2016-2017 #IANGTTTS

It has been 11-years since my first Blog posting.  There are too many words for this to be put on Facebook, so I have returned to Blogging.

As we leave the year 2016 and enter the year 2017 it is a time like no other for a lot of people.  But for me, I have in my almost 63 years of living witnessed great change and upheaval.  With that said, when unexpected things happen, I don't get so far off track and stuck in a rut of, "Oh my God, how could this have happened?"  After the initial shock of a situation (reality), you have to put everything in perspective in order to be able to function and move forward.

1. Figure out what is in your control.
2. Do what you can to help where you can.
3. Find out who has the authority, not just who has a title.
4. Work behind the scenes (secret alliances), undercover (underground railroad), etc.
5. Develop a plan and do what you can, not just voicing words of outrage.

I will be posting comments, thoughts, clips, pictures and videos of others that are saying what I feel.  I am one for Not Re-inventing the wheel.  If someone else says what I feel or agree with, instead of writing the same thing, I will post it to my blog.  I will always give credit to the source, I will never try to claim something as my own when it is not.

I hope this is ok with the people that I am referencing...if not, just contact me and I will delete your comment, posts or videos.

#nottheresistance but #IANGTTTS

Dr. Minnie Hayes Patmon-McLaurin
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https://www.facebook.com/darrenbraz/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED

Darren Braz

· January 20 at 5:05pm ·

Something to consider... (by a Christ follower)
Edit: after seeing some comments, I thought I'd clarify a few things. First, thank you to those who left kind wo...rds 😉. As for some of the criticisms, a few thoughts:

1) On forgiveness and being judgmental: This video isn't about forgiveness or judging someone, it's about accountability - an important aspect amongst believers since the first 12 disciples. I've seen a lot of comments that this isn't forgiving of Trump and very judgmental of him, but this video isn't about him - it's about the voters who put him in power who also believe in Christ. We absolutely can forgive and not judge any person's words and actions, but that does not mean we then put them in the most powerful earthly position. Forgiveness and non-judgment can coexist with healthy boundaries and wise decision making.
2) On picking between two bad candidates: This video is not meant to be politically slanted in any way and rather is intended to be vertically focused. It's not anti-Trump/Republican just as much as it's not pro-Hillary/Democrat. That said, we did not have two candidates to choose from, we actually had dozens. Voting didn't take place on just one day in November, but the years leading up to it where the conscious decision to place country and self over Christ's teachings of love and selflessness resulted in candidates many found unsatisfactory. As believers, let's recognize that earlier by not letting political platforms and country blind us of the Kingdom.
3) We should pray for our leaders: Yes! I totally agree, and this video doesn't at all suggest otherwise. I pray for this leader, prior leaders, this country - and MOST IMPORTANTLY - the well-being of everyone on this Earth and all God's creation.
4) These words are taken out of context: due to the format of the video, yes, but I encourage you to research the context of them for yourself. I did, and I feel they are great examples that have the same message both in and out of context (ex. "love your neighbor" is pretty spot on as is 😀).
5) You can't compare Trump to Jesus: I'm not - never would. No person compares to Christ. The difference in their words isn't about comparison but that he's not even trying to lead the life that Jesus exemplified.
6) Why don't you do this for Hillary or Obama?: because they didn't win the election with 80% of the white evangelical vote. Again, this is less about the candidate, and more about the action taken by many, many believers to vote for him.
Lastly, this video is rooted in loving accountability, from one believer to another, so if it's speaking to you, I hope you find it humbly encouraging rather than combative. And if it doesn't apply to you, please don't use it to attack anyone's politics. It's not about that.

Blessings and thanks for watching/sharing,

Darren