Well, we are on the road again. It's Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, and we are on the road to our youngest daughter's in Arkansas for the celebration with the whole tribe of eleven. On the way as I had planned our trip I had noted that Mike Huckabee was to be doing a book signing in Little Rock between 6 and 8 p.m., and it was on our way, so I thought that it would be an opportunity to connect with my "friend" after a few years.
Governor Mike and I had some early ministry experiences together before he began his political career. He was working with an evangelistic ministry when I was pastoring in Arkansas, and during crusade planning he came to my area and we spent some time together, getting ready for the event. I had also known him as a fellow Arkansas pastor, prior to our call and departure to Asia as missionaries in 1982. The next and final time we connected was at the time our youngest started college at Ouachita Baptist University in 1995, for his son began at the same time. At that time he was Lieutenant Governor.
We have been following faithfully his career and had hoped that he could have claimed the nomination as President. Most recently we have watched his new program on the FOX Network and have been pleased with the very positive agenda. When news of his latest book, "Do the Right Thing", was released with the tour to promote, I had hoped to be able to be near enough to see him again. Well, WALLA, it happened.
We arrived at Barnes and Noble a few minutes after 7 p.m., expecting to find a parking lot and lines so crowded that we would have to wait a while. Imagine our joy to find that we were able to get in very quickly and even have a brief few moments to share an update. With his, "I Know You!" We managed a few interchanges, sharing retirement plans, a quick greeting from my daughter, and we continued our journey, with "Do the Right Thing" in my hand.
As I reflect on the title and its thesis about taking "America up rather than down", I am convinced of the rightness of his thrust, for it is such a thrust that Scripture challenges us in every day's living. In the words of Paul, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:8-9)
The problem with "America Politic" is that we think we cannot succeed unless we step aside from what is right. An old adage I remember says, "two wrongs don't make a right!" You don't marry right and wrong, or attempt to accomplish a righteous end with unrighteous action. There is no peace nor success in such.
Thanks, Governor and Friend Mike, for the reminder.
Be encouraged, my brothers and sisters, from today. Have a blessed THANKSGIVING!
Governor Mike and I had some early ministry experiences together before he began his political career. He was working with an evangelistic ministry when I was pastoring in Arkansas, and during crusade planning he came to my area and we spent some time together, getting ready for the event. I had also known him as a fellow Arkansas pastor, prior to our call and departure to Asia as missionaries in 1982. The next and final time we connected was at the time our youngest started college at Ouachita Baptist University in 1995, for his son began at the same time. At that time he was Lieutenant Governor.
We have been following faithfully his career and had hoped that he could have claimed the nomination as President. Most recently we have watched his new program on the FOX Network and have been pleased with the very positive agenda. When news of his latest book, "Do the Right Thing", was released with the tour to promote, I had hoped to be able to be near enough to see him again. Well, WALLA, it happened.
We arrived at Barnes and Noble a few minutes after 7 p.m., expecting to find a parking lot and lines so crowded that we would have to wait a while. Imagine our joy to find that we were able to get in very quickly and even have a brief few moments to share an update. With his, "I Know You!" We managed a few interchanges, sharing retirement plans, a quick greeting from my daughter, and we continued our journey, with "Do the Right Thing" in my hand.
As I reflect on the title and its thesis about taking "America up rather than down", I am convinced of the rightness of his thrust, for it is such a thrust that Scripture challenges us in every day's living. In the words of Paul, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:8-9)
The problem with "America Politic" is that we think we cannot succeed unless we step aside from what is right. An old adage I remember says, "two wrongs don't make a right!" You don't marry right and wrong, or attempt to accomplish a righteous end with unrighteous action. There is no peace nor success in such.
Thanks, Governor and Friend Mike, for the reminder.
Be encouraged, my brothers and sisters, from today. Have a blessed THANKSGIVING!
2 comments:
WOW! And double WOW! You guys have been having such adventures and neat experiences for the last month or so, and this just caps it! (I'm just a "wee" bit envious.)
Of course, the really best part of all this traveling, etc, is that you all will be together to celebrate Thanksgiving and family times.
And, considering your move and retirement, you won't be gearing down for a while yet. Just remember to slow down a bit take time for yourselves and don't overdo it. I want you guys back home for a long, long, long, long time!
Happy Thanksgiving to everybody!
I love you all!
Jo
Thanks Jim for the reminder about doing the right thing. I too have been a friend to Mike. Have watched his latest venture "Huckabee" on Fox. I thing he is on target. I have read one of his other books, "Digging your Grave with a Spoon and Fork." I took it to head and now I am working on taking it to heart.
BroCo
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