Attention Word Slingers readers: Beginning December 11, 2019, all posts will be available at BaptistMessenger.com. Thank you for reading Word Slingers!
I’m concluding a busy week, but it was a fun one as well. Much to discuss involving what I’ve experienced and also observed. Let’s get to it.
Russell’s Regal Reception
Last night, Russell Westbrook was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Some will say it’s a persuasive attempt to encourage Russell to stay even longer with the Thunder. I consider it a demonstration of appreciation the state has for him, for his demonstration of loyalty and passion.
Much talk has been made about Michael Jordan introducing Russell. It’s definitely a cool thing to have the most prolific basketball player in the history of game make an appearance, and after viewing a replay of his speech, Jordan shared kind, respectful words on both Russell and Oklahoma.
If you have a chance, you should either watch Russell’s speech or read a transcript of it. He demonstrated his appreciation of being inducted among state legends. He reiterated his support and loyalty in his speech, just by beginning a sentence with “Our state.”
But there’s more in what he shared. In a respectful manner, he mentioned the divisiveness and the conflicts that exist in our country. Then he said, “I can be better, you can be better, and we can be better together.”
In the same vein as catching more flies with honey than vinegar, how much more effective could Russell’s remarks be on a social conflict than say… oh… protesting a certain anthem.
BGCO Briefing
The Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma had its Annual Meeting this week. Monday and Tuesday were two full days of meeting, greeting, eating and repeating. But it’s a great time to spend time with people across the state who share common interests and desires, especially when it involves furthering the Lord’s Kingdom and doing work that honors Him.
I always enjoy it, even though I usually feel wiped out when it’s all over. But even today, I feel encouraged and inspired from what I experienced this week.
One aspect in particular I enjoyed were the sermons offered. My pastor Hance Dilbeck, who served as BGCO president this year, gave an excellent address. Preaching on Phil. 1:27-30, he made an emphasis on how the use of military terms have diminished in the last 30 or so years. Dilbeck said that it would be important to know that military terms did not originate during wars of recent history; rather they were used often in Scripture. He also said that Christians shouldn’t think soldier references mean war violence; rather, they imply strength and toughness.
Shane Hall, pastor of First Southern in Del City, delivered the Annual Sermon, and it was a powerful word on prayer. Those who may not know Hall, he has been battling cancer for the last two years. He shared his experience when he was preparing to go to M.D. Anderson Hospital in 2014, how many prayed over him, only to find out the cancer had spread throughout his body with the doctors concluding he didn’t have much more time to live.
Hall then told about a conversation he had with his brother-in-law who told him why he believed God did not answer the prayer many offered on Hall’s behalf. His brother-in-law said he thought God would still bring healing to Hall’s body, but only in a way the doctors and medical staff could not take credit. Currently, Hall is in remission.
Both of these sermons soon will be available, and the others during the Annual Meeting, online at www.bgco.org/annualmeeting.
Conservative Comeback?
People are still buzzing about the result of the presidential election. Multiple conclusions have been offered on why Trump defeated Hillary and defeated her handedly in the Electoral College results. One of the most popular assessments is how the liberal viewers have overlooked, even disregarded, conservative viewers.
Check out two articles that have demonstrated an element of enlightenment among staunch liberals. One involves the academia world, as Harvard begins to acknowledge the need for “ideological diversity” (interpretation: treat conservatives more objectively). The other reveals ESPN’s “mistreatment” of conservatives, which has caused the network’s ratings to drop.
I’ll be shocked to see a full swing toward a conservative ideology in the U.S. However, I do find it fascinating that liberal influencers are beginning to understand their mistreatment of the conservative public has consequences, including losing a major presidential election.
Birthday Befuddlement
Tomorrow, Nov. 19, is my birthday. I turn 48 this year. Two years ago I blogged about my problem turning 46. The problem is even worse turning 48. You’ll have to read my previous blog to understand.
But instead of coming up with a famous athlete who wore the number 48 (by the way, so far, I’ve only come up with Daryl “Moose” Johnston), let me offer one of the most referenced Bible verses that reflects 4:8.
Phil. 4:8 – “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”
Nov. 19 – National Adoption Day
If you’re like me, you have a curiosity about who shares your birthday. I find it pretty cool that four of my Facebook friends were born on Nov. 19, and I know of at least two more friends share my birthday.
I also remember that among famous people, Jodie Foster and Meg Ryan are two who share my birthday. Plus I remember President James A. Garfield was born on Nov. 19, and Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address on Nov. 19.
But something else I found out this week about Nov. 19 is it’s National Adoption Day, a day to raise awareness of a major dilemma, as more than 140 million children worldwide have lost one or both parents.
My heart goes out to all those who have gone through the rigorous process of adopting children. May God bless those amazing parents who not only have provided a needed home for so many but have also provided an exemplary demonstration of the Gospel.
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Rom. 8:15).
Happy Thanksgiving
I may take a break from DHD next week, as it is a time of Thanksgiving. I have been reminded that we as Christians should demonstrate a heart of Thanksgiving every day, but I appreciate the significance of an annual experience to emphasize even more the importance of being thankful.
I realize the majority of our country will not sincerely observe an attitude of thankfulness. More than likely, though, the majority will take the time to be with loved ones, and next week’s activities will involve overeating, watching sports, and/or shopping madness. As you see these typical Thanksgiving functions occurring, remember they also involve people you are thankful to have in your life.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever” (Ps. 107:1).
I had an early start on this week’s DHD when I wrote what I thought I was going to feature. Then I watched Ernie Johnson’s “election reflection,” and I totally revamped my whole blog.
On “NBA on TNT,” host Ernie Johnson gave an excellent commentary about the presidential election. Watch his talk below, and then I’m going to give six takeaways from what Johnson shared on national television, and what I expect to be shared via social media across the globe before today is over:
Issues with both candidates and his “clear conscience”
Johnson said, “There were trust issues with Hillary Clinton I could not get past, and there was this inflammatory rhetoric from Donald Trump which to me was incomprehensible and indefensible. I couldn’t vote for either one.”
I couldn’t either. Johnson said he chose to write in Ohio Governor John Kasich, but write-ins aren’t allowed in Oklahoma, so I chose to “Leave It Blank,” which is what I said I would do in previous DHDs, and have my choice be counted as an under vote.
I called Michael Dean, P.R. officer for the Oklahoma Election Board, and at the time of our conversation, there were 15,916 under votes in Oklahoma for this presidential election. That number almost doubled the 8,161 Oklahoman under votes in the 2012 presidential race. Of course, since there were more than 1.4 million Oklahoma voters participating this year, the number of under votes is less than 1 percent. But 15,000 Americans (and an abundant more in other states) demonstrated their civil right and privilege instead of not voting at all, and I am one of them.
Johnson said he knew Kasich wasn’t going to win, but he “left with a clear conscience” because he didn’t “settle” between Clinton or Trump. For me, I am confident in my “blank” vote because I made a commitment never to vote for a candidate who did not present themselves as somebody who valued the Sanctity of Life.
Trump said he was pro-life, but he also complemented Planned Parenthood, saying they do many wonderful things for women. To me, anybody who speaks favorably about the world’s largest abortion provider does not understand the importance of Sanctity of Life.
Also, I’ve looked over President-elect Trump’s 100-day action plan. There’s not a single pro-life measure on the list. Though there are quite a few actions that appeal to my conservative views, you can’t convince me that imposing term limits is a higher priority than taking action against the abundance of abortions that are happening in our country. More unborn babies will be aborted in those 100 days than there are senators and house members who are serving more than a second term in office.
I’m glad Johnson spoke up and said he did not vote for either Clinton or Trump. I’m glad he said he has a clear conscience, knowing that even though he understood either of those two would win the election, he demonstrated that his vote did not have to be based on a settlement between two candidates he found equally disagreeable.
Ernie has hope
“I was hopeful and encouraged that there will be a difference between the President Trump and the ‘campaigning’ Trump.”
I feel the same way. So far, Trump has said some encouraging words, since winning the election. He presented himself well when he met with President Obama. Also, I do admire Mike Pence and have hope the Vice President-elect will be influential, especially since Pence does value Sanctity of Life.
Johnson said we have to give Trump a chance. He said he hopes Trump is “all in” in trying to fix the wounds in this country. Everybody understands how divisive our country is right now. It would be an extraordinary task to reconcile (my favorite word) all the bitter divisions, but if Trump sincerely wants to make America great again, he will have to find a way to bring a unity in this country.
Be part of the solution by being “better”
“For me to be a part of (fixing our country) I have to look in the mirror, and I have to say ‘How am I going to be a better man? How am I going to be a better neighbor… citizen… American?’”
I appreciate Johnson taking personal responsibility. He wants to be better in all those positions in society. And he challenged me to do the same.
A spring not a sewer
“’How can I be a fountain and not a drain?’”
This last question Johnson poses to himself has been interpreted as a reference to Trump’s campaign remark that he’s going to “drain the swap” in Washington. If so, that’s fine. I suppose he was attempting to make a positive spin toward Trump, encouraging him to work with those in our Capitol instead of trying to impose a vengeful spirit.
“On the Throne”
“I never know from one election to the next who is going to be in the Oval Office, but I always know Who is on the Throne.”
WHOA!
I watched that small segment about 10 times now, and every time I tear up. God bless you, Ernie Johnson! You shared an incredibly powerful truth on a nationally popular television show. If more people would believe this, there would be no riots and violent responses.
Acknowledging his Creator and his Lord
“I’m on this earth because God created me, and that’s Who I answer to.”
You go Ernie! Don’t let Barkley call you a knucklehead ever again! Anybody who will acknowledge our sovereign Creator on national TV is no knucklehead.
“I’m a Christian, and I follow this guy named Jesus. You might’ve heard of Him. And the greatest commandment He gave me is to love others.”
That’s the greatest message ever shared on television, and probably hasn’t been nationally aired since the Billy Graham Crusades were broadcasted.
I will be curious to see if Johnson receives any backlash. Considering how much liberal propaganda Bob Costas shares on his NBC segments without facing penalty, I hope the powers that be give Johnson a similar response.
I welcome your responses. And I hope you are proceeding in the election aftermath with the same conviction, personal challenge and faithful confidence in Who is in control that Ernie Johnson expressed.
I also hope you do know “this guy named Jesus” and have professed Him as your Savior and Lord. If not, I am happy to discuss this with you as well.
While it’s still fresh on my mind, I wanted to share what I took from the Oklahoma City Thunder’s first game of the season against Golden State. Keep in mind, the Thunder and the Warriors will face each other three more times this season, with the next meeting also happening in Oakland. None of these games will be pretty.
Nobody is surprised Golden State won. Nobody should be surprised how easily they won. The most disappointing aspect to the game is how much poor character was displayed by different players on both teams.
The tenseness everybody feels after Kevin Durant decided to play for Golden State is understood, but there needs to be an element of maturity demonstrated. I felt like I was watching an episode of the Jerry Springer Show.
I’m not going to point out all of the classless moments in the game. There’s plenty of other social media sources that can offer a complete rundown.
Instead, I will applaud the only good character moment that I saw. When the chirping between Durant and Thunder backup center Enes Kanter happened, Steven Adams, who was sitting near Kanter on the Thunder bench, patted Kanter’s knee in an attempt to get his teammate to stop the trash talking. Your effort was noted, Big Kiwi.
“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you… If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them… But love your enemies, do what is good…” (Luke 6:28-35). This was in my Scripture reading this week. I’m glad God had me recall it.
Much zeal for Zobrist
I’m so happy for Ben Zobrist. The Cubs’ leftfielder came up with the winning hit in Game 7 of the World Series and was named World Series MVP.
My appreciation for Zobrist originated last year, when he was a major contributor to the Kansas City Royals, my favorite baseball team, winning the World Series. A versatile player, he started at second base for the Royals, but there’s more to his story that can be appreciated.
Growing up a preacher’s kid, Zobrist has demonstrated his Christian faith throughout his professional baseball career. The Baptist Messenger featured an article sharing how Zobrist is considered a “missionary in a very difficult field of professional sports.”
Other stories on Zobrist have been posted since the Cubs claimed their long-awaited World Series crown. An online piece reported how Zobrist shared “We all need Christ.”
I read another neat story about Zobrist signing autographs in his neighborhood yesterday, meeting every neighbor and talking to them one-on-one. This was immediately after returning from Cleveland and having no sleep.
Congratulations Ben Zobrist, the whole Chicago Cubs team and Cubbie fans everywhere!
Local police officer gets national attention
Jordan Jones used to work on the maintenance crew at the Baptist Building (office building of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma). I remember seeing him once in awhile when I was working with Baptist Village Communities, more than four years ago.
Now he is a police officer in Blanchard and has been heralded for saving a woman’s life. The Baptist Messengerwebsite gives details of Jones reviving Tina Costello on the side of a road. The story made national news on ABC.
Jones is the son of Kenny and Pat Jones, both currently work at Baptist Building, and he is a member of Chisolm Heights Baptist Church in Mustang.
Fun research on BGCO Annual Meeting historic moments
The BGCO Annual Meeting is in a couple of weeks, and next week’s Messenger will feature 10 exciting things that will happen at this year’s event, drawing Oklahoma Baptists across the state. I had the privilege of writing about five historic moments of the Annual Meeting, which also will be featured in next week’s edition.
I confess, I love everything about Oklahoma Baptists, especially our history. I’m fascinated by how our convention started and the involvement of many church leaders who contributed to different BGCO ministries through the years. The Baptist Messenger archive room has rows of filing cabinets filled with past photos and publications, and going through them this week to find content for my story was quite a treat.
Check out next week’s Messenger, and if you are able to attend, make plans to come to the BGCO Annual Meeting, Nov. 14-15 at Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City.
Concerned about supporting SQ792
In last week’s DHD, I shared my thoughts about voting “Yes” for State Question 790 in Oklahoma, which supports issues relating to religious liberty. This week, I wanted to address an issue involving State Question 792, which involves the sale of alcoholic beverages. You can get complete details about all state questions and other election issues here.
SQ792 allows more accessibility and convenience for alcohol to be sold and partaken. If SQ792 is passed, chilled beer and wine can be purchased, so anybody could drive to a liquor store and would be encouraged to start drinking while heading home — or wherever they might be heading.
The reason I bring attention to this scenario involves State Senator Clark Jolley who supports SQ792. Jolley also was the author of the Erin Swezey Act, which imposes stricter penalties for drunk drivers.
Sen. Jolley has done many great things, and those of whom I know and know him say positive things about him. But why would he support making DUI more susceptible, since he authored a great act that is a DUI deterrent?
On his Facebook page, Jolley said passing SQ792 would “encourage younger people to view Oklahoma favorably as a place to live and build a family.” My response would be passing SQ792 would encourage more drunk driving and increase the chance of losing family members.
Please vote
Guess what? Election season is almost over! Four more days until we can move on and debate about other things.
It’s been a messy, divisive election year. But here’s my only plea to you: please vote. You will be surprised how God could use you in this simple civic observance.
Though you may have a low regard to this year’s presidential candidate selections, there are so many important things to consider at all government levels and the different branches. Did you know, in Oklahoma, you have a say about whether or not which current state judges can remain on the bench? And there are other aspects to consider when voting.
The next time a DHD will be written, our country will have a new leader. Between now and then, pray for God’s wisdom and for His will to be done.
It’s been a busy, fun week! We of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma Communications Group welcomed two new co-workers on Monday.
Stephanie Boone is a new ministry assistant, and she has a great eye for editing, as I experienced while we were doing final proofs of the upcoming Baptist Messenger.
Emily Howsden joins as staff writer for the Baptist Messenger. She also will be a regular contributor to WordSlingers, and she added her first blog post this week. Check out “Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?” to read Emily’s take on observing the upcoming holiday.
Welcome to the BGCO Comm Group, Stephanie and Emily! Now, here’s my thoughts on six timely topics in the latest edition of Doyle’s Half Dozen.
Vote ‘Yes’ on SQ790
Some Oklahoma voters have been confused on how to vote on the state questions that will be on the ballot Nov. 8. Many of the questions can be challenging to discern what would be best. Farming, criminal reform, death penalty methods, understanding why chilled beer makes us “modern” and not more susceptible to DUI, realizing there’s a difference between a penny and a one percent rate – these are the issues we are to consider when coloring in dots on a card.
But allow me to make it easy for you on how to vote on one particular state question. If you are somebody who values religious freedom, vote “Yes” on State Question 790. SQ790 removes what is known as the Blaine Amendment, which originated in the 19th century and has been an unnecessary menace to religious entities that benefit communities in numerous ways.
One reason the Blaine Amendment is unnecessary is due to the jurisdiction of the First Amendment. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion” is sufficient, while Blaine is an extreme misinterpretation that purposely intends to keep any religious entity out of the public square.
Groups that support a “No” vote on SQ790 include the ACLU, Freedom FROM Religion Foundation and the Satanic Church. Sen. James Lankford and Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb are some of the champions of religious liberty who are supporting “Yes” on SQ790.
Also, for those who are concerned about public school funding, approving SQ790 has no bearing on this education issue. Just like the First Amendment makes sure there is no misapplication of religion on society, the state congressional voting process is too strong that the removal of the Blaine Amendment would not even be considered a threat to hindering the funding of public school systems. I sincerely hope you trust the lawmakers you elect to represent you to keep schools funded more than you trust an unnecessary, archaic amendment that you probably never knew existed a year ago.
A couple of websites to help you research before voting include the Baptist Messenger’s Election Explainer and yeson790.org.
What to make of Jen Hatmaker
I don’t know much about Jen Hatmaker, other than she’s caused a stir this week. The latest news involving Hatmaker is LifeWay Christian Resources decided to remove her books from LifeWay’s stores.
This resulted from Hatmaker’s interview that was featured on Religion News Service’s website. The author and reality TV star expressed views approving same-sex marriage, admitting she believed an LGBT relationship can be holy.
A couple of things I would point out from this experience is, first, make sure your eyes are fixed on Jesus. Follow Him as your pattern of living the Christian life, not a popular Christian personality who expressed views that were against the teachings from Scripture.
Secondly, in Denny Burk’s blog, he addresses a right understanding of the grace of the Gospel. This is where many expressing Christians who approve of homosexuality and other sexual immorality appear to be either confused or unwilling to fully understand.
“The grace of the Lord Jesus is sufficient for every sinner and saves to the uttermost,” Burk said. “We must communicate that. But this grace must be received on His terms–by repentance and faith (Mark 1:15). If it is not received on those terms, then it is not received at all.
“The grace of God ‘teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age’ (Titus 2:11-12). That means that the grace of God is not unconditional affirmation of sinners in their sin. It’s the unconditional transformation of sinners from darkness to light. The grace that saves us transforms us, or it doesn’t save us at all (2 Cor. 3:18). To say, therefore, that sexual immorality can be ‘holy’ is to deny this core message of the Christian faith.”
Jen Hatmaker is not the first Christian personality to express unbiblical views, and she will not be the last. But for you, my Christian friend, hold strong to your faith and to what you know is right, according to Scripture. Pray for God to raise up other strong Christian leaders who will lead others through the powerful message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Mohler on Francis Schaefer
I was quite wordy on my first two DHD topics, but those were two of the hottest issues this week. I’ll be more brief the rest of the way.
Check out Al Mohler’s blog piece about Francis Schaefer and his book How Should We Then Live? I found this a fascinating read for two reasons: 1) it shared a bit about Mohler’s younger years. Dr. Mohler is somebody who intrigues me, and I’d love to read his presumed autobiography someday. Until then, this blog whetted enough of my interest; 2) Francis Schaefer is a legendary figure in modern apologetics, and Mohler shared great information about this influential philosopher who may not be as well-known but should be.
The best explainer on Evangelical voters regarding the election
I would have shared this blog piece in last week’s DHD had I read it before last Saturday, but believe me, Christian friend, you need to take time to read Joe Carter’s “Why Evangelicals Are Divided over Trump.”
It is excellent. It gives a clear understanding of the two opposing views about Donald Trump and how Evangelicals view this year’s presidential election. Carter speaks respectfully about the two camps: Justice and Witness. And I admit, I understand both groups and respect both.
Best Thunder blog I’ve read
I’m mad at Ryan Smith. I’m mad at him because he wrote a blog this week about the Oklahoma City Thunder that I wish I was smart enough to write.
If I could give Ryan an award for “Best Thunder Blog Ever,” I’d do it and hand him the best framed image Hobby Lobby could offer. There were literal tears forming as I read this, even on my third perusal.
Have I convinced you enough to read Ryan’s blog?
Farewell Kelly King
I conclude this week’s DHD with a note on Kelly King who has served 11 years as BGCO women’s ministry specialist. This was Kelly’s last week at the Baptist Building, as she has accepted a position to work in a similar role for LifeWay in Nashville, Tenn.
Kelly is an amazing woman who worked passionately hard, uplifting women’s ministry across Oklahoma as well as promoting mission work support through, among other entities, the Oklahoma State Missions Offering. There’s much to be said about Kelly and her accomplishments, but one in particular is how she united Baptist women across Oklahoma. There’s a small army of ladies who have followed Kelly’s lead, and she leaves behind a strong nucleus of women leaders in Oklahoma who I believe will continue serving in our churches and adding to the legacy Kelly built.
Kelly also has been a contributing blogger to WordSlingers and mentioned to me she intends to make future submissions.
Thank you, Kelly, for all the great work you have done! May God bless you as He will continue to use you while serving at LifeWay!
Thank you for reading my blog, especially if you have been perusing for awhile. In December, Doyle’s Half Dozen will be two years old, Deo Volente.
Plans are in the works to do some enhancement to DHD, and I accept any suggestions you may have, especially on any topics you would like me to address or anything you think may be helpful in my offering a Christian worldview on current issues.
Comment below or email me at cdoyle@bgco.org. I welcome your feedback!
Let’s get started with this week’s DHD!
Abortion appears in final debate
The third and final presidential debate happened this week. I know many are glad the debates are over and will be even “gladder” when the elections are over. I feel your pain.
I did not watch this week’s debate live or in its entirety. I did pay attention to the opening as moderator Chris Wallace, who did a phenomenal job, asked the candidates about the Supreme Court, particularly how SCOTUS relates to abortion.
Trump said all the “magic words” to appeal to me and my conviction of valuing the Sanctity of Life. He has improved his dialogue when addressing abortion, the pre-born and the importance this issue is in our country and especially how important it is to appoint Supreme Court judges who understand life at all stages is one of the most important freedoms to cherish and uphold.
One significant mark I personally have made while evaluating Trump during this election is how he addresses Planned Parenthood. During the primaries, he demonstrated strong support for the world’s largest abortion provider. Though he did not directly speak about PP in this debate, Trump also did not oppose Clinton when she brought up a point that Trump wants to defund the abortion group.
Here’s an important fact, my friends. Among the possible candidates to choose for president, Trump is the only one who admits he is pro-life. There are other legitimate concerns about Trump, but voters cannot deny he is the only one on the ticket who is representing the unborn.
State A-F grading system is getting good grades.
An editorial came out this week in The Oklahoman about the success of schools in Oklahoma using an A-F letter grade system. Since the grading system was implemented in 2011, national assessment scores of students “have generally trended up, sometimes dramatically so.”
I don’t have any kids. I have very little involvement directly in the state educational system. But I can understand how letter grading can be successful. I was in the public school system up through fifth grade. They didn’t use letter grading. My report cards were confusing to me. In sixth grade I started going to a private Christian school, which used letter grading. I knew where I was academically when my report card was given.
To me, not using letter grades has a similar weak philosophy to giving kids trophies just for participating. Understanding failure can lead to improvement. If a young student doesn’t comprehend failure, you end up with the entitlement mindset many Millennials have today.
“Oklahoma’s A-F system is working,” the editorial said. “It is benefitting students by incentivizing a better education system.”
SQ 792 – Does Oklahoma need alcohol to be more convenient?
This week’s Baptist Messenger, the print edition, features a commentary by Jerry Ervin who is a committee member of the BGCO’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Committee. Ervin expresses why he disagrees with State Question 792 that is on the ballot in the upcoming election. The Question, if passed, allows for grocery stores to sell wine and strong beer. It also allows liquor stores to sell chilled wine and strong beer.
Ervin offers a good case against SQ 792, offering the statistics of deaths as a result of drunk driving and the numbers on DUI arrests. Although we don’t have the article online, you should check out Ervin’s piece in the print edition.
It comes down to this, how important is making alcohol more convenient to Oklahomans? Promoters of the question claim it increases jobs. Really? Increasing the risk of death to motorists and the number of alcohol-related crimes is worth adding a small increase in state employment?
Don’t fall for the fancy phrasing of “modernizing” state liquor laws. Oklahomans should join me in voting “No” on SQ 792 on Nov. 8.
Check out Election Explainer
The Baptist Messenger offers a simple “Election Explainer” for Oklahoma voters. This definitely can be helpful for those who want an understanding of all the State Questions on the ballot in November.
Also, be on the lookout for an article co-written by Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb and U.S. Sen. James Lankford on State Question 790 which addresses the Blaine Amendment and its unnecessary restrictions on religious liberty, such as the controversy involving the privately-funded 10 Commandments monument at the State Capitol which was forced to be removed last year by district judges, based on their interpretation of the Blaine Amendment.
Clamoring for the Cubs
Have you been paying attention to baseball’s National League playoffs? I’m loving what’s been happening with the Chicago Cubs. I was excited to see their last two wins, and now they head back to Wrigley Field, needing to win one of the last two games.
If you’re into unexpected drama, you should tune in. I’m not anticipating another flukey scenario that could hinder the Cubs from advancing, but the history of the Cubs experiencing bizarre disappointments is not out of the realm of possibilities. On the other hand, you could also witness the Cubs earning their first trip to the World Series since 1945.
Thunder Report
The NBA season starts next week! The Thunder tip off next Wed., Oct. 26 at Philadelphia, and then have their home opener next Fri., Oct. 28 against Phoenix.
This is a fascinating situation for the OKC squad. First season without Durant, with much off-court drama happening, feeds the interest and curiosity of how good can the Thunder be.
Right now, my somewhat vague projects are that the Thunder will win somewhere between 45-50 games, finish somewhere between third and sixth in the Western Conference and make it to the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.
