Opinions

We all own our individual sets of memories: good ones, horrible ones, and those which still take our breath away. When I think of the Gulf Coast wave that knocked off the top of my bathingsuit when I was in high school, I still gasp for breath. Or when I recall the time in New York City, while traveling with two girlfriends, when we were approached by a homeless man, I gasp again. Unable to hail a taxi, we were walking back to our hotel--in heels-- after seeing a show on Broadway and began discussing the tip for the evening’s meal--who paid too much and why we should split it. Before we knew it, a small, friendly argument had ensued. We took respite from the cold wind into an alcove at a closed business and continued our disagreement when a homeless man staggered too close and said, “I need some money.”

One of the most influential people in my life, Tony Campolo, passed away earlier this year at 89. He authored 35 books, most of them I’ve read. He taught sociology, first at the University of Pennsylvania and then for decades at Eastern Christian College, where he was named professor emeritus. I first met him in the early 80s at the National Youth Workers Convention. His effervescent spirit, anointed story telling and sharp sense of humor inspired me, angered me at times, and pointed me to the truth, though it was often uncomfortable.

If you apologize, in advance, for a question you’re pondering, the whole discourse is a lot easier to navigate. So I said to the husband, “I apologize for this really stupid question, but if we can put a man on the moon, can we not find a way to nudge a hurricane two degrees to the east?” Apparently, I was brilliant. “I was just thinking about that this morning,” he said. “If we are, indeed, capable of bringing about global warming, surely there is some way to interfere with a hurricane’s path.” We felt so smart, sitting upon our couch. Of course, I have years of research and extensive analysis to back up my stupid question. I remember seeing—on public television, no less—how universities (maybe one in Florida) have developed tests for windows and building materials to determine if they are able to withstand hurricane-force winds.

In a time when America seems deeply divided, it is easy to focus on the differences that separate us. The political climate often feels tense, and young people are growing up in an age of uncertainty. Yet amidst the noise, there are voices calling for clarity, conviction, and courage. Among those voices, Charlie Kirk has stood out as a leader who has touched the lives of countless young Americans, reminding them not only of the value of their beliefs but also of the importance of pursuing them with dignity, peace, and hope. Charlie Kirk’s influence has reached into classrooms, campuses, and communities across the nation. He has reminded a generation that their values are worth protecting and that America’s founding principles are still worth standing up for today. For many young people, he has been more than a speaker—they see him as a mentor who challenges them to think deeply, act responsibly, and take ownership of the future they will inherit.

Dear Editor:

It would be wise to understand that Satan knows what he is planning, and since he hates all true Christians, lulling his enemy to sleep has always been an effective tactic of war. We might not understand all the specific lies and strategies designed to confuse our minds, but John 10:10 clearly explains his basic agenda. We are reminded in Matthew 24:24, “For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, the very elect would be deceived.” This is why Jesus pleads with us to abide in His presence and develop our faith and discernment now, seeing there is coming a time when standing for God will cost us our lives. One of the devil’s most dangerous schemes is to hypnotize believers into accepting that there is nothing to worry about, so is the secret rescue of Christians from the tribulation, causing a false security that leads to an attitude of apathy and lukewarmness?

Societal climate has been warming for decades. Expressions by humanity, especially in the form of depraved behavior, often show a deep-seated lack of moral principles. It is why there appears to be a growing sense that some wacko will reach a point and release pent-up, wanton cruelty on others. Managing control of their life becomes too much and the corrupt will deliver a wicked, punishing act on the innocent as though they had it coming. The carnal nature of man is prone to demonstrating its capabilities by heinous actions. Selecting a soft target, where defenses are too trusting are much easier than poking a bear… you know, like shooting at a police station. Translated, the depraved chooses someone or someplace that is less likely to prevent their planned vengeance.

As I veered onto I-10 in Tallahassee for the final leg of my journey home after four hours on various other highways, I said to myself, “I’m driving like Uncle Willie.” It wasn’t that I was speeding and it wasn’t that I was reckless. It was that I was aggressive. Uncle Willie worked with Pioneer Electric Cooperative, later assuming the oversight of all electric cooperatives in our state, and thus he drove somewhere every day. He was a careful driver, mind you, but he didn’t dilly-dally around. Driving to him was like digging a ditch; the sooner you finish, the sooner you can get out of the ditch. Unfortunately, when we traveled for pleasure, Uncle Willie didn’t know how to change his mind-set. He didn’t want to look at the houses on the left or right, or to stop to see fields of daylilies. When you traveled with Uncle Willie, you’d better have a snack at hand but not a bottle of water nearby. It was understood that you were to visit the bathroom before you left and not mention it again; the car wasn’t stopping. Remember to buckle your seatbelt and prepare for lift-off. Without fail, Uncle Willie would get you to your destination safely, often in record time because of a newly discovered shortcut.