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A Nation of Haters by AChuckALLEN

I read the following statistics in one of my favorite newsletters from Dr. Jim Denison. In the stats, one significant truth leaps off of the page. That stat? That we are nation that is not only radically divided, but we are a country that is rapidly growing in hate.

A recent survey found that 61 percent of Democrats view Republicans as “racist/bigoted/sexist”; 31 percent of Republicans feel the same way about Democrats. Fifty-four percent of Democrats consider Republicans to be “ignorant”; 49 percent of Republicans feel the same way about Democrats. And 44 percent of Democrats consider Republicans to be “spiteful”; 54 percent of Republicans feel this way about Democrats.

“Only 4 percent of each party consider the other party to be “fair.” Three percent of Democrats and 4 percent of Republicans consider the other party to be “thoughtful.” Two percent of Democrats and 3 percent of Republicans consider the other party to be “kind.”

In 1958, 33 percent of Democrats wanted their daughters to marry a Democrat; 25 percent of Republicans wanted their daughters to marry a Republican. In 2016, 60 percent of Democrats and 63 percent of Republicans felt that way.

Why is our political culture so vehemently divided? Is there anything we can do to change the vitriol of our day?“

If you are over 50 years of age, you might be tempted to think that this is generational and it must be those “millinneials.” If you are under 40 years of age, you might think that the problem must be the old guard. If you are under 30 years of age, you might think that it’s our time to fix this mess. And if you are under 20 years of age, you might actually have the guts to change this mess. All of that rant is simply my beliefs, but seriously…We are on the edge of implosion as a nation that is theoretically “Under God.”

Here are four ways that I think each of us can contribute to the solution of this nation of growing haters:

• Stop taking any source of national news as truth. Please note that I said ANY SOURCE. If you lean right, Fox News is gospel. If you lean left, CNN is gospel. Instead of commentary, find the simple facts and ask the Lord of all Creation for wisdom to know the difference.

• Engage the people in your spheres of influence and relationships with positive talk about what is good in this world, in your world and in the present moment. My grandmother was on point when she said, “if you don’t have anything good to say, it’s your fault.”

• Go do good work! Help serve hungry people. Mentor marginalized kids and families. Give your time to worthy and honorable charities. Prop up and join organizations, churches, schools and businesses that are attempting to make the world a better and safer place, without postering for political camera time.

• Start your day with gratitude. Nothing will change your attitude, conversations and actions more than sincere gratitude. I start every single day by writing down three things that I am grateful for right in that moment. They aren’t often lofty or benevolent, but they are sincere. And by the way, my gratitude is always pointed to the one that provides me life that day.

• Go change the part of this world that you can influence for good.
• Don’t grow weary in doing good.
• Please don’t get sucked into the vortex of negative, hate-filled speech.
• Determine to make your day awesome, regardless of the rest of the world’s fights.

PEACE, AChuck

I love to share good reads, learnings, listens and reviews with friends and followers. So, thanks for subscribing to me 4forFRIDAY BLOG. This week’s 4forFRIDAY includes a great read, a fun date night, a solid dinner spot and a great new study Bible that I am enjoying.

A Chuck’s 4forFRIDAY 02-22-2019

A Really Great Novel: The Tatttooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

I read this book in four nights and loved it. It’s got some World War II history, a little espionage and a love story all in one book. The Tattooist of Auschwitz is based on the true story of love and survival. It will have you captured before you finish chapter one!

A Really Fun Date Night: Bury the Hatchett

Okay, I know you are all wondering about this one. But really, this is so stinking fun! You make a reservation, show up a few minutes early to sign a waiver and listen to the rules. You are then put into teams and from about 15 feet you truly throw an axe at a target painted on a wall of 2×10’s. I promise you’ll have so much fun. Guy or gal can win at this!

A Really Good Dinner Spot: Branch and Barrel at Avalon

We ate here on Valentine’s Night and loved it. It’s a small place, so you might want to make reservations on Open Table. The steak was great. The grouper was awesome and the atmosphere was cozy. What more could you want?

A New Study Bible I am Loving: The Filament Bible

This is the best of both print and digital worlds. The hard copy New Living Translation is what I preach from most often. I love the single column type style because it has so much room for notes. Add to that, the app which works on iPad or iPhone. You simply download the free app, point your camera at the page number and a host of bible study tools appear on your device. It’s awesome!

A Quote from Andrew Murray

“Each time, before you intercede, be quiet first, and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things!”

The Weekday Podcast and the Weekday Meditation

The Podcast is a 5 minute/day, 5 days/week Bible devotion that is a great word of encouragement.

The Meditation is about 7 minutes/day, 5/days/week and is designed to give you a combined and guided prayer and meditation experience.

Both of these resources are available on the Sugar Hill Church APP or WeekdayPodcast.com & WeekdayMeditation.com

Peace, AChuck

Two Lessons Learned Already in 2019 by AChuckAllen

It’s not even February and I’ve already had two big AHA’s in 2019.

There seem to be seasons in our life that we are more pliable and more teachable than other seasons. I’m in one of those these seasons. And I am so glad. In these times, I am constantly growing and being stretched we’ll beyond my comfort level.

Between my personal coach and the coaching received through the Business Accelerator group of the Michael Hyatt Company, I’ve learned a ton. I’ve learned a great deal about me, and I’ve learned TWO THINGS about how to have the best year ever!

I trust that they might help you as well.

1. Whatever you are “selling”, you better be the first buyer. We are all offering something to this world. We offer products, services, solutions, provisions, love, understanding, and plenty more. I find myself in the role of offering TRANSFORMATION! My purpose and my role is to encourage folks with a better way and a better life. If I’m to succeed, I better be the first adopter of the transformative power found in trusting, resting, and walking with the Divine.
2. This world is dying from a lack of clarity and purpose. I’ve come to know that clarity isn’t found in the consumption of more information or knowledge. Clarity is best discovered in the quietude of daily meditation. And purpose is not passed on to us from a sage on a stage or a chat with a therapist. Our purpose is right in front of us as we seek quietude and solitude with a listening soul for the Creator. That’s one of the many reasons that I’ve launched WeekdayMeditation.com A simple guided meditation designed for daily peace and direction.

The moment that any of us cease to have a willing desire to learn is the moment that we surrender our right to lead.

Let me make it easy for you. LISTEN each weekday for an encouragement from WeekdayPodcast.com and ENGAGE with the Divine each weekday at WeekdayMeditation.com

–AChuck

Of Walls and Shutdowns

I’m neither for or against a wall. I do not presume to understand the issues around the wall. As a matter of fact, like all great challenges, the further you away you are from the problem, the simpler the solution seems. And the closer you are to the issue, the more complicated the solution seems to become.

I also do not understand why it is so simple to shut down thousands of employees and families from a month of wages while bickering over the promises of a wall.

Jenny was volunteering at a local co-op the other day when an IRS employee, which had recently moved her family to the area came in for assistance. She literally moved and had yet to be paid, while three alleged adults argued over campaign promises and party lines. I’m sure there is more to it, but really? Can we not find, in this great land of ours, civil servants that are not overwhelmed with the notion of self importance and reelection?

Maybe I cannot see past the foolishness of petty bickering, finger pointing and party sabotage that is now a normal course of action in our nation’s capital. And then, I look into the mirror and wonder what one person can do.

The answer isn’t complicated. I can bring my request for wisdom, clarity and sensibility to the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. I can plead with the next generation of leaders to set aside their personal desire for fame and fortune and seek the greater good of mankind. The greater effort of caring for the poor, marginalized and hungry that seem to continue swelling in numbers as we fight over who has learned or not learned a lesson.

Mr. President, I believe you were elected to shake up a status quo government, not to pitch fits, post tweets or spar with the Speaker of the House. And Speaker Pelosi, this non stop and childish argument needs to stop. And Mr. Senate Majority Leader Schumer, could you please just hush?

It is well past time to grow up and lead. The greatest leader of all time once said, “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.” It’s impossible to serve others, especially those in need, while clinging to selfish attitudes.

The more broken our world, the more relevant our faith. When you and I find positive ways to make a practical difference in the lives we influence, we sow the seed of hope and peace, while planting trees we may never sit under.

But then, I’m pretty far from the challenge. Aren’t you glad I’m not in charge?

Pray for our country and our leaders today!

–AChuck