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A short week after Labor Day makes for busy days. I hope you made it through like I did!
Here’s my thoughts on six timely topics in another edition of Doyle’s Half Dozen.
Kaepernick continuum claims colleagues and criticism
I said in last week’s DHD that we will see if the talk continues about San Francisco’s backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to protest against the National Anthem and the observance of the American Flag during pregame. It’s not going away.
In fact, it continues to grow in support and in opposition. More NFL football players are joining the observance, including Denver linebacker Brandon Marshall.
And it’s crossing over to other sports. Megan Rapinoe, a professional women’s soccer player, is now protesting the anthem and the flag. However, when her team was playing in Maryland, the home team pulled a fast one and played the National Anthem before the players were on the field, preventing Rapinoe from observing her protest.
The Washington Spirit said they moved the pregame ritual ahead of schedule in order to avoid Rapinoe’s “hijack” to be observed during pregame tradition, which would “subject our fans and friends to the disrespect we feel such an act would represent.”
Rapinoe responded after the game saying what the Spirit did was “distasteful.” I’m sorry, but I don’t see how she has any room to talk when she should know her protest is even more distasteful to multitudes of Americans across the country. If nothing else, she should consider what the Spirit did as a courtesy to her for not having to observe something she apparently objects.
This is at a ridiculous status. Unfortunately, it seems to be growing and not going away. More professional athletes will join the controversy, which will stir more confusion and less resolution.
Russell Wilson is right on
Have you heard how Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson responded when asked about the national anthem and flag protest?
“For me, I love the flag,” said Wilson. “I understand what (Kaepernick is) doing. But at the same time for me, I can also think about where we need to go and where our thoughts need to be. It needs to be about love, about caring about one another. And that’s for every community, every situation, every socio-economic status. And if we focus on that, maybe something can be changed – and I think that’s important.”
Bravo, Russell Wilson! Bravo!
Wilson is definitely somebody to be considered as a role model. He and his wife were committed to practicing abstinence before they got married.
Speaking of sexual purity
Check out Eric Metaxus’ article titled “Progressively Regressive Sexuality.” He makes a rather prophetic observation of how the sexual revolution has affected our culture.
“In just a few short years our society has fundamentally altered the meaning of marriage, embraced the notion that men can become women, and is now promoting the idea that grown men should be welcome to share a bathroom with women and young girls. Not unexpectedly, we’re also seeing movement toward the normalization of polygamy, pedophilia, and incest.”
Metaxus points out how these progressive views are actually returning to the immoral observances of the Roman Empire centuries ago. But he also states the importance of the influence Christianity had back then.
“The notions of self-giving love, sexual chastity, and marital fidelity were foreign, even shocking to the people of that time.”
Take note, my Christian friends. Though these are challenging times, they are not original.
Moore on talking to children about this year’s election
Moore has taken some heat for speaking against Donald Trump and his presidential candidacy. Hopefully, though, even those who may disagree with his take on Trump would find the content of Moore’s article to be applicable and the right way to view today’s politics from a Christian viewpoint.
Preview for an upcoming article
This week I wrote an article for the Baptist Messenger about First Baptist Church of Fort Gibson and their involvement with the Bacone College football team.
Bacone started as a Native American school in 1880. It remains to be a small college in Muskogee. But what God started through Steve and Sharon Dixon six years ago has impacted many lives.
Steve and Sharon decided to canvass Bacone’s campus, and they met a young man named Nathan who was a resident advisor. They invited Nathan to their church Fort Gibson, First. From there Nathan invited others from Bacone to attend.
There are other stories which includes L.C. Brown who was a defensive lineman from Southside Chicago. Brown was living in the dorms during the summer when everything was closed. All he had to eat was a jar of peanut butter and some bread.
One Friday evening, Brown was told somebody brought a bunch of food over. It was Steve and Sharon who had a box full of leftover hamburgers and side items from a cookout the church did for Vacation Bible School. They gave the box to Brown, and he was shocked. Because of his upbringing, he didn’t have a positive view of white people, and what the Dixons did was a total foreign concept for him. This was four years ago.
Today, L.C. Brown is the associate director of Baptist Collegiate Ministries for Muskogee area schools.
This is just a few of the stories from the ministry the Dixons and Fort Gibson, First have with Bacone College.
Lankford lauds religious liberty
I close with a powerful speech from Oklahoma U.S. Senator James Lankford, which he made Friday morning at the Values Voter Summit. It’s 20 minutes, but it’s worth taking the time to watch. I watched it right before I finished this week’s DHD.
September is here, and so is football season, with fall soon to follow. I’m all for a change in the seasons. But just remember, all those recent times you wished for cooler weather, just know soon enough you’ll be craving warmer conditions.
Here’s six new timely topics in this week’s edition of Doyle’s Half Dozen.
Constant Kaepernick clamor causes cringing
I do not want to blog about Colin Kaepernick. I repeat. I DO NOT want to blog about Colin Kaepernick.
The reason I don’t want to address the 49er quarterback and his refusal to honor the American flag and the national anthem is because of what I am actually doing right now. I’m contributing to the clamor.
I want this spectacle to stop, this rather un-newsworthy mess involving a quarterback who, at this moment, is still not guaranteed a spot on San Fran’s roster this season.
However, this mess is not going away. In fact, it appears to be growing, as two other NFL players have joined Kaepernick, including a teammate.
And Kaepernick has announced that more is going to be involved in his revolt. He’s donating $1 million to relevant causes. He’s also meeting with other former athletes who have been involved in civil demonstrations. And it’s been reported he is meeting with military members and would be willing to meet with police officials.
If you disagree with Kaepernick’s actions, here is what I suggest. Don’t get upset. Maintain the passion and appreciation you have for our country, the respect you have for the military and the gratitude for the police force. The next time you are at an event where the national anthem is played and the American flag is presented, stand at attention and demonstrate honor.
Be willing to listen and discuss with others who may not view Kaepernick’s demonstration as you do. The more anger and hostile emotions are demonstrated the less progress and resolve can be obtained.
The more attention Kaepernick is given, the more he and his revolt continues to be relevant. Let’s see if this topic remains hot next week.
Pleasing Planned Parenthood
While everybody is stirring about over the San Francisco QB, a much bigger mess is hatching in Sacramento. California senators passed a bill this week that threatens criminal charges against anyone attempting to reveal the hideous unethical immoral practices of Planned Parenthood.
The bill says anybody filming undercover footage taken of “health care providers” including abortion clinics would be against the law, facing penalties of stiff fines and jail time. This comes as a result of the series of videos released last year by the Center for Medical Progress, exposing Planned Parenthood’s practice of selling aborted baby parts.
What is interesting is who is speaking against this bill. American Civil Liberties Union and the liberal Los Angeles Times is joining Sanctity of Life supporters and have condemned this legislature on the basis of First Amendment rights and freedom of the press.
Planned Parenthood was weakened last year, and I still believe the possibility exists to one day remove federal funding offered to the world’s largest abortion provider. The more PP supporters, such as these Calif. lawmakers, attempt to defend the abortion provider, the more their actions and PP itself are under fire.
Responding to the Sexual Revolution
Check out Dr. Albert Mohler’s article he wrote in response to David Gushee, a Christian professor who now supports LGBT causes and believes the Church should follow his lead.
It’s a magnificent read, and if you are not fully aware of the influence of the Sexual Revolution has on society, Mohler can help you understand its grave impact.
“The demand of the LGBT revolution is not merely toleration or even legalization, but required celebration. Middle ground disappears in the irreconcilable nature of the conflict.”
In other words, the position in society is coming quickly that you are expected to be in full support of homosexuality and other sexual identities. You will be condemned if you represent anything that would be against LGBT philosophies. Photographers, bakers and florist have already been attacked by not supporting same-sex weddings. This week, a “shame list” was released that featured 102 colleges and universities to be considered “the worst colleges for LGBT youth.”
More than two years ago, I wrote about how society has gone from acceptance to approval when it comes to the expectation of how to deal with homosexuality. Now it’s all the sexual alternatives, surmised with the “LGBT” depiction.
Less than two years ago, I wrote about what I learned from a conference that dealt with how the church should respond to the LGBT community. A lot of these principles remain applicable, especially Russell Moore’s quote, “We have to be reminded we are not minsters of condemnation. We are ambassadors of reconciliation.”
Trevin’s tale of two presidents
I enjoyed reading Trevin Wax’s piece comparing the reported immoralities of two U.S. presidents, Woodrow Wilson and Warren Harding. Wilson is remembered for his policies that promoted racism and appeared to have caused hindrances to productivity since the Civil War. Harding had a reputation of being an adulterer.
Check out Wax’s article and his points that he makes about how today’s society views the evils of both of these presidents.
Pray for flood and hurricane victims and DR volunteers
The Baton Rouge, La. area continues to be challenged after major flood results. I have a few friends who are serving as Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers down there. I give a shout out to Brad Biddy and Jim Myers as well as others from my church who are helping flood victims recover.
Brad reported this week they are expecting around 400 college students this weekend to help with clean-up efforts. I’m sure that will be greatly welcomed because I also received a report that a new group of Oklahoma DR volunteers left this morning for Baton Rouge in order to replace Florida DR volunteers who went back to their state to handle a hurricane response.
Be sure to lift up those who are facing recent and current storms and those who are able to provide relief.
Hooray for Hannah!
I end this week’s DHD tooting a horn for Hannah, my friend and co-worker. She wrote a powerful piece this week, commending her parents for what they did “wrong.” Believe me, this blog is encouraging, especially for Christian parents.
Hannah has been working with us for eight months now, and I continue to be impressed with her work as our art director and with the godly wisdom she possesses.
When you check out her blog, notice in the picture above how much she resembles her mother. It’s uncanny!
One thing I would add is, along with all three excellent suggestions, don’t let it stop with these three points. Something that is recently emphasized at my church, as well as other churches and Gospel ministries, is make a point to share the Gospel with your co-workers. Working as worship, being hopeful and optimistic and investing in people are definitely part of the game plan, but they will still fall short of the ultimate objective, which is making disciples (Matt. 28:19).
I pray for boldness for you and me, that we don’t think we done all we can do until we have shared the Gospel message with everybody we know.
Waxing eloquently on debunking an ancient analogy
Trevin Wax, one of my favorite bloggers, shared an excellent perspective on a popular tale. The story is about a group of blind men who were asked to describe an elephant. One said the animal is smooth and big like a wall. Another said he is round like a snake, and so on and so forth.
I’ve heard this used as a sermon illustration in the past, applying it to why there are different presentations of the Gospel in the New Testament. I didn’t realize the illustration is adapted from an emphasis for how religious diversity can be tolerated.
Check out Wax’s piece here about how the story applied to making world religions valid has flaws.
Oklahoma Baptists serving Louisiana flood victims
A team of Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers have been serving more than 70,000 meals in the last week in the Baton Rouge area. DR volunteers are expected to serve through the month of September. Please pray for them, as they are battling severe heat, and they need more help to serve.
I’m usually a movie purist, not a big fan of remakes. Once in awhile the remake will outshine the original, but odds are against it.
Last week, Ben-Hur debuted in the theaters. It wasn’t expected to be well received, but after reading Karen Kinnaird’s review, I might give it a gander. K-LOVE also has been high on it too.
Two things that appeal to me are that it’s not as long as the Chuck Heston version and it features more distinct references to Jesus.
If I do go see it, I’ll let you know.
Spurgeon sayings spoiled
I had the privilege of meeting Christian George a few years ago. He’s a brilliant speaker and an expert on anything related to Charles Spurgeon, the well-known English preacher.
I enjoyed reading his piece on “Six Things Spurgeon Didn’t Say.” To be honest, I am only familiar with two of the quotes on this list, which is the first one, from a familiar Christian song, and the last one, which I have seen quoted many times.
I have great respect for Dr. George, and I definitely enjoyed visiting with him in the past. If you ever have the chance to visit the Spurgeon Library in Kansas City, Mo., and meet Dr. George, I think you will be impressed with him as well.
Olympians overload
Now that the Rio Olympic Games are over, we go back to regular life. Although, we do see Olympians enjoying more exposure after their success. The U.S. Women’s Gymnastics team is playing a life-size version of Hungry, Hungry Hippos with Jimmy Fallon on the Tonight Show. I’ve heard Michael Phelps is going to be a guest host on America’s Got Talent.
One of my favorite public appearances was watching Katie Ledecky throw out the first pitch at the Baltimore-Washington baseball game, with Nationals player Bryce Harper being handed all her medals before Katie throws a strike over the plate. Read about it here.
There are other great reports coming out of Rio of Christians sharing the Gospel. Baptist Press shares about these evangelistic experiences. Check out “Baptist volunteers share Jesus, see lives changed.”
I’m all about the Olympics this week, which concludes this weekend. If you’re still interested in the international games, read on. If not, check back another week.
Lesson from Lochte’s liability
Boy, what a mess! U.S. Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte and his three teammates ended their Rio experience with a national nightmare. It was announced this morning that Lochte posted an apology through social media. That’s probably the best decision he’s made since last Sunday.
From the latest report that has been given, attention on this way-too-early-in-the-morning incident has reached beyond necessity. Lochte himself did not have to tell such a whopper of a tale in the first place. He and his boys did some dumb stuff at a gas station. They were confronted by security guards in order to pay for their actions. They paid for the repairs and were free to go.
Now, if THAT is what Lochte said or if he didn’t blow up the situation with his false narrative on NBC, he would be in the clear, his boys wouldn’t have to be detained in Brazil and more focus would be on the athletes who are currently competing. Instead we now have an international disaster.
Here’s the lesson, boys and girls. TELL THE TRUTH! If you face a troubling situation, don’t replicate a Seinfeld plot. The sooner in the situation you admit exactly what happened, the FAR better off you will be. If you are completely in the wrong, you know you messed up, confess it, apologize for it, begin whatever needs to happen to reconcile.
Reconciliation – it’s one of my favorite words. Just thinking about it makes me breathe better. Believe me, dear friends, reconciliation is so much better to experience than covering up a wrong doing. Maybe it takes a long time to reconcile, but it is still worth it.
Now that Lochte has apologized, his reconciliation can now begin.
Gabbing about Gabby
Gabby Douglas was under as much scrutiny as Lochte this week. The gymnast did not place her hand over her heart during the national anthem of the ceremony when her team won gold.
I remember watching this live. First of all, I love the medal ceremonies and hearing the Star Spangled Banner played. And I do pay attention to see how the gold medal winners react. I did notice Gabby was the only one on her team not to place her hand over her heart. I’m convinced, if she were the only one on the medal stand, she wouldn’t have faced this criticism.
People are different in how they conduct themselves during the anthem. I could go off on how many people in the stands act while the anthem is playing during a ballgame, and it’s much more disrespectful. In fact, Gabby wasn’t disrespectful at all. She explained afterward that she stands at attention when the anthem is played. That’s good enough for me.
Crushed about Keri
Keri Walsh Jennings is my favorite Olympian. For four Olympic events, I’ve watched her play and enjoyed how awesome she is in that volleyball sand pit. When she lost earlier this week, I was crushed. She and April were outplayed by a great Brazilian duo, but it was still unexpected for me.
But Keri handled the loss graciously, as I knew she would. I also was moved by April’s reaction as she and Keri hugged immediately after the matched ended. You could tell April hurt for Keri as it appeared she mouthed “I’m sorry.” Though her back was to the camera, I imagine Keri shared encouraging words and responded as a person with high character.
I don’t know if Keri has made a profession of faith, but I do wish more people would emulate how she conducts herself in good times and disappointing times. To me, Keri is a winner in life.
Joyful for Jenny
Jenny Simpson won the bronze medal in the women’s 1,500 meter run and became the first American woman to medal in the event.
“I pray a prayer for her that has never changed,” said Janet Barringer, Jenny’s mother. “Her racing is a God-given talent and has been bathed in prayer ever since the beginning.”
I ended the piece asking to join her parents in lifting Jenny up, and God answered by allowing Jenny to experience an historical achievement.
My favorite Olympic journal
I shared last week that reading Bill Hancock’s daily Olympic journal is one of my favorite supplements to the Games. I haven’t read his Friday entry yet. But I love this passage he wrote earlier this week:
“Today I waved at an older woman who was sitting behind a 10ish-year-old boy. The woman waved and tapped the boy on the shoulder. He grinned but didn’t wave back. He was all dressed up in his Team Brazil outfit, no doubt headed for an Olympic event. But he will remember the guy in the funny hat who smiled and waved and maybe he will know the world is a good place.”
The only thing I would personally change if I were in this situation is I would hope I could help the young boy know more about my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is far better than knowing the world is a good place.
Former OBU athlete in 4×100 meter relay
If you watch the Olympics tonight (Friday), check out the men’s 4×100 meter relay around 8:35 p.m. (CST). Mike Rodgers is running the first leg. He’s a former Oklahoma Baptist University athlete.
You can read about him and other former OBU athletes in the Olympics here.
I’ve got six new topics to share with you. Let’s get to it!
A dangerous ‘pro-life’ blog
A friend on Facebook shared a blog that I found to be very dangerous, especially for those who are struggling with this year’s presidential election and value the sanctity of life. I’ve been repetitive on how I stand, and I remain in the “Leave It Blank” crowd (if you call it a crowd). I WILL vote on November 8, prayerfully considering all offices, questions, etc. on the ballot. For the presidential race, I will intentionally leave that blank and have my vote be counted as an under vote.
If, before Nov. 8, a presidential candidate convinces me they truly stand for issues involving the sanctity of life, I will reconsider.
I know there are many who have difficulties voting for Trump, and I can understand. But speaking to this group, I would like to bring attention to a blog written by Shannon Dingle titled “I’m pro-life. And I’m voting for Hillary. Here’s why.”
I’ve never heard of Shannon Dingle. She mentions in this blog she has spoken at the Evangelicals for Life conference. I noticed on her website she’s been a speaker in the past at LifeWay events and has affiliated with other quality faith-based organizations.
After reading this blog and the dangerous perspective she portrays, I would consider her a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Anybody who will defend Planned Parenthood and present the world’s largest abortion provider as benefitting women’s health is very deceived and is spewing such deception to others.
Dingle writes, “…I need for those speaking about ending Planned Parenthood to also be pushing for equally accessible health care options for the women, like many of my friends, who use or have used Planned Parenthood to meet non-abortive needs. If we’re not talking about those alternatives, then I don’t see how we can call ourselves pro-life or pro-woman; we’re simply anti-abortion.”
First of all, she says anti-abortion as if that’s a bad thing. Anybody who truly values sanctity of life and understands Who is the Author and Creator of life would have no difficulty considering themselves against the evil practice of discontinuing what God makes possible.
Secondly, you better believe I support health clinics that don’t practice abortions, and the number of such clinics well surpass the number of Planned Parenthood clinics. They also provide more care than PP does. And those clinics are not receiving the amount of federal funding PP does
She mentions nothing of women who are post-abortive. I can admire her heart for those with disabilities, but she doesn’t appear to be as compassionate for women who have had abortions and are dealing with the ramifications. In my time volunteering at Hope Pregnancy Center, I have seen hundreds of women come for post-abortive counseling, and Dingle seems to be okay with women going down such a horrible path.
I can say more, and I may do a follow-up because there are many other flaws in this blog that need to be addressed. But I want you to be aware that those who say they are pro-life while sharing ways to condone the practice of abortion instead of being determined to making abortion unthinkable need to be justly scrutinize.
Olympic stuff
I am fully focused on the Olympic Games this week. I have enjoyed all of it. The different sports have had many exciting moments, and I plan to continue watching after I’m done with this DHD.
David Prince wrote a great piece on how to watch the Olympics for the Glory of Christ. I enjoyed all of his valuable points, but I thought his last point of seeing the nations represented in the mindset of the Gospel was powerful.
“As you enjoy the games, pray for the gospel to spread among all the nations represented.”
More Olympic stuff
I also like stuff affiliated with the Olympics. Someone I admire is Bill Hancock, who is a legend in the world of college sports information and is a leader among college football playoffs and formerly with the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Mr. Hancock has been a volunteer at many Olympics Games and is currently working in Rio. He gives a daily blog of his experience, and The Oklahoman’s Barry Tramel shares them. You can read Friday’s blog edition here.
More Olympic stuff with video
I also liked the tradition started by the U.S. Swim Team of making funny videos prior to the Olympics. This year, the swimmers did a rendition of carpool karaoke. I’ve watched this multiple times, and one reason why I keep watching it is to learn who the swimmers are as they are competing. For example, last night (Thursday) I learned who Simone Manuel is as she won her gold medal in exciting fashion. I remember her being in the video, along with many others.
Baptist Press featured a story on her and how she gives “All glory to God” for winning the gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle. Read the story here.
If you haven’t seen the video yet, enjoy!
Even more Olympic stuff
Another swimmer I recognized from the video is Caeleb Dressel who was a member of the 4x100M freestyle relay team that won gold earlier this week. Baptist Press also featured a story on him along with other Christian Olympians. You can read a comprised story here that is on BaptistMessenger.com.
There are other Olympic stories too on the website.
Thunder stuff
I will end this week’s DHD talking about the Oklahoma City Thunder. The team’s schedule was released on Thursday, and everybody is curious about when the Golden State Warriors will be appearing at the Peake.
Feb. 11 is when the Warriors will be in town, along with its new roster addition Kevin Durant. I have to be honest, I’m not too excited about certain aspects of that game. I predict much bitterness will be expressed due to Durant’s decision to leave the Thunder.
However, the game will be nationally spotlighted, and though I’m not excited about the attention surrounding the game, it is one of great curiosity.
Barry Tramel wrote a thought-provoking piece, “There’s Only One Way To Treat Kevin Durant Upon His Return to OKC.” I agree with his conclusions. I believe Thunder fans should show appreciation to KD for what he did the eight years he represented OKC and being a major factor in the Thunder’s immediate success. Once Durant’s name is announced initially, applaud him. After that, root hard against him.
If that were to happen, applauding Durant during the lineup announcement, it would send a shocking message across the globe and would make many talking heads take pause and possibly offer flowing praise.
However, I’m not holding my breath, which is why my excitement is contained.
