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When All Is Said and Done

Lisa Huddleston — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:28:51 -0700

“… for the people said, ‘He had leprosy’”2 Chron. 26:23

May is here and with the flowers and the warmer weather come the end of the school year and graduation ceremonies. It’s a time to celebrate the successful completion of years of dedication and hard work—by students, teachers, and parents. And it is also an opportunity to look ahead to the beginning of independence, new opportunities, and the hope of young lives to be lived for the glory of God. The promise is enormous, and the responsibility equally huge. What will be done with the rest of a life?

Uzziah was only 16 years old when he became the king of Judah and began a reign that lasted for fifty-two years. He was a rarity in his day, because he was one who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He sought God, and for as long as he did, God gave him success. King Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem and in the desert and fortified them. He dug many cisterns to water his livestock, lands, and the people who worked them. He led a well-trained army that totaled 307,500 disciplined soldiers who supported their king against his enemies, and his fame spread far and wide, “for he was greatly helped until he became powerful” (2 Chron. 26:15).

So how did it come about that all that could be said at his burial was, “He had leprosy?” What a puny eulogy for one who had done so many great things. How did it happen that all he was remembered for was a skin disease?

Those who chronicled Uzziah’s history don’t leave us in the dark about the reason for his disgrace. “But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall” (2 Chron. 26:16). They record that Uzziah’s arrogance led him to believe himself worthy of lighting the incense in the temple despite the warnings of the priests who were present. As he raged and reached out his hand to the altar, leprosy broke out on his forehead and remained with him for the rest of his life. He lived alone, excluded from the temple and his family, and his pride kept him from ever repenting and returning to the Lord.

And his legacy was destroyed. Those at his burial said, “He had leprosy.” Not “He built great towers” or “He dug many cisterns” or “He led great armies.” No, at the sad end of his life, mighty King Uzziah was remembered for his great sin against the Lord.

I am sure that at the beginning of his reign, Uzziah had big plans. And he got off to a great start. But life proved to be longer than his determination—a marathon and not a sprint. When he turned his back on the Lord, he lost direction, and the race was over. His success was in his obedience to God.

When all is said and done, what will remain of your life? Will they say, “He sought God and stayed the course?” Or will you be remembered for turning your back on Him? Each day’s choices will make the difference. Every step will determine your legacy. Keep your eyes on Jesus from the beginning to the end. And when you fail, as we all do, return to Him. He knows our hearts and seeks to help us succeed—all the way to the finish line.

[By Lisa Huddleston]

Humble Acceptance

Lisa Huddleston — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:57:32 -0700

“‘You will never wash my feet—ever!’ Peter said. Jesus replied, ‘If I don’t wash you, you will have no part with Me.’” John 13:8

It’s an awkward time of the year for me. My birthday. And, no, it’s not that I have trouble with being another year older. Actually, I sort of welcome that. Each year brings me more freedom to be who I really am. No, my awkwardness comes in having to accept gifts, greetings, and parties from those who love me. I know—lots of people thrill over the attention their birthdays bring, but I don’t. I dread it. So it makes me very happy that my birthday is close to Easter this year. I can combine my “party” with a much more important celebration and divert the attention from myself. But it will still be a difficult time for me.

I know I’m not the only one who has trouble accepting gifts. I have some friends who are just like me. Even when they are undergoing hard trials, they struggle to let others help. The offer of a meal or a ride has to be forced on them—although I know they deeply appreciate it. I know it, because I share their struggles. Some of us would simply rather not draw attention. Like proud two-year-olds, we’d prefer just to do it ourselves.

But that’s not the way of the cross. Peter, bless-his-heart-you-gotta-love-him, was just like me. He wanted to be the one to do for others. When he saw Jesus heading toward his big, dirty, smelly feet with a basin of water and a towel, he couldn’t handle it. No way would Jesus, his Teacher, his Master, his Messiah, wash his feet. It just wasn’t going to happen! But Jesus had a lesson for Peter to learn. A lesson of humility and acceptance. A lesson of grace. And when he heard that he had to submit to being served in order to have any part of Jesus, he surrendered completely. He said, “Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head” (John 13:9). I imagine Jesus grinned at his excess, shook his head a little, and started washing. As we say here in Tennessee, Peter was a mess!

And aren’t we all a mess? Haven’t we all tried to do it ourselves? And isn’t that what Easter is all about? Talk about having to accept a big gift. Take a look at the cross. It makes me shudder. That my Lord would take my place on the cross is hard to comprehend let alone accept. Unbearable pain and suffering in my name. Blood, sweat, and tears all poured out for me. Each drop a prism reflecting my sin and shame. Like Peter, I want to cry, “No! It’s too much, Jesus! Don’t do such a terrible thing for me!” But I know that without the cross, I will have no part in Him. It breaks my pride and humbles me beyond expression. I want to have Him more than I want to do it myself so, again like Peter, I say, “Wash all of me, Lord. Cover me with your blood—head to toe. Make me clean in You.”

How can I accept such a costly gift? How can I not? Jesus Himself suffered, died, and rose from the grave for me. And He did it for you, too. Will you accept His gift?

Scarred for Life

Lisa Huddleston — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:40:55 -0700

“… by His wounding you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

Forty-eight years of living can do a lot of damage to a body. Just the normal wear and tear of life. Bicycle accidents on gravel roads. Missteps made with bare feet. Sun damage from lack of proper precaution (and common sense.) Surgery that brought healing. Stretch marks from bringing new life into the world. Even multiplying laugh lines give evidence to the years that have passed and remind me of my history every time I look in a mirror. Some scars bring a smile. This one is from the time Chuck and I were wrestling, and I caught his braces with my thumb. And here on my face is the place I wouldn’t stop picking when I had chicken pox—even though my mother said it would leave a scar. (You were right, Mom.) Others bring back tougher memories of pain and suffering, but all tell a part of my story and combine to make me who I am today. Good and bad, they stay with me as testimonials that I have lived.

However, we often don’t look so affectionately at our little imperfections. Spas and beauty treatments abound on every corner and in nearly every little strip mall. Veneers to cover our chipped teeth. Peels to restore our faces to their youthful appearances. Even surgery to lift and tuck what has fallen. We’ll go to extreme lengths to get rid of the scars that living has left. Makeover whatever we can to erase the marks of time. No, I’m not criticizing our obsession with perfection—well, not really. I’m as guilty as anyone of desiring to stay youthful and as attractive as possible for as long as possible. But, when I see Hollywood faces that can no longer move with expression, I think there are some scars worth hanging on to if only for the purpose of remembering the lessons they taught. Times of stretching. Times of submission. Times of pain and growth. And times of suffering. Scars tell the truth and bear witness that can’t be ignored. And some scars bring life.

After the terrible pain and suffering of the crucifixion, Jesus also was left with scars. I’ve often considered that He didn’t have to keep those dreadful marks on His body. He is God, after all, and has the power to heal whatever He will. It must have been His choice to keep them. In fact, it was His scars that helped those who loved Him to recognize Him after the resurrection. “Then Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, ‘Peace to you!’ Having said this, He showed them His hands and His side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord” (John 20 19-20).

Despite the negative thoughts that may accompany scars—memories of pain or regrets over mistakes—the very fact that scars exist at all is evidence of restoration and growth. Proof that we have a Creator who has given us bodies that can mend and hearts that can heal. A Creator who loves us so much that He bears the scars of our sin to this very day so that we can see Him as He is and recognize Him as our Savior. Scarred for eternal life. To live it, to share it, to give it.

“‘Put your finger here and observe My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Don’t be an unbeliever, but a believer.’ Thomas responded to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” (John 20:27-28).

How will you respond to Jesus?

More Than We Need

Lisa Huddleston — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 07:00:23 -0800

“The inheritance of Simeon’s descendants was within the territory of Judah’s descendants, because the share for Judah’s descendants was too large for them. So Simeon’s descendants received an inheritance within Judah’s portion.” Joshua 19:9

I hesitate to write what God has placed on my heart today, because I really don’t want to do what He’s telling me. However, the message is clear so at the huge risk of revealing my great hypocrisy, here it is—believers need to share. Not impressed? I am. Perhaps it’s just a personal quirk, but I can be selfish. Snow coming? Rush out to fill my pantry. Gas shortage? Top off my tank at every opportunity. Financial crisis? Stop giving and start saving. You name it. If I fear a shortage of something, I want to store up as much of it as I can get my hands on. And, forgive me, but I believe that many of you do the very same thing. Incredibly, I’ve even heard of some neighbors who are buying guns to prevent others from stealing their livestock and garden produce should hard times get even harder. Harsh … yet I understand. It’s scary to share. Especially when fear is in the air, and we may have to do without some necessities ourselves.

But that’s not what we are called to do. Territory in the Promised Land wasn’t cheap. Fighting was fierce, and victory costly. Yet when Judah’s tribe had more land than it needed, Simeon’s descendants were invited to share their wealth. The same was true in the early Christian church. “… no one said that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them. For there was not a needy person among them, because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as anyone had a need.” (Acts 4:32-35)

Man! That’s a tough example to follow. And while we are not told that we must give up all our possessions in order to be Christians, we are commanded to care for those who we know have a need. “Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world” (James 1:27). Because the early church shared, the apostles were able to preach the gospel with “great power” without worrying about the welfare of the believers. Their mission was well-funded and “great grace was on all of them.” God was glorified!

There are people in our families, our churches, and our communities who are in distress and have needs today. The most negative response we could have as believers is to keep our wealth to ourselves. In spite of the current financial crisis and excluding the exceptional situation, we still have much more than we need. How can we begin to share the wealth? We may be too soft a word—how can I share what God has given me in order to give testimony to His resurrection and to display His great grace? Our individual answers to that question will tell it all.

Again—make us willing, Lord! Amen.

[By Lisa Huddleston]

Challenging Times

Lisa Huddleston — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:30:30 -0800

“Give to him, and don’t have a stingy heart when you give, and because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you do.”Deut. 15:10

There is no longer any sense in trying to fool ourselves. America has fallen on financially tough times. And while I could spend the next 500 words exploring the reasons we have arrived at such a sad state—greed, self-reliance, materialism, and so on—I have decided (or rather God has placed it on my heart) to look at what our response as believers should be. Historians will diagnose the past. Our challenge is to meet the needs of today.

A first reaction to this thought could lead to overly spiritualizing our situation. We could call special prayer meetings. We could write notes telling those who have lost their jobs that we are sympathizing. We could give money to other organizations that specialize in feeding and clothing those in need. And all of these are good places for our response to begin. But they are certainly not where it should end or our efforts could amount to little more than saying, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well” to those whose cupboards are bare (James 2:16).

It is most certainly right to begin with prayer. After all, it is only through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and with His power that we can hope to affect so great a crisis. But then we must act on the wisdom He gives—beginning with those who are in our congregations. “If there is a poor person among you, one of your brothers within any of your gates in the land the Lord your God is giving you, you must not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him enough for whatever need he has” (Deut. 15:7-8).

Who is our brother or sister? What is the land the Lord has given us? Who within our gates is hurting, hungry, and cold right now? Each of us can answer these questions with the Holy Spirit’s help if we will truly listen. A neighbor whose house is in foreclosure, a family member who is struggling to buy groceries this week, a church member who needs help finding a job, or a ministry that is barely surviving. I trust that the Lord knows where we can help and will provide what’s needed to do whatever He directs. I just pray that we will do something. And a lot of little somethings can add up to making a big difference.

It is not the government’s job to take care of those God has placed within our gates. It is our responsibility. Come on, people of God. Let’s accept the challenge. Let’s pull together in order to reach out. Now is the time to let Christ’s light shine with blinding brilliance. Now is the time to walk through the door of opportunity that is opening into our communities. We can make a difference in the lives of those God has positioned in our circles of influence. Let’s pray asking God to soften our hard hearts and to open our tight fists. Then let’s do whatever He shows us. Our time to act is now.

Make us willing, Lord! Amen.

By Lisa Huddleston

Spurring Each Other On

Lisa Huddleston — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:28:19 -0800

“And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works.”Hebrews 10:24

As I listened to her tale of alienation from “the Church,” I recognized the common themes that many former church members list to explain why they are no longer a part of a body of believers. The judgment she had felt. Her inability to measure up to others’ expectations. The criticism—perceived or real—that had deeply wounded her. I sympathized with many of her feelings and was hard pressed to do more than listen and nod. Yes, church people can be as critical as all people. Yes, often we are too quick to jump to judgment without taking the time to understand. Yes, I could relate to her complaints all too easily.

Yet, as I listened, I kept thinking about the body as Paul described it. How each one of us is a crucial part of the whole. “Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another” (Rom. 12:4-5). I kept thinking, “What good is a thumb without a forefinger? A knee without a leg?” And we smiled at the crazy idea of a body part functioning to its full capacity in isolation.

And then I thought of the many ways other believers have encouraged me. I shared with her that there was a time in my life when I wanted to do it all myself. To be independent in order not to be disappointed or to disappoint others. But without other believers to bump against I didn’t grow much in the “love and good works” departments. It required taking some risks to step into the messiness of relationships, but the gain has been worth the pain. My fellow body parts have caused me to grow in ways I couldn’t have dreamed of. When they move, I am forced to move, too. And the exercise does me good. I am strengthened and encouraged by them, and they are spurred on to actions by the steps that I take.

She smiled discreetly when I said I didn’t want to guess which part of the body I was—I can just imagine she was thinking, “The BIG mouth!” Or maybe something worse. But I hope she could see what Paul and I were getting at. After all, what good is an isolated part of a body? How can we do the good works God has prepared unless we are willing to be the part He has made us to be? And it is for that we need to take the risk of meeting together. God has a purpose for our lives, and we are most fulfilled when we serve His will. It’s a symbiosis that is perfect and complete.

What part of the body are you? Have you gotten in the habit of “staying away from our meetings” (Heb. 10:25). Are you encouraging other believers to “love and good works?” Are you finding the encouragement you need? Come back to the body—this Sunday. We need you as much as you need us. Maybe even more.

Father, thank you for the reminder that each of us is equally important to You. You have designed us to do good works and crafted us to serve in Your body. Place us where You want us, Lord. Use us as You’ve made us. Let us serve where You have purposed us. Amen.

[By Lisa Huddleston]

What’s Up Your Sleeve?

Lisa Huddleston — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:48:01 -0800

““… it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life” Lev. 17:11

My husband is a real funny guy who has a long list of quotations he likes to pull out at what he believes are appropriate moments. One of these quotes is from the old “Rocky and Bullwinkle Show.” Remember the skit between story lines when Bullwinkle would say, “Watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat. Nothin’ up my sleeve,” and then a lion’s head would come roaring out instead? Maybe it was a little funnier on television, but it does make a good point. What are you hiding and how and when might it make an unwelcome appearance? What’s up your sleeve?

There are so many things we choose to conceal from each other. We use make-up to hide blemishes on our skin. We wear clothing designed to hold in the bulges that are too round and pad the places that are too flat. We pull sleeves over the tattoos life has left, and we develop countless shallow relationships to hide our need for real fellowship. We cover insecurity with bravado, ignorance with loud self-assurance, and hide our secret sins behind smiling masks of perfect piety. We sit in our pews, row after row of goofy moose magicians who think we’ve got everything tucked away and hidden from view until every now and then a lion’s head roars out of our sleeves.

Sure, we may be shocked, but, believe it or not, it’s easy to ignore the pain we see in others—and often experience ourselves. Even a roaring lion can be politely overlooked while everything is quickly tucked back in. The hapless magician may not return to his spot in the pew for a while, or ever, but often things return to normal with our secrets securely in place. But we are called to be more than normal. We are called to “an even better way” (1 Cor. 12:31)—the way of Love.

The better way is self-sacrificing. It doesn’t try to hide weakness in order to look good. It’s the way that is patient and kind, not boastful or conceited. It doesn’t rejoice in others’ failures but rather in the truth that is shared with everyone who will listen. It bears all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. And it is the way that can move mountains—even mountains of sin and shame.

Interestingly, Jesus calls Himself “the way” (John 14:6). In Him, there is no need to hide because He knows what’s hidden up our sleeves and loves us anyway. In fact, He covers what we can’t with His own precious blood. That’s what atonement means—to cover, cancel, cleanse, forgive, pardon, purge, and reconcile. The blood of Jesus covers it all so we don’t have to.

The next time a lion roars from the sleeve of your neighbor, or maybe even out from under your own, remember the gracious covering that makes atonement for our lives. We don’t have to hide our failures and pretend to be perfect. Rather we need to reveal our mistakes to the Lord and even to one another. Confessing our weakness gives Jesus the glory He deserves and brings “those who are far away near by the blood of the Messiah” (Eph. 2:13). The truth really will set us free, and it will bring other pretenders out into the light.

Now what’s up your sleeve? Hopefully nothing but the blood of Jesus!

[By Lisa Huddleston]

Celebrate and Remember

Lisa Huddleston — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:20:01 -0800

“This day is to be a memorial for you, and you must celebrate it as a festival to the Lord. You are to celebrate it throughout your generations as a permanent statute.” Exodus 12:14

Over a million people gathered to mark the historic event that took place in our nation’s capitol on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. The inauguration of Barack Obama, our country’s first black president. Those who made the trek to Washington came for varied reasons, but most expressed a desire to witness something that would be remembered for generations. They simply wanted to be there, to celebrate, and to gather memories they could share.

Since Tuesday, I’ve watched many television interviews, read reports in the paper, and noted that most of those who attended the ceremony brought back tangible souvenirs—t-shirts, hats, pins and so on—or saved newspaper headlines to commemorate the day. It was a noteworthy moment in time. A day that will be remembered to children and grandchildren and held dear in the hearts of those who were there for the rest their lives.

As significant as this day was, I can’t help acknowledging the greater meaning of the spiritual works that God has done in our lives. And I wonder if I am doing as much in celebrating these events and passing them on to others as those who attended Tuesday’s ceremony will. I’m afraid not. And remembering God’s works matters. It matters first of all to God. He tells us to remember what He has done and commands us to teach this spiritual history to our children and grandchildren. That was the purpose of the festivals He instituted—to remind the people of His salvation, to allow them to celebrate the power of their God, and to teach their children to worship Him.

Commemorating God’s works also matters in our daily walks as believers. Without our memories of the ways God has worked in the past, each challenge we face can seem insurmountable. How will we manage this time? Who can get us through this illness or this recession or this broken relationship? But when we look at what our God can do and has done—in scripture and in the history of our own lives—we know that nothing is too hard for God. What He has done for us in the past, He is ready and willing to do for us today.

And finally, recounting God’s works matters to those around us. When we celebrate by giving Him due credit for our victories, our strength, our faith, and our purpose, we glorify Him and cause others to recognize His role as Lord in our lives as well as theirs. Our victories point others to Him.

What has God done in your life? How has living for Him made a difference? Have you told anyone lately? You may not have a t-shirt or a pin to mark the occasions of His good works, but you do have a changed life to show as a souvenir. Come on. Let’s remember what God has done, celebrate His good works, and tell somebody else all about Him. It’s a memorial that matters to us all. One that can truly change the world.

Father, You have saved me, empowered me, seen me through sadness, and presented me cause for rejoicing. Give me opportunities to tell of Your good works and use my life to draw others nearer to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

[By Lisa Huddleston]

Turn to Jesus

Lisa Huddleston — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 11:48:00 -0800

“Where can I turn now?” Gen. 37:30

Can you imagine how Reuben felt? Sure, the kid could be obnoxious, but Reuben didn’t plan for things to go this far. He couldn’t believe his brothers had sold Joseph as a slave while he was away. What was he going to do now? How could he ever face his father again? He was devastated. Distraught. All was lost, and Reuben tore his clothes in grief and hopelessness. Nothing could redeem this mess he was in … but God had a plan.

Many years pass, and famine forces Jacob’s sons to go to Egypt to beg food for their families. As Reuben struggles to do all that is required by the Egyptian manager who controls the storehouse, he is shocked to learn that the man in charge is his younger brother, Joseph. Fearing retribution and punishment for the guilt he has born for so long, Reuben receives forgiveness and blessing instead. Joseph has learned God’s ways through the trials he has experienced and tells his brothers, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. Therefore don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your little ones” (Gen. 50. 19-21).

Can you feel Reuben’s shocked relief? They deserved punishment, and they knew it. Joseph could have let them starve to death along with their children. But he showed mercy instead. Love and grace. I see Reuben crying tears of guilt and then of relief and joy. Redeemed! Hopelessness replaced by hope, and God’s good will accomplished through the suffering of one for the salvation of many.

Have you been there? Small steps into dangerous ground have led to a situation that has gotten out of control. Angry words are spoken, and a relationship is frayed. A poor choice is made, and a reputation is ruined. You would erase it if you could, but distress and grief are all you can feel. Like Reuben, your heart cries out, “Where can I turn now?” What a relief to know that the same God who provided blessing in return for Reuben’s guilt is the God to whom we can turn today! Jesus, God with Us, the One who knows how it feels to be human. He has a plan for you, and it is a plan for good and never for evil. Nothing you’ve done has taken Him by surprise, and nothing is beyond the reach of His sufficient grace. Turn to Jesus. Run to Him. He will take care of you.

Father, You alone give hope to the hopeless. Please, draw us to Your side even when we feel as though we have nowhere to turn. Thank You for redeeming our lives while we were yet sinners. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Freedom of Conscience

staff — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:04:00 -0800

It was reported December 19 that President Bush’s administration granted sweeping new protections to health workers who refuse to provide care that violates their personal beliefs. This allows healthcare workers who have a healthy concern for unborn babies to refuse participating in ending human life through abortion. As a country that believes in freedom of the press and of religion, certainly our citizens should be able to exercise their conscience without harassment from the government.

Thank God for those people who followed their conscience, even though they paid a personal price. People who have the right conscience have done brave things to protect human life and see that justice is done.

There were Hugh Thompson, Lawrence Colburn and Glenn Andreotta, crewmembers of a helicopter that flew a mission over My Lai, Viet Nam, as a massacre was taking place on March 16, 1968. It took them a while to catch on that American troops were killing unarmed civilians. When Thompson, the pilot realized what was happening, he placed his helicopter between 10 Vietnamese civilians and the troops. He approached the officer in charge to let him know that he, Thompson, was going to get those people out of there and his crew was prepared to fire on the Americans if they tried stop him. With the help of another American helicopter, the civilians were lifted to safety.

When he got back to his base, Thompson reported what was happening on the ground (over 400 civilians killed). The report got to headquarters and the four-day operation was ended on the first day. Without his action and report, the unnecessary killing could have gone on for three more days.

There was a price to be paid though. The army was reluctant to give credit to these soldiers and fellow soldiers were very critical of these who are considered heroes today. In 1998, thirty years later, the Army honored the three men with the prestigious Soldier’s Medal, the highest award for bravery not involving conflict with an enemy. It was a posthumous award for Andreotta, who had been killed in battle three weeks after My Lai.

There is another incident from the Viet Nam War that was later made into a movie, Casualties of War, starring Michael J. Fox and Sean Penn. The name of the hero was changed to Sven Eriksson to protect him from those who think he did the wrong thing. The wrong he did was to report what happened on a five-man patrol of which he was a member. The patrol raped and murdered a young Viet Namese woman. Eriksson was the only one who refused to participate though his sergeant threatened him. He later was plagued by doubts that he probably could have done more to save her life. What he did do was to report to his chain of command. He wanted justice done and the young woman remembered. The chain of command was unresponsive until he contacted an Army chaplain who got the investigation going that resulted in the conviction of the other four men of the patrol.

There is a need also for people of conviction in the business field. There was a Christian woman, Sherron Watkins, who was an Enron vice-president. She tried to get it known that the doctoring of the accounting books at Enron would cause serious problems; and indeed, the company, seventh largest in the country, folded, resulting in Enron stockholders and employees losing multiple millions of dollars.

Sherron came to the company in 1993, but by 1996 she saw that the accounting procedures used were not the standard procedures. She reported what she saw to her division’s chain of command, but she got nowhere.

In 2001 she realized that what was happening was a “complex fraudulent accounting scheme” and that officers of the company were making millions off this scheme. She met with Ken Lay, chairman of the company. He didn’t want to hear it and later he tried to find a way to get her fired.

Congress, in its investigation, discovered memos that Sherron had written to Ken Lay about the fraudulent practices. Congress called her to testify to them about what she knew.

Sherron said that if she had falsified her expense accounts, then she would not have been able to confront Ken Lay. She knew that she had to live with integrity in her actions also. She knew, as a Christian, that she couldn’t keep silent about what she knew.

These are just a very few examples of people who have taken a stand for life and what is right, who have a healthy conscience. I find it interesting that in these examples, religion played a significant role in the hero’s life. People of strong convictions will usually stand up, even when the cost can be great. Government action though can help others to stand up and say “No more!”

I think President Bush has taken an important step in helping people of conscience to take a stand. Will incoming President Obama help those who value human life and say no to their participation in taking human life?

[Written and submitted by Kent Matthews of Indiana]