"Once our eyes are opened, we cannot pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act." Proverbs 24:12



“There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t yet met.”- William Butler Yeats





Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Don't shudder....

You know, I promised myself that after my past 2 days of ranting and pretty much preaching to the choir, I would let it go. But, I can't. I'm sorry. I know many of you are on here hoping to hear something upbeat and maybe see pictures of my beautiful children, but I just can't let these last few days go by without saying I gave it my all. I did my part. I want my kids to someday see these pages and say, "Wow, Mom! You really tried." That in itself makes it all worthwhile for me.

My dear friend, Kelly, mentioned in a comment that the first or second time she came to my blog and I was talking about Obama and abortions, I sounded a little "fanatical". I laughed. In a good way, Kelly. :) Because my sweet husband tells me that whenever I take something on, I give it 200%, and I have to agree. I don't know if I'd call it fanatical. I guess I prefer to call it what Scott does, "passionate about my beliefs". Again, I've never, even as a child growing up with peer pressure that all kids go through, had the need to follow the crowd. I guess seeing my parents, immigrants who struggled to escape communism and succeeded, drives me to fight the same way for my own kids. I try to pray about everything. To keep an open mind, and of course, what comes natural to me, to research and discern about what is truth and what is deceit. Once that truth has been affirmed, then there's no stopping me.

So, for my loyal readers who email or comment and who are tired of hearing this because I do know that I'm preaching to the choir, I apologize for the redundancy. But if one, just one person, can change their mind and choose to vote for life because of my ramblings then every second spent agonizing about the results of these elections was worth it. (And I won't even be able to watch the final results because I will be in the hospital with Anna Grace - a post that is coming up very soon!)

I did respond to a friend today and shared that my only hope is knowing that our mighty Savior is in control. I know that. Obama may win. If he does, it's because God allowed it. He knows what's best for us and I need to trust Him with all my heart. Maybe Obama winning will be what this country needs for His people to turn their lives around and turn away from the immorality and lack of values that have filled every corner of this blessed country. I will someday be face to face with my Redeemer and I pray that as I bow before Him in reverence, He will approve of my efforts, as miniscule or futile as they may have been.

Of course, I did listen to the propaganda speech tonight, as I am sure a huge majority of the country, perhaps the world, did. I took mental notes as the socialist statements made by Obama filled my thoughts. If I keep going back to the socialist/communist talk, it's because I wish words could convey the sadness in my heart knowing that this is a real possibility for my children to grow up in. I don't want to ever live as I did the days and weeks following 9/11, when I feared going into crowded places. I don't want myself or my family to ever have to look at someone and judge or wonder about them because of fear that they may be a suicide bomber. I, as my children's mother, am suppose to protect them and at times I feel like there is nothing I could do, except pray to our Lord to keep them in the palm of His hands and always watch over them.

I want to stop here to interject that I am so very blessed to have the husband that I do. Scott in an incredibly wise man. He knows his stuff. He knows his wife. Her fears. Her worries. And her heart. He also knows communism through my family's eyes. For almost 11 years he's heard about the oppression that they live in. He's heard about how it began and how hard my dear father fought to prevent it. But the people were blinded by the young man with eloquent words promising the change that Cuba desperately needed. He offered jobs. He offered schooling. He offered health care. He promised that everyone would prosper after having been beaten down by an economy under Fulgencio Batista.

These were Castro's words in part of a speech he gave on May 20, 1960 at Pinar Del Rio, Cuba (my Father's birth province). For this and all speeches after 1959, click HERE.

"And there will be no more exploitation, no longer will they take one-third from those who produce the fruits of the land with their labor. No longer will they snatch away the products of their harvests, steal them,as they robbed in every way. This will never be again, never again will it be as it was, and never again will anyone abuse the people, or rob the people again, or divide the people in factions again, or destroy the strength of the people, or confuse the minds of the people, or keep the people in ignorance so that people will continue to be a useful tool of the privileged. Their children will not grow up ignorant, or without schools. These valleys, these beautiful valleys in this province, which were the "Cinderella," will never again be the "Cinderella" of Cuba. These valleys will not only be beautiful valleys, not only beautiful because of the landscape, but they will also be beautiful because of the happiness which will prevail there, and these lovely mountains will be more beautiful still because the people there are happier. And this will be one of the richest provinces of Cuba."

Shortly after this speech. My grandfather's farm and land were taken away from him.

Do those words sound familiar? Offering riches and education? The point I'm trying to make is that Cuba was in a pretty bad economic state when this young man came along to save the people. To save the country. They were desperate and they followed him. When people are hurting so badly, when you are wondering what would happen when you are living paycheck to paycheck if you lost your job, when you are paying an exorbitant amount of money in health care (as Scott and I are doing...in the thousands monthly!), when as a parent you want to offer your child the best of everything, but aren't even sure if you could afford your mortgage payment, what then? Most people, as it is happening in the U.S. right now, reach out to something new, something fresh. But not all that glitters is gold. And when there are so many red flags, you really need to step back, pray and think before you leap. God is always on your side. He is there waiting for you to rely on Him.

I have completely digressed and want to get back to tonight's airing, but I just wanted to show some of the similarities.

When Obama states that we all need to be held responsible for energy conservation and that we would all have to do our part (sorry...paraphrasing since I am too tired to rewind the TIVO. If you want exact quotes, email me and I will be glad to get them to you), my thoughts went immediately to how the Cubans are doing their part. Remember my post on my visit to Cuba? It was in the late 90's. They were struggling with lack of oil and energy conservation. The government's response? Ten hours DAILY Cubans lived without water or electricity. The days would vary along with the provinces. Tourist hotels and places of tourism would always have electricity and running water. This is not fictional. I lived this. I bathed outside in the rain because 2 days had gone by in Pinar Del Rio (same place where that speech above was given), where I was staying and there was no running water. I went there the end of August/beginning of September. The heat wasn't unbearable but it was hot. No fans. Lights would come on around 8 p.m. at night. So, most of the time, unless you had a wood or gas stove, no cooking. This was going on for years so the people had become complacent. They were tired of fighting. How much will President Obama ask of us in order to conserve energy?

I also cringed inside when I heard him say (not paraphrasing this time) "I will make a deal with every American who has the drive and the will but not the money to go to college: if you commit to serving your community or your country, we will make sure you can afford your tuition. You invest in America, America will invest in you, and together, we will move this country forward." Please remember those words, "if you commit to serving your community or your country". I honestly don't believe that our kids will be working in tobacco fields in order to serve their community, but I am somewhat apprehensive about what he means by "serving". Mandatory recruitment into the military? Possibly. Time will tell.

Are these "Just Words"?

From Obama's book Audacity of Hope: p. 261 Referring to the Muslims he said,

…In the wake of 9/11, ‘…in my meetings with Arab and Pakistani Americans (Muslims), and that I will stand with them should the political winds shift in an ugly direction” (referring to how the Japanese were interred in WW II).

From Obama's book Dreams of My Father:

‘I ceased to advertise my mother’s race at the age of 12 or 13, when I began to suspect that by doing so I was ingratiating myself to whites.’ (His mother was caucasian).

From Obama's book Dreams of My Father:

‘I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against my mother’s race.’


Lastly, I want to add something that DOES make me shudder. You know Joe, right? Yep. Joe the plumber. The guy who simply asked a question about his taxes and has been ripped apart by the media. Well, for those of you that keep telling yourselves that my words are nonsense because socialism cannot happen in the U.S., I have a little story for you to read. Click HERE. Not only did the Obama team have those in cohoots with them do a background check on this poor guy, but today's news is (again from the liberal media SUPPORTING Obama) that they dug even deeper than first assumed into his private life to see if he owed any unemployment compensation taxes or received any welfare assistance. WHAT???!!!! Where are this man's privacy rights? Where are his civil liberties? He has none. Why? Because Obama owns (obviously not literally) the media. Helen Jones-Kelley, director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services who did the check for Mr. Obama's gang wrote in her disclosure that the checks were "well-meaning..." Umm...sure they were. The article further reads, "The Obama campaign has said it has no ties to the checks and supports investigations." Again...ummm...sure! As if the Dept. of Job and Family Services agency just woke up one morning and said, "Hey, let's check out Joe the plumber!" Sure they did! And why? All of this, because one very normal, middle-class citizen decided he would exercise his rights to free speech and question a public official. The only difference between now and what would have happened in Cuba, is that shortly afterwards, the police would've shown up at his house and had him arrested. Yep....all in good time, my friends.

Please stop a take moment to reflect on how much more power this man will have when he stands before the citizens of this great country as President of the United States of America. To me, that is VERY scary. Don't be naive. The bigger the government, the less freedoms the people have. This is a historical fact.

I continue to ask God to have mercy on our country and it's people. We await His return and pray that in the meantime, we can remain focused on Him and continue to turn every blessing into praise.

"See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity;
in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply, and that the LORD your God may bless you in the land where you are entering to possess it.

"But if your heart turns away and you will not obey, but are drawn away and worship other gods and serve them, I declare to you today that you shall surely perish. You will not prolong your days in the land where you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess it.

"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them."
- Deuteronomy 30:15-20

I am not able to participate in the following event since it is not in my city, but I have agreed to pass it on.

IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN ATTENDING A RIGHT TO LIFE
ANTI-OBAMA
DEMONSTRATION CLICK HERE.

THE DEMONSTRATIONS ARE BEING HELD IN SEVERAL CITIES NATIONWIDE ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, FROM 12:00 - 1:00 PM.

20 comments :

Anonymous said...

You may be "preaching to the choir", but the fact of the matter is that so many people who claim to be Christians are voting for a man that has no Christian values. If people find my comment or your post offensive, maybe they should check for conviction instead.

M. said...

I have LOVED this series of posts. Yes, you are preaching to the choir, but I say PREACH IT, SISTER! I hope you don't mind if I link to these posts on my blog.

Keisha said...

Ohilda,
Thank you for you honest, and openess & as Scott says "your passion" that you have for our country. I actually wished ALL Americans were as Knowledgeable about things as you are. You have "done your homework" Well, Girlfriend! I KNOW I'm not voting for Obama... just for the one reason ... He agrees with Abortion and even Partical Abortion.. Both are Murder!!! Any man who thinks this is "Okay" is NOT Fit to run a Country.. I don't Care HOW much he knows.. He doesn't see Murder, when it's staring him in the face!
Our Founding Fathers would have NEVER, NEVER stood for something so Vile.
When you write more post about O... it just CONFIRMS my vote.. all the more!
Love ya Girl!

Katie@ThisCrazyLife said...

Yes you may be preaching to the choir, but you are also providing the shoir with hymns. I don't know about anyone else, but I do know that my husband and I (and my SIL who has been lurking on your blog) have taken your words to heart and passed them on in conversation. We are pleading with my MIL who is a very strong CATHOLIC woman who plans to vote for Obama. We do not understand her ignorance on these issues. You have given us fuel and some extra tools to try and reach her. I only hope we can reach her in time! Thanks for htese posts, they are VERY worthwhile!

A Crystal Garden said...

Hi Ohilda,

I had to pop back in here today to see what you thought of the little infomercial last night. I watched out of curiosity but most of the Verizon Fios customers did not. During the show I checked to see what was the most watched show at that moment and it wasn't even in the top 5. Pushing Daisies was #2.

I also wanted to make sure you took my comment the way it was intended. :o) Your husband has the right words for it though, I think I should have thought for a better word before just typing away my comment. "passionate about my beliefs" exactly describes what I was thinking.

I so wish we could flood your blog into mainstream! Your comparisons to Castro are very eye opening and the McCain campaign could use the help!

Kelly

Anonymous said...

You keep preaching it Ohilda!!!!

Have you sent any of this to any form of media? I know most are becoming owned by one source but still TRY!!! Wether newspaper or news media.

Obviously Oprah wont work....but even another more Republican talk show..if there are any.... :o)

Jeanette

A Crystal Garden said...

I actually went to the McCain site and hit conact us to send over your blog. Then I cancelled it just in case it happened to bring unwanted public attention. But that is an idea for you, I just decided I shouldn't be the one sending it. :o)

The Byrd's Nest said...

Girlfriend...you said it right. God is in control and IF he is elected it is because God allowed it to happen. We can only trust in our Father.

Love you!

Michelle R Photography said...

Thanks for your passion, Ohilda. The things you have laid out are downright scary. I've always intended to vote M/P, but you keep on preaching!!

Elissa said...

Preach on sister!! You stated some things I hadn't heard before, especially the specific Castro comparisons. Very valuable stuff!

Cristie said...

So Great my friend! Us sisters in Christ need to stand up and SPEAK! I have done the same on my blog and I am sure and have often wondered if my readers are just darn tired of hearing my rant and raving. But like you, I have a passion and I never do ANYTHING less than 100% - I LOVE THE WAY YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF ... we could be fast friends! SO, Ohilda, keep shouting from the roof top your story. Those of us fortunate enough to not have lived that story ... need to hear it! The comparison's are chilling and REAL!!
Come on over to the Martine Madness blog and you can hear me rant .. "I don't understand"!
In him!

Lisa L said...

Ohilda, is it bad that I check your blog several times a day for updates? I am such a political junkie this election. I completely agree with trusting God. I do trust God no matter what. It makes me sad to see fellow Christian conservatives saying that they are voting for Obama because of the state of their finances. We should vote our Christian values and trust God with the rest.

Anonymous said...

Obama scares me... in more ways tham the ways you have listed. We'll just leave it at that because that's all I can say.

Ashley said...

it makes me so angry that still today after all this time there are those who SERIOUSLY don't really know or care what Obama stands for, but would vote for a man solely for the color of his skin. ( i assume you heard about the Howard Stern interviews?) someone once said to me "its not being able to discern the TRUTH that makes you wise. It's being able to discern the LIE." and that is so true b/c the lie always has enough truth to it so that most don't even notice it's a lie.

if you want some good info on obama, go read the book called THE FAITH OF BARACK OBAMA. it was written by my husbands cousin. it is very insightful. he also wrote THE FAITH OF GEORGE W BUSH. also good. go check out the book!

Sally-Girl! said...

Laptop crashed, back up and running and your blog was at the top of my list to check. I appreciate all your research and information. You give me the articulation I am lacking in politics to better defend my position. Thanks!

Val said...

Thank you for another terrific post, Ohilda. This campaign has revealed that the left is everything they accuse the right of becoming. I read Michelle Malkin today and she can't even get a bead of sweat out of the ACLU for HJ-K's serious breaches of privacy.

Also, I thought of you and your Cuban b/g when I saw this tape of a KGB defector. It's absolutely riveting, and worth 15 minutes of your time!
http://www.homelandsecurityus.com/20081012YB

Anonymous said...

I just happened to come across your blog and I am so glad I did.
Preach on Sister!! I am so scared of Obama and what this nation will have to endure if he gets elected and I pray that it won't. I just dont' understand that if you are a christian how you can vote for his man and what he stands for. I hear so many people praising him and I just shudder. 2 Chronicles 7:14
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

RamblingMother said...

you go girl. Keep posting until it is over and socialism in this country is dead!!

Jewels of My Heart said...

OH, My............ you are not being redundant my friend.... you are educating those who may not know the truth. I find your posts both comforting and haunting... comforting in knowing that there are people out there who truly understand what is at stake and is crying out to protect our freedom. And haunting due to fact upon fact of this man's hidden agenda. Pehaps the most frightening is that it truly isn't that hidden.... and yet so many are BLIND to see it!
I too listened to his propaganda... interesting that the scuttlebutt is about Sarah Palin's expensive wardrobe and yet nothing is wrong with this man spending millions of dollars to control the airwaves so that ALL MAY HEAR the great Obama. I too got shivers over the same things you addressed. The only possible way that the masses are not understanding what he is talking about is that they just take their freedom for granted. I do believe those days are numbered! They may not have that liberty very soon.
As far as the community service don't forget how he loves the Peace Corps. Yet another organization that sounds wonderful but is filled with many ungodly facets.
Thank you for being a voice of truth in the darkness....
I pray the Body of Christ wakes up and takes a stand for God's truth!

Anonymous said...

I came across your blog this evening. I know the election is long over, but I remain fascinated by it.

I should mention that I am a young woman, an atheist, in a very blue state/region. I like to read the blogs of those who hold opinions opposite of my own; it's not often that I come across these people in my everyday life.

I think your comments about Castro and Obama were interesting. Though I am fluent in Spanish, I have little education on Cuban history. I wasn't aware of how he came to power and the words he used.

However, I have to take issue with this comparison. Obama is not and cannot become a dictator. He does not control the power supply to the United States. I think he is saying that we all need to take responsibility for the energy crisis because our current president has remained mum on the subject, refusing to ratify the Kyoto Protocol and refusing to acknowledge that global warming is manmade.

I also think it's unfair to suggest that requiring service in exchange for college scholarships is socialism. It is not a draft, it is not a requirement. It is simply an option for those who have few and I can't imagine finding fault with that. Earning one's college tuition...isn't that the American way? Would it be better to just give everyone a college education? Aren't conservatives the ones who want people to earn everything and not simply take it?

As far as considering the election of Barack Obama to be a slippery slope towards socialism, please allow me to make the case for women's rights. To me, the outlawing of abortion would be a slippery slope backwards for women. Here's why.

Making abortion illegal doesn't end abortion. It ends legal abortion. Women will continue to get abortions, but they will have to seek them from shady doctors or, even more unfortunate, from people who aren't doctors but who happen to have a coat hanger. This is dangerous for women and can have devastating consequences, as it does every day in the rest of the world where abortion is illegal.

There have been legal cases in the past in which women were prosecuted for actions which harmed their fetuses (i.e. doing drugs). Some say that if abortion were illegal, then it would be compulsory to carry all pregnancies to term. The actions of pregnant women would be watched and pregnant women could be prosecuted for harming another person (the fetus growing inside their own bodies). If I am so unfortunate as to suffer a miscarriage, it could be investigated as a homicide.

Some say this could be taken further: women who aren't pregnant could be treated by the law as "pre-pregnant." So I, as a fertile woman who could potentially get pregnant (but does not want to and is actively taking measures to avoid getting pregnant), could be prosecuted for drinking after having sex. After all, I could be pregnant. If I need a medication from my doctor, he/she will not prescribe it because of potential side effects to a potential fetus (nevermind the fact that I'm not pregnant and don't want to be).

While my description of a slippery slope may seem ridiculous to you, I have to say that yours kind of does to me. A dictator's rise to power is nothing like a democratic election in the United States. There are many of us who are glad to see George Bush go because of the egregious privacy violations committed under his watch, not to mention the torture he has sanctioned. It's interesting that George Bush's desire to send troops (real breathing, thinking, walking people, not fetuses) to die is lauded as brave by Republicans, while Barack Obama's commitment to allowing women to know what's best for them is an abomination.

Thank you for your writing; it is important for all of us to speak our minds.

Best,
Katie

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