Initiative: The Week After Historic Inauguration

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1 (NKJV)

One week after the historic 57^th Presidential Inauguration brings an all too familiar tone of infighting, divisions, delays and unfinished business. Yes, the uphill battle continues. However, U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton demonstrated unity with the aired 1/27/13 joint interview on CBS “60 Minutes.” Clinton exclaimed that they are both “gluttons for punishment” in describing the path of responsibilities they both chose to take because of their love for the country. She’s right.

Now we’re in the midst of the gun control debate. Although I agree with the right to bear arms, too many firearms are getting into the wrong hands, often leading to disastrous results.

“I feel like killing somebody, anybody!” expressed an angry youth as a local pastor passed a group of teens after greeting them. The pastor opened his church doors and invited the youths in. The youth who shouted the shocking statement also went inside the church. He became so involved in the conversation in the church that the youth’s transformation replaced his anger with warm smiles, laughing and feeling better about himself, yet felt guilty of the needless anger he held just an hour before. The pastor who now leads a Concerned Pastors association feels more churches need to open their doors 24/7, but due to lack of financial support, they cannot afford to.

One of my client’s employees manages counselors who routinely checks on those with mental health issues to make sure their needs are taken care of. During one of those visits, after greeting the adult son, the counselor also looked for the mother who is usually present helping the son. She asked the son of the mother’s whereabouts. He said she was sleeping, as he returned to look at a TV show. The counselor said she noticed a sheet was covering something on the couch. She looked under the sheet and found the son had killed his own mother and covered her with a sheet as she reclined on the couch. If he did not have access to a gun, would the mother still be alive today?

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, about 1.4 million firearms or an annual average of 232,400 firearms were stolen during household burglaries and other property crimes, such as motor vehicles, over a six-year period from 2005 through 2010. According to Johns Hopkins University Center for Gun Policy and Research, approximately 500,000 guns are stolen each year from private citizens. More than 21% of armed criminals got their guns from groups known to steal guns, such as drug dealers, addicts and other street sources, including illegal gun trafficking. This does not include “smash and grab” at gun stores, as reported 1/25/13 on an ABC News investigation on World News with Diane Sawyer. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported 1/2/13 between 50-75 guns and rifles were stolen from a suburban gun store during a “smash and grab.”

Since these guns often end up in the hands of criminals, some states try to create laws to control this escalating situation. One of those states is Maryland. Johns Hopkins University Center for Gun Policy and Research indicated that Maryland limits selling of handguns to one per month,  requires background checks on hand gun sellers and licensed dealers and for gun store owners to promptly report gun theft from their stores to police, among other restrictions.

According to the Christian Science Monitor, the states with the strictest gun laws came about because of the Brady Campaign to prevent gun violence. After the Newtown school shooting tragedy, the federal government is now attempting to create uniform enforcement for all states to follow.

 

A bullet does not discriminate--no matter your age, whether you are male or female, live in luxury or in the ghetto, the value of your life has been diminished. We know if someone wants to do harm with a firearm, no law will stop them. But instead of complaining about our vulnerabilities, hurrying to buy more firearms or watching from the sidelines, we need to at least try to do what we can to minimize gun violence for the betterment of society.

Perhaps the National Rifle Association (NRA) will choose to use its largess to start and fund a required gun safety program for its members on methods to keep guns out of the wrong hands.

“It’s our U.S. Constitutional right to bear arms, but it’s also our moral obligation to attempt to keep guns out of the hands of the wicked,” said Pastor G.G. Womack, II. “According to the history of our forefathers, it was their obligation to keep us safe. And that is what I believe the U.S. federal government is attempting to do today.”

I agree with the NRA’s mission of having the right to bear arms BUT times have changed, people have changed. Changes demand adjustments and readjustments. Just as speed limits have been readjusted and “No Turn on Red” signs continue to be erected to prevent a rising tide of people killed because of car accidents, similarly the rising trend of gun violence must also be addressed.

Let’s face it. The world is becoming more and more dangerous. Deceptions and distractions abound. In the end, though, it’s really about you and your own life, regardless of the number and type of guns or rifles you may have. If the wrong person gets a hold of your firearm, he/she may turn it on you.

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” Mark 8:36

Life is precious. You only have one to live. Politics aside…why spend your life protesting to keep assault weapons in the hands of criminals, preventing those with mental health issues from gaining access to guns, securing guns you have with safety locks or against background checks? What’s the point? Why fight against what you know is morally right in your heart?

As a law-abiding citizen, don’t lose your reward through needless fear. Let’s face it, none of us are immortal no matter how many firearms we have. Only God knows the date and time of our last breath. So do the right thing. Regardless of your belief, you will be held accountable for your actions in the end.

“Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14 NKJV)

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If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 NKJV)

Initiative: Overcomer

Pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Romans 14:19

Meditate on good things. Think about it…

are you busy Overcoming? If not, stop whining.

Overcoming is about victory over the conflicts we face. An overcomer is a warrior who battles no matter what task is ahead. Are you busy overcoming or busy complaining why you can’t?

Already, we are two weeks into 2013. Bipartisan compromise eventually led to the successful end of the fiscal cliff stalemate, yet we are inundated with other issues that demand attention. 

Surrounded by headlines, messages, a diversity of people and options require decisions, plans and strategies or at least an attempt to peacefully address the situation. Some have civil discussions, some rant, some ignore, some do nothing. But more and more people are now getting involved in issues affecting their state, their communities, their families and themselves.

One of the hot debates to overcome is the gun control issue, which has now engulfed headlines, airwaves and conversations. Filled with misinformation, misunderstanding and miscommunication, a rising, divided public outcry demands action.

Keeping citizens safe is the highest priority of the U.S. President. Based on this premise, overcoming aligns with the biblical mandate of peace for the benefit of the country. As Romans 21:12 states, seek to overcome evil with good.

According to CNN Money, Dick's Sporting Goods suspended the sale of certain semiautomatic rifles from its 511 stores in 44 states, and WalMart took down a listing on its site advertising Bushmaster, a semiautomatic assault rifle.

As directed by President Obama, overcomer Vice President Biden has met with numerous groups, law enforcement agencies and NRA representatives to uncover possible solutions that can aid in the decision-making process on the most appropriate mutually beneficial steps to take.

A local media outlet reported last week that while a youth slept, someone shot about 15 bullets into his home, nearly missing his head. One bullet penetrated and injured his shoulder. Another youth playing video games in his own room said he would have been shot if he were standing up instead of sitting down. The entire room was bullet-ridden, including the Jerseys that hung on his wall. The perpetrator used a high-powered rifle to shoot about 15 bullets through the walls of the house and into the house next door. The neighbor interviewed said it sounded like a bomb had gone off. 

What’s next…grenades? Law abiders do have a right to bear arms, but what arms? Life is too short as it is. Certainly, everyone has a deadline of when they will breathe their last breath. We just don’t know when or how. So, why hurry others and yourself to the grave?

There is only one truth to help us become overcomers…God. Live right. Do right. Make a positive difference NOT havoc. 

So the question remains:

are you busy Overcoming?

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Moses, who was jolted out of his comfort zone by a burning bush, became busy leading Israelites to the Promised Land.

David, who stepped out on faith, killed Goliath with a rock and became busy leading as King of Israel.

Jesus Christ, King of Kings, was busy teaching the new covenant, performing miracles to set himself apart as the true Messiah, encouraging people to seek the Kingdom of Heaven and died for us so that we may be saved. 

Led by God, they were all overcomers.

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Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)

INITIATIVE: HAPPY NEW YEAR!

HAPPY NEW YEAR…right?

Or more of the same stalemates?

All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the soul is not satisfied. (Ecc 6:7, NKJV)

Happiness enhances wellbeing, especially when positive outcomes dominate, as a Harvard University study indicated. “Happier” countries report lower levels of high blood pressure.So, I am delighted about the bipartisan compromise with 85 Republicans joining 172 Democrats on New Year’s day to end the fiscal cliff back-and-forth debate…finally!

Now I can exhale and get to work with a sense of certainty, at least about payroll tax cuts for my clients and extension of unemployment benefits for over 2 million others who have been challenged to secure a job in a difficult marketplace. The House of Representatives voted 257-167 to approve the Senate's fiscal cliff bill by extending the Bush-era tax cut, according to CNN, ABC News, NY Times, Washington Post.

But the House did not pass $60 billion for Hurricane Sandy Relief. 

Upper half of tree removed, stump reset into the ground and remains along with the demolished fence, as a result of Hurricane Sandy. (Photo taken by Darlene Womack)

Stay tuned…brace yourself for more public battles. Sure hope bipartisan compromise replaces the gridlock drama. But this is a new year, and we should be happy, right? Perhaps our pursuit of happiness lies in the status of our wellbeing.

Adapted from the book, Wellbeing: The Five Essential Elements, Gallup conducted  research on wellbeing with more than 98% of the world's population. Gallup scientists found that regardless of a person’s background, culture, ethnicity or religion two elements, good health and wealth, were the most common responses people said that created wellbeing.  

1.    Physical Wellbeing or having good health and energy to get things done;

2.    Financial Wellbeing or having the finances to do more of what you want;

3.    Career Wellbeing or how you occupy your time, liking what you do everyday;

4.    Social Wellbeing or having strong relationships and love in your life;

5.    Community Wellbeing or your engagement in your community.

The study revealed that if we struggle in any one of these five areas mentioned, it damages our wellbeing and wears on us. The goal is to incorporate all of these elements in our lives in order to get the most out of life--pursuit of happiness.

Inspiration comes in a variety of ways. Some use their faith or spirituality, while others get their inspiration from protecting the environment.

So, as we approach the next Congressional debate on public issues, we need to keep our wellbeing in mind. I hope Congress does likewise and acts on what we all desire: Keep our stress level down and our "happiness" meter up through bipartisan compromise. Besides, it’s a new year. Hopefully, it will be a happy one.

Happy New Year!

Jesus Christ: I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10 NKJV)

Initiative: Fiscal Cliff, Part 2...A call to Congress

 

Congress:  “…we need a balanced, bipartisan approach…the new reality is that uncertainty = inaction…They need to get stuff done!” – Mayors Michael Nutter (D) and Scott Smith (R), during CNN interview after The White House meeting last week.

 

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, in divisible with liberty and justice for all.”

Patriotism…love or devotion to one’s country. Yes, the common denominator we have is love. I hope we all love our country and want what’s best for it. I realize that politicians and special interest groups take advantage of crucial situations such as the fiscal cliff to advance their own agenda. But if we all focus on actions that show patriotism, perhaps those actions may include making the right decisions for the benefit of our country.

Put aside selfish ambitions. Remember, authority of elected officials should depend on the consent of the people. We spoke when we voted you in to get the job done. That means coming together to strengthen our country.

Instead of results, we get GRIDLOCK.

As our representatives, instead of political posturing and bickering, please exemplify our “pledge of allegiance” to the world. Instead of selfish ambitions, promote a common agenda for the benefit of the country, pleasing in the sight of God.

Although we’re starting to see movement toward a compromise, confidence in your ability to avoid this country from falling off the tax cliff by year-end remains questionable for now. In an 11/26/12 Millionaire Corner article, nearly two-thirds (62.5 percent) of affluent investors surveyed do not believe a fiscal cliff resolution will happen before the deadline. A Gallup poll indicated public confidence in Congress recently decreased from 21 percent to 18 percent. Bruce Stokes, special to CNN World, indicated last week that “just over half of the public does not think President Obama and the Republican members of Congress can reach an agreement to avert going over the cliff.”

 

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Regardless of political debates and disagreements, let’s keep our eyes on the goal of strengthening our country, i.e., strengthening the weak. In this case, the disappearing middle class who now ranks among the “near poor.”

Pew Charitable Trusts reported findings of a brief from the Economic Mobility Project: “In many ways, families in high-poverty neighborhoods were already experiencing their own hard times before the official downturn, making any additional losses that much more harmful to their economic prospects. 

 

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Message to Congress: Understand the realities of how your decisions will impact ways to move this country forward. Work together for the good of the people…with liberty and justice for all.

 

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

 

Initiative Thanksgiving

It’s about “we the people.”

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say “thank you?” -- William A. Ward, scholar, author, editor.

Listen to the words coming out of your mouth.

Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Fiscal cliff, Taxes, Capital gains, Dividends, Stocks, Cease fires, Resignations, Convictions, Bankruptcies, Unemployment…the never-ending noise!

This Thanksgiving holiday period, let’s pause and truly give thanks.

For just a few minutes, let’s put aside words that create differences…no wealthy, no middle class, no poor. No Democrats. No Republicans. No Independents. No red states. No blue states. Just us … “we the people” give thanks to God for our life, health and strength. He did not have to give us this gift of life, but He did. We thank Him.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8 NKJV)

Let’s appreciate what we have in common.

1. We all want to be loved.
2. We all want a strong economy filled with good paying jobs.
3. We all want peace, respect and happiness.
4. We all want good health.
5. We all have 24 hours in a day.
6. We all laugh, cry, hunger and thirst.
7. We all sleep.
8. We all get sick.
9. We all age.
10. We all die.

                                   

We all have a beginning and an end. It’s what we do in between that matters.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV

Thank you. Amen.

Initiative: Fiscal Cliff?

“I think there should be a voluntary check box on the tax form that says, ‘if you would like to send in more, please do,'" said a surveyed affluent individual who took an anti-Buffet stance.  (Source: Wealth Report.)

Two-thirds of the wealthiest people in the U.S. added to their fortunes, boosting their average net worth by $400 million to a record $4.2 billion, according to Forbes. By September 2012 the top three included Microsoft founder, now philanthropist, Bill Gates who ranked #1 at $66 billion net worth; Warren Buffet, chairman, Berkshire Hathaway, ranked #2 at $46 billion net worth; and Oracle CEO Larry Ellison ranked #3 at $41 billion net worth.

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And guess who hit a record in this economy? Millionaires. These individuals, with $1 million or more in investible assets had a combined wealth of $11.6 trillion, up from $10.7 trillion in 2009. Their wealth assets here excludes their primary home, collectibles, consumables and consumer durables,” according to Merrill Lynch and Capgemini.

Kudos to the wealthy! Perhaps one day we can all learn how to invest and grow similarly.

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Nevertheless, amidst all these wonders, I can’t help but to think about Hurricane Sandy’s aftermath and  powerless victims who remain in the cold.

This destruction symbolizes daily struggles for many because of a lack of jobs, lack of training to fill open jobs or because of being among the underemployed. No matter how hard they work or how many jobs they have, they still often come up short because of low pay or no pay. 

Additional cutting from the middle class will create more societal problems instead of solutions.

 

October 2011 –George Walper, president of Spectrem Group, a market research firm specializing in wealth and retirement markets, released survey results: “What this tells us is that there are a number of wealthy folks who said: ‘Gee, we need to increase taxes to stimulate the economy. No one likes to be taxed more, but the reality is maybe it has to be done.’” (68% of millionaires supported Warren Buffet’s tax on the wealthy. Those who disagreed felt penalized because of their wealth. One commented, “I think there should be a voluntary check box on the tax form that says, ‘if you would like to send in more, please do." Source:Wealth Report.

What a difference a year makes...

 

September 2012 – George Walper, president of Spectrem Group, a market research firm specializing in wealth and retirement markets, released results from a June/July survey of individuals with an average net worth of $25 million.“There are a lot of unknowns. Tax law changes could impact them professionally and personally. A lot of these people are entrepreneurs, and if a sizable portion of their income is going to go to taxes, that’s a part of their income that they can no longer count on to invest,” he said. (Source: Forbes)

When asked what is the biggest threat to achieving their current financial goals, Affluent investors said the economy and the partisan political climate, which they believe is impeding the progress of the economic recovery. (Source: Reuters)

As Former President John F. Kennedy said during his 1961 Inaugural address: “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”

“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls.” Luke 11:17

…pray for all men… and all who are in authority…1 Timothy 2.  Don't hurt us. Strengthen us to stand on our own.

Initiative Vote! (Series 3 of 3)

For those who still choose not to vote, please remember…

Jesus gave His life for us so that we may be saved. With that same God-given spirit, many fought the “overcome battle" with blood, sweat and tears so that we can vote. Now, all citizens—races and genders--of the U.S. can vote. So vote on November 6, 2012.  

“We the People” – affirms that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens.

Preamble to the U.S. Constitution 

Amendments to the U.S. Constitution that address voting rights:

14th Amendment – All persons born within the U.S. are citizens and guaranteed rights and privileges (1868)

15th Amendment – No citizen denied the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude (1870) - gave freed slaves the right to vote (Jim Crow laws started)

19th Amendment - No citizen shall be abridged of their right to vote based on sex.

(1920) - gave women the right to vote

24th Amendment – No poll tax is allowed or failure to pay any other tax shall prevent a person from voting (1964) - eliminated some of the Jim Crow laws

Voting Rights Act of 1965 - barriers to vote were lifted for minorities

"The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men.” Lyndon B. Johnson, 36^th President of the United States (at signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965)

26th Amendment – All persons 18 or older shall not be abridged of their right to vote (1971)