The Chinese Century

I do not happily anticipate the decline of Western civilization, nor the decrease of American greatness, nor of it’s influence in the world. Nevertheless, the world is getting smaller. We’ve got some serious cultural issues facing us here in the U.S. of A. And all the while, the developing world is still developing.

Years ago, in casual conversation, I forecast that the 21st century would be “The African Century.” Finally, after centuries of exploitation, conquest and colonialism, and a full century of pursuing independence and nationhood, I thought that the land of my forefathers and foremothers would come into its own.

Rich in natural resources, exploding in Christianity, and with an ambitious people, I hoped to live to see the day that “the dark continent” would no longer be shrouded in illiteracy and poverty. The plague of apartheid was cured in southern Africa. Things were looking up.

But in the late 1990s, the AIDS pandemic took hold. And fratricide, one of hell’s most evil devices, sought to devour Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Uganda… (I’m running out of space, and tears). Centuries of civil war in the Sudan are now summed up in one word, Darfur. Africa has issues.

Africa’s issues are not insurmountable, but they will drag her ascendancy, while another giant takes its place on the world stage. Yes. It’s China, leader of developing nations.

I was impressed by a trip to Hong Kong in 2005. Along the way from the airport to my hotel, we passed miles and miles (and miles and miles) of shipping containers. And remember that Hong Kong is just one of China’s commercial gateways. China is a manufacturing, economic giant.

Population: 1.33 Billion (India is second with 1.1479 B, and the U.S. in third at 304.8 M)

The 2008 Olympic Games were awarded to Beijing in 2001, thus the official launch of China as a world leader. Struggling with pollution, Tibet, Taiwan, human rights, religious repression, and a billion more issues befitting a nation its size, is China ready for its close-up?

This I believe - fatherhood is calling!

I heard a guy talk about how fatherhood changed his approach to life. I get that.

Daniel Flanagan's testimonial appeared recently on NPR's regular feature "This I Believe."

"...now I believe in do-overs, in the chance to do it all again. And I believe that do-overs can be made at any point in your life, if you have the right motivation. Mine came from a surprising source. It was September 21, 2002, when my son Blake was born."

From self-described "loser" to husband, father, and college student. You da man.

It's up to us all to "be the man."

A “cure” for what ails us

(photo by www.redhaze.co.uk)
Every time my resolve weakens, every time I falter in my responsibilities, every time I’m tempted to take the easy way out, I catch a strong whiff of Star Parker.

She describes her journey as “from welfare fraud to conservative crusader.” She attributes her turnaround to her Christian conversion, but I don’t think Jesus made her a conservative. Jesus gives life. Jesus gives truth. How we apply that new reality depends on how well we listen to and obey the Holy Spirit. Parker’s genuine compassion and vision for empowerment have become a mission.

Star Parker’s book Uncle Sam’s Plantation still rattles lingering socialist sentiments within me. It’s a good thing, because government intervention is very, very rarely the solution.

Plug into Star Parker’s Coalition for Urban Renewal and Education (C.U.R.E., get it?). You’ll appreciate her voice of reason in this age of false compassion and political doublespeak.

Another free enterprise mentor: Jon Caldera’s Independence Institute.

I lost my scout!

(photo by R. DelVecchio, US Army)

Mike was my scout, my front guard. I met him six years ago at a conference in Denver, and we just connected. We stayed in touch. I called him to make sure he was still making spiritual progress. He would call me with profound and timely spiritual advice. Mike always called at the perfect time, totally unsolicited. “Scout” is one of six important guys you should have in your life. See “Resource” note at bottom of this post.

Mike was a reluctant prophet. Like many who struggle with this most sensitive spiritual gift, Mike was never at ease with the responsibility of hearing exactly what Almighty God is saying, and then passing that information along. His gift never went to his head.

Over these few years, Mike had an impact on my life. He encouraged me to continue carrying my nine-foot wheeled cross across cities around the U.S., and to carry the burdens of the nation in Christ’s name.

On 3/17/03, Mike said, “Hold steady and depend on the Lord, Be shed of the anchors that hold you down, be ready to move freely. Let us be faithful with our income, tithes and offerings.”

On 8/25/04 Mike told me, “watch the eye gate - the things you see. Watch the ear gate - the things people say to you.”

On 9/7/05, “take authority over the enemy.”

On 6/13/06, “Be the leader of holiness in your family.”

And just three days before he left us on 7/9/08, Mike called with this gem, “Don't talk so much. Be quiet and listen. Let the Lord get a word in edgewise.”

Hey Mike, who asked you? Who made you prophet over my life? Do I need this kind of rebuke? What kind of friend are you? Mike was the most special kind of friend – a friend who speaks the truth in love. There is no more valuable friend than one who is willing to tell you - straight up - the way things are.

To all you who wrestle with God over your gift, please obey the Lord and speak what God gives you. Sure we stone our prophets, but without your obedience, we will perish. Without you, our cause of death will be written down as “ignorance and stupidity.”

Right now, I’ve got a major opening in my “circle.” Thanks, Lord, for sending Mike to serve so well.

You will be missed, but we'll see you soon, bro!

Resource:
See “Six Vital Relationships No Man Should Do Without” from Encourage Men to Pray Ministries.

Independence Day - rewind!

(photo by David J. Nightingale)

Happy 232nd birthday USA! We went through all our little fireworks last evening, those weak, tiny little Colorado approved fireworks, while all around us the serious skyshow was under way. I guess they all went to Wyoming. Later we listened to the neighbors party late into the night. Then we listened to them fight - the real fireworks.

A year ago at this time, I posted a piece called "Jefferson's 27 complaints." I hope you enjoy it.

(Pop culture tie-in: the Hollywood release for this week is "Hancock" (Will Smith as alcoholic super hero). Hancock - you know, like the prominent signer of the Declaration of Independence. Eerie!)