment. They have ceased dwell on the inclement weather. Instead they have chosen to embrace the uncontrollable. I wonder how often my complicated life has become complicated because I am trying to maintain control of everything. It gets hot and humid so I retreat into the air conditioning, therefore I must have central air. My stomach growls and I instantly reach for a snack therefore I must always have a snack close at hand. I seek to be as comfortable as possible therefore I must maintain a good job and a high standard of living. And with each "must" I shackle myself with complexity.
I know the scripture calls us to take dominion over the whole earth, to provide for our families, and God promises to meet our needs. Still, I wonder what would happen if I made a list of "must's" and started letting go. Maybe I'd begin to learn what real needs look like...and maybe life would be a little simpler.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Hope
It's been nearly two months since I posted anything. We've been on a roller coaster ride during that time. I haven't really known what to share, or how, but I think I'm ready to dive back into the blog-o-sphere.
In October, I posted "Cheaper by the 1/2 Dozen". In that post, I talked a lot about having a large family and what that tends to mean to society. I got a lot of feedback on that post. All from people who felt, as I do, that children ARE a blessing from the LORD, not a burden we can be released from in 18ish years.
Just after Thanksgiving, my wife and I found out that we had lost the baby I was blogging about. She was about 17 weeks along. The baby, they believe, had died a week or two earlier. It was a painful blow.
The truth is, I took it harder than I thought I would. I was depressed for several days and had a hard time communicating with others. I knew I'd be sad, but it took weeks to really start feeling like my old self again. And even now that I'm "on the mend", it's still different somehow.
But why? Why did it hurt so much? Really, I had no relationship with this baby. We'd never met. So why did it hurt so bad?
I think it has something to do with hope. There was a hope, an expectation, that we would meet. There was a hope that he would move from that infant stage into a toddler. There was a hope that he would grip my finger tight and call my name when he was scared. I expected him to grow into a man. There was hope that he would marry and have his own kids. There was a hope that we would know each other on a friend/brother level when he became that man. I expected him to outlive me. There was hope.
When we were at the hospital and they were sorting all this out, that hope began to wane. The vision of that future together began to blur. When it was all said and done, that hope was gone.
When there is no hope, there is nothing to look forward to.
I know some are reading this post who have lived with tragedy and despair in ways I never have. My heart goes out to you. This is the first major loss close to me. I've been insulated in that way.
Yet there is hope.
If you've followed my blog for any length of time, you realize that I'm a follower of Christ. And that is where the hope is. I can't say I really understand what's happened. I don't really see anything in some sort of master plan. I know that God blessed us with another child, and now that child is gone before we really had the chance to get to know him. I know that the loss hurts. I know that I don't want that to happen again. Yet in all that, I also know that there is a God and He cares.
And that's what faith is. I don't know why this happened, but I don't need to know. I can't see the "master plan", but that's because it's not mine to see. My wife and I had to draw a line in the sand and say, out loud to each other, that we will walk with God no matter where He leads.
Is that just a crutch for those of us who are weak? You bet it is.
To see with my heart
To know with my soul
To be guided by a Hand I cannot hold
To trust in a Way that I cannot see
That's what Faith must be
-Michael Card
In October, I posted "Cheaper by the 1/2 Dozen". In that post, I talked a lot about having a large family and what that tends to mean to society. I got a lot of feedback on that post. All from people who felt, as I do, that children ARE a blessing from the LORD, not a burden we can be released from in 18ish years.
Just after Thanksgiving, my wife and I found out that we had lost the baby I was blogging about. She was about 17 weeks along. The baby, they believe, had died a week or two earlier. It was a painful blow.
The truth is, I took it harder than I thought I would. I was depressed for several days and had a hard time communicating with others. I knew I'd be sad, but it took weeks to really start feeling like my old self again. And even now that I'm "on the mend", it's still different somehow.
But why? Why did it hurt so much? Really, I had no relationship with this baby. We'd never met. So why did it hurt so bad?
I think it has something to do with hope. There was a hope, an expectation, that we would meet. There was a hope that he would move from that infant stage into a toddler. There was a hope that he would grip my finger tight and call my name when he was scared. I expected him to grow into a man. There was hope that he would marry and have his own kids. There was a hope that we would know each other on a friend/brother level when he became that man. I expected him to outlive me. There was hope.
When we were at the hospital and they were sorting all this out, that hope began to wane. The vision of that future together began to blur. When it was all said and done, that hope was gone.
When there is no hope, there is nothing to look forward to.
I know some are reading this post who have lived with tragedy and despair in ways I never have. My heart goes out to you. This is the first major loss close to me. I've been insulated in that way.
Yet there is hope.
If you've followed my blog for any length of time, you realize that I'm a follower of Christ. And that is where the hope is. I can't say I really understand what's happened. I don't really see anything in some sort of master plan. I know that God blessed us with another child, and now that child is gone before we really had the chance to get to know him. I know that the loss hurts. I know that I don't want that to happen again. Yet in all that, I also know that there is a God and He cares.
And that's what faith is. I don't know why this happened, but I don't need to know. I can't see the "master plan", but that's because it's not mine to see. My wife and I had to draw a line in the sand and say, out loud to each other, that we will walk with God no matter where He leads.
Is that just a crutch for those of us who are weak? You bet it is.
To see with my heart
To know with my soul
To be guided by a Hand I cannot hold
To trust in a Way that I cannot see
That's what Faith must be
-Michael Card
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Freedom
Wow...big topic. Yeah, I'm pretty sure that any blog post about freedom will come up short, but it's been on my mind the last couple of days. Most of those who know me will hear me enter into a rant about the pains of "big government" in America. That's why they avoid me in the halls. Now, to be clear, I'm not an anarchist. I don't think anarchy has done anyone any good and I do not see it as a Biblical model. The early church set up overseers and servants to help govern the people. But a common thread in the New Testament is clearly the concept of servant leadership, that is, a leader is nothing more than a servant of the people. I think, in general, this was the type of government our forefathers had in mind as they drafted a government of overseers bound to a series of check and balances which involved the scrutiny of the people. That thought leaves me to say "hmmmm....What happened?"
My thinking (such as it is) goes directly to personal rights. We love them; we cherish them, I think we'd marry them if we could. Even when our personal rights conflict with stated rules, opinions, or another person's personal rights, we expect our right to be met. But whatever happened to serving the people?
Here's an example: Let's say a university has a rule about living in the dorms and what criteria is necessary to live in the dorms. A man for some reason cannot meet the rules and is therefore denied access to the dorms. Yet he sues and wins the right to live in the dorm.
I know....hot button here...what if the person was disabled, had a dependecy, was in a unique situation, or just plain wanted to be cool. Well, there are questions there, but look at it from another side. A rule was clearly stated. A man was unable to meet that rule. So he sues (or somebody sues...the details are irrelevant to the example) and gains access. Where would something like that end? Should I be allowed to use the womens bathroom since I physically cannot become a women? Is it not my right to use the womens bathroom?
I fully realize atrocities have occurred where people who could not defend themselves have required assistance or intervention. Yet that line continues to blur. As each of us expects that our own personal rights must not be violated, we in turn know no boundaries. Instead we break the rules as we ride upon the wave of our own self-justification. But this is not freedom. Freedom in not unbridled access to all things. Rather, freedom speaks to us of release from slavery in all forms. Freedom is about choice and that choice includes laying down my personal rights so that an order, a balance, can be brought about. I seek not to enslave others to my personal rights by laying those rights down.
If this understanding of freedom was universally held, we would ask questions like "How will my actions affect others?", "Will my actions hurt a person or institution?, and "Am I serving my fellow man by my action?". I do not suggest a perfect society will come from these questions, but I'll bet it'd be a great place to live!!
What do you think?
My thinking (such as it is) goes directly to personal rights. We love them; we cherish them, I think we'd marry them if we could. Even when our personal rights conflict with stated rules, opinions, or another person's personal rights, we expect our right to be met. But whatever happened to serving the people?
Here's an example: Let's say a university has a rule about living in the dorms and what criteria is necessary to live in the dorms. A man for some reason cannot meet the rules and is therefore denied access to the dorms. Yet he sues and wins the right to live in the dorm.
I know....hot button here...what if the person was disabled, had a dependecy, was in a unique situation, or just plain wanted to be cool. Well, there are questions there, but look at it from another side. A rule was clearly stated. A man was unable to meet that rule. So he sues (or somebody sues...the details are irrelevant to the example) and gains access. Where would something like that end? Should I be allowed to use the womens bathroom since I physically cannot become a women? Is it not my right to use the womens bathroom?
I fully realize atrocities have occurred where people who could not defend themselves have required assistance or intervention. Yet that line continues to blur. As each of us expects that our own personal rights must not be violated, we in turn know no boundaries. Instead we break the rules as we ride upon the wave of our own self-justification. But this is not freedom. Freedom in not unbridled access to all things. Rather, freedom speaks to us of release from slavery in all forms. Freedom is about choice and that choice includes laying down my personal rights so that an order, a balance, can be brought about. I seek not to enslave others to my personal rights by laying those rights down.
If this understanding of freedom was universally held, we would ask questions like "How will my actions affect others?", "Will my actions hurt a person or institution?, and "Am I serving my fellow man by my action?". I do not suggest a perfect society will come from these questions, but I'll bet it'd be a great place to live!!
What do you think?
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