For the next few days, this blog will not be updated. I need to retreat, evaluate and determine what God has in mind, if anything, for this blog.
As long as I’m updating everyday, it’s difficult for me to be objective about what I’m doing. Maybe the blog will remain the same. Maybe I’ll make a few cosmetic and/or thematic adjustments. I don’t know, and that’s good. I’ll listen to God, who tells me to:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
I want that peace, but right now I don’t have it as far as the blog is concerned. I’m not tired of it. I’ve just had doubts lately about why I’m doing this. Am I glorifying God or myself?
I don’t like to admit weakness, but the untrue and inaccurate things I read about myself are starting to bother me. Who, what, where, when and how isn’t important, but the anger I feel toward people who misrepresent my statements must be dealt with. I can’t blog my way through it; I need to pray my way through it.
I often wonder how well-known people deal with it. Lies are written and uttered about them everyday, and they can’t respond and react to every one. It doesn’t matter, ultimately. This is between me and God. I’ve let the blog and other things interfere with my time with him. Despite that, he still loves me. The Bible says:
[W]e are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8: 37-39)
For that, I love him.
I’ll still be lurking, approving comments caught in the spam filter and banishing misbehaving commenters to the outer edge of the blogosphere. I’m still reading and answering e-mail, so drop me a line anytime. I ask for your prayers as I meditate on these things.
I’ll return early next week at the latest, not that I’ll have all the answers by then. I leave you with this lovely verse:
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen. (Jude 1:24-25)
May God bless you all with his grace and mercy.
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I’ll keep you in my prayers, La Shawn. I hope you find the closer walk with Him that you’re searching for, no matter what it means for your blog, as much as I enjoy it.
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all other things shall be added to you.
I am presuaded that regardless of who you are and what you say LaShawn, that there will ALWAYS be detractors. Its a human frailty within us that desires to be accepted by everyone and I believe you know that isn’t going to be the case. Take that necessary time and enjoy His presence.
Remember, they crucified Him that knew no sin, so how much more will they persecute you the servant?
La Shawn – It’s always good to get away and seek God’s perspective on what HE would have you do..
Proverbs 3:5-7 tells us to lean on God…trust Him with all our heart and all our mind…lean not on our own understanding…and (here’s the reward for doing that) – HE will direct our paths.
Regarding dealing with those who lie about you and those who anger you…I’ll tell you what I have learned from my Pastor: Read 1 Cor 13:4 – 8 (AMP version). I love verse 5 which states (in part) that “love is not touchy or fretful or resentful and takes no account of the evil done to it”. Verse 7 states: “Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]“. Love is truly the answer.
Enjoy your time in God’s presence. Whatever He instructs you to do, do with all your heart and all your might.
God Bless,
– Leon Barber
La Shawn. I am big admirer of you and your website. I truly understand what you are going through. My physical being might be a soldier for the USA but my soul takes his its marching orders from the Almighty. For what it is worth… This is a poem I wrote the night of Sept 11, 2001. This was my call to the Lord
Calling 911
I wear my emotions on my sleeves
I’m proud I Keep my head up high.
Now I am on my knees.
Asking the creator why?
I looked at the destruction.
AS I ran from the flames
It felt like a volcano eruption
It was a plane.
Thinking about my daughter
Daddy is off to fight
Lord will you forgive me if I slaughter
the ones who changed my life?
As I look to you, my heavenly father, Lord please, have mercy
With the rage it hurts I bleed please don’t curse me.
You gave me the talent to write from within love or hate.
Is it a sin as I begin to contemplate.
Visions of a massacre running wild through my head
Fuse ignites I want to fight but I will write instead.
Take care La Shawn you are in my prayers
Demond
Hurry back! We will miss your incisive views.
Appreciate your willingness to be open. Prayer’s always the smart move. I’ll pray for you as well. Take Care, Brad
He WILL let you know. I hope you continue. We need you Lashawn.
God Bless.
La Shawn, there will always be critics. You’ll notice that there are NO statues erected for critics only the doers. The words of the critics sting and in some cases may have a percentage of truth, these are the barbs that hurt the most. For the Christian we have wonderful scripture to instruct and guide us, praise God for His word. You do the best job of mixing the evangelical viewpoint with politics that I’ve ever seen so don’t fret about the critics. We may see your statue one day but I can safely say we’ll never see a statue built to a critic.
Thanks for serving all of his through this site. May God give you the wisdom and courage to do his will. Personally I hope that this will be to continue this blog.
I find taking a break from my blog and commenting on others for a few days helps one focus on what education needs to be done.
So start at your fellow conservative brotherhood members and then move on from there.
I would love to have your opinion on my last two post on “Why I turned Conservative” and “Understanding Institutional Racism”.
Peace and love
My url for above post : http://blacksforbush.blogspot.com/index.html
Best wishes, La Shawn – I’ll be praying for strength and wisdom for you, that our Lord will lead you where He wants you.
To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul (Psalm 25:1)
My blog url was wrong in sig line. It corrected now.
blacksforbush at blogspot
You are a beautiful and intelligent women.
What you share has worth to all of us who read your words.
But I know about pride, I struggle with it every day. Your words echo in my mind as well.
But as you have said this is between you and God. I pray that you stay and let your heart speak to those of us in need.
I am a new reader, a struggling believer, and have a long way to go. I hope that you share in my journey and the rest of your readers that have found comfort in the home that you have created here.
Take Care
Michael
You are a beautiful soul, LaShawn and I know that the Lord will show you what, if anything he wants you to change. The hunger for Him is the beginning of wisdom. You are blessed and I will (am now) pray for you.
Be encouraged my sista, be encouraged. God has a plan and a purpose for your life, the time is now, and you must take hold of every gift that He has given you. Stand strong and be a leader in a time we need leaders who will stand by their convictions. There is no time to waste, because the time is now. The things you’ve done for good, have reached many but there is more to come. To much is given much is required, don’t back down, move forward and hear what God is telling YOU, don’t listen or heed to any other voice that is not in line with the Word of God. Stay connected with the TRUTH and live for the Lord and His GRACE and PEACE is yours. Again Stand where others would falter. We need a voice that will not give in to the enemy. Be a woman after God’s on SPIRIT…you’ll be fine. May His Anointing and His Wisdom help you overcome any doubts or unbelief. See You Soon! Lord Bless You!!
La Shawn, The peace of the Lord be upon you. The world could certainly use so much more of your kind of spirit.
La Shawn
I’ll be praying for you over this time.
I think this election cycle has taken a toll on us Christians. We, like you, need to take time to evaluate and re-evaluate our priorities.
God be with you, my sister!
Dear La Shawn,
I think of you as a sister. I thank you for your courage, and for your willingness to be an instrument in God’s hands in bringing more of His light to His children. I cannot tell you what your writing has meant to me. I have laughed, cried, and my spirit soared with your words…. I understand the place you are in; I know about the traps of the adversary. I also know that you have been an inspiration to me and to countless others. Your voice is urgently needed. The evil one would tell us that speaking up for the Lord’s side is bad, for a million reasons, but the one he is using for you now is that you are being “prideful”….
I am not saying we don’t need to guard against pride, we do!
But we also need to know that Satan will tell us anything, absolutely anything to stop us from doing the Lord’s work.
Guard against pride; pray for guidance, yes.
But don’t stop.
We need you.
I started a tiny little blog of my own.
May I quote a bit from it?
One of the leaders of our church, Ezra Taft Benson, said this:
“In times as serious as these, we must not permit fear of criticism to keep us from doing our duty, even at the risk of our counsel being tabbed as political, as government becomes more and more entwined in our daily lives.”
And our current leader, President Hinckley, stated:
“Let our voices be heard. I hope they will not be shrill voices, but I hope we shall speak with such conviction that those to whom we speak shall know of the strength of our feeling and the sincerity of our effort…I think the Lord would say to us, ‘Rise, and stand upon thy feet, and speak up for truth and goodness and decency and virtue.’”
LaShawn, my sister, know you are in my prayers, and I testify to you that I need you, we all need you. Ask the Lord, He will tell you that He gave you the fine mind, the great spirit, and the passion for right you have so you could be an instrument in His hands. Please know how important you are in His work!
May God’s richest blessings be upon you!
Peggy Snow Cahill
P.S. I loved that picture of you where you said your eyes were half-closed!
It’s always a delight to go to your blog and see your smiling face. I’m sorry that sometimes it is not a joy for you. I’m fairly new to this blog and would miss you already. Wherever God leads you is fine with me.
In Christ, Evon
Don’t let the discouragers get to you. My prayer for you:
Oh, that you would bless Lashawn indeed,
And enlarge her territory,
That Thy hand would be with her,
And that You keep her from sin that she may cause no pain.
Amen
I’ll miss your updates and hope you keep speaking out no matter what the venue. Selfishly, I hope you decide to keep blogging!
There will be many prayers being raised until we hear from you again. May you gain His peace and be rested and ready to go soon. You will probably never know how much good you do by planting the seeds of His truth on this blog, and that planting glorifies God every time.
La Shawn, You have developed a very big following and a popular blog. Many of your postings relate to a Conservative Christian’s view of social issues, which in an election year also means, it’s political. In addition, you are a well spoken and outspoken Black power with a personal responsibility view that doesn’t ‘currently’ match the view of the majority leaders of your race.
Point is, sounds like you are receiving more and more hate mail from those with opposing views, due to your increasing visibility and the stakes in winning this election. I believe hate mail will drastically drop off after the election.
You are a leader with a mission and with conviction. Talk to God and other conservative leaders like yourself with more experience who have learned how to deal with hate and personal attacks, before making any big decisions.
Your conservative leadership, voice, view and blog is needed. Don’t be defeated. We need you. What can we do to help you more.
High Regards,
Jim Russell
San Diego
God Bless you, La Shawn. I admire what you’re doing and know it will be hard to stay away but you know in your heart what is best. Try not to let the naysayers get to you too much.
As you already know, it is comforting to know that He has a plan in store for you. The hard part can sometimes be figuring out what that plan is
Take care and all the best – and I must say I’m looking fwd to your return.
To paraphrase Ruth 1:16, whither thou blogeth, I will read.
I pray that God will make His Will known to you.
La Shawn, I’ve never posted a comment on your site before, but I read it often. Your perspective is articulate, honest, and hard-hitting, and I have developed respect for your opinion. What you have done with your blog thus far has been, without a doubt, God’s work. I, for one, would like to see you continue. God bless your decision, either way.
Ernie
Your honesty with yourself (and, by proxy, with us) is one of your greatest gifts. Thanks, as ever, for sharing all of that stuff here, in public – It helps me to look inward as well, to ask the important questions, to take a step back.
Bless you.
La Shawn,
We all need the “peace of God, which surpasses all.” It is emotionally and physically draining on you to do your blog.
I feel your heart and mind are in the doing of God’s work.
This is a trying time before and after the election. Kerry’s forces are geared up for legal battles if he does not win.
May the Lord bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you!
In Christian Love,
JMB
God bless you, LaShawn!
Ditto to all these wise comments. I’m praying for you to know His will and have the grace of peace, La Shawn.
La Shawn, sometimes a pause is necessary. Smile, laugh and pray, and hopefully you will continue the blog. God Bless.
I pray that you will allow God to show you the direction in which he wants you to go. God is not interested in titles, the political party we associate ourselves with or our social status. He is interested in how we serve him, as well as our fellow man. He wants to us to glorify him in ALL that we do.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
We’ll be praying for you, LaShawn. God doesn’t want us to be people of extremes. He wants us to have a life of balance and peace, and I admire you for seeking that life in His love and care. Finally, I thought I would leave you with verse 8 of Philipians 4. Sometimes when we are on these blogs, we see a lot of ugliness and anger. However, in this verse, the Lord tells us what we should focus on to have the peace that passes all understanding.
Enjoy it!
Phil 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.
NKJV
As you know, you’re among my “reggie blogs”, as Hugh Hewitt calls them.
Recharge your batteries. But I think we’re in the 2 minutes before the end of the game. The next 2 weeks, to ensure that Kerry does NOT have the ability to appoint supreme court justices or determine US foreign policy are critical. I’ve thought about stopping but can’t consider it until I know that Dubya (who is a better Catholic than Kerry and a better Jew than Streisand) is re-elected. I perceive that the forces that pull on me to stop are NOT good. If I can get ONE voter in ONE swing state to make the difference, it’ll be worth my immediate discomfort.
Since 9/11, my perception is that The Big Guy Upstairs is making it very clear that we have free will to chose sides and the differences are becoming crystal clear.
I may take a blogvacation beginning with the Sabbath after the elections. If Bush wins, I can relax a little. My hope is that the vote isn’t close, that Bush has a clear mandate and that the mainstream media is humbled by the outcome, clearly exposing their perfidious partisanism with those who would have us align with the soon-to-be-Dar-al-Islam dhimmis in Europe.
You know, LaShawn, after his conversion, Paul wandered in the desert for three years before beginning God’s ministry. God prepares us for all sorts of things and uses us in many different ways. I do believe he’s worked through you on this blog. Just this morning in Bible study, we discussed ways that God communicates to us and I forgot to mention blogs. I’m sure that would have given the other ladies a start, since many of them don’t even know what a blog is. Back to Paul….God had a ministry in mind for him, but needed to prepare him. So he wandered and prayed, prayed and wandered until the time was right. God then sent him on his merry way and wonderful things happened. Perhaps you need a little time in the desert to communune with God, blinding yourself to all the “stuff” that seems to be getting you down. People who speak hurtfully, intentionally, are not speaking from God, you know that. However, you never know what seeds you’ve planted in their minds and how the Holy Spirit will work on them in the future. I’ll pray for you and for you time in the desert. God will restore you and reaffirm what He’d have you do…just listen for His voice.
A verse for you….2 Corinthians 1:7 – Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
Just as I begin to make a comment, what pops into my mind is: Is it no wonder the Lord has commanded us to rest a day in seven? Rest well, friend. You will find your path. We will be there to support you when you’re back.
As a former English teacher, I apologize for my glaring errors.
Keep smiling
Wow, La Shawn! I am moved to tears and worship just in reading all of the prayers and love going to our God on your behalf. You are a woman deeply loved in the cyberlair and it is a glorious thing.
Ben
How very brave to admit your struggle. I’ll keep your in my prayers. I hope that you do continue to blog for it’s comforting to get online and find that there are strong Christians out in the blogosphere.
Well La Shawn, I believe you will do what’s best. I have no doubt in that.
LaShawn is #1 WOOOOHOOO!
[whistles]
Lashawn- the Lord has given you a talent, and he wants you to use it to glorify Him. I’ve prayed for you.
Checking in on your website each day is very up lifting to your fellow Christians. I’m sure others feel the same way. We need that connection with other believers. When I pray for you to find what God has in mind for you, I will ask that His will be done. May the Holy Spirit work in you mightly!
I found your blog just a few weeks ago and come here when I can’t stand reading other commentaries one more minute. Thank you for what you have done, and God bless you in whatever you decide to do in the future. You have been a blessing.
Donna
As someone mentioned, rest is important because it’s biblical. As for criticisms, you might want to look up benstein.com, go to stuff he wrote then look for the article on powerlessness. I love the list sayings he compiled for himself to remember while he was working in Hollywood which begins with “1) I am powerless over other people’s anger and envy.” then follows it up with “2)I have all the strength I need when I turn all of my problems over to God.” More good stuff there. Be encouraged and be of good cheer…your corner of the blogosphere has blessed and encouraged many.
Lashawn,
Hi. I completely understand what you are going through.
I had contacted you sometime ago to let you know how you inspired me to start my own blog, the url above.
I will be praying for you, but remember that Jesus Christ Himself told us that if they called HIM a demon and names like that, we should be assured that they will also call us names. We are not greater than our master.
As you retreat to seek His face, keep these two scriptures in your heart
a. “Being confident of this very thing, the he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” Phil.1:6
b. “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it”
IThess:5:24
God bless you my sister.
WE LOVE YOU, LA SHAWN!!!!
Take as long as you need to.
God bless you, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen
LaShawn,
I can so relate to the need to “retreat and refocus”. We’ve all been there. Thanks so much for sharing your love of Christ so freely with us. Your strong bibilical knowledge has definitely helped in reinforcing me. Take time to listen to Him. Thanks again for the blog and your positive approach to this crazy world.
ggalco
If it’s untrue, it shouldn’t matter. But I know it does.
Kick back.
Pray on it.
Do as you believe He wants you to do.
Peace.
God’s speed and blessing, La Shawn….
Matthew 5:11 -Jesus speaking-
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.”
A brother in Christ,
Lee
Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice! for your reward in heaven is great.
Lord, as LaShawn enters into thy closet and has shut the door, I pray that you strengthen her.
LaShawn,
You are a positive voice on the internet. Yours is a voice that is needed.
Take care!
LaShawn,
If you haven’t seen it, go to http://www.jaycost.blogspot.com, and read his October 19th entry “Why Black Voters Will Cost Kerry The Presidency”. It’s a very cogent analysis on the pivotal role of socially conservative black voters this election cycle.
Maybe this is one reason so much mud is being flung your way. You are at the vanguard of a major shift on the political scene. So take heart! I’ve never commented before, but I enjoy your voice.
The only things I can say are from the Word: Whatever happens, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel. (Phillipians 1:27)
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:17)
If you follow the above principles, I am sure you will make the right decision.
Don’t let the critics get you down. It is obvious that you are an effective spokesperson for a point of view that has long been ignored but needs to be heard in this nation. Good luck with your decision process and don’t give up.
God can take what the enemy has made for evil and turn it to good, like in the story of Joseph. Also, storms draw us closer to God. I pray that the enemy’s plans to discourage you are thwarted and turned back. I pray that God blesses you spiritually and physically. I know that lies hurt, but I pray that you realize that you are authorized to stand and fight back. A wise man has said, the bigger impact you are making for the Kingdom, the more of a target you are for God’s enemies.
I personally think that you are doing a Kingdom work. I do not agree with everything you espouse (like your stance on affirmative action), but overall your blog is encouraging.
I just question the timing of this abscence. I feel like more African Americans are starting to wake up and feel that Kerry may be defeated more soundly than Gore, to the chagrin of the network news and print mass media organizations.
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. – Numbers 6:24-26
the best to the best
You are in my prayers. It takes courage to do what you have done. I admire you and thank you for your stand for what is right. The future of this nation is at stake. We all need to humbly pray for the strength to cooperate with Grace. God Bless —Mark
Hang in there La Shawn
I don’t pretend to know what God’s plans for you are but I do know that you have been a gift to the rest of us. Whatever the future brings thank you for what you have given
Isaiah 42:3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.
1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood.
Best to you on your inner journey.
May you rest under the protection of our Lord’s wings.
Dear La Shawn,
I do not know what mean, hateful things have been written in newspapers or blogs about you, but I can imagine. What I read are writings that complement your opinions. The Washington Post is politically left! I will confess that in the 1950’s that I was a delivery boy for the paper. In the 1960’s there were more “civil rights” groups than I can name. Some just tried to cause violence and many church going people tried to quell the violence. The NAACP was a calming force which today seems to be anti-Republican! I went to church and worked in DC but lived in MD with my father. Can conservative people give moral support to La Shawn living in DC area? The Bush team have reached out to conservative pastors who are black. I forget that name of the person, but it seems to be having impact! This may be why the Libs-Dems are so upset and desparate before the election! They have thousands of lawyers ready to challenge all over the country.
JMB
Speaking shelfishly, I’ll miss you, dear child.
Don’t be away for too long.
God does not make us responsible for outcomes. Only for stepping into the opportunities He provides. Read Eph. 2:1-10. God does it all, even to providing the good works for us to do.
To be sure, the attitide of the heart is important, but don’t hold back while trying for “just right” attitides. Press on! The responsibility for sanctification is God’s too!
Dan
God bless you and keep you, LaShawn.
Don’t let any negative comments from angry, disillusioned, deceived people get you down.
Our Lord said that He didn’t come to us to bring peace, but a sword. That sword is Truth. Truth causes division and strife, because there are many who don’t want to accept the truth. They would rather languish in the prison of sin and lie to themselves that they are free. Anyone who points to the bars and the chains and shows them that they are not free becomes the focus of their anger and hate.
Don’t let their hate hurt you. Keep pointing to those bars and chains.
Love,
John
South Carolina
La Shawn, I too am looking for some peace leading up to the election. It’s pretty much a given than GWB will win, so it’s only the left who’s still in a tither. God bless!
BTW, can’t help but notice some missing voices in this comment section offering you words of peace and wishing you would continue. If you ever wondered what their purpose was for visiting your blog, you now know. You are stronger than they are… and lovelier.
Almost all the applicible scriptures have already been posted. However, I’ll add one of my favorites:
Romans 12: 1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
I pray that you use this time to be not conformed to the world, but find God’s will.
My Mother in Law is a fine Christian woman who I look up to as a role model for how to live your life seekingGod’s will through the Holy Spirit. After her children grew up and during the height of Christian Coalition, she worked for them, eventually becoming Executive Director of Christian Coalition for Idaho. Now, she feels that God is calling her to change hearts instead and is working with young children at various ministries at her Church, a large Calvary Church with plenty of seekers and what she calls “unchurched children.”
I would recommend prayer, fasting, Bible reading, and also you might want to read “Blinded by Might” by Cal Thomas and Ed Dobson. Obviously, Cal Thomas still thinks there is a place for Christian commentary, but he has changed the way he goes about it. It is an excellent book by2 people who has been there.
Zephaniah 3:17
I will keep you in my prayers girl and pary for that peace. I wish more people had your heart and soul. God bless you today and forever.
La Shawn,
The fact that you have asked whether this effort is to glorify you or God is among the most refreshing insights I’ve come across in quite some time.
There may be changes, but I believe you are on the right path. It makes me glad to be in on your life, (in a very limited way — no stalker, here) and I thank you for your commitment to excellence.
LaShawn, I hope your little season of contemplation will be profitable for you and that you’ll be back stronger than ever. I’ve only discovered your blog recently, and it’s become a daily highlight for me. Best wishes and may God richly bless you!
He is faithful. I won’t advise you – God will lead you. Take care.
Just noticed that my comment linked to my website instead of my blog…would rather it linked to my blog so came back to change it. Don’t mind me! (slips out quietly)
I sure hope you keep blogging. Thanks.
LaShawn, I hope you’re listening to Rush this morning. He’s defending the president “taking his faith into the White House” vs. what Kerry claims (IMO, insincerely) he’ll do if he wins on Nov. 2. It’s amazing how Kerry is pandering to conservatives in these last few days before the election….
But that’s not what I wanted to write about in this comment. I wanted to thank you and encourage you as you seek wisdom regarding the future of your blog.
Your faith, like everything else, is one of God’s greatests gifts to you. He’ll guide you and sustain you through this time, just as He has guided and sustained you in the past. He is good, He is faithful and I appreciate your transparent humility in letting us all know you are seeking His will for your life!
Your sister in Christ,
Ann
President Bush has often mentioned that he knows American’s pray for him. When asked how he knows he’s replied “I can just feel it”. Can you feel our prayers for you La Shawn?
I just discovered your blog today, and am very impressed.
I’m a white Republican man married to a black Democrat woman, but I’m doing my best to change the Democrat part!
You have my prayers as you seek His guidance, and I look forward to your return.
I’m so there about the need to refocus from time to time. When I read your post, I was reminded of the words of Jesus, “Blessed are you, when men revile you and persecute you, and speak all manner of evil against you falsely.” (Mt 5:11)
I’m believing you will have strength for whatever direction God has for you.
Jus’ look’it all this luv!!!
God bless you, La Shawn. Your unique perspective is very much appreciated and respected. We will be eagerly waiting for your return. Take care.
Nixon Casablanca;
My situation is the same as yours, except my wife to voting Bush this year!
Keep Hope Alive:)
LaShawn,
I wish I could say it as well as Troy. I guess I’ll just say: ditto’s to the above.
With love…
I’m not as accomplished or committed as you are, but working toward it, but what I have gathered is this: The Spirit, the Hound of Heaven, pursues us continually. We recognize it as a vague, corrective tug on our conscience. Doubts are good, because they hint at the need to focus inwardly on what we are really inclined to do. I think we are each built with desires and interests to make us fulfill our respective purposes during our time on Earth. We are meant to do what we are most interested in doing, when we act in faith.
This is borne out in the secular realm: Studies have shown that people who are engaged in work that engages them completely are the happiest in their jobs. Thus the old saw: “If it’s not fun, why do it?”
You have been given a nudge to reexamine your interests in blogging. You are already doing a lot of good – you should know that from the traffic on your site – so please don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. But we’ll all be interested in seeing the new directions your interests take you.
I certainly miss your insight, but I pray that you’re finding what you seek in the powerful arms of our Savior.
God bless.
LaShawn-
Refer to this from Matthew 5:
14″You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Notice that Jesus says You are the light of the world and people will see your good works and praise God. You do the work girl, empowered by Him. Continue to give Him praise and glory and keep on keepin’ on. Scrappleface and others refer to those nasty types who cannot engage the ideas without attacking the person as trolls. The watchword is Don’t feed the trolls!
There will always be nasty people in the world. Some might even want to kill you (Islamofascists come to mind) for no reason other than you are happy and they are not. From what I have read in your posts, you are truly seeking God. Stay in the Word and in prayer and then do what seems right. If you do the first two, the third will work out. Those who skip the first two don’t have a compass to determine what is “right”.
God bless you.
There is a comment above from another Douglas that refers to Mt 5:11 and persecution….I agree and would like to expand upon his point. Having visited your blog many times these many months I believe the persecution you may be feeling is a direct result of your obvious love of the Lord. You know, history shows that the greatest growth in numbers in the Christian faith occurs during the times of greatest persecution. I don’t know if that helps, but it’s a fact.
Should you decide to continue the blog, great for me. If not, many thanks for the pleasure I’ve derived from it these past months.
Blessings,
Doug Kanyer
Ephesians 3:14-19
Dearest La Shawn,
You are precious in his eyes and as you can tell many others think you are precious in their eyes.
I wrote to a christian man asking him to pray for us ladies and he responded in kind. I wrote to you and asked for prayer and you responded to me assuring me you would keep me in your prayers.
I came by to see you today. I had mentioned it was just to hard to read the newspapers, watch television and even many blogs I once enjoyed.
You were such a breath of fresh air for me dear lady and you still are. You rest precious, rest.
Looking at these comments, all I kept thinking was the old adage, “by their fruits…”
Look at this orchard young lady!
God bless you. I am keeping you in the Light.
Well, it seems to me that some Brits still haven’t gotten it through their thick skulls that we are an independent, sovereign nation not ruled by them anymore. That stopped in 1776. Butt out of our elections!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/10/21/ngraun21.xml&sSheet=/news/2004/10/21/ixhome.html
This is my letter to the World
That never wrote to Me–
The simple News that Nature told–
With tender Majesty
Her Message is committed
To Hands I cannot see–
For love of Her–Sweet–countrymen–
Judge tenderly–of Me
~ Emily Dickinson
God bless you, La Shawn. I hope you decide to continue this blog.
Yes, pray for guidance. Be open, and don’t get impatient for an answer. He speaks softly and not on your schedule. I’ll look forward to your return.
La Shawn,
you are a talent and clearly a talent for God.
If He does not continue to use you here, via your blog, I know He will continue to use you to win hearts and minds in some other way.
So, while at sometime we may not be able to witness your efforts online any more I think we can all be sure that you will be some where being used of God.
LaShawn,
This is a very important election coming 02 Nov. On townhall.com, there is “Stop and think” today by Thomas Sowell which says, better than I can express, the contrast between John Kerry and George W. Bush.
Please come back to blog LB until the election is over and after if there is terrible contest. We all need your contribution!
JMB
Some heartwarming & inspiring comments here. Boileryard Clarke’s image of “by their fruits” made me realize why I love your blog LS. I was raised in orchards…well, we lived in a house, but we kids played in orchards all summer long. Peaches, apricots, pears, pick ‘em, wipe ‘em on your shirt and let the juice run down your chin at every bite.
The joy of those days is what your refreshing thoughts took me back to.
Thanks BC for reminding me of it and thank you La Shawn for taking me back there.
You remain in my thoughts & prayers.
Ok I just wanted to be #100!!! =)) We miss you.
I heard some dweeb on the HISTORY CHANNEL claim that we are to blame for PEARL HARBOR because we provoked JAPAN what a load of horse hocky its just one of those damn history revionists trying to rewrite history i mean its just as ridiclous as using the expressions COMMON ERA (CE) and BEFORE COMMON ERA (BCE) this is those idiots forcing their atheism on us so they can create a socialist goverment we dont need these damn REDS in our goverment JOE MCCARTHY WAS RIGHT only its the fact that the whole UN is a socialist hang out
LaShawn
I just started reading your site today but I have been meaning to for several weeks due to the reputation you have among bloggers I respect highly. You are really kind of famous, you know, as a black Christian conservative blogger. I think you are adding a very meaningful diminsion to this medium and was expecting to be really turned on by reading you. So I’m very hopeful that you will keep your blog going inspite of the negative and hurtful aspect of your feedback.
You know Christians have to speak up and those that do it the most effectively will be vilified from time to time. God prunes us through our trials…without them we do not grow. Remember how many many Christians are smiling through all the hatred and lies thrown at them just because they are Christians. Please be strong and rely on God to protect your heart with His peace and assurance. He wants us to pray for those who would destroy us and when we do, the Lord is the winner. The greatest service we can do for the Lord is return hatred with love. This is the Christian’s only weapon. I urge you to consider this in your heart and will pray that you do not stop your blog.
LaShawn, I’ve been an atheist for almost 50 years. And I’ll
bet the Bible has something to say about spreadin’ the word
being real important whether you have doubts or not. Sounds
like something Jesus would say. I also figure it says put
aside your ‘foolish pride’ and get to the lord’s work. I
could be wrong but it sounds like something your God would
want. So buck up sister and fight His battles and yours as
well.
Thank you!!!
LaShawn,
I’m glad you sought God’s leading and had a desire to be obedient. I’m even more glad that he apparently wants you to continue blogging!
As you know, being a conservative, Kingdom-first Christian, Black female can be quite a lonesome existence during political seasons–your liberal friends who have nothing to back their positions except “I hate Bush,” “Bush lied,” “No war for oil,” “protect the environment”, “save the children” and “it’s intuitively obvious to anyone with half a brain” suddenly avoid you; can’t get past date number two with a man because (a) you realize he’s not much of an independent-thinker (more like a sheep…which is concerning given society’s morality) or (b) he considers you loud and overexcited versus passionate and well-informed; have to keep replacing Bush/Cheney signs, stickers, decals which those free-speech-lovin’ Liberals can’t seem to “tolerate” seeing; having “niggaz” (as opposed to Black people ala Chris Rock) want to go off on you or inform you that you’re still Black because you have a Bush t-shirt, sticker, pin or hat (baby…I’ve been Black aaaalllllll my life but I ain’t been stupid or ignorant for much of it!)
If wanting to be independent, financially-stable (even wealthy as opposed to rich), educated, informed, motivated and ambitious is being white…I hope to be BLINDINGLY white someday!
I hope to glow so brightly that electricity ceases to be necessary for light in the evenings! Snow should look like charcoal when compared to me! Sunglasses should be necessary in my zip code! It should be like when Moses came down from the mountain after God walked by him…I’ll have to wear a veil so mere mortals can stand to be in my presence!
Keep up the excellent work! I hope to start blogging soon…I used to maintain a website…seems like a lifetime ago…
PurpleMD
A lone Black conservative Christian female physician in the San Francisco Bay Area
purplemd, you crack me up hehehe. You wouldn’t happen to be Beau’s sister would you?
Andy,
I was thinking nearly the same thing…
That, and where was this woman when I was working in Sillycon valley?!?
Dear LaShawn..
I am a life long agnostic who just recently began to believe in Divine Creation. I just happened to stumble upon your site. Besides being beautiful..black and bold I am inspired by your words and by your courage.
I hope you continue to write. I compare your courage to the true warriors for civil rights who stood up when it was extremely dangerous. Today it requires no courage to blame the white man for every ill in the world. It is time for a new strategy..a time to turn down that path that awaits all races. You give me hope..and that is a gift beyond words. Thank you..Ray
Andy and SCSIwuzzy,
I don’t know a Beau unless my brother uses an alias. I moved to the West Coast in 1995 (Seattle) and California in 1996.
PurpleMD
Lone, Black, conservative Christian female physician in the San Francisco Bay Area
PurpleMD, I’m guessing Beau has had his hands full with the aftermath of surviving 2 or 3 hurricanes down in FLA, but if you look at the archives from early Sept and back, you can’t miss his rap.
Andy
How do you doo that face with the sun glasses? that’s cool!
JCJ3 use ‘8′ followed immediatey by ‘)’ without the quotes
Hey lets try that again
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