A Recovery Guide for forming accountability groups. To recognize self defeating ways of communicating. To create accountability through study and journaling in a support group setting. To gain insight, perspective and resilience and lessen frustration, despair and isolation. To grow in integrity and strength of character and turn from neglect or abuse to genuine fellowship with God and His people. This is a supplement, not a replacement to Celebrate Recovery. See more at: jackandcarla-youtube
The 12th Step and the 8th Principle in Recovery aren't really about substance abuse. They are about survival.
They are about finding ways to GIVE to others with actions and words that display practical encouragement and REALISTIC HOPE.
Bill Wilson, founder of AA described it well when He stated,
"He could only remain sober when he sought to help others who were struggling. People struggling like HE WAS. This is how he was able to stop the destruction in his life and in the lives of those around him.
He did it by working his own recovery among other strugglers. By both Leading and Following.
The story below is an excellent practical Illustration of this type of giving back.
It comes from World War II Germany during the time of the Holocaust.
The unknow writer from Crown Heights, New York, describes an elderly Jewish man named, Yankel, who owned a bakery near his home. Yankel was young when he survived the camps.
The story illustrates the critical, "HOW," he was able to survive.
“You know why it is that I’m alive today? I was a kid, just a teenager at the time. We were on the train, in a boxcar, being taken to Auschwitz. Night came and it was freezing, deathly cold, in that boxcar.
The Germans would leave the cars on the side of the tracks overnight, sometimes for days on end without any food, and of course, no blankets to keep us warm,” he said. “Sitting next to me was an older Jew – this beloved elderly Jew - from my hometown I recognized, but I had never seen him like this. He was shivering from head to toe, and looked terrible.
So I wrapped my arms around him and began rubbing him, to warm him up. I rubbed his arms, his legs, his face, his neck. I begged him to hang on. All night long; I kept the man warm this way.
I was tired, I was freezing cold myself, my fingers were numb, but I didn’t stop rubbing the heat on to this man’s body. Hours and hours went by this way. Finally, night passed, morning came, and the sun began to shine. There was some warmth in the cabin, and then I looked around the car to see some of the other Jews in the car. To my horror, all I could see were frozen bodies, and all I could hear was a deathly silence.
Nobody else in that cabin made it through the night – they died from the frost. Only two people survived: the old man and me…
The old man survived because somebody kept him warm; I survived because I was warming somebody else…”
The 12th Step and 8th Principle, They are about SURVIVING.... TOGETHER..... NOW.......
With a REAL HOPE of thriving in the future.
It is about HEALING in the places where we are dying.
This principle is also played out repeatedly in a similar story in the movie, "The Book Thief." Well worth the watch on Hulu or other places.
There is a vast difference between discriminating against a person... and refusing to participate in an event.
True acts of discrimination are done against people, not events or symbols.
The one who chooses not to participate...
(in a wedding ceremony, or a patriotic tradition)
May hold strong views about the event but still may have high regard for the people involved.
President Trump has expressed outrage and a desire to impose financial punishments on the football protesters, as do the Colorado Civil Rights Commission toward the Cake Maker who won against them in the Supreme Court.
Both rage from their populist and elitist positions. Both instill fear through threats and the divisive controversy they sew, as do Mr. Knight of NIKE who chose to promote the Kaepernick controversy, and the couples who sought financial exploits rather than a cake through the referrals Jack offered.
And we on the sidelines cheer or rage compliantly oblivious to the greed, avarice and disregard of our leaders.
That leaves only Kaepernick and Philips; both standing for their principles. But only one initiated a public protest, and won a lucrative advertising contract. Only one was incessantly publicized and catapulted to the status of an American Hero, becoming the,"Citizen of the Year," of the publication shown.
While the other created history by going to the Supreme Court in his battle for freedom of expression, AND WON! And the was mostly ignored by our press like the Pro-Life Women who were considered unfit for the Woman's March and shunned.
So you say you never heard of the story about Jack Philips?
These questions were on the doorstep of the U.S. Supreme Court and in the mind of Jack Phillips as his case, the Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission was reviewed.
In Colorado, the Colorado Civil Rights Commission had ruled that that bakers could refuse to bake cakes that included Biblical messages for events like weddings, but could be forced to create cakes for same-sex events. It also forced many that were not compliant to take compulsory "re-education," classes as mandated in the state's anti-discrimination laws.
It is ofen even worse in Europe. In Northern Ireland, Lord Chief Justices Morgan, Weatherup and Weir recently refused an appeal by Asher Family Bakery and upheld the Northern Ireland Equality Commission charges in support of gay rights activist Gareth Lee.
Asher Family Bakery had declined to make a cake promoting the advancement of same sex marriage in Northern Ireland, where it is currently illegal. The bakery was found guilty of discrimination of persons as well as being discriminatory in their politics and was fined heavily.Jack Phillips refusal also occurred before the legalization of same-sex marriage in Colorado.'
Jack's is a story of discrimination by religious persecution like many others listed in the first and last links. One where he continues to be targeted by activist forces in Colorado's Government. Jack is the one who fought successfully in the Supreme Court to protect your freedoms. Thank you Jack!
And... Thank you President Trump for resisting those who attempt to circumvent the public argument through litigation. See his response at https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-administration-backs-baker-who-refused-to-make-wedding-cake-for-gay-couple-1504843234
...to hear directly from Jack and similar people who are involved watch, ...
starting at minute 9 as well as others like them by clicking the first link.
Shortly After the Last Election....
People Magazine reported on a fashion designer's refusal to work with Melania Trump. Was this discrimination?
Could her garments be seen as symbols of an acceptance of Trump's behavior or his political views? Could they be interpreted as endorsements. Designer, Sophie Theallet thought so and refused to work with Melania. In her view she was taking a “stand against all discrimination and prejudice.” But was this choice an act of discrimination and prejudice?
Here is one of Sophie's Designs on a past customer.
Should Sophie's political beliefs due to her conscience be protected? What about the religious and political beliefs of her neighbors due to their consciences? Should they be ignored?
Why not bakers and photographers, who, because of their religious beliefs, have politely but firmly declined to provide service for gay weddings.
They have not declined service to homosexuals. They have just made it clear that they cannot morally participate in a Ceremony that goes against their religious principles.
Not a rejection of a person as a person, but participation in an activity.
Consider Barronelle Stutzman, a florist in Washington who has served and employed people of all backgrounds, including homosexuals, for her entire career. However, after she declined to provide flowers for a homosexual wedding, in accordance with her faith, both the ACLU and Washington state attorney general have sued not just her business, but her personally.
Why we sued our favorite florist: Marriage equality must be truly equal
Discrimination hurts, and anyone who’s ever been singled out or rejected for being perceived as “different” knows it’s exhausting to keep shoring yourself up when other people try to cut you down.
As Plaintiffs Curt Freed and Robert Ingersoll explain , "Why we sued our favorite florist: Marriage equality must be truly equal" In the Seattle Times
Consider Aaron and Melissa Klein, Bakers in Oregon? They baked a cake for a woman who was so happy with their work that she and her partner asked Melissa to bake their wedding cake. The Kleins politely explained that due to their faith, they could not endorse a wedding that violated their beliefs. In response, the state sued them, put a legal order on them banning them from talking about their desire to work according to their faith, and said they “needed rehabilitation.” The fine the state assessed and the subsequent hate mail and threats forced the Klein’s to close their business and led Aaron Klein to go to work as a sanitation worker to pay their bills.
I am glad that Melania Trump is not an activist and that she avoided the option to punish or persecute. I am glad that she used her freedom to hire someone else and allowed Sophia the Liberty of free expression of her conscience.
But isn't Theallet refusing to serve the Trumps as persons, and this not related to any specific activity. Isn't she refusing to serve them in all venues, not just the inauguration?.... Isn't this the true meaning of discrimination? These are the questions on the doorstep of the U.S. Supreme Court and in the mind of Jack Phillips as his case in the Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission is now being reviewed. . In Colorado, the Colorado Civil Rights Commission held that bakers could refuse to bake cakes for customers who wanted cakes with Biblical messages, while forcing others to create wedding cakes for same-sex events, as well as forcing compliance with compulsory "re-education” for any who questioned the state's anti-discrimination law. . In Northern Ireland, Lord Chief Justices Morgan, Weatherup and Weir recently refused an appeal by Asher Family Bakery and upheld the Northern Ireland Equality Commission charges in support of gay rights activist Gareth Lee.
See full Interview of Mr Asher in Ireland on video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR7xc-OKAf0&t=628s . Asher Family Bakery had declined to make a cake promoting the advancement of same sex marriage in Northern Ireland, where it is currently illegal. The bakery was found guilty of discrimination of persons as well as being discriminatory in their politics and was fined heavily.
Jack Phillips refusal also occurred before the legalization of same-sex marriage in Colorado.
Until recently, America gave high precedence to conscientious objection.
. Religious liberty is much more than the freedom to attend church, synagogue, or mosque. It is the freedom to actually live out your religious beliefs. . The Liberty Bell got its name from being rung July 8, 1776, to called the citizens of Philadelphia together to hear the Liberties declared in our Declaration of Independence as it was read out loud for the first time! . My hope is that civil discourse leading to representative legislation will soon return as our chief form of legal communication. . Hopefully we will rise from the wallow of activist coercion and embrace the values of cooperative effort and mutual respect.
Although badly flawed, my hope is that Liberty will ring true for everyone.
Misunderstanding and Persecuting
Not so new
"Pilgrim's Progress," by John Bunyan's was penned in 1678 and translated into more than 200 languages. It is a Christian allegory like the Lord of the Rings, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe of today. Many consider it the first complete novel written into English, the most widely read book next to the Bible. Much of the story was written while Bunyan was incarcerated for holding unapproved religious services. The video clip below follows a portion of the story in modernized language.
The full title is: The Pilgrim's Progress from This World, to That Which Is to Come
Is the criticism justified? Were his actions right or wrong?
Should he shed his identity to follow the dictates of our culture? When a man suffered an apparent heart attack on a flight from Atlanta to Phoenix, Tim Tebow emerged from the first-class section and helped comfort his family. Erik Dellenbach, executive director of the Tim Tebow Foundation, tells the Florida Times-Union that the former NFL quarterback prayed with the family and other passengers after the medical emergency on the Sunday night, June 26, 2016 flight. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, FIle)
Read the story of seizing, rather than avoiding the moment.
What do you think of this story and... THE LINKS below,
WHO HAS THE RIGHT TO
FREELY EXPRESS
THEIR DEEPLY HELD BELIEFS?
.
In upholding the suspension of coach Kennedy the Court sent
a clear message... some right are protected..... and some are not...
.
The Court ruled that an employer could limit an employees actions....
We all have the freedom of expression.... But there may be consequences....
.
It is very obvious that while in uniform, at a school sponsored event representing the school district, Coach Kennedy chose to follow a personal agenda and ignore the school guidelines that limited his freedom.
.But what if the prayers were student led? What if he expressed openness to allow multiple student lead groups on the field at the same time, and provided written guidelines for their safety. What if he led activities during off time in mixed groups that included other family and community members?
.
In other word... What if he worked within the framework of his present liberties?
.
But wasn't he just, "Show-Boating?" Why does he have to act so differently? Shouldn't he just cow-tow and do what is expected of him?
.
At my graduation from Nursing School, I was asked to help MC the graduation ceremony. I wanted to say a prayer, and when I spoke to my peers about it I was told that they did not want me to.
.
When I asked them , "Why," my peers told me it was not allowed in the public setting.
.
I contacted a Supreme Court Attorney and he sent literature showing our rights as students in a public ceremony. After sharing these facts...
.
... all of my peers were accepting of the prayer that I had written........
.
and many were excited about this, "New Freedom," asking for copies for a keepsake to have with their diploma.
.
Have you been indoctrinated with a false message of fear? Do you know and stand in the facts of your freedoms? Or tremble in the shifting shadows of political correctness?
.
I attended a commemoration ceremony of a teacher who was killed on his bike by a texting driver. Over a thousand attended. He was a person of faith, uncompromising in his words and actions and if asked, happy to share his values. He had literature available for the borrowing and a Bible on his desktop for his own personal reading. He like so many others was very warm and supportive of his students even to the point of having a special personal greeting... "I love you in a positive sort of way," That was who he was and he did not forfeit his identity when he became a school representative.
.
His life, modeled his own identity and respect for the diversity of others. In his time, he was fortunate enough to find ways of doing both within the boundaries of his employment. May we all be so fortunate.... and if not may we have the courage to live out our values as best we can to the benefit of those we serve.
.
PS. If you are a person of faith, please pray for my friend Jonathan who is engaged in a battle with leukemia. His father is the man I mentioned above.
Prayer Wins! Victory for Coach Kennedy at the U.S. Supreme Court
In a 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the right of former high school football coach Joe Kennedy to take a knee in quiet prayer after football games. Importantly, today’s decision respects the Constitutional rights of all public-school teachers and coaches to engage in a brief, personal prayer in public.
Floyd's Corkins Jr. is an accomplished college student
holding a Masters Degree. He is also an LGBT volunteer
activist who demonstrated the depth of his conviction
in WA DC as he took the actions that he felt were justified based on the accounts provided by the Southern Poverty Law Center who provided the reasons for hate and the locations of his targets. Fortunately the Family Research Council was first on his list.
SUPPORT or CONQUEST...
WHICH SOCIAL MESSAGE DO YOU EMBRACE?
As a support group leader I have met many like Rosario Butterfield and have discovered that genuine support does not reject one identity to embrace another. It simply supports people as people, and sees struggle as struggle.
The Family Research Council (FRC) is also committed to supporting individuals and families. They sponsored the talk in the video link above. The FRC experienced a home grown terrorist attack in 2012, but the news failed to follow the story.
The (FRC) was labeled as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center for acknowledging the kind of support that Rosario experienced from her pastor. Both Rosario Butterfield and Floyd Corkins were receiving support from LGBT community. Both were activist for the LGBT cause, both highly educated, but each of their paths went in dramatically different directions.
Click the link directly below to hear Rosario tell her story at the FRC.
Below is the path Corkins felt compelled to follow in response the the SPLC website Hate Map. He had selected four sites to attack with a stated plan.... "To kill as many as possible."
On Aug. 15, 2012 Floyd Corkins, who holds a Masters Degree from George Mason University and volunteered at the Wasnington DC LGBT Center entered the Family Research Council Building and shot the building manager Loe Johnson who stopped him from accessing the elevator. Corkins carried a 9mm semiautomatic pistol, two additional loaded magazines and an additional box of 50 rounds of ammunition. The FBI report that Corkins' stated plan was to kill the people at the (FRC) and then those present at three other religious organizations also labeled by the (SPLC) as, "Hate Groups." Johnson wrestled him to the ground and kept him from harming others even after being shot.
see commentaries of attack, motives, responses, sentencing and other outcomes at:
THE IDEA OF REVERENCE for a spark of inate human brotherhood or divinity was the assumption of Johanathan Swift when he wrote, "A Modest Proposal" back in 1729. Swift wrote about the plight of poor children in the United Kingdom.
Nancy Pelosi also presented it in reference to immigrants as a response to President Trump's animal statement depicting the brutal gang members of MS13. The essay by Swift continues to be required reading in many schools.
I posted in reference to Nancy's statements and recent updates in the 2015 case where reporters with concealed cameras documented Planned Parenthood executives talking about profiting from the harvesting of fetal body parts in their clinics. A reality nearly as gruesome as Swift's fictional satire.
As in Swift's time, those outraged by the disclosure attacked the whistle blowers, and the topic was quickly dismissed from public attention.
Instead of social change in the 1700's, it lead to jokes among leadership elites about ways to brutally extract even more profit from the children of the poor in the British Isles.
Approximately 200 years later, an American simile occurred on April 28th at Washington DC Correspondent's Event. There speakers laughed and normalized the shaming of women and those that coerced them to abort their offspring. (Minute 8:14 - 8:48) at (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDbx1uArVOM)
In 2015 I had written a brief essay about Planned Parenthood and a potential for "change" through Presidential power under President Obama in light of the disclosures revealed in the undercover videos. The essay, tittled...
"Imposed Choice; A Modest Proposal" and it's corresponding video presenting Obama's position during his campaign and Planned Parenthood statements as well as some history on the legalization of abortion in America. It can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc7nB8Z7S2L_ALQLTu7QahOkVjO2Zb5Py
To see updates on the punishments recieved by the Obama era whistleblowers, scroll down to the second comment.
To hear an audio of Jonathan Swift's short essay click this link: (directly below).
Judge Fines David Daleiden $137,000 for Exposing Planned Parenthood Selling Aborted Baby Parts... Steven Ertelt, Micaiah Bilger July 19, 2017 https://www.lifenews.com/2017/07/19/judge-fines-david-daleiden-137000-for-exposing-planned-parenthood-selling-aborted-baby-parts/ Judge Orrick’s contempt order awards approximately $137,000 to the National Abortion Federation for attorney fees and for alleged staff time to scour the internet looking for links to the Daleiden videos. (Pro-life Activists behind Undercover Planned Parenthood Videos Suffer Legal Setback By MAIREAD MCARDLE April 6, 2018) The reporter behind the undercover videos of executives in the abortion industry discussing the harvesting of fetal organs will continue to fight the gag order on the rest of the videos, after the Supreme Court rejected their appeal on Monday.... Daleiden was held in contempt of court last year after he posted one of the gagged videos showing an abortionist admitting that the fetus is “a person,” and abortion is “killing.” Other videos show abortion officials haggling over the price of fetal body parts with the activists, who posed as organ buyers. source:
