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I’m back from a week off for vacation. Karen and I enjoy
spending time in Pittsburgh and in Morgantown, W.Va. and visiting with a
longtime friend.
While I was enjoying my time back east, I got to watch a video that greatly impressed me. Kirsten Watson gives an excellent presentation involving the Sanctity of Life. I was so impressed by this video that I’ve now watched it multiple times and have shared it with friends.
The video is provided by Live Action and is part of a video
series called “Pro-Life
Replies.”
Watson is the wife of NFL player Benjamin Watson who has
been quite vocal in supporting the Sanctity of Life. Benjamin has spoken at
pro-life rallies, and the couple have made donations
to pregnancy resource centers.
With this video, though, I think Kirsten has outshined her
husband. For this week’s DHD, I give six reasons why I like Kirsten’s video.
First, here’s the video for your viewing:
1. Appeals to
different dynamics
Kirsten is an African American woman who is pregnant with
twin boys. There’s a lot of appealing aspects in that sentence.
I’m sure I don’t have to elaborate, but Kirsten can reach so
many people having these descriptions. She comes across relatable, kind,
compassionate, not condescending and not disparaging.
I truly appreciate her willingness and her boldness in doing
this video.
2. Explaining different
bodies
The graphics showing as she talks about having three hearts,
three brains, 30 fingers and being mostly male is clear and hard to argue. It
is evident a child in utero is not part of the woman’s body.
3. Discussing rights
“Women and their bodies must be respected,” she said. “Bodily
rights are especially important when a woman is pregnant because there is more
than one body involved.”
“A right isn’t a right if I only apply to me”—I got chills
when I heard Kirsten say this.
And then she gives the example of how even the most ardent
abortion supporters are against a pregnant woman smoking. This is also hard to
argue.
4. Natural and legal
obligations
Kirsten also makes the argument of the obligations that
parents have.
“Parents have a natural obligation to support their children
that our legal system recognizes,” she said. “If they cannot care for a child,
a mother or father is not allowed to end the child’s life.”
Again, it’s just a matter of time and geography with
abortion supporters, but they still cannot deny the issue of the baby’s life.
5. Message to men
This was my favorite point she makes. I never thought about
the perspective of what “my body, my choice” says to men.
“Her body, her choice” = her problem.
Bravo, Kirsten! If this doesn’t resonate with women with her
basically calling out deadbeat dads, I don’t know what will.
6. Message of
supporting dependencies
“An infant once born is still
completely dependent on the bodies of others for survival, but no one thinks an
infant lacks the right to life.”
And I love her point of how
dependency enriches humanity.
I hope you agree with me on
how this video magnificently supports the Sanctify of Life and squelches many
pro-abortion arguments.
And I hope you are like me
and have become a fan of Kirsten Watson.
I’ve said a few times in the past
months how I do appreciate you reading my blog. The reason I keep bringing it
up is because I REALLY do appreciate it.
For you to take the time to read my
ramblings humbles me. It also encourages me to keep doing it, especially when
there are times I don’t feel like blogging or struggle to come up with six
topics.
But I do have six timely topics to
share this week, so here we go!
1.
Remembering RHE
Rachel Held Evans (RHE) was a
successful writer who had an evangelical upbringing. She understood evangelical
Christians, but later in life, she chose to no longer associate with those who
had a more conservative view of Scripture.
I have not read much of her writings, but of what I recall reading, I found some to be contrary. I mean, she practically demonized Dave Ramsey. Who writes loathsomely about a man who wants to help people get out of debt?
However, RHE did offer practical
guidance. As a millennial, she once wrote that the church should “stop being
cool” in order to be more appealing to young adults but rather should be more
genuine and make worship more meaningful instead of showy.
RHE died recently at the age of 37.
It was reported she had an allergic reaction to medication, which led to
placing her into a medically-induced coma, and her condition became worse with
severe brain swelling.
I admire people who encourage me in
my Christian faith, and I equally admire those who respectfully challenge my
faith. I believe RHE had a good heart and sought after the things of God.
One of the best articles of
reflection is by Ed
Stetzer whom I always appreciate giving an
excellent perspective. He attributed Rachel well.
2.
Burk on women preaching
Denny Burk took on a lightning rod
issue this week, heading into Mother’s Day weekend. His article “Should
churches allow women to preach to men?” is an
objective read, and I recommend it.
Women in church leadership is always
a tough issue to communicate properly. Good people have differing views about
how and when women should be involved in leadership. I am probably to the left
of some and to the right of a few more when it comes to church leadership roles
and women.
In Burk’s article, he offers a great
analysis of teaching roles in the church and a solid explanation of why senior
pastors and preachers in “gathered assembly” are roles reserved for men. I
especially appreciate Burk disqualifying a certain perspective of why women
cannot be pastors. The line of reasoning is that women are not “up to snuff
intellectually.” This is foolish thinking.
3.
Lying about singleness
I got married later than when most
couples get married. I was 38, and it wasn’t too long prior that I thought I
would be single for life—and was content.
However, things changed after I met
Karen, and we decided to do life together as a married couple. This month, she
and I will celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary.
I enjoy spending my life with Karen.
My days have been joyful, and I can’t imagine what my life would be like
without her.
But I also understand what unmarried
adults experience, especially those involved in church life, and there are misnomers
people have about Christians who are involved in singleness.
I enjoyed reading Elizabeth Wilson’s
article “4
Popular Lies About Singleness.” She nails it about what people get wrong
about Christians who are single.
“The
truth is, not all godly people get married,” Wilson wrote. “We need to embrace
this, preach this and celebrate this! God’s best for many will include a life without a spouse and
biological children. These people will know Him more deeply, serve Him more
powerfully, and experience greater joy than they could as a married person. Not
because singleness is better, but because marriage wasn’t part of God’s perfect
will for their life.”
4.
Mutt’s Christian business model
A friend on Facebook shared a post from the owner of Mutt’s Amazing Hot Dogs. It’s long but worth reading. I’ll keep commentary short, and let you appreciate what Mutt’s owner shared:
So….we have been getting some complaints about the condition of our building. Despite of the condition our motto is “we are not the newest building on 23rd but we are the most clean and orderly”. We strive towards this because in all honesty we are at the mercy of the building owner; we just can’t get anything done, for months! Being transparent here, I’m running out of options and patience. Ok ok ok, enough venting….just being real.
The building is showing its age yes. Yet, its iconic to Route 66, NW23RD and OKC. I see the beauty in this unique building and the amazing loving people that come to it and invite me or my staff to sit at their table.
For example: We had a gentleman who was raised in our neighborhood and told me that he remembers that the original concept was a Dairy Queen waaaaaay back in the day. He said he was just a kid when it opened and that he celebrated one of his birthdays…
Later that week we had a group from Canada stoped in and said they were at Mutts because of the retro sign, building and our fries that were rated 2nd place! So far I have met tourist from Australia, Sweden, Germany, bikers from Brazil, Colombia, Mexico to mention a few and not a single one complained about anything especially not the building. In fact many take pictures of the building and selfies… hum leaves me scratching my head.
Just this February we had a gentleman that was plain down on his luck and life. I fed him a nice warm Boardwalk and fed him spiritually. We talked about God and his walk, he cried as we held hands and prayed… I thought I would never see this guy again. Today he came back in; after speaking with him, he graciously thanked me for lending an ear and feeding him spiritually. He was smiling from ear to ear and brought his twin brother in for me to meet him.
The staff in this building… let me tell you they are all amazing. We have disabled veterans and families members of disabled veterans. We have some that have been homeless and now thriving. Some that were victims of human trafficking and now have a future to look up to, and we have had others that were never adopted and aged out of the state’s care system, now successful community contributors. We have become the Mutts family, we argue and quickly forgive. We lend a hand towards each other when in need. We celebrate victories as a team and grow as we welcomed one Mutts baby into our family.
To some this is just an old building which may dislike it. I extended my sincere apologies. We are doing everything within our power for a face lift. We ask you to please be patient and NOT slam us all over social media. We are more than aware.
For those who appreciate it, thank you for making us and our visitors feel right at home. Your continued loving support matters!
God bless.
Omar and the Mutts family
5.
Advice for graduates
If you’re still reading, bless you! I
don’t have much more to share. Since it’s graduation time, I thought I would
mention the DHD I wrote four years ago, offering advice to high school and
college graduates. You can read it here.
6.
Going to Pittsburgh
DHD will be taking a week off, as
Karen and I will be on vacation May 11-18. We are heading to Pittsburgh and
also spending time in West Virginia with a longtime friend. Look for another
DHD the following week!
It started to rain as I was in the
middle of deciding what topics to address this week. Olive, my thunder-phobic
pooch, wasn’t helping as she had to deal with her anxiety by laying in my lap.
So we had to have a therapeutic cuddle until the thunderstorm passed.
Now she’s on the floor, though
still demonstrating some apprehension, as the rain slowly falls outside.
So let me share with you the
topics I put together for this week’s Doyle’s Half Dozen. Thanks for reading!
1. Weirsbe’s death
Warren Weirsbe, well-known Bible
teacher, died last night, May 2, at the age of 89. I have led a few Bible
studies using Weirsbe’s books. I also appreciate this quote he said:
“Writing to me is a ministry.
I’m not an athlete, I’m not a mechanic. I can’t do so many of the things that
successful men can do. But I can read and study and think and teach. This is a
beautiful, wonderful gift from God. All I’m doing is using what he’s given to
me to teach people, and to give glory to the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Justin Taylor offers an excellent
obituary, very complete and well-written, about this great teacher of God’s
Word. Your time will be well spent, reading about Warren Weirsbe.
2. Hooked on Hooks
This week, I had the
privilege of attending a photography workshop led by Marc Ira Hooks, an
award-winning international photojournalist who used to serve with the
International Mission Board and currently serves with a Southern Baptist
association in Texas and pastors Branch, Texas, First.
It was a great experience,
and I appreciate Marc’s instruction and advisement, especially since
photography is not one of my strong suits.
I first learned about Marc
when Bob Nigh, former managing editor of the Baptist Messenger, met him in Sochi, Russia, when Bob travelled
with the Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma to participate in an outreach program
near the time of the 2014 Winter Olympics. Bob wrote articles mentioning Marc,
in a preview
of the Russia trip and while in
Russia.
I finally met Marc last year
at the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Dallas. He is as nice a
guy as you could meet and an excellent photographer and storyteller. And he
admits he loves Oklahoma Baptists!
Thanks Marc for offering your
tricks of the trade and for spending time with us at the Baptist Building.
3. Discovering Dominique
One of my favorite feature
writers Sarah Zylstra offered another great piece this week. She offered me the
opportunity to learn about a fellow Liberty University alum, Dominique McKay,
who is the press secretary for U.S. Senator John Thune.
Check out “My
Faith at Work on Capitol Hill” and see if it encourages you as much as it
did me, knowing Dominique is sharing her faith in D.C..
4. Livingstone’s legacy
David Livingstone, the great
missionary pioneer, is remembered this week. His death was May 1, 1873. Brian
Hobbs wrote about Livingston in his blog “May Day
& Medical Missions.”
Livingstone did not see many
converts to Christianity. In fact, it was reported he only led one person to
Christ, a chief of an African tribe. However, the seeds of the Gospel he had
sown, as well as the influence he had on modern day missions exceeds beyond his
immediate influence, which is why it is important for Christians to share the
Gospel despite the responses we may experience.
Wester wrote, “While
Christians would support any number of solutions aimed at guaranteeing the best
possible outcomes for children born into these circumstances, ending their
lives before they take their first breath is not only a mistake but a tragedy
of the greatest magnitude.”
I did not read the USA Today article, but it concerns me how
the disregard to the Bible is growing. At the heart of the article, Mohler
reports, is the aggressive approach taken to promote the LGBTQ worldview.
Mohler, once again, gives
excellent responses to the discrediting of the Bible. His article is an
education on how to handle those who believe the Bible is irrelevant and denies
its complete authority as God’s Word.
I’m blogging from one of my favorite places in the whole world—Falls Creek. I never feel more refreshed than when I am in this blessed place in the Oklahoma Arbuckle Mountains.
I’ll mention later why I am here, but once again, here’s six
timely topics for this week. Thanks for reading!
1. Supreme Court to
hear sex interpretation cases
Earlier this week, reports were made that the U.S. Supreme Court will be hearing three cases that challenge the interpretation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Basically, the highest court will interpret what the grounds are for the workplace in relation to employees’ sexual orientation and gender identity.
This is another conflict involving religious liberty and the
sexual revolution. “If the Court deems it reasonable to use ‘sex’ as synonymous
with transgenderism and homosexuality,” Joe Carter wrote, “federal agencies
will be able to override the will of the American people on these issues.”
Carter, communications specialist with the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, offers a great FAQ article that explains what is of issue with these three cases and how critical they are to evangelical Christians.
These Supreme Court rulings will be extremely critical.
2. Bice for Congress
Stephanie Bice, an Oklahoma state senator, announced she is
planning to run in 2020 for the 5th District Congressional Seat,
which is currently held by Kendra Horn who was elected last year.
From what I have read on Bice, I would definitely support her. Horn has not been vocal on liberal causes, but she has not been demonstrating support on issues that relate to the Sanctity of Life. Horn won the election fair and square, and it appears she has been handled with kid gloves by the local media.
However, she will stand in the way for pro-life causes and
other issues that relate to Christian values. Bice would be a great candidate
to challenge Horn next year. Check out the Oklahoman’sarticle
announcing Bice’s plan to run for U.S. Congress.
3. Thunder evaluation
The Oklahoma City Thunder ended its season in a
disappointing fashion for the third straight year.
This is difficult for me to write, and I’ve gone back and forth whether or not I would write at all. The biggest reason is many will disagree with me on how I feel.
But here it goes… I don’t think the team needs to go through
a major renovation. I don’t think they should trade key players—Westbrook,
George, Adams or other rotation players. I don’t think Billy Donovan should be
fired.
The reason I believe nothing major should be done to change the team is any major change would mean the Thunder are planning to rebuild and no longer intend to challenge or seriously compete. The reason that could be a mistake is it’s possible that the NBA West could be going through a change soon. Golden State may not be the dominant force it has been the last three years, which means the title may not have an outright projected favorite in the coming seasons.
As ridiculous as it may sound, doing some minor tweaks and allowing younger players to get better would be a better route for the Thunder to go than choosing an extreme overhaul.
That’s all I will say for now. Let’s see what happens in the
next couple of months. The best news is the Thunder don’t have to worry about a
major free agency decision this summer, which is different from the setting for
the last few offseasons.
4. College game
improvements
I got into a social media discussion with some friends a few
weeks ago while watching the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The issue I had
was the team foul rules implemented in the college game compared to the NBA.
Lo and behold, I found a great article that was written last
year by Tim Bontemps. He gives a great assessment that would help improve
the college game.
Check out Bontemps’ second proposal “Change the fouling
rules to get to the penalty quicker.” This is exactly my thoughts.
5. Avengers has
closure
I got to see Avengers:
End Game Thursday night. I thought it was fantastically done and completed
well the last 10 or so years of Marvel movies involved in the Avengers series. I told somebody the
closure that was demonstrated in the movie was like the closure demonstrated in
Toy Story 3 times 10.
For those who would like a great review without any spoilers, please check out Michael Foust’s review here on WordSlingers. Not only does he share a great diagnostic on the movie from a parent’s perspective, he gives great Christian insight, as well as relevant questions to ask after watching the movie.
6. Men’s Rewired
I wrote this DHD rather quickly, and I apologize if it reads
like I rushed. I’m in the middle of covering the Men’s Rewired Conference at
Falls Creek. This is such a great annual event that has made a major impact on
many Christian men over the years. Many men have made professions of faith at
Rewired, as well as made commitments to be more faithful to their families and
to their churches. I look forward to what will happen to the men who are here.
I hope you are having a good Good Friday.
Maybe you’re singing about the Good Good Father on this
good Good Friday.
Here’s six more timely topics. Thank
you for reading!
1.
Excellent Remembrance Ceremony
It’s interesting that, on this Good Friday, it is also the 24th anniversary of the bombing of the Murrah Building in downtown Oklahoma City.
In a later topic, I discuss the
crucifixion of Christ, which the world remembers on Good Friday, and the
estimated times of the events that happened on the day Jesus was crucified. The
crucifixion itself was believed to have started at 9 a.m. The bombing of the
Murrah Building happened at 9:02 a.m. on April 19, 1995.
Both were dreadful occurrences in history,
but we know the redemption that happens on Easter.
This morning, at the Memorial, people
gathered for the annual ceremony of remembering the 168 people who died in the
bombing. I watched on Facebook Live and was impressed with the program. They
observed 168 seconds of silence, and different people read from a podium all
168 names of those who died.
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, Governor Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma U.S. Senator James Lankford spoke at the ceremony, and all three speeches were great. I appreciated what Holt said in signifying the number 24.
He said, for many in the world, the 24th anniversary is not significant. But he pointed out how a day makes up 24 hours, and the day after the bombing, Oklahomans realized their lives would never be the same. Holt also said that in the following two years, or 24 months, people were preparing to build the Memorial where the ceremony took place.
I also admired Lankford’s speech, as
he pointed out many still struggle with what happened 24 years ago. He said
many can’t even return to the Memorial site. “We continue to walk with them,”
Lankford said, “and we’ll walk with them as long as it takes.”
What I remember most from Lankford’s
address is his opening. He said what happened on that day was meant to tear us
apart, but instead, Oklahomans demonstrated unity and support for each other.
2.
Reflections of Maundy Thursday
Yesterday was a significant part of
Holy Week, as many observed Maundy Thursday, as “Maundy” comes from Latin to
mean “commandment.” At my church last night, our pastor discussed four
different ways we were to observe Maundy Thursday:
Look back—what
happened with Jesus and His disciples when they met to observe Passover or the
Last Supper.
Look forward—at
that meal, Jesus said in Matt. 26:29 that He “will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I
drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” We will one day partake of
this meal with Jesus in heaven.
Look inward—search
our hearts and confess any sins we may have.
Look outward—share
the Gospel of Jesus with others and demonstrate love to one another (John
13:34-35).
There seems to be some confusion on
when the events of Jesus’ trial, crucifixion and death occurred. I found two
helpful reads that address this confusion.
Second, Russ Ramsey offers a time
breakdown in his article from two years ago titled “Good
Friday in Real Time.” This was a great read for my understanding of when
events happened according to the Gospel narratives. If you’re reading this on
Good Friday, I hope you find it as meaningful as I did.
4.
Wax on Next Generation
Not many DHDs are written without me
mentioning two of my favorite writers/speakers. First, I mention Trevin Wax. I
appreciate what he wrote and said about different generations:
“No generation is the
greatest or last hope for Christianity, because generations aren’t where we put
our hope anyway. The God of the Gospel is our hope. The resurrection power of
Jesus is our hope. The indwelling of the Spirit is our hope.”
Now I share about Albert Mohler and
his daily podcast The Briefing.
Dr. Mohler had some great episodes this week. I could probably fill up two DHDs
highlighting what he discussed the past five days. There is some great content
about current issues.
His Monday commentary
on Julian Assange getting arrested was superb. I loved it when Mohler called
Assange a “real jerk” and “a horrible guest.”
On Tuesday he
covered the Notre Dame cathedral fire—again, excellent commentary—as well as
Pope Benedict coming out of hiding to offer his take on the sex abuse in the
Catholic Church and the liberal theology reflected by current church
leadership. Mohler called Pope Benedict’s lengthy article a “blockbuster.”
Mohler takes on Planned Parenthood in
his Wednesday
podcast. One of my favorite lines: “…Planned Parenthood is worried about
its image. We should note, it should be.”
Probably my favorite “Briefing” of
the week is the Thursday
edition. Mohler gives great analysis of the media reporting about Tiger
Woods’ Master’s victory and calling it a redemption story. But then his next
two topics are powerful.
Mohler responds to a Louisville
newspaper reporter claiming that Jesus was silent on homosexuality.
“Jesus is silent on the issue, is he? Well, what becomes
very clear is that Jesus, referring to the Old Testament law, including, let’s
just point out, the law that says that a man shall not lay with another man as
with a woman. Jesus said of that law that not one jot or one tittle would pass
away until all has been fulfilled. He said, ‘I have not come to abolish the
law, but that the law may be fulfilled.’ At no point did Jesus in his public
ministry point to the Old Testament law and dismiss it saying, well, that was
then, but this is now. Instead, he actually made it even more intense saying,
it’s not enough not to kill someone. If you have murder in your heart, you
already are moving towards murdering them.”
Then he takes on The
Guardian attacking religious teaching on gender.
“A secular society will not be satisfied until you or your
church or denomination or institution are fully, totally unquestionably
secular. It’s at least healthy to understand what the secular world is really
demanding.”
I’m already going long or else I’d discuss Mohler talking
Mueller, as in the Mueller Report, which he covers in his Friday Briefing.
6. Congrats to BGCO
Communications Group!
I conclude with celebratory remarks about my friends and
coworkers in the Communications Group at the Baptist General Convention of
Oklahoma.
Last week, at the Baptist Communicators Association
conference, awards
were announced, and the BGCO took home six certificates.
Braden East won first place in Logo Design. Hannah Hanzel
won first, second and third honors. She took first place in Hand-Drawn
Typography and second and third place in cover design for the Baptist Messenger.
Doyle’s Half Dozen finished second to Emily Howsden’s Millennial
Monday for blog series, which means two WordSlingers weekly blogs were honored
this year by the BCA.
