Attention Word Slingers readers: Beginning December 11, 2019, all posts will be available at BaptistMessenger.com. Thank you for reading Word Slingers!
I got some hearty topics this week. I hope you’ll check them out.
By the way, here’s a random suggestion for you. If you know somebody who may be discouraged, had a rough week, going through a difficult trial in life, consider sending them a text of encouragement, even now. Without going through details, somebody close to me said they were having a discouraging moment this week, but once they received a text from a friend, it lightened the load significantly. Perhaps you could have the same impact.
Let’s get to it!
Be a Boaz, not a Weinstein
The big mess involving Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein is growing. Years of sexual harassment and abuse of young actresses and other women in show business are being reported, and the list of those affected, as well as the list of those who enabled or willingly overlooked Weinstein’s behavior, continue to grow.
I’m not sure what will become of all this. But I hope God will make Himself known to those who are paying attention, who are asking “Why?” or “Who can be trusted?” and even those who are concerned about the behavior of men of the next generation.
Mayim Bialik, formerly of Blossom fame and currently in Big Bang Theory, created a video in response to the Weinstein mess. I applaud her efforts, but there were some concerning remarks.
For one, she interpreted her upbringing by her father as being taught not to trust men. Maybe I’m wrong, but she appeared to believe it was a bad thing that she was taught to be a virgin before marriage and be faithful to one spouse in a lifetime. Watch for yourself, and see what you think.
Secondly, Bialik said this: “I have yet to meet a man, even the nicest ones, who said they were not motivated by their desire to have sex with a woman.”
My initial thought was, “Don’t you think your show encourages this motivation?”
Bialik goes on to give great suggestions on how to raise boys to not become women harassers, but I believe this guidance, as great as it is, falls short because of the lack of biblical instruction.
For two days, I’ve been planning to address this topic in this week’s DHD. However, I couldn’t come up with a resource or instruction directly responding to the Weinstein debacle that would be biblically-based. That changed this morning when I read a blog by Rachel Starke.
Starke wrote “Be a Boaz in Your Business.” I love that title! This is a fantastic read. Boaz in the Book of Ruth is an excellent model for men on how to treat women, and Starke lists three great qualities that Boaz displayed – attentiveness and action; protection and provision; policy and personal example.
“Boaz’s leadership style was hardly the norm in his day. Boaz was living in the end of the era of the Judges, when sexual violence was rampant (Judg. 19) and everyone did what was right in their own eyes (Judg. 21:25). And yet Boaz’s words and actions clearly communicate his commitment to following God’s law (Exod. 23:9), and to help others follow it also.”
The Last Boy Scout
The ‘90s Bruce Willis movie title is becoming prophetic. An announcement was made this week of Boy Scouts of America now permitting girls to be involve in BSA’s Cub Scout program.
Of all the declining actions involving Boy Scouts in recent years, this is the least surprising. What’s interesting is Girl Scouts isn’t happy with the decision. Here’s a quote from the Baptist Press story:
“The Boy Scouts house is on fire,” GSUSA told ABC News. “Instead of addressing systemic issues of continuing sexual assault, financial mismanagement and deficient programming, BSA’s senior management wants to add an accelerant to the house fire by recruiting girls.”
Both scouting organizations seem to be falling into decline and are a significant reflection of society.
Reactions to the 20-week abortion ban bill
I read two articles that came out after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve the Pain-capable Unborn Child Protection Act last week.
One article gives a list of 20 reasons (clever) why this House bill, which prohibits abortion after the unborn child reaches 20 weeks, is “not good.” You can read the article for yourself and come to your own conclusions.
My thought is this is progress but not the final battle. The ultimate goal should be to make abortion unthinkable in the mindset of all Americans and beyond. To help grow this mindset, it is important to show compassion to women who face unwanted pregnancies and encourage and support them in making alternative decisions to abortion.
What Congress approved last week is not a compromise; this bill is a continuation toward ending abortion practices.
The other article I read gives credence to a major point supporting the bill which is the U.S. is one of seven countries that performs abortions after 20 weeks. Considering it’s an article in the Washington Post, that’s an impressive favorable factor.
Once again, my favorite blogger gives substance and clarity to how the church should operate in a Christ-like manner.
His presentation of applying grace is excellent. Grace shouldn’t be “accepting someone else’s definition of their own righteousness.” The church also shouldn’t “close the doors” to certain kinds of sinners, because then it is full of self-righteous people. Therefore, the proper application is welcome all and affirm none.
“Self-affirmation is the gospel of the American culture; we are idolaters when we make it the gospel of the Christian church. The church exists not to affirm ourselves, but to adore the King who loved us and gave himself for us when there was nothing good in us to affirm. The more we affirm ourselves, the less we adore the King for his grace.”
Thunder culture
The last two DHD topics relate to the Oklahoma City Thunder. It’s beginning to look a lot like the start of the NBA season! Next week, as a matter of fact, the Thunder opens up at home against the New York Knicks, Oct. 19.
Check out this great article by Tim Cato of SB Nation. The piece further elaborates on the great bond between OKC and the Thunder organization. One fascinating underlying comment in the story is “the Thunder were first in community appearances last season, according to an NBA tracking system.”
There’s great quotes by Thunder center and comic relief Steven Adams – “…my neighbor was just making me loaves of bread. So I didn’t know what to do. I mean, obviously, you eat it, but I just like kept it, I had all these loaves of bread…” There’s also continued praise of Thunder G.M. Sam Presti. Cato gives a good assessment of how uniquely impressive the Thunder are able to remain relevant after Kevin Durant’s departure, and he points out that “(Russell) Westbrook was as much a therapist to grieving Thunder fans as he was an MVP last season.”
A bold prediction
Paul Pierce was called “The Truth” when he played for the Boston Celtics. Check out this prediction from The Truth.
Here’s another edition of Doyle’s Half Dozen. Let’s get to it!
Grieving Las Vegas
It’s been five days since the mass shooting late Sunday night in Las Vegas. Here’s what I have to offer: God is faithful.
I’ve been going through the Minor Prophets in my daily Bible readings, which, in my weak flesh, can be difficult at times to find God’s application for my life. God does not deliver a lot of encouraging messages through these prophets. They are usually messages of destruction and turmoil, of other countries taking over Israel and Judah or of heavy famine and death.
But in amongst these turbulent prophecies, there are messages of hope.
“The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him” (Nahum 1:7).
God never said His followers won’t experience trouble, but He will reveal Himself in troubled times. Pastors and churches have responded in Las Vegas, offering hope to those who are hurting.
Clamping Cam
Carolina quarterback Cam Newton got himself in trouble at a press conference again. He tried to be funny, but his response to a woman reporter backfired on him.
He said “it’s funny to hear a female talk about routes.” Now we won’t hear Cam talk about yogurt, as Dannon announced the yogurt company dropped Newton as a spokesperson.
I know quite a few women who could talk about routes, formations, blitzes and blocking schemes, and as socially relevant the NFL tries to be, especially with the help of ESPN’s non-stop political propaganda, Cam’s response shocked me.
The court of public opinion is powerful today, and Cam will have to live out its ruling.
House bill bans late-term abortions
Great news this week, as the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill, 237-189, that bans abortion on unborn babies in the womb 20 weeks. The bill’s strongest provision was scientific evidence of the child experiencing pain at that stage.
This is an encouraging action, but the Senate will need to approve, which did not occur when a similar House bill was passed in 2015.
Hopefully Senator James Lankford and his cohorts can be successful as they introduced the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act this week. Check out Lankford, who begins speaking at 5:58 in the following video.
More former PP workers come forward
The number is growing. Ex-employees of Planned Parenthood are making it known what happens at the facilities of the largest abortion provider in the world.
A story reported this week of a video of new former Planned Parenthood employees revealing inside information. They mention abortion quotas, bypassing adoption and discouraging parental involvement. One former employee said Planned Parenthood boasts of an “in-house” abortion fund.
Abby Johnson has been a pro-life advocate after leaving her post at a Planned Parenthood facility in Texas. She founded And Then There Were None, a pro-life organization specializing in helping former workers of abortion facilities find other employment.
“Most people who go into the abortion industry want to do so in order to help women, yet once they see what really goes on, many are horrified,” Johnson urged. “We need to tell their stories and unmask the abortion industry for what it really is: a predatory, calculated, money-making machine that pounces on women in their most vulnerable times.”
ACLU fights faith-based adoption agencies
Baptist Press reported this week of a lawsuit in Michigan filed by the American Civil Liberties Union against faith-based adoption agencies. The ACLU insists the agencies go against its practices based on biblical convictions.
The problem the ACLU has is more faith-based adoption agencies are forming and have been effective in the increase of foster families. This is an action of which many adoption advocates should be aware.
Thunder update
It seems like when I report on the Oklahoma City Thunder, my information is old news once it becomes live. Last week’s DHD mentioned the addition of Carmelo Anthony to the Thunder squad, but only a few hours after it was posted, the news came out of Russell Westbrook finally signing the five-year, $200-plus million contract extension.
The Thunder have its second preseason game tonight, hosting the New Orleans Pelicans. As of this moment, Westbrook is reported not to play in the game, as he is recovering from an enhancement injection in his knee. Maybe if I report it this way, news will break that he IS playing tonight.
An eventful September is about to conclude with much anticipation for October, especially in the sports world. Prime college football matchups, MLB playoffs and the NBA regular season begins.
This week’s DHD has some sports topics as well as other current issues to address. Let’s get to it!
We need a leader
I begin with a difficult subject. Last weekend, the National Football League experienced a nationwide spectacle as more than 200 players were reported kneeling while the National Anthem was performed during NFL games.
There’s a lot of aspects and issues involved in these demonstrations, and it is hard to find a complete solution. I don’t even know if any tangible solutions have been offered by someone who represents the protesters. I hear that there needs to be discussions; people from different sides need to sit down and talk with each other.
Discussions would be a start. I remember pointing out Sen. James Lankford’s proposal of people of different races sharing a meal together. This sounds like a constructive plan to me.
Something I am praying for is a respected leader to come on the scene. This has to be a person whom all sides respect. Right now, I have no idea who this person is. If you name somebody who is a leader in any capacity, you will find people who disagree with them.
For now, I’m at a loss, but I am convinced that until this well-liked, persuasive person comes on the scene with solid solutions, football players will keep kneeling, and offended observers will keep posting disgruntlements on social media.
Kneeling update
It is now 10 a.m., Friday morning, Sept. 29. I wrote DHD topic #1 late Thursday night, and I thought about deleting it and starting over. However, I decided to share some vulnerability with you, and I kept the first topic in place.
I said I was praying for a leader, and I did earlier this morning. My prayer hasn’t been completely answered because such a person hasn’t been identified, and there’s still much conflict and disunity in our country. However, I read an article from the New York Daily News that reported a meeting among NFL leadership occurred earlier this week. Perhaps anthem kneeling may start to dwindle.
The meeting included team owners and eight players, along with other NFL front office reps. The best thing I got from the article was a quote from New York Giants’ Jonathan Casillas when asked about the league and owners providing a forum to discuss the issues at hand, including President Trump’s social media remark that featured a derogatory comment about NFL players:
“I feel like we should be taking advantage of (the forum) and do something as a unit and as a league to not only show that the protest wasn’t just to go against Trump and it wasn’t about disrespecting the flag, but it was actually about the racial injustices and the problems inside of our country that consistently have happened,” Casillas said. The Giants’ veteran linebacker was realistic when asked about concerns of losing money to fans who are turning their backs on the league. “At the end of the day we’re talking about losing money. Nobody likes losing money, especially not any of these owners,” Casillas said.
A leader may not be identified, but I consider the outcome of this meeting to be a grain of sand from the beach of progress.
Thunder Melo and other NBA news
From the NFL to the NBA. It’s getting exciting folks! All the wild offseason transactions lead up to one of the most anticipated professional basketball seasons ever. And yes, the Oklahoma City Thunder are right in the thick of all the hoopla.
By the way, in regards to the previous two topics, I was happy to hear NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announce he is expecting NBA players to stand during the national anthem at games.
So, yes, Carmelo Anthony is now with the Thunder. Remember last week when I was commenting about Kevin Durant dishing garbage about his former team? I’m starting to think the former “face” of the Thunder for eight seasons may become a removed blemish.
The team that is now assembled has a chance to cause fans to forget all those exciting games of yesteryear. Durant is still an amazing player, currently on the most dominating team in the league, but Thunder fans are experiencing a new day with a new “Big 3.”
Anthony being traded to the Thunder last Saturday forced many to forget college football was going on. It was that shocking of a news item, especially in football-frenzy Oklahoma.
Thunder fans are sad to see Enes Kanter go, especially because of the loyalty and community support he demonstrated. Since the Thunder start the regular season hosting the New York Knicks, Oct. 19, that game should feature roaring appreciation when Kanter’s name is announced.
I confess, I have some skepticism about Melo being with the Thunder. Like everybody, I am curious about chemistry, but Paul George and Russell Westbrook, along with Melo, are seasoned veterans who seem to understand how things work now in the NBA. The landscape has changed with Golden State constructing its monster squad that still appears unstoppable, barring major injuries.
Though George and Anthony were traded to the Thunder, they said they are excited to play for OKC. Of course, Anthony had to approve his trade, so that should calm some chemistry concerns.
Games start soon, so we may get some answers in the next couple of weeks.
Pole positioning produces plenty of praying
See You At The Pole happened this week. The Baptist Messenger will feature a story next week about what went on in Oklahoma at the many schools across the state. We heard from an abundance of church youth leaders who were involved in the national prayer observance. The Messenger wasn’t able to feature all of the photos we received, but we got quite a few published.
I pray God was honored and lives were impacted, not only here in Oklahoma but around the world.
Scalise speaks of God in his return to the House
Baptist Press reports of U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana returning to Congress Sept. 28 after he was shot June 14 by a lone gunman at a baseball practice.
The BP story said Scalise spoke from the floor that he is a walking miracle, and his ability to return “starts with God.”
I was encouraged with how candid the congressman spoke of his prayers during the attack and how emphatic he was about the power of prayer.
Movie about McQueen
Last night, the sole showing of a faith-based movie Steve McQueen: American Icon appeared in theaters nationwide. Unfortunately, I did not go see it, but I would be interested if another opportunity arises, either on DVD or re-released in theaters.
I’ve read two reviews about the movie. One was from our WordSlingers movie critic Michael Foust who wrote “Steve McQueen: American Icon is Ecclesiastes on the big screen: A man obtains fame and fortune and then reaches the end of his life and proclaims: All is vanity.” You can read it here.
Phil Boatright points out the popular Hollywood actor was never known for professing Christ. That’s because McQueen “waited until the December of his years to embrace the Lord.”
I leave you with referencing a funny quip by my friend Stephanie Boone. Enjoy this “take off your sweater, then put your sweater back on, then add a scarf weather!”
Kevin Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder before last season, joined the Golden State Warriors and claimed the 2017 NBA championship. He did what everybody in the universe expected he would do, contributing to making the Warriors a dominating force in the basketball world, and he collected the championship series MVP title, which he deserved.
Durant experienced great success with the Thunder before he departed. It was hard for fans to take his decisions to leave, but I think I speak for the majority of the Thunder fan base when I say we’ve moved on and couldn’t be more excited about the upcoming season, which begins in less than a month.
This week, Durant made news because of a bizarre response on Twitter. He was exposed for having fake social media accounts which he uses to interact with whoever is in the “twittersphere.”
Durant also berated his former team, including Thunder head coach Billy Donovan, in a rather questionable fashion, claiming he couldn’t win a title at OKC, even though the Thunder came close multiple times, especially in his final season with the squad.
Like many, I find Durant’s behavior confusing. The guy just won an NBA title with MVP honors, and yet he seems to bring up bad news on his own initiative. He wasn’t provoked to give the response he gave. Nobody in Oklahoma is even involved in this foolishness. He responded to a tweet submitted by a 16-year-old kid in N.C., who doesn’t claim to be a Thunder fan.
Two lessons to learn from this weirdness: 1) Being genuine is important, even on social media, and 2) Winning a title doesn’t solve your problems, and sometimes the success breeds more problems, especially if you’re not genuine.
The passing of a miraculous convert
Last year, I read Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus written by Nabeel Qureshi. As I began to read this book, it made me nervous because of how in-depth the teaching of the Muslim faith and lifestyle was presented. But it was important for Qureshi to present the details of his upbringing in order for readers to understand how miraculous and powerful his conversion to Christianity was.
I compare what Qureshi experienced to similar magnitude of the Apostle Paul’s conversion. He wasn’t an average Muslim believer. As Justin Taylor described, “His parents also trained him in apologetics so that he would not only believe in Islam, but could defend it and refute other religions like Christianity.”
On Saturday, Sept. 16, Nabeel Qureshi died at the age of 34, after battling cancer for more than a year. Praise God for saving his soul, and praise Him for using Nabeel in a powerful way as a Christian writer and apologetics speaker.
Taylor’s article gives a great summation of Qureshi’s life and a declaration of God’s power over false religions.
Questioning cremation
Joe Carter is an excellent communicator of important issues and current events. He offers direct information in an objective fashion in his FAQ articles. This week, Carter wrote “The FAQ: What Christians Should Know About Cremation.”
Cremation is not one of the more popular topics discussed in Christian circles. It seems as though a majority of Christians have a rather apathetic view on the funerary process.
Carter wrote about cremation because it was recently reported that, for the first time in American history, more Americans (50.2 percent) have chosen cremation instead of burial (48.5) after their death.
I encourage you to read Carter’s article and come to your own conclusions. As usual, he presents the issue in a fair-minded fashion, referencing respected Christian leaders on both sides of the cremation-burial debate.
Boren announces his retirement
David Boren made known this week he will be stepping down as president of the University of Oklahoma at the end of the 2017-18 school year.
It’s hard to deny the impact he has made in Norman. It was reported he will have the second longest tenure of an OU president. The former U.S. senator and Oklahoma governor took OU from a better-than-average academic condition and elevated its scholastic status to be among one of the best public universities in the country.
He also was instrumental in upgrading OU’s athletic program, if only for his decision to hire Joe Castiglione as athletic director. But the Sooners have made drastic improvements, since Boren became president, and experienced a bounty of national championship titles spread out among the different sports.
One interesting bit of trivia, as Boren was beginning his political career, he was a professor at Oklahoma Baptist University.
Covering Cursebreakers Conference
I get to spend time at one of my favorite places this weekend. Another trip to Falls Creek begins Friday night, as I will be covering a new event called Cursebreakers Conference, which is a weekend retreat for men.
I wrote a preview for the conference in July. Keith Burkhart, men’s ministry specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, gave a high regard for the event.
“Cursebreakers might be the most impactful thing we do for a long time,” Burkhart said. “We want to free men up, give them a reset of a biblical framework to see that they have an opportunity to change generations until the Lord tarries.”
If you’re planning to be there this weekend, let me know.
Update on Karen
In the introduction of last week’s DHD, I mentioned Karen was having shoulder surgery. I can report that she is recovering at an impressive rate. I had to be her caregiver for a few days, and still have to do some things for her, but I am amazed at how well she is healing in only a week.
On Friday, we visit the surgeon to see when he thinks she can return to work. I’m expecting him to be impressed with my Wonder Woman.
Enjoy the weekend in this unusually weird weather!
I’m currently sitting in the cafeteria at the Norman HealthPlex off I-35. As I type, Karen is having shoulder surgery, which is supposed to be about an hour-plus-long procedure. My goal is to have this week’s Doyle’s Half Dozen completed and posted before I get a text from the surgical staff, telling me Karen’s in recovery. This means I’ve got to get going.
Let’s get to it!
Baker and his flag mount
I’m glad this is becoming old news. Last Saturday, Sooners Quarterback Baker Mayfield celebrated OU’s victory over Ohio State by running around with an OU flag, and then, with some coaxing from teammates, Mayfield ran over to midfield and unsuccessfully tried to mount the flag at the 50-yard line.
Since then, sports commentators across the country gave their view about Mayfield’s form of celebration. I’ll go ahead and say I disagree with everybody.
I am not glad that Mayfield did it, but I’m not one to call for Mayfield to be penalized. I don’t compare what Mayfield did to Terrell Owens’ celebration on the Dallas Cowboys’ star. It wasn’t a premeditated act, and it was done after the game when the Buckeyes were back in the locker room. Baker was just excited and wanted to find a way to celebrate after losing at home to Ohio State last year. Plus, it was a huge win, and he played an awesome game.
However, the flag mount was a distraction. It was bad form. I endorse the philosophy to show graciousness after a win. What Baker did overshadowed the victory, but I know that wasn’t his intention.
After he apologized this week, people criticized him for that. The reasons for national disapproval vary from thinking it didn’t need an apology to being political in order to not hinder his Heisman candidacy.
The good thing is it’s starting to become water under the bridge. If OU continues winning, and Baker continues to excel on the field with fewer off-field antics, the flag incident may no longer be hoisted.
Jordan’s journey
The biggest news among Oklahoma Baptists is Anthony Jordan announcing his retirement next spring. Board members of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma met this week, and Jordan made his decision to step down as BGCO executive director-treasurer effecting April 15, 2018.
Jordan has been in his position for almost 22 years, and many will declare him to be the most effect leader among Oklahoma Baptists. One of the greatest accomplishments that happened under his leadership is the vast improvements at Falls Creek. What used to be primarily a summer campground has turned into a year-round conference/retreat facility that is in demand. Falls Creek will continue its reputation as the world’s largest Christian youth encampment, but now there’s so much more to do there at other times of the year as a great respite for spiritual renewal. Jordan was instrumental for this makeover in the Arbuckle Mountains.
I plan to share more about Dr. Jordan in the months to come.
Wax is so good at being objective and allowing the reader to come to their own conclusions about an issue. His talent shows once again with this blog. One unique thing I learned from reading this piece is that well-known Christian author and pastor John Piper has never owned a television. Wax provides links to articles that elaborate on Piper’s decision to keep the tube out of his house. It’s good stuff.
Tramel’s travelblogs
I’ve mentioned Berry Tramel, sports columnist for The Oklahoman, a few times in my DHDs. I don’t always agree with Berry’s perspective on things, and that’s a good thing. He is excellent at making me think. But if I see that Berry has written something, I will probably read it, including if it’s one of his travelblogs.
As he roams the country covering sporting events relevant to Oklahoma, he offers tales about his trips. Currently, Berry is up in Canada, enjoying Niagara Falls with his wife. He was in Columbus, Ohio for the OU-Ohio State football game last Saturday, and he remained on the road as he will be in Pittsburgh for the Oklahoma State-Pitt game this Saturday. In the days between, he thought he would take in some sights up north.
Check out his entry “Staying in Canada.” His descriptions fascinate me. It’s as if he knows I’m going to read his blog because he writes in such a way that’s eerily relevant to my life. For example, read this:
“Pittsburgh is an incredible city. The interstates were cut through the mountains, but most of the other primary roads go up and down and around the hills. There aren’t a lot of Hefner Roads or May Avenues in Pittsburgh.”
Okay, let me point out, Berry lives in Norman. I live in The Village which, for those who don’t know, is way on the opposite side of the Oklahoma City metro. I realize OKC isn’t like LA or even Dallas, but for guy whom I’m certain doesn’t frequent the Northwest OKC area often (his office is downtown), why would he choose Hefner and May, which is an intersection close to my house and isn’t THAT popular of a thoroughfare? It was just freaky to me. Apparently, he knows I’m a fan.
As one who enjoys leading Bible Study on Sunday mornings, I found this article very helpful.
Happy Birthday Steph!
I conclude this week’s DHD with a birthday shoutout to Stephanie Boone. Steph is the BGCO communications ministry assistant, and the girl just has a knack for accomplishing the impossible. Well, maybe not the impossible, but I can’t believe how much she gets done while also giving a funny smart aleck response to my pestering comments.
By the way, I couldn’t come up with a sixth topic, so this was the best I do.
