A BLOG BY ALAN CHAMBERS

It's Hard to Hate a President that You Pray For

My wife, kids and I have been praying almost daily for Barack, Michelle, Sasha, and Malia Obama since they became the First Family Elect of the United States.  We had voted for John McCain and, frankly, were very nervous about an Obama presidency.  During the campaigning process I was very vocal about my support for McCain and my opposition to Obama.  This is the United States and I am very thankful for the right to speak my mind freely.  People of every race, creed, color, orientation, political affiliation, and religion should always have that right.  There is no harm in having or expressing an opinion.

 However, infinitely more important than being able to express my opinion as an American is my desire as a Christian to care about people’s hearts above those right or wrong opinions.  And, while I am, as a citizen of the United States, regularly and carefully sharing my thoughts with our elected officials I am far more often simply praying for the people voters have entrusted with leading us.

 I am sure that the concept of hating a president or elected official isn’t too far from many people’s minds these days.  The media has always been very quick to show the stories of those who seem to hate a president.  I hear from people daily who hate President Obama’s policies and trash him all day long for them.  Sometimes, maybe often times, I sense that conservatives, more specifically for the purposes of this article, evangelical conservatives, hate this president’s policies and try to defeat them more than they love the man as their neighbor and pray for his heart.  I know for a fact that if I didn’t pray for Barack Obama and his family daily that I would be guilty of the same thing.  It is my praying for the Obama family that keeps me from sinning against them with a reckless tongue.

 I have written before about Former Governor Jesse Ventura’s comment that religion is a crutch for the weak.  In the case of praying for Barack Obama my faith is more like a brick wall for me.  I am weak and I willingly and gladly admit it.  I am too weak not to pray for the daily strength to overcome the sin of unhealthy criticism.  I am too weak not to pray for the ability to love my fellow man with which I have so many deep disagreements.  I pray because I must.  I pray because I will fail miserably if I don’t.  Having failed far more times than I care to number, I daily choose to succeed.  In this particular case, I am choosing to succeed at loving and praying for a president that I don’t agree with, that I didn’t vote for and for his heart that I do not understand. 

 God loves Barack Obama and his family as much as He loves me and mine and wants them for His own—if they aren’t already.  I cannot judge him because I haven’t walked a step in his shoes let alone a mile.  So, as a citizen I will be proactive in sharing my opinions, but far more often my wife, four-year-old son and daughter and I will bow our heads, quiet our hearts and pray this prayer:

 Dear Jesus, This morning we pray for Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Malia and Sasha Obama to come to know you if they don’t already.  We pray that President Obama would become the best Christian president this nation has ever known.  Guide him, protect him and help him to seek you.  We pray for his cabinet and administration and for every decision he will make for our country today.  We trust you, Lord.  Amen.

 

 

The Day After

I woke up this morning in a world that had changed overnight.  But, that was going to be the case anyway regardless of who won or lost in the election.  My wife and I went to bed hoping for a political miracle, but expecting nothing of the sort.  We were restless, but able to fall asleep because at the end of the day our ultimate hope, trust and faith is in only One: The True Living God.  And, as was the case when we went to bed, He and only He was still, always has been always will be, on the Throne.

It was nice to have a Christian President over the last 8 years who shared my values, whom I believe wholeheartedly means it every-time he says, “God Bless You and God Bless America”.  Despite his unpopularity on issues related to the war and the economy, I believe that President George W. Bush and his family restored honor to the highest office in our land and to the White House.  He might not have been a perfect President, but he was trustworthy and moral and like Ronald Reagan, the President of my youth, he kept America safe.

I confess that this morning I do not feel as hopeful as I have when it comes to the leadership of this country and the pending administration.  I do not trust in the promises that I have heard or the heart behind the promises. I am skeptical, fighting against worry and planning for the worst economically and socially.  I am angry that the American people chose a President who does not seem to understand that life begins at conception and doesn’t seem to want to understand it because it’s above his pay-grade.  I am ashamed that the majority voted economy and race over human life.  But, it’s done and I am praying that God will use my anger for His purposes and to bring about real change.

Despite my anger, disappointment, worry and uncertainty about the future, I am resolute in my belief that God is God and that I am not.  I am galvanized in my determination to pray for the very best for President Elect Barack Obama, our other elected officials and all of their families.  My wife and kids and I started a new ritual this morning, praying for all of the above and especially for the hearts of the Obama family to be submitted and surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  NOTHING will change the fate of the unborn or the immoral policy positions except a man submitted and surrendered to Christ.  It may seem an impossible feat, but I know real change is possible.

As I watched the election coverage last night, into the wee hours and again this morning I began thinking beyond the surface of what was happening.  Take for instance the two conservative Congressional incumbents in my area that I have supported and had the opportunity to vote for once or twice respectively; both lost to their rookie opponents.  The margins were narrow, but I believe those conservatives, along with others elsewhere, were voted out because they were connected to scandal and disappointment. One of them was connected to the Jack Abramhoff lobbyist scandal and the other a man who, as the attack ads pointed out, went to Washington to change Washington and Washington ended up changing him.  When this particular leader was elected he was a married family man and today he isn’t.  There’s no judgment in that statement, but the facts are the facts and people are tired of hypocrisy. 

Interestingly, our country voted overwhelmingly for a liberal Democratic president and for some liberal congressional leaders—ousting conservative Republicans in the process.  But, in three key states, one of which is arguably one of the most, if not the most, liberal in our nation, the people voted in favor of keeping marriage the union between one man and one woman.  That, to me, further underscores my belief that we aren’t a liberal nation moving quickly towards liberalism more than we are one trying to do the right thing.  I think there is some misguidedness in there, but the fundamentals of the American hearts are good.

Related to the wins for marriage as we know it, though, must come the realization that 18,000 marriage licenses are this morning deemed invalid in the state of California.  Translated: 36,000 hearts that have to be absolutely broken.  And, while I am thrilled with the vote in support of keeping marriage the way God intends it, I am truly heavy in heart for the men and women who saw same-sex marriage as an answer to their struggle for acceptance.  I do not take any joy in seeing people’s dreams or hearts crushed even if I disagree with them.  I pray this morning that the proponents of Arizona’s Prop 102, California’s Prop 8 and Florida’s Amendment 2 celebrate with these broken hearts in mind and with a desire to comfort those who need comfort in the wake of what has to be bitter disappointment.  Truly this is what Jesus would do!

Finally, and again, I am choosing to see the outcome of this election in a non-hopeless light and with the absolute belief that America is, though possibly hanging by a thread, still a nation guided by Christian values and moral goodness.  The silver lining in all of this is that we elected a black president---skip our differences in beliefs and policy for a moment and think about that with me.  Once one of the most prejudice countries on earth, guilty of horrific crimes against black people, we are now a nation with a black president elect. 

I watched two months ago when Michelle Obama spoke at the Democratic National Convention and my heart lept thinking of her as a young black school girl who probably never dreamed she would be the wife of a presidential hopeful let alone the First Lady of the United States of America.  I watched that same week as Barack Obama accepted his parties nomination for President and was truly thrilled to watch as our nation was ushered into a new day beyond the evil legacy of racism that overshadowed us.  Then, I watched last night as the Obama family waved to their supporters and hugged one another—as Michelle Obama said to her newly elected husband, “I Love You.”  Politics aside, those are moments that melted my heart and the moments I am choosing to hold onto today as I pray that God changes their hearts on issues related to the moral values of this nation. 

Maybe in God’s grand plan for this great nation, regardless of the politics of it all, He destined the election of this man.  After all, it does say in the middle portion of Daniel 2:21:  He removes kings and establishes kings. What if this black President is God’s line drawn in the sand that says definitively once and for all, “A Godly nation cannot be a racist nation.”?  What if President Barack Obama is just a step towards an nation repenting for it’s past sins?  I’m not God, but I have to believe He has a purpose in allowing this leader to be elected and I am going to trust Him in it and pray that Barack Obama is the most successful President we have ever known. 

What’s the alternative?

SUPER TUESDAY

Take a moment and vote here in my Presidential Straw Poll.  Feel free to share your comments on your choice, as well.

I love America and today is part of what makes this country so great!  Join me in praying for whomever will become our next President!

Ann the Barbarian!

I don't know where I've been, but until yesterday I hadn't heard of Ann Coulter's latest offense. Last week, Ann Coulter spoke at the American Conservative Union's Political Action Conference. During her speech she said, "I was going to have a few comments on the other Democratic presidential candidate, John Edwards, but it turns out you have to go into rehab if you use the word "faggot," so I - so kind of an impasse, can't really talk about Edwards."

When asked about it later she stated, "I'm so ashamed, I can't stop laughing." She added: "C'mon, it was a joke. I would never insult gays by suggesting that they are like John Edwards. That would be mean."

Apparently Ms. Coulter isn’t afraid to be mean. In fact, I found her slur downright nasty. As was a comment that she made last fall to a group of conservative Christian leaders in DC. At that event she equated what the pro-gay lobby was doing with pro-gay legislation to oral sex---“shoving it down our throats”. Many of the leaders got up and left in the middle of her speech.

We do not need this kind of childish vitriol. We can disagree on politics, legislation, moral issues, whatever, but this is way out of line. Faggot is a word that school bullies and ignorant people use to inflict emotional pain on their victims. Ann Coulter should know better and her friends and those that pay her bills would do well to remind her of that fact.

Listen to the Young: BUSH FOR PRESIDENT!

Scholatic Magazine has been polling children for more than 50 years asking them who will be the next President. Every election year the children have chosen correctly. The reason? Children mimick what they hear at home.

This year the children once again chose George Bush. Say it with me: Four more years!

Will John Edwards the Next Politician to Declare that He is a "Gay American"?

I admit that I was incredibly into my hair--when I had enough to worry about--But this is RIDICULOUS. Can you say (or spell) narcisism?

Check out the 'New Breck Girl'.

Dear Mr. President

Dear Mr. President,

Thank you for your courageous leadership over the past 4 years. My family and I are better off today than we were before you became Commander in Chief. It will be our pleasure to affirm your excellent leadership on November 2 when we vote to make you our President once again; I honestly believe that the majority of American voters will do the same.

My purpose in writing today is two fold: one, I want to address a specific question brought up in last night's debate and two, I want to encourage you to meet with me.

First the question. Bob Sheafer asked you and Senator Kerry if you believe homosexuality is a choice. I appreciated your sincere answer and your compassionate call to treat all people with dignity and respect. Everytime you mention homosexual people I believe you honestly care about them and want others to treat them as fellow human beings. The liberal media will never give you any credit for this because simple dignity isn't their desire, a no holds barred sexual revolution is what they are after.

And while I believe you to be sincere and earnest in your desire to serve all people I also think that you could know more about the issues surrounding homosexuality than you do--that is why I think you need to meet me and others like me.

I am, for political and news clip purposes, what others call 'ex-gay'. I prefer to reference myself by what defines me: my faith in Jesus Christ, the fact that I am a husband and expectant father, a loving son, brother and human being, a man. However, in this sex-defined culture I am pigeon holed by many on both sides of the debate by what I used to do.

I was involved in homosexuality for a number of years starting in puberty and extending through about age 20. I had numerous sexual encounters and emotionally volatile relationships, attended a gay church, went to pride rallies and parades, worked on the AIDS quilt, volunteered at AIDS organizations and tried desperately to reconcile my faith with my sexuality. I could not.

When I was still a teenager I was referred to a Christian ministry that helped those struggling with homosexuality. This local ministry was a member of Exodus International, the world's leading outreach to men, women, youth and families affected by unwanted homosexuality. And even though I dabbled for two years after finding out about Exodus, I did faithfully attend meetings, counseling and seek to make a change in my life. Because of my faith in God and His unending grace, change won out.

As I inferred above, I am married today; a benefit not cause of my healing. Since 2001 I have been the President of Exodus International because I believe the world needs to know not only that change is possible, but that hundreds of thousands of men and women have sought and made that change. I lived as a homosexual and the world, especially young people and parents, need to know that it is not a healthy path or the optimal option. Which brings me back to last night's question.

Homosexuality is and isn't a choice. I did not wake up one morning and choose to 'feel' gay. At that time I would have rather died then felt what I felt. However, at a time when I was old enough to make wise decisions I did choose to act on my feelings. For those who say they have no choice, that is not true. We all have a choice to do what is best and with regard to acting on my homosexual feelings and inclinations, I did not choose God's best for me or for society when I chose to act upon them. However, I did finally choose to live beyond those feelings and today I am not a homosexual nor am I tempted to be one.

Mr. President, it is my sincere hope that you will choose to meet me, along with my wife Leslie. In fact, I think it would benefit you to meet the many men, women, youth and families that have been personally affected by this issue. I am sure you both know and regularly meet people actively pursuing a homosexual path--a path that they have every right to walk. However, how often do you meet people that made the very difficult choice to pursue the harder road and more unpopular path in today's society? Please take me up on this and choose to meet someone that has found freedom from homosexuality.

Again, it is my sincere pleasure to support you and to pray for you regularly. I believe you are an honest man and an honorable man. I look forward to being led by you for four more years.

Most Sincerely,

Alan Chambers
407-599-6872

Kerry Supporters Steal Signs, Trash Bush HQ's All Over US: A Sign of What a Kerry/Edwards America Would be Like!

The future of our nation is at stake. We are on the verge of electing the next President of the United States and, of the two viable candidates, I wholeheartedly believe that one represents good and the other, evil.

Of course, all you have to do is look at my blog to see which I think is good. President George W. Bush is one of the most vocally moral Presidents we've had since the early days of our nation when our government officials were overtly and unabashedly Christian! Thank God we are getting back to our roots.

Just as obvious as my choice for President is the evidence that Kerry and the liberal elitists running the Democratic Party are evil to the core.

Case in point, last Tuesday in Orlando protestors from the AFL-CIO (a Demon-rat stronghold) broke into a Bush/Cheney campaign office injuring a volunteer in a violent rampage that ended in their arrest. See Orlando's Local 6 news site for more on this unbelievable story. Also see Moby.com for a rundown of other Bush/Cheney offices ransacked, attacked or targeted by Kerry's goons.

As if rampant lawlessness isn't enough, simple thievery has also become the norm for Kerry and his minions. Yesterday I filed a complaint with the Orlando Police Department after a Bush/Cheney sign was stolen from my yard. What sent me over the edge was that this was the SECOND time in 10 days that a Bush/Cheney sign was stolen from in front of my house.

Now, I concede that the Republican party and it's people are not perfect, however it wasn't aides from the Bush/Quayle Whitehouse that trashed their offices when they turned it over to the Clinton Administration or removed all of the W's from the computer keypads.

I think the good people within the Democratic party--the ones who probably do not realize how evil their current party leaders and policies are--need to rise up and look at what they are about to elect and realize the type of people that have invaded their once respectable political party.

I pray that the people of America come to understand within the next month that their pocket books matter far less than the soul of our great nation. If the people trying hardest to get Kerry elected are common thieves, vigilantes, anti-Christian and anti-creation, then what is our country going to look like when their chosen one takes over?

We are on the verge of much better or catastrophically worse!

Breaking Debate Fact: Senator Gone

Yep, He Said It:

VICE PRESIDENT DICK CHENEY: “Senator [Edwards], frankly, you have a record in the Senate that's not very distinguished. You missed 33 out of 36 meetings in the Judiciary Committee. Almost 70% of the meetings of the Intelligence Committee. You've missed a lot of key votes on tax policy, on energy, on Medicare reform. Your hometown newspaper has taken to calling you Senator Gone. You've got one of the worst attendance records in the United States Senate. Now, in my capacity as Vice President I am the President of the Senate, the presiding officer. I'm up in the Senate most Tuesdays when they're in session. The first time I ever met you was when you walked on the stage tonight.” (Vice President Richard Cheney, Vice Presidential Debate, Cleveland, OH, 10/5/04)
________

YOU GO, Veep!