The other day I was out with my mom. We were listening to a CD my dad had made of all his favorite songs and I was waxing nostalgic remembering all the times he had played these when I was a kid. I like them too and they bring back so many good memories of childhood.
One song stuck in my head, "Who Will Answer?", sung by Ed Ames and released by RCA Victor in 1968 when I was 6 years old. It's a hauntingly beautiful song sung by a man with an incredible voice. When I was a kid, I don't remember listening to the words of this song, but the melody was intriguing and the voice so blessed of God that I couldn't help but feel something special though, at the time, I was an Agnostic.
I decided to see if YouTube or GodTube had it and, as I was listening, the words spoke to me. I looked up the lyrics and read them over as Ed Ames sang them in the background and something jumped out at me that I want to share with you today.
Who answers when we cry out in pain over the sins and injustices of this fallen world? Although the Hallelujahs are echoing in the background, it doesn't appear the Lord is the one he is suggesting. I don't really know for certain if he is warning us that the things of the world that we look to are not the answer or if he believes there is NO answer. He shares with us who others have turned to, but those listed are merely institutions or symbols or just men. Take a look at this verse:
Is our hope in walnut shells
Worn 'round the neck with temple bells,
Or deep within some cloistered walls
Where hooded figures pray in halls?
Or crumbled books on dusty shelves,
Or in our stars, or in ourselves,
Who will answer?
It suggests that people put their faith and trust in institutions which have no power to answer us when we cry out in our agony. And he would be correct. We cannot put our faith in the things of this world, in its institutions or in its leaders. There is only one who promises to be with us through our pain and struggles. There is only one who promises a hope and has given us a way to the peace we seek so desperately here on earth. He is the Lord.
What this song asks is even deeper than this. Who Will Answer, I think, asks the question, "Why is there such suffering in the world?" It's one of the most common questions unbelievers ask and it's one that never seems to be answered satisfactorily even for Christians who are struggling with their faith when something catastrophic happens. Often well-meaning sisters or brothers say the wrong thing and those suffering a loss will pull further away from the Lord instead of holding on tight knowing the Lord will get them through it. How should WE answer? Well, that depends on the one who is asking.
God didn't make cookie-cutter people. Each sees the world differently based on his experiences. Each is a unique individual. You can't have, at the ready, a one-size-fits-all answer. It takes more communication skill which the Lord talks about numerous times in His Word. I talk about this very question in Say What You Mean: Defending the Faith.
I have the "video" here for you to listen to. The visual is only one still picture of an Ed Ames album cover so it's not much to look at, but the song is what I want to share with you. The words are listed below.
I know who will answer when I cry out in pain. I know who will be with me through everything I must endure as I live my life in this fallen world. I know who will answer. Do you?
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!, Hallelujah!
From the canyons of the mind,
We wander on and stumble blindly
Through the often-tangled maze
Of starless nights and sunless days,
While asking for some kind of clue
Or road to lead us to the truth,
But who will answer?
Side by side two people stand,
Together vowing, hand-in-hand
That love's imbedded in their hearts,
But soon an empty feeling starts
To overwhelm their hollow lives,
And when they seek the hows and whys,
Who will answer?
On a strange and distant hill,
A young man's lying very still.
His arms will never hold his child,
Because a bullet running wild
Has struck him down. And now we cry,
"Dear God, Oh, why, oh, why?"
But who will answer?
High upon a lonely ledge,
a figure teeters near the edge,
And jeering crowds collect below
To egg him on with, "Go, man, go!"
But who will ask what led him
To his private day of doom,
And who will answer?
(Chorus)
If the soul is darkened
By a fear it cannot name,
If the mind is baffled
When the rules don't fit the game,
Who will answer? Who will answer? Who will answer?
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!, Hallelujah!
In the rooms of dark and shades,
The scent of sandalwood pervades.
The colored thoughts in muddled heads
Reclining in the rumpled beds
Of unmade dreams that can't come true,
And when we ask what we should do,
Who... Who will answer?
'Neath the spreading mushroom tree,
The world revolves in apathy
As overhead, a row of specks
Roars on, drowned out by discotheques,
And if a secret button's pressed
Because one man has been outguessed,
Who will answer?
Is our hope in walnut shells
Worn 'round the neck with temple bells,
Or deep within some cloistered walls
Where hooded figures pray in halls?
Or crumbled books on dusty shelves,
Or in our stars, or in ourselves,
Who will answer?
(Repeat Chorus Below)
If the soul is darkened
By a fear it cannot name,
If the mind is baffled
When the rules don't fit the game,
Who will answer? Who will answer? Who will answer?
My husband got it on Netflix because it sounded like an interesting concept. A madman with the world's second highest IQ plants a bomb 10 blocks from the White House and enlists the President and 7 of the world's geniuses to solve the world's problems in one night or he'll detonate it. What we saw was completely unexpected.
As the credits were rolling, it caught my attention that the movie was created by NICE + DAY Pictures and that it was rated PG. My husband and I were shocked as we would have thought a movie with that kind of theme would certainly contain foul language and inappropriate images for our son. It did have some war images, but was not taken to extremes as many movies with a theme like this tend to do.
It started off like any other good movie with intrigue and a cast of characters with complex personalities. And it continued as many of the major players expressed more liberal and Atheistic views. However, as the movie progressed, the seminary student, who had been mostly quiet until that moment, began to speak uninterrupted about the Lord in answering the questions posed to the group.
Later in the movie, the scientist, who is working on cancer research answers the challenge to prove there is a God. Now she doesn't really prove it, but then I don't believe you actually can prove it. There is no absolute proof of the Lord, but there are thousands of circumstantial and supporting evidences for His existence and her character gives the most eloquent and passionate answer.
What happened next shocked me. The evil madman interrupts Stephen Baldwin's character to ask him if he could prove there was NO God!
We sat there dumbfounded and mesmerized as this played out, allowing not only the liberal ideas and simplistic answers to be voiced, but even scripture and Biblical truths to be spoken uninterrupted and even encouraged.
I had never heard of this movie until that moment, but I was sure it was produced by a Christian company. As the credits rolled, we heard a beautiful theme song which repeated the word "blessings" and I think toward the end of the song it mentions "blessings from heaven" or something. I would love to get the song, but I cannot find much information about Daniel Bijan, the composer.
It was refreshing to see the Bible treated with at least as much weight as Atheistic views. While I don't think they answer all the questions exceptionally well, if you take the movie as a whole, it has some good answers you can share with unbelievers.
One of the articles that passed by my desk this week for my Defending the Faith Review was this one about President Elect Barack Obama's decision to ask homosexual Episcopal bishop V. Gene Robinson to pray over an inauguration event this coming week. He had asked Rick Warren, but homosexual activists felt that was a "slap in the face" because of his support of Prop 8.
Rick Warren commented, "President-elect Obama has again demonstrated his genuine commitment to bringing all Americans of goodwill together in search of common ground. I applaud his desire to be the president of every citizen." As odd as that sounds coming from a pastor, the comment that caught my attention was from the bishop himself who stated he would not use the Bible and, "I will be careful not to be especially Christian in my prayer."
Prayer is acceptable as long as it isn't "especially Christian?" In many states prayer is palatable as long as it doesn't invoke the name of Jesus. At public events in California (and other states), you can pray in anyone's name except for Jesus. Many churches are beginning to water down their message and only speak to the "happy parts" of the Bible because some of God's Word doesn't "bring in the masses."
The word 'milquetoast' comes to mind. Actually the Lord calls it being lukewarm. As in Revelation 3:16, "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."
Are our convictions only convicting when they aren't so unacceptable? Are we afraid or are we buying into the lie that the Bible is elitist, intolerant, offensive and judgmental? After all times they are a changin' and we need to go with the flow. We can't hang on to archaic myths that tell us there is right and wrong in life.
I can understand the fear, but 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." How do we let go the fear? We start with knowing our Bibles and graduate to learning how to share it in grace with others. We gain confidence through knowledge and experience, study and practice.
Just today my pastor was talking about how many times the Lord tells us not to be afraid of doing the Christian thing, but many ask how. I have noticed that God also talks about communication hundreds of times in the Bible. I submit that's because He knew we would need to know HOW.
If we learn how to speak out in grace, even though It isn't fashionable, we can be effective. But Christian, you cannot do this by "not being especially Christian." If that is your objective, you had better hang it up right now. Many people who aren't especially Christian are already speaking up in the world today. The Lord doesn't ask us to be one more voice in the crowd. He asks us to stand up in boldness and grace and be different than the world and speak the truth.
It's 2009, let's be especially Christian this year.
JoJo Tabares holds a degree in Speech Communication, but it's her humorous approach to communication skills which has made her a highly sought-after Christian speaker and writer. Her articles appear on Crosswalk.com, Dr. Laura.com and in homeschool publications, such as Homeschool Enrichment Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, which also endorses her Say What You Mean curricula including Say What You Mean: Defending the Faith.
I saw an ad on the sidebar of Facebook the other day that said: "Dress Like Your Favorite Celebrities!" It struck me as odd. Why would I want to dress like someone else?
Though I wouldn't have chosen to be 5' nothing with long arms, a short waist, big calves and wide hips, that's how God made me. He also gave me some unique skills and talents He wants me to use for His purpose. Why would He want me to trade that to become someone else?
I figure God knows what He is doing by making each of us with a unique look, insight and talents. He has a plan and that plan requires each of us to be who He designed us to be.
How many "Jennifer Anistons" does the world need anyway? But a Mary Elizabeth Milner was designed with a unique purpose and endowed with certain abilities and talents that will help her carry out that purpose. If she is too busy being "Jennifer Aniston the 146,000th", who will be left to be Mary Elizabeth Milner?
"When you ask a teen why they dress and act the way they do, you will often hear: 'I am just expressing my individuality.' or 'I just want to fit in.'”
I say...
"If you want to express your individuality, dare to be YOURSELF!Remember that you are His child and you fit right in… in His kingdom!"
I used this idea as a springboard to a discussion in teaching my daughter about why she wasn't like a lot of her peers during a time when she was having trouble making friends. It really helped her to embrace her uniqueness. It was also a timely communication lesson about the "communication you send".
JoJo Tabares holds a degree in Speech Communication, but it's her humorous approach to communication skills which has made her a highly sought-after Christian speaker and writer. Her articles appear in homeschool publications, such as Homeschool Enrichment Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, which also endorses her Say What You Mean curricula. You can also find JoJo on websites such as Crosswalk.com and Dr. Laura.com. For meor information on communication FUNdamentals and Christian-based communication skills for the whole family, please visit http://www.ArtofEloquence.com
One of the recent stories that came across my desk for my Defending the Faith Review newsletter was about an Atheist (Penn of Penn and Teller) who asked why Christians wouldn't share their faith with him if they really believed his eternal soul was at risk. It makes perfect sense. If we really believe that Jesus is Lord, that He commands us to share the Good News with others so their eternal soul is not lost in the Lake of Fire...why wouldn't we speak up?
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" 1Peter 3:15
There are several reasons why Christians are afraid to speak up and share their faith. 1) they don't know what to say, 2) they don't know how to say it, and 3) they are afraid of the consequences of speaking up. However, when Christians understand how to approach an unbeliever effectively about the Lord and become comfortable, all of those issues disappear.
When you know what to say and how to say it, practice makes you more comfortable in doing so. Any negative consequences of sharing your faith are drastically reduced and you realize that any negative impact is far outweighed by the magnitude of what you are doing for the Kingdom of God. Further, if you understand the next concept, you will drastically reduce any negative responses and increase your effectiveness 100 fold! Here's why:
There are several popular programs and methods for sharing the faith available today but most of them teach a sort of one-size-fits-all approach. Now that does, indeed, work some of the time. However, most of the time it can cause more damage. Approaching someone about a controversial topic such as salvation and religion the wrong way can result in that person making a sweeping generalization about Jesus, Christianity and all those who share the faith. I have seen it many times up close and personal in my own family. It can build a wall around an unbeliever that will not allow Jesus in or anyone who comes along after they were initially "offended" or "turned off".
God didn’t make cookie-cutter people and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sharing the faith. Folks have questions and misconceptions that need to be addressed on an individual basis.
Paul knew this and he talks about how important it was for him to approach people a way that would be most effective in allowing him to save as many souls as possible: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 (KJV)
"For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."
One of the reasons why there have been more negative responses to evangelists is that folks were simply approached in the wrong way. This lead to another recent issue: the world is increasingly more secular and intolerant of Jesus! This means that sharing our faith now requires even more communication skill today than in years past!
If you have felt the Lord leading you to become more involved in sharing and defending the faith, I would like to encourage you to take the steps necessary that will lead you more effectively in that direction. One very important step you can take is to get a copy of Say What You Mean: Defending the Faith. This is the most important communication study I have ever written!
These are the lessons I have learned about sharing the faith having grown up in an Atheist home and being the only Christian in my family. These are the lessons I have taught my own children and the lessons we have used successfully with others as we share.
We have received such amazing feedback about this study.
"This is such a needed class and I can see how easily both boys are learning some of the ways to respond (and ways not to respond) to some of the common things people say. I can see how they are understanding their faith in new, deeper ways and making their faith their own. This class has also helped to facilitate discussion in our family around the dinner table. You have a way of presenting things in a straight forward way that is so understandable.Thank you JoJo" -Marcie, Homeschooling mom of two
And...this coming January we are going to begin offering ongoing online classes teaching this study. We will be going through the study one week at a time and then starting over again. You can join the class at any time and take the class over and over as often as you like. We will begin with Say What You Mean: Defending the Faith, but soon we will be adding lessons from our upcoming More Say What You Mean: Defending the Faith and Even More Say What You Mean: Defending the Faith! Because there are so many questions and misconceptions the world has about the Lord and the Christian faith.
This year, let's make a renewed commitment to read God's Word, to listen to His leading for our lives and to share His love and His free gift of salvation with others. Make 2009 the Christian year of action. Let's speak up effectively to share and defend the faith!
Hobby Lobby is a huge chain of craft and hobby stores across the country. Founder and CEO, David Green, has been using his success to further the Kingdom of God every year since 1997. Each year at CHRISTmas and Easter (and recently Independence Day) Mr. Green and Hobby Lobby place hundreds of full page ads in newspapers across the country which have included the NY Times, the LA Times and USA Today. These ads are not to sell crafts. These ads are to share the Gospel.
If you follow the link above to the Hobby Lobby website, you will find their previous ads that they allow you to print. You will also find a link where you can comment and thank them for spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to share God's Word with others.
What are you doing this year to show Christ this CHRISTmas?
If you've read my blog, listened to Grace Talk Soup or read any of my articles you will remember this line. Everything we say and do communicates something to those around us. This time of year, it's important to reflect on the communication we are sending out as Christians not just this CHRISTmas season but all year long. Do you show Christ's love when you speak? Does your example illustrate what it truly means to be a Christian? Has your witness ministered to the unsaved?
How can we communicate Christ this CHRISTmas so that we are a shining example to those around us of God's agape love? Here are some ideas.
1. No matter how crowded the stores or how difficult it is to navigate rush hour traffic, let's vow to smile and be courteous this CHRISTmas.
2. No matter how busy we are, let's pledge to take a few minutes to hold the door open for that elderly woman holding six packages and keeping track of four grandkids.
3. No matter how many times Uncle Elmer has made rude comments about our homeschooling and tested your son to see if he "knows anything", let's treat him with respect and kindness.
4. No matter how many people are waiting outside Mervin's for it to "Open Open Open" so we can get 35% off the last Nintendo Wii Barbie, let's walk in grace.
5. No matter how much fun it ain't to say, "Merry Christmas, The Big Store, my name is Myrtle, how may I help you today?" let's add a smile and a twinkle.
6. No matter how frustrating it is to see six more dirty dishes in the sink that the kids could have put in the dishwasher for you, let it not take away from the CHRISTmas joy on our face.
7. No matter how tiring it is to wait in those long lines at the post office, let us do so with a heart for the others who wait with us so that we might minister to their needs.
8. No matter how uncomfortable it is to know you are being wronged, let us not retaliate in kind.
9. No matter how much work it is to host that CHRISTmas get-together this year, let's determine to be a Christ-like hostess so that God's love shines through our actions.
10. No matter how much stress there is this CHRISTmas, let us do it all for the glory of God!
Remember that people are watching us. Let's speak in love. Let's look for opportunities to build others up. Let's be an example to unbelievers and to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let's teach our children to do the same. Let's communicate God's love this CHRISTmas!
What are you doing this year to show Christ this CHRISTmas?
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JoJo Tabares holds a degree in Speech Communication, but it is her humorous approach to communication skills which has made her a highly sought-after Christian speaker and writer. Her articles appear in homeschool publications, such as Homeschool Enrichment Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, which also endorses her Say What You Mean curricula. You can also find JoJo on web sites such as Crosswalk.com and Dr.Laura.com. For more information on communication FUNdamentals and Christian-based communication studies for the whole family, please visit http://www.ArtofEloquence.com
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~SPECIAL NOTE~
If you want to find more ways to keep Christ in your CHRISTmas this year, stay tuned to this blog! Tomorrow, Monday 12/15 is the 3rd Annual Merry CHRISTmas Carnival of FUNschooling where I post all the blogs, sites, newsletters and videos that help us keep Christ in our CHRISTmas!
On December 1st I interviewed Stephen Kendrick, co author of The Love Dare and co creator of the movie Fireproof on my show, Grace Talk Soup. He was kind enough to send me several copies of The Love Dare to give away. The first copy will be given away tonight!
All you need to do to enter the drawing is to listen to my interview with Steven Kendrick and leave a comment on the talkcast site about how you liked the interview or the show. Then email me jojo@artofeloquence.com with "Love Dare Drawing" in the subject line and your comment, name and address in the body of the email.
I will be drawing a name this evening and will notify the winner via email.
To listen in to my interview with Stephen Kendrick:
* Go to Grace Talk Soup
* Scroll down to the Past Episodes
* Click the orange "listen" button next to the Dec. 1st show date
To leave a comment:
* Scroll back up to where it says "Reviews" and has the talk bubbles.
* Click on the "Write a full comment?" link and type in your comment.
Don't forget to email me with your name, address and comment so I have your entry!
You can also rate the show by clicking on the number of talk bubbles (all 5 highest rating would be nice! LOL) you think the show deserves.
The Falwell Confidential has this articleabout an Atheist group called The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) who has filed a lawsuit against the National Day of Prayer.
Here are a few excerpts:
"A decade ago, the U.S. Congress officially designated the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer. As part of that day, many communities across our nation gather in public locales with the purpose of joining their hearts in prayer. It is a tradition that is virtually as old as our nation."
"In its lawsuit, filed in federal district court, FFRF argues that the Presidential proclamation violates the murky “separation of church and state.” The organization states that the day of prayer implies to nonreligious Americans that “they are expected to believe in God,” and sends a message that “religion is preferred over non-religion.”
In its lawsuit, filed in federal district court, FFRF argues that the Presidential proclamation violates the murky “separation of church and state.” The organization states that the day of prayer implies to nonreligious Americans that “they are expected to believe in God,” and sends a message that “religion is preferred over non-religion.” Read more
Why is this so important? I mean, this IS America after all and we do have the right to pray even if the federal government doesn't recognize a particular day of prayer for the nation as a whole. The issue at hand isn't one particular day, but the systematic stripping of God and the rights of religious expression (especially Christian expression) from our country.
We have already had prayer removed from public schools and the Ten Commandments removed from many public buildings. It is currently illegal in the state of California (and others) to pray in Jesus' name at a public event. It is also considered a "Hate Crime" there to speak out against the homosexual lifestyle even in church reading from the Bible. Fortunately nobody has, as yet, been prosecuted for it.
It is only a matter of time before many other expressions of faith are challenged and perhaps outlawed. If this is true, you say, why don't I hear about it on the mainstream media? The mainstream media in this country has had their own agenda for years. They don't report on the MANY times the rights of Christians are challenged or curtailed. I subscribe to many online sources that have kept me informed about issues like the one above. If you are wondering how many I receive in a month's time, I'll share with you this development as an illustration.
When I first started publishing my Defending the Faith Review newsletter, it was a monthly review. There were so many articles to include that it took me several hours just to put the newsletter together. Though I only include a short excerpt from the article with the link to the full story (and I didn't publish ALL of the articles I received each month), the newsletter was so long with so many links that my program had a hard time verifying all the outgoing links. It kept messing up the text. As time went on, the newsletter was so long that my subscribers found it difficult read each month. We wrestled with the idea of making it a weekly publication until it became such a laborious task that we had no choice.
I only report a few stories a week here on my blog. If you want to be informed of the faith-based discrimination and upcoming laws that will affect your children as they go out into the world, you can subscribe to the Defending the Faith Review here. It comes out each Defending the Faith SONday.
The more we know about the direction the country is going, the laws that are being considered and the bias that exists against Christian expression of faith, the better we can prepare our children for their futures and the more opportunity we have to affect change. We can make a difference in this country if we only stand up and speak out in grace. If you are uncomfortable doing that, you are not alone.
Many Christians tell me they don't feel comfortable or are not sure how to speak out or they don't know how to be effective. This is exactly why I teach communication skills. This is why I wrote Say What You Mean: Defending the Faith. This is why I host the Say What You Mean Convention each February. This is why I feel the Lord speaks about communication skills so many times in His Word. If you would like your family to be more prepared, comfortable and effective in speaking up for the things of the Lord in this country, you will find help here.
My friend Felice Gerwitz of Media Angles.com has a contest going on her blog in response to this news story about an ad campaign this Christmas that asks "Why believe in God? Just be good for goodness sake!"
I always say that Christians need to stand up and speak out in love. Here is a creative way to do just that! Here are the details. Please jump on over to her site and enter and please forward this to a Christian friend!
Contest for Ages: 5-17
Attention All Children:
Do You Believe in God?
Some people don't.
These people teach others that there is no GOD. Do you want to help? Well, you can! (and win some prizes) Here's how...
Write a bumper-sticker slogan and you can win prizes and the chance to have your slogan printed on a bumper sticker!
To enter, please fill in the information below. You must be 18 years or older or have permission from an adult to enter this contest. This contest is for kids between the ages of 5-17.
Only one submission PER PERSON
Contest rules are posted and you must agree to them before entering. Winners will be notified via email within five days of the conclusion of the contest. Winner's first name and state will be posted.
All contest submissions must be copyright free and be original in nature. All submissions will become the property of Media Angels, Inc. Click Here to read the contest guidelines for specifics.
They say you should never talk about religion and politics in polite company. They are controversial topics causing great divide among Americans. With the appointment of liberal judges who legislate from the bench we now have laws that sound reasonable but erode the freedom of speech of conservatives.
We are ushering in a new era of liberalism in the United States. If you think it was difficult to talk to people about politics and religion before, you ain't seen nothin' yet! Barack Obama is the most liberal president we have had yet. He will be largely unimpeded by the congress and even the majority of the American people. Conservatism could be on the way out and with it could go our faith.
The Bible tells us to stand up and speak out in grace, but the majority of Christians have remained largely silent. Why? Some are not aware of the struggles of Christians and conservatives these last many years.
"So it doesn't matter if Christians are exposed to hate - they're not vulnerable....By definition, she writes, a Christian cannot be the victim of hate speech," Levant wrote. Read More
Some are not sure what to say or how to respond. Some are part of the problem! They speak out of anger and don't back up their side of the issue with facts and eloquence. What new era of social issues will be ushered in with our new president?
"Obama Expected to Join Forces with UN in Global Pro-Abortion Agenda: While the majority of Americans are happily greeting Sen. Obama's promised change, many others, particularly pro-life Americans, fear that the gospel of change offered by the most pro-abortion president-elect in history heralds an era of new struggles and challenges for the pro-life movement."Read More
If Christians and conservatives ever hope to sway the country to their way of thinking, it HAS to be done by effectively communicating in grace. One of the large holes in the McCain campaign (and in the Bush administration) is that both Bush and McCain are not very good communicators. They were unable or unwilling to convey their visions clearly to the American people.
"Obama is an eloquent speaker who was able to motivate millions to eagerly support his candidacy. In contrast, the McCain campaign was incompetent from start to finish."Read More
No matter how right you are on an issue, you are ineffective if you cannot clearly convey your point of view.
"You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can't get them across, your ideas won't get you anywhere." -Lee Iacocca
This new era is going to require something the average Christian conservative has, as yet, been unwilling to do: Stand up and speak out in grace to our neighbors, our friends, our congressmen, our leaders and our communities. It will take a grassroots effort speaking one on one in grace and respect. Are we prepared for that? Most people tell me that they afraid to stand up for what they believe in. Why? Here's what they say:
1. They don't know the issues well enough.
2. They don't know how to discuss the issues without getting into an argument.
3. They are afraid of repercussions.
Art of Eloquence has a plan to help! We pledge to bring you the issues each and every week, not only here on Communication FUNdamentals, but on our new WEEKLY Defending the Faith Review newsletter! There had been so much news that it has been difficult for me to compile it all each month and it became a HUGE newsletter to read each month. We think our new weekly format will keep you more informed and make it easier for you to read. If you are not already a subscriber to our Defending the Faith Review, you can subscribe here.
Next Art of Eloquence is planning the release of a brand new communication study called Say What You Mean: Debating the Issues! It will detail the most important Christian conservative political issues and how best to communicate them to others. We hope to have it out in time for the Say What You Mean Convention in February so keep watch. You can be the first to know about our new releases along with any other events and freebies we have by subscribing to What's New at Art of Eloquence here.
On the last point, though it might be uncomfortable at times, we are told to share the Gospel and many of the political issues relate directly to scripture and Biblical values. The Lord never told us everything would be easy...He just promised us He would be with us when we went through it.
"And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it." -Mark 8:34-35
"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." - 2 Timothy 2:3
Even in a socialist country, it is possible to share our Christian conservative values. We just have to communicate them well. Not only is it possible, but it is our responsibility. It isn't as difficult as it sounds if we will help each other. First we need to make a decision to stay informed and learn how we can share these issues effectively with others.
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JoJo Tabares holds a degree in Speech Communication, but it is her humorous approach to communication skills which has made her a highly sought-after Christian speaker and writer. Her articles appear in homeschool publications, such as Homeschool Enrichment Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, which also endorses her Say What You Mean curricula. You can also find JoJo on web sites such as Crosswalk.com and Dr.Laura.com. For more information on communication FUNdamentals and Christian-based communication studies for the whole family, please visit http://www.ArtofEloquence.com
Gianna Jessen, abortion survivor, speaks at Queen's Hall,
Parliament House, Victoria. Australia on the eve of the debate
to decriminalize abortion in Victoria.
Part 1
Part 2
Sadly, according to this news report, abortion up to 24 weeks was decriminalized in early October.
With Thanksgiving coming up shortly this is a good verse to share on Day 15 of 21 Days to More Godly Communication.
"So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever:we will show forth thy praise to all generations." — Psalms 79.13
God created the entire world and each of one of us. He will never leave us or forsake us and Jesus endured torture and death for us. The Lord deserves all praise and glory all the time. We should sing to Him of our thankfulness not just on a particular day or for each meal but forever and always.
Many times we don't think of the praise and thanksgiving we should give to the Lord. For all He has done and is doing and will do, we should lift our voices and sing. We should shout to the world. We should share the love of God and what He's done for us collectively and individually to all who would listen.
Have you thought of the miracles God has performed in your life? I do. I sometimes wonder how the Lord has time for anyone else in the world when He is so busy in my life! If you've listened to my testimony, you know he saved a shy Agnostic girl who was afraid to speak "hello". If you've heard my miracles show on Grace Talk Soup, you know He saved my daughter from a virus that caused one of the ventricles in her heart to enlarge and saved my son from lung problems when he was born.
While we may think about the major events of our lives and praise the Lord for the major events where we can see His hand upon us, we may not even notice the little things He does. If you have heard me speak, you know that there were countless times that His hand was upon my car or my home.
Not only are we to praise God in our joy, but in the storm as well. Praise Him knowing He will help you through the storms of life. Praise Him knowing that He may be molding you and preparing you for the mission He has for your life. Praise Him even when you don't know why. For He understands all mysteries as He is working for the good in our lives.
Praise God! Praise Him for the things seen and unseen, known and unknown. Praise Him when you wake and when you sleep. Praise Him in your joy and in your sorrows. Praise Him with your voice!
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JoJo Tabares holds a degree in Speech Communication, but it is her humorous approach to communication skills which has made her a highly sought-after Christian speaker and writer. Her articles appear in homeschool publications, such as Homeschool Enrichment Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, which also endorses her Say What You Mean curricula. You can also find JoJo on web sites such as Crosswalk.com and Dr.Laura.com. For more information on communication FUNdamentals and Christian-based communication studies for the whole family, please visit http://www.ArtofEloquence.com
Not everyone believes in the Christian faith. I understand that. God allows us each free will. This is America and we have freedom of religion.
People have the right to disagree with my faith and speak out to share their beliefs. I understand that too. This is America and we have freedom of speech.
What I don't understand is how you can claim you are a Christian and openly mock the very words of your Lord and Savior. What I don't understand is how you can claim you are a Christian and not have read the Bible enough to know that you are taking scripture out of context. What I don't understand is how you can run for the highest office in our country, where the majority of Americans claim Christianity as their faith, and in a disrespectful, mocking tone speak out against what they believe and expect they won't take offense.
Senator Obama, if you really knew your Bible, you would understand that it talks about Indentured Servants NOT the systematic enslavement and mistreatment of innocent people simply because of the color of their skin. And it doesn't say we should turn the other cheek to our enemies to avoid war at all costs including our own destruction. It talks about a simple offense by an individual such as a comment.
One thing we all must understand about communication is that it has consequences. While Americans are free to believe and speak out for what they believe in, they are also free to decide if they take offense to what someone has said. And on November 4th they are free to vote for the candidate they feel is in alignment with their core values.
The Lord talks about communication hundreds of times in His Word. Though many people think of communication as speech/debate, the Lord instructs us in the daily use of our tongue. Day 2 of my 21 Days to More Godly Communication comes from 1Peter and will serve as this week's Defending the Faith SONday post as well.
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" 1Peter 3:15
We communicate for several reasons: to share information, to gain information, to fellowship, to entertain- though the most important reason for us to communicate is to share the Gospel. We can become as eloquent as a politician, as successful as a millionaire, but if we haven't shared God's love with those who don't know Him, we don't understand this verse. Let's look at this verse a little closer.
Right up front He tells us to "sanctify the Lord" in our hearts. Sanctify means to consecrate, to set aside for a sacred purpose. We are to hold a sacred place in our hearts for the Lord for He is Holy and His words are precious. Anything precious should be treasured and something treasured should be given proper attention.
Next He tells us to "be ready". When we want to be ready to go out, we need to prepare. We get dressed, gather our things we are to take, etc. Being ready to share our faith with someone also means being prepared. It takes educating ourselves about the Lord, His Word and how to share it. This takes practice. We cannot just throw any old words at the unsaved and hope they stick.
The very next word the Lord uses here is "always". How often are we to be ready? Not just one time, but always! Every time. Preparing for a test takes some effort. Preparing to enter that field takes much MORE preparation! The Lord isn't asking us to be prepared to share our faith with one man or one person a month. He is asking us always to be prepared to share our faith. That requires much more communication skill because each situation is different. Next this verse tells us that we are to be prepared to share our faith with "every man". God doesn't make Cookie-Cutter-People. Each person sees the world differently. Each of us comes from a particular culture with different experiences and beliefs. No two people see things in quite the same way so we cannot approach each person the same way-especially about something as precious as the Lord. Advertising agencies understand this concept. They often create different ads for the same product to appeal to the different customers. One segment of customers may place value on the brand name and the sleek look of the car while another segment may value its gas mileage. It takes much more time and money to prepare two ad campaigns, but it is worth it in results. One size does NOT fit all.
I find it interesting that He says "to anyone who asketh you". I've read the Bible through several times and nowhere in God's Word have I found where God forced Himself on anyone. Jesus met with great resistance. He had great power here on earth to heal. Surely Jesus could have made people believe! He asked the rich man to follow him, but he wasn't willing to give up what he had. Jesus never even argued with him. He just let him walk away. If Jesus didn't force anyone to become a Christian, who are we to do so?
Furthermore, the Lord tells us to do so with meekness and fear. Contrary to what many believe, meekness does not mean being weak or wimpy. Meekness is a gentleness. This is an emphasis I believe on the fact that we are not to push people or argue with them about the Lord. We are to be gentle as we share and respectful of the choices others may make though we don't agree with them. How we share our faith is a reflection not only of us, but of our Lord. The is a danger in sharing our faith the "wrong way" understanding that the wrong way for one may be the perfect way for another. Sharing our faith in a way that angers or frustrates or confuses someone may close the door on any other opportunity you have to share with that person again. But even more damaging, sharing your faith the wrong way may close the door on EVERYONE who shares in ANY way about Jesus.
Lastly, you will notice that this is not a suggestion; it's a command. God's choice of words are purposeful. It's not an option. It's not easy, but then the Lord never said life as a Christian would be easy. In fact, He tells us that we will be persecuted for His namesake. Sharing the faith was never easy and it's more difficult today than it has been in the past. However, there are things we can do to become proficient at it. There are things we can learn that make it easier. The more you learn about something and the more you practice, the easier it becomes. How long did it take you to learn to speak, walk, play football, crochet, or do your job? Wasn't it worth it in the end?
Sharing our faith is a command from the Lord so that all have a chance to come to the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus. Today's world is more complicated and therefore, so is our job. The good news is that we can prepare. We can learn God's Word so that we can be ready always to give an answer. The trick is that knowledge of God's Word is not enough. We need to understand how to approach each person as an individual. I think that is where many of these programs fall short. It isn't enough to know God's Word, we must be able to articulate it to "every man who asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."
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JoJo Tabares holds a degree in Speech Communication, but it is her humorous approach to communication skills which has made her a highly sought-after Christian speaker and writer. Her articles appear in homeschool publications, such as Homeschool Enrichment Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, which also endorses her Say What You Mean curricula, including Say What You Mean: Defending the Faith. You can also find JoJo on web sites such as Crosswalk.com and Dr.Laura.com. For more information on communication FUNdamentals and Christian-based communication studies for the whole family, please visit http://www.ArtofEloquence.com
They say no two snowflakes are the same as no two people are the same. This video shows God's amazing attention to detail. If the snowflakes are this complex and unique, imagine the care He put into each of His children!
What appears the same on the outside
White and fresh and clean
Hidden inside delicate patterns
Of each one yet unseen
-JoJo Tabares
From JoJo'sPurple Crayon...
Where's FIMM? Did you find himm this week? Where's FIMM? Come find the only Foot in Mouth Man picture that is different from all the rest. Email what he looks like and where you found himm to fimm@artofeloquence.com and you could win a free Art of Eloquence eProduct of your choice!
A couple weeks ago I posted a Bible Quiz. I asked which of the following are NOT found in the Bible? Some of these are either misquotes or NOT found in the Bible at all. Some of these might be more obvious than others so pay close attention to the wording. Here are the answers:
1. It is more blessed to give than to receive.
CORRECT:
"I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." -Acts 20:35
2. God helps those who help themselves.
NOT IN THE BIBLE:
Actually a misquote from Aesop's Fables "The gods help them that help themselves."
3. You reap what you sow. CORRECT:
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." -Galatians 6:7,8
4. Money is the root of all evil.
MISQUOTE:
"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." -1 Timothy 6:10
5. All things work out for the best.
MISQUOTE:
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28
6. The worker deserves his wages.
CORRECT:
"For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain, and "The worker deserves his wages." - 1 Timothy 5:18 NIV
7. Do unto others before they do it unto you.
MISQUOTE:
"Do to others as you would have them do to you." -Luke 6:31
8. Iron sharpens iron.
CORRECT:
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." -Proverbs 27:17
9. The truth will set you free.
CORRECT:
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." -John 8:32
10. Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
NOT IN THE BIBLE:
From Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanac
Hope you had fun with this! How'd your kids do?
From JoJo'sPurple Crayon...
Where's FIMM? Did you find himm this week? Where's FIMM? Come find the only Foot in Mouth Man picture that is different from all the rest. Email what he looks like and where you found himm to fimm@artofeloquence.com and you could win a free Art of Eloquence eProduct of your choice!
I was raised by two Atheists of Jewish heritage, married a non practicing Catholic and became a non denominational Christian due, in part, to some Amway meetings and a Jehovah's Witness who came to my door. My purple crayon writes with humor and almost always a little out of the lines.
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This blog is my creative and fun way of sharing my thoughts on communication skills relating mostly to homeschooling and sharing and defending the faith. It also reveals a bit about how the Lord took this shy Agnostic girl and allowed her to find her voice and her purpose, a zany voice to the Christian community with insight as to what unbelievers need to hear about Christ Jesus.
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I'll share news items, quotes, family friendly humor, tips, trivia, and my newest feature: Question of the Week. I invite you to come share your thoughts!
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For more creative fun with JoJo you can visit www.ArtofEloquence.com
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"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." -Proverbs 25:11
These are the lessons I have learned about sharing the faith having grown up in an Atheist home and being the only Christian in my family. These are the lessons I have taught my own children and the lessons we have used successfully with others as we share. 
