UPDATED: Governor Palin's Faith Matters; Why?

By Adrienne Ross - www.motivationtruth.com



Liberal heads often spin wildly whenever Governor Palin talks about her faith--or when someone else talks about her faith. Those who would have us believe they are the most tolerant of them all are really not very tolerant at all, especially when it comes to faith, and more so when it comes to Governor Palin and her faith. She has been called a wacko and a religious nut, among other things. As sad as it is, I have come to expect that from some on the Left. The only part that baffles me is that many so-called progressives claim to be Christians themselves. However, they have remained silent whenever she is attacked for her faith. I find that...well, strange.

Much was made of the Governor's Pentecostal upbringing, and, again, those on the Left--some of whom have Pentecostal upbringings themselves--contracted laryngitis. Not a sound out of them when cartoons emerged to make a mockery of the faith, when journalists reported on what they considered weird worship, and when tons of debate ensued about "What exactly does Sarah Palin believe? Is she really a Pentecostal? Does she speak in tongues?" Oh my goodness! Run!

Meanwhile, President Obama appointed a Pentecostal minister to run the Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships and nobody seemed to have a problem with it--no sneaking into the man's church trying to grab a soundbite of somebody speaking in tongues, no degrading cartoon about the man's beliefs, nothing like that at all. In fact, this is the first some of you have heard of it because no big deal was made out of it--nor should there have been. But Governor Palin wasn't afforded the same respect. If you're so inclined, you can read about President Obama's appointment to the faith-based office here, but again, it shouldn't be news.

For some reason, however, Governor Palin's bold declaration of faith remains an issue. I still get emails from blog readers who demean our Christian faith for no other reason, I suppose, than it contradicts their own lifestyles. Why else would it warrant such vitriol? I mean, if no one is forcing anything upon you, why would you be angry about what someone else believes? Live and let live, right?

What annoys me even more than people who mock her faith, though, are the people who support the Governor but find it necessary to downplay her faith. I'm like, why?! It's who she is. Does she force her faith on anyone? No. Does she have a record of governing as a Christian dictator? No. But you do her no favor by trying to water down her faith. In fact, I dare say it's insulting. After all, it is, as she says, her "be all, end all," and that requires no explaining away.

On the other hand, there are so many people who embrace Governor Palin, in large part, because of her faith. That is a truth that cannot be refuted. So it begs the question: why? What is it about knowing that she is a Christian that makes other Christians so enthused? Remember, I was right there at the table with her in Rochester, NY. I heard all the people coming through the line--some with a Scripture, with an "I'm praying for you." She, too, wished God's blessings on them and told them, "Intercession is so appreciated."

While preaching Wednesday night, my pastor mentioned the Governor. His message was about making strong moral decisions ahead of time so that when circumstances arise we have already determined to do what's right. He used her as an example of a person who made up her mind to put Christ first, who would not sell out her faith in Christ for some other prize. That is what she represents to so many of us.

Governor Palin is not, in her own words, shy about her faith in Christ. And why should she be? When asked about prayer, she answers without hesitation. When interviewed about Godly leadership, as you see in the video above, she speaks from the heart of its importance. Whenever questioned about how she has managed to face challenges, to remain standing through all the ups and downs, the darts and arrows that come her way, she answers, "God strengthens me." Those who despise any reference to God are thrown into a tailspin by her answers. Why can't she say something else, something more appropriate, something more politically correct? And right there, I've touched on what separates her from so many. She answers with truth. And the truth is that she knows it is God Who brings her through, Who is her source, Who is her strength. So why would she answer any other way? This transparency and boldness are why so many are so excited about her. You've heard it before, and it is true: she is a breath of fresh air!

We are aware, too, that our country is at a crucial point in its history. We long for someone who knows that with all her accomplishments, with all her experience, with all her support, still it will take God's hand of protection, His direction, and His grace to take us where we need to go. We feel an urgency for someone who will humble herself and pray. We know we have that in Governor Palin--a person who believes in prayer, a person who asks for prayer, and person who has committed herself to prayer. And speaking for myself, when I think of a leader with that kind of understanding and faith in Christ, I am that much more excited to support her, that much more determined to defend her, and, of course, I am that much more committed to praying for her.


Thanks, Sinistar, for help with the video.

*UPDATE: I told you heads spin whenever people discuss faith, especially Governor Palin's faith.

Now, I've had a Youtube account for months now, and I have never had more than 2 comments in all that time. Today, I got 17 (and they're still coming)--all left in response to this video where the Governor talks about Godly leadership. I warn you some are rather demeaning and downright sick. Isn't it something that the thought of faith in Christ brings out the devil in some people? And these are the tolerant people, unlike those Christians who are so mean and hateful!

What I love about Governor Palin is she's been at this long enough to know when she gave the interview that Liberal heads would spin, but she's bold enough to speak the truth nonetheless. Like I said, she's a breath of fresh, fearless, unapologetic air.

I decided to post the comments here, though normally I would not do so, just so you can see what we have to deal with, how the mere mention of faith just makes people dizzy, and aggressive, and hateful. But again, they call Christians intolerant. The truth is what I always said it was: many of the attacks against Governor Palin have more to do with a spiritual battle than anything else. Demonic, plain and simple, but she's dangerous?!? Pray, America. Pray.

Here are the comments left in response to this harmless video about the importance of humbling ourselves and praying:

--Superstitious goddiots make me sick!
--wow...she's trying so hard to be articulate and yet, she's still ****ing up.
--The US is heading down a road to theocracy! Be careful voters, for you may get what you wish for.
--she doesn't have all the answers, unless it's what god wants then she totally knows!
--How did she get to be so stupid?
--Yes, politicians should be humble enough to base their decision making on a higher intelligence. Science that is. "God" doesn't answer to your stupid little prayers concerning health care and global warming. Scientists do, and they're much, much more intelligent than you are. So go ahead and listen to them.
--"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony
Google: "Creating God in one's own image + scienceblogs" for research on this.
--My earlier views at the unsoundness of the Christian scheme of salvation and the human origin of the scriptures, have become clearer and stronger with advancing years and I see no reason for thinking I shall ever change them.
--Unfortunately God was not kind to Sarah at her birth when he was passing out intellect.
--A safer and more prosperous nation if we get back to our founding principals?
Does she realize that the first half century of our country was spent eliminating the natives who were put here by God?
--Palin = Stupid.
Is she in denial of the fact that there are millions of non-Christians in America?
Major lol.
--Is this real!?
How can it be that this woman possibly be a potential 2012 presidential candidate?
--A very dangerous idea from a very dangerous idiot
--I'm gonna throw up.
--News flash: Abraham Lincoln did not believe in the God of any religion, he was a deist.
--Good grief, she really is a proper nut job isn't she? Not an original, or true, idea in her head... just illogical, vague, religious rhetoric that never as to be proved.
--I really cannot stand this stupid biatch.

But who can blame these people, right? I mean, after a video that vile, she deserved it, didn't she?!! Hmmm...

In reference to the "New flash" about President Lincoln, yes, he did call for prayer and fasting, as the governor said:

And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord:

[...]

It behooves us then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.

Read the rest of his PROCLAMATION APPOINTING A NATIONAL FAST DAY here.

* Bumped

Going Rogue: first impressions

One of the first things I noticed about Sarah Palin's book, Going Rogue: An American Life, was the picture on the back of the dust cover. It so succinctly sums up Sarah Palin the leader: smiling, confident, with a sheaf of papers and her Blackberry in one hand, her husband Todd at her right hand, leading a group of staffers down a hallway to the 2008 debate with Joe Biden. The men are all smiling, some clapping.

Looking through the two sections of color photos inside the book is almost like looking through a stack of photos with Sarah's handwritten annotations on the back of each one.

The book opens on that fateful day at the 2008 Alaska State Fair when everything changed, then flashes back to Sarah's childhood, growing up, meeting Todd. The early years were sweet, rugged, small town, full of hard work, hard play, love, and Christian faith. Having vacationed for two weeks in 2008 in southern Alaska, I am somewhat familiar with many of the places mentioned: Seward, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Mount McKinley, Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley.

The book is an easy, engaging, and even inspirational read. I'll be making observations occasionally as I work through Chapter 1 and the rest of the book. I hope that you'll join me by adding your own comments.

Going Rogue: NY Times Best Sellers List--Again

By Adrienne Ross - www.motivationtruth.com

For the second consecutive week, Governor Palin's Going Rogue is Number 1 on the New York Times Best Sellers list for hardcover nonfiction.

If you want to know what all the hype is about, you'd better get your copy!

Congratulations, Governor.

(H/T C4P)

Yes, Mr. Brown, I DID Read the Book

I received this link from a friend who told me I would enjoy this article. I wrote him back and told him that I did not enjoy it. Mr. Brown, like the other lamestream media types, just doesn’t “get it.” Here are parts of his article and my reasons for recognizing that Mr. Brown, father of CNN’s Campbell Brown, doesn’t “get it.”

Did you actually read Sarah Palin’s new book, Going Rogue? Sure it’s a national best seller. I had no plans to buy it. Nothing against Sarah. I really liked the Newsweek cover with Sarah in her jogging shorts. (She’s running-probably for President. Get it?) I wasn’t planning to shell out $28.99 to have Sarah talk me through a moose stew, but a friend gave me the book. So over a quiet Thanksgiving holiday weekend, I plowed through the numerous unique insights of this controversial lady.

From cover to cover, Mr. Brown. Not only did I read the book, I listened to the audio book the entire drive from Springfield, MO to my home. I had gone to Springfield, Mr. Brown, to have Sarah autograph my book. I thought that was an excellent way to spend my 60th birthday. Turns out, I was right!

You made a connection between the photograph of Sarah Palin on Newsweek (a supposed news magazine) using a picture that had been taken for a runner’s magazine (Runner’s World) to the idea that she is running for President. The fact is she hasn’t decided whether or not she even wants to run for President of the United States although her millions of supporters hope she does, and we hope it is 2012.

One more thing about your first paragraph, Mr. Brown. Sarah Palin is NOT controversial. She speaks very plainly so that everyone who chooses to listen to what she says instead of dissecting what they think she might have meant by it can know what is in her heart and on her mind. The media who do not believe in fair, equal and accurate reporting are the ones who make her seem controversial.

First of all it was no surprise that Sarah didn’t actually write the book. Few celebrities do these days. Writing a book of personal experiences is a long and drawn out labor of love. I know well from my own undertaking. The breezy Palin memoir was written by former Bush speech writer Lynn Vincent, but there are still enough “you betchas” in the book to give the lady’s special Alaska flavor.

Who is the writer of a book? Is it the person whose words are used or the person who ties them all together? Sarah has kept diaries and journals all her life. I believe that makes this her words with Ms. Vincent tying them all together cohesively. That may explain why Ms. Vincent’s name doesn’t appear as author of the book.

Wanting to read all the juicy tidbits first, I immediately went to the index to get an idea of what Palin listed as being of particular importance. But surprise! There is no index in the book. So no choice for me but to wade on through.

Have you ever heard of a “gotcha moment”, Mr. Brown? Well, this is Sarah’s “gotcha moment” to all who do not want to read the entire book because it just might force them to admit that what she says is true and can be believed. They might have to admit that she does have a working brain and more leadership experience than is exhibited in Washington, DC, at the present time.

There were questions during the campaign of Palin’s reading habits. Who can forget her non answer when Katie Couric asked her what she liked to read. She cleared up any uncertainty by listing such titles as cookbooks (p. 15), Reader’s Digest (P.15), Sports Illustrated (P. 27), The Wonderful World of Oz (p. 16), and, my favorite, Ranger Rick (p. 27).

Why didn’t you use the quote from Sarah herself regarding her “non-answer” to Katie’s stupid question? “It wasn’t that I didn’t want to – or as some have ludicrously suggested, couldn’t – answer her question; it was that her condescension irritated me.” (p.276)

Then of course there is Palin’s vivid description on page 302 of praying in the shower with Rev. Rick Warren. I kid you not. OK, maybe I inferred too much. She was in the shower when the California Evangelist called, so she pulled in the phone to join him in prayer.

What you “inferred” was that you are the proverbial “dirty old man.” According to Sarah, “I would never turn down prayer even with limited hours in a campaign day…” That’s what Christians do – we pray with and for each other.

And food? She makes no bones about how she loves and cooks Alaskan edibles. Her specialties include halibut tacos (p. 1), reindeer sausage (p. 1) and caribou lasagna (p. 218).How on the day she got married “we stopped by the Wendy’s drive-thru for our wedding dinner.” (p. 49). Palin also makes it quite clear that “I love meat,” particularly “the seared fatty edges of a well-done steak.” (p. 18). She follows this homily with one of the book’s more deep and poignant quotes: “If God had not intended for us to eat animals, how come He made them out of meat? “(p. 133) Nuf said.

While you did get part of it right, you left out probably the most important part of the quote you chose. “I love meat. I eat pork chops, thick bacon burgers, and the seared fatty edges of a medium-well-done steak. But I especially love moose and caribou. I always remind people from outside our state that there’s plenty of room for all Alaska’s animals – right next to the mashed potatoes.” (p. 218-219)
I am only guessing here, but do you eat alligator, Mr. Brown?

Palin has two perceived problems in building a viable and growing political base. First is her knack for self-pity; that fact that throughout her book, she plays the victim. The liberal press, in her words “the lame stream media” that is always out to get her. Her opposition didn’t play fair, and she has many scapegoats for mistakes and foul-ups that invariably happen in any major campaign. She rehashes numerous insults and indignities, portraying herself through the book as an abused woman.

I have only one remark about your interpretation of Sarah as considering herself an “abused woman.” No, she doesn’t. If you had cared to check, there are references available on the internet concerning how many negative stories were printed or reported about her and her running mate as opposed to the number of negative stories written about their opponents. Joe Public even weighed in on a Rasmussen Report.

What was missing from the Palin narrative was the voice of a leader. What did she learn from the campaign, and what would she do to address the major issues facing our country today. She has lots of “former” titles in her past. Where will she, and the country, be heading in the future? A real opportunity missed.

It is possible that you haven’t finished the book, Mr. Brown. If you did finish it, perhaps you will want to go back to page 384 and begin reading through page 395 again. Sounds like REAL leadership to me.

Her second problem is how to be t taken more seriously. There is no doubt Palin has sealed her identity as a culture-wars lighting rod who can both inspire hysteria from liberals and adulation from conservatives. But will celebrity status alone persuade non committed moderates to trust her with the reins of government? So far, she seems to have chosen personality over substance.

I suggest that it is you and other liberals in the media who believe she has chosen personality over substance. I found many instances of substance when I listened to her on the campaign trail. I see much substantive material in her Facebook postings. If you have wondered why she uses Facebook to get her message out, I suggest that the reason is because her words are uncensored. They are her words right there in black and white for anyone who wants to read them. There is no “talking head” telling us what she means. We KNOW what she means because we read what she wrote.

That might be something many should do – read them for themselves. I still think people might be surprised at the intelligence and knowledge of this experienced leader. But then, someone might have to admit that Obama lacks these qualities himself and has no business sitting where he does today.