The Gallows were Already Erected

I try not to be too controversial on this blog, because that is not the purpose of this blog. However, I can't restrain myself on this one: Muslims have the gallows already erected for Christians, and especially American Christians. What makes me say this? Well, the recent controversy over the korans that were burned, ensuing riots and then the killing of two of our own soldiers. The riots happened rather quickly and without much effort because they are ready in a flash to pounce on any tiny thing we do. We are in a no win situation with Islam. We either abide by their rules, convert to Islam, or suffer the consequences. There is no middle ground for them.

These korans were being written on by some prisoners. They were writing about acts of future terrorism that they wanted to commit. The books were confiscated and burned, according to Islamic custom. But that is never good enough for them, because they are always waiting for a reason to riot. And kill. It doesn't take much, and they are outraged. They allow for no infractions whatsoever. Yet, we allow them to behead, burn and torture our people. Obama had the audacity to apologize for the book burnings, and do you think for one minute we will get an apology for two American deaths?

All of this to illustrate my main thought: the gallows were already erected and at the ready. It reminds me so much of the story of Mordechi and how he was going to be set up to take the fall for something he did not do. A selfish, jealous, evil Haman, wanted Mordechi gone so he could proceed with his plans to gain control. We all know how THIS story ends....

Which leads me to yet another thought, along these same lines: do we erect gallows on certain people in our own lives? Do we expect perfection from them, and the minute they fail, you summon the executioner? I have seen this happen many times in my life. I have seen where some people give grace to someone, and yet throw down the gauntlet on someone who did an even less offense. Or perhaps it wasn't an offense at all, but merely a perceived offense. I think we need to offer more grace to people, to strangers, and our inner circle. I have often told my sons that most people really try to do their best, and rarely do people possess mal-intent. We should remove our preconceptions from people, remove our expectations from people and allow more mercy and grace. Don't be so quick to don the black hood and put the noose around someone's neck, or as we learn from Mordechi, one day, that noose could be used on you.

Have a blessed day!

A Friendly Game of Tag

Tag, you are it! I thought it would be fun to make a top 10 list and tag a couple of my blogging friends for them to make a top 10 list as well. Jowanna might need to get a new password because she hasn't blogged in years, but maybe she could just make one top 10 list for us to enjoy. Keep it simple, light-hearted and enjoy! You can make as many lists as you want, but, please at least make one. I really would love to know a top 10 list you hold dear!

Oh, and I tag the following bloggers: Sam, Susan (come out of the cobwebs!), Michelle O., Jowanna (surely you can make one little list), Dale (yes, you can!), Jimmy, Kris B., Joe, Jill, Journee and anyone else who needs to lighten things up a bit. I can't wait to see what you wrote!

My Top 10 Female Actresses:

1. Meryl Streep (she captivates me)
2. Judy Dench (Oh, my, she just has it)
3. Betty White (I like her devilish side and she reminds me of my mom)
4. Andy McDowell (she personifies the girl next door)
5. Sally Field (go ahead and watch Places in The Heart again, you'll see)
6. Julia Roberts (old Julia, not her new stuff)
7. Keri Russell (The Magic of Ordinary Days)
8. Dolly Parton (I know she's not much of an actress, but when she acts, I love to watch her)
9. Renee Zelweger (before all the plastic surgery)
10. Kathy Bates (she ain't purty, but she can act!)



Top 10 Actors

1. Skeet Ulrich (The Magic of Ordinary Days, and you will be hooked)
2. Steve Martin ('nough said - he's genious!)
3. Harrison Ford (he makes every movie what it is)
4. Johnny Depp (I know, he is a bad boy, but I like his acting abilities)
5. Liam Neeson (no one can resist that accent and his tallness)
6. Tom Hanks (he is just a great actor, but don't care for his politics)
7. Jon Voight (just for his political views, I had to add him; plus he's a good actor)
8. Gerard Depardieu (I just loved him in Green Card!)
9. Cuba Gooding, Jr. (He was superb in Radio and Snow Dogs, as simple as it is, was very fun to watch)
10. Charlton Heston (HIS VOICE!!! Oh, my, that voice!)

If I get time later, I will add a few more lists. I've got to get to school. I hope some of you will play along and I look forward to reading your lists! You can make any list you want!

Have a blessed day!