I remember in grammar school seeing signs in the cafeteria reading, “You are what you eat”. Warning kids that if you eat foods that are bad for you, they will cause one to be in poor health. It also encouraged kids to eat the right foods, with the promise that it would result in one being in good health. There is some factual truth to this, though not always guaranteed.

As great as the need is for one and all to guard what food one permits oneself to eat, there is a greater need. That need being: To guard the thoughts one permits to enter into one’s mind (soul & spirit). Let me explain:

For me, being raised in The Church, this saying about food always reminded me of the following Bible Verse (with added comment), which has a surer promise:

“For as a person thinks in their heart, so are they” (paraphrased Proverbs 23: 7). Here we are warned: You will become exactly like what you mostly think about.

The Bible has a lot to say about how what one thinks most often about, one soon becomes. One’s character is first developed in one’s thoughts. Thoughts are then put into words spoken and eventually actions taken. The following is more excerpts of Bible Verses (with added comments) for example:

“I Believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak” (excerpts 2 Corinthians 4: 13 and 15); and, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12: 34). In these verses we are taught that one’s words reflects what one believes.

Because of this, we are instructed: “Whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, any praise, think on these things” (excerpts Philippians 4: 4-9). The benefit being: That you may have peace of mind instead of anxiety. As you think on the right things, hopefully keeping evil thoughts out of your life.

Once again we are warned: “Be not deceived: Evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15: 33). For when you hear the wrong things, they can become part of your actions; before you know it, you are not only saying the wrong things, you are doing them as well. We are told: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4: 29).

For many persons, they see no harm in speaking both corrupt words and edifying words; while on the other hand, The Bible clearly states the opposite truth: “The tongue is (capable of) defiling the whole body. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing (positive/edifying words) and cursing (negative/corrupt words). My brethren, these things ought not to be so”. It asks this question, “Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?” Then it gives us the answer, “Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh” (excerpts James 3: 1-12). The same way the moment that salt is added to fresh water it is no longer fresh; so, the moment that you say something negative, then all the statement is negatively affected.

To avoid intermingling both ways, we are told: “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things” (excerpts Proverbs 15: 26, 26, and 30); and, “The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: But the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness” (excerpts Proverbs 15: 13-14). See the difference, the one who thinks before they speak is considered wise, while those who speak without premeditated thought are considered wicked and/or foolish.

I can go on and on with Bible Verse after Bible Verse regarding thoughts and words; but I will not. I will close this article with a particular Bible Verse that I have not always been successful in obeying, but nevertheless, I am attempting to live my life accordingly; and if not already, I hope you too will:

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be (always) acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalm 19: 13-14).

Remember: “You are not only what you eat, you are also what you think about”. If you will GUARD YOUR THOUGHTS, it will enable you to better guard your words and actions. And, don’t forget to “STOP” and “THINK” before you speak and do.

Please continue to read upcoming articles, as I continue to share THIS ONE MAN’S OPINION on subjects that matter to my God and to all of us and to all of our families.

For comment I may be contacted by email alandturner@hotmail.com.

In last week’s article titled, He Is Not Alone, I shared two encouraging true stories from The Bible of parents who had a hope of an eternal reunion with their children who had preceded them in death (2 Samuel 12:15-23 and then Job 1: ALL & Job 42: 10-17). I stated that such stories have given Nana and I hope for an eternal reunion with the young ones in our own immediate family who have left this present world prematurely.

The Bible as a whole has given us strength to endure our own family’s times of sorrows throughout the years. It is my prayer that all those who read The Bible and this column may find this same solace as well.

In writing such articles about a hope of an eternal reunion, I do not wish to give a false hope of an eternal reunion for all. For it is a harsh but nevertheless truth that: Not everyone who dies goes to Heaven.      

I now share Bible Verses along with my understanding to answer this question: Is Salvation guaranteed for our children?

There is a traditionally held belief by many Christians that The Bible teaches that all children who die who are under the age of accountability go to Heaven. It is not that these younger children do no wrong; it is just that in God’s Eyes they are considered as being innocent. For though they may be guilty of an act; the question would be: Prior to the act, did they fully understand not only that the act was wrong, but why?

Though the actual term “Age of Accountability” is not in The Bible; the understanding is widely taught. And, though there is no set age agreed upon: There are those who believe this age is under the age of twelve; due to it being the age when Jesus stated it was time for Him to be about His Heavenly Father’s Business (Luke 2: 39-52). This belief can also be seen by The Jews’ (which Jesus was one Himself) rite of passage into adulthood for their boys and girls at ages 13 and 12 (These ceremonies are known as Bar and Bat Mitzvah). For it is at this age, they believe one becomes responsible and accountable for one’s own actions.    

Many use the following Bible Verses to reinforce this understanding of young children who die all going to Heaven:

“At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, who is the greatest in The Kingdom of Heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into The Kingdom of Heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in The Kingdom of Heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in My Name receiveth Me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in Heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in Heaven. For the Son of Man is come to save that which was lost” (Matthew 18: 1-11).

It is taught by some Christian Scholars that the above underlined verse; in the original language states the following: “That when little children die; it is their spirits (not angels) that do always go to Heaven, where they are before the face of God, The Heavenly Father”.  

Please continue to read next week’s article as I continue to share THIS ONE MAN’S OPINION regarding whether or not does The Bible teach that all of our children are guaranteed to go to Heaven? 

For comment I may be contacted by email alandturner@hotmail.com.

In two previous articles titled: He Did His Part and If I Could Turn Back Time, I have spoken of why and how Nana and I have a hope of an eternal reunion with our grandson Kaleb Alan Turner. As stated in the other two articles, 10/13/2010 was the second anniversary of Kaleb’s premature leaving of this present world.

For those who may not know this, Kaleb is not the only younger member of my immediate family who has left prematurely. Kaleb is not alone, he also has two uncles: Daniel and Matthew, 3 cousins: Tyler, Ricky, and the most recent Michael Gabriel, and 1 younger sister: Katelyn Renee; over the past four decades, all leaving this present world prematurely due to various health issues. Along with these children, there are even others who were conceived in the womb, but were gone before anyone could know their gender; thus theirs names will not be known until our Grand Eternal Family Reunion.

In last week’s article, I shared from The Bible a true story of a family who also suffered a premature departure of a child; where the father makes this statement, “But now he is dead, can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:15-23).

I now share another true story from The Bible of another family who suffered such:

“There was a man whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. And (the first set of) seven sons and three daughters were born to him. So it was that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, it may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts. Thus Job did regularly. Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house; and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they (were all) dead! Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped (his God). In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong” (excerpts Job 1: ALL).

“And The LORD restored Job’s losses when he prayed. Indeed The LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. Now The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; He also had (a second set of) seven sons and three daughters. After this Job lived one hundred and forty years, and saw his children and grandchildren for four generations. So, Job died, old and full of days” (excerpts Job 42: 10-17).

These last verses makes a statement that Job received twice as much as before; which is true: For you see all together Job had fourteen sons and six daughters (2 sets of each). One might say, but he did not get to live a full live with all of his children? Yes, this was the case. But, based upon the way the verses were written stating that Job’s latter days were Blessed more than his beginning; one would have hope that Job is now in Heaven with ALL of his children; forever to be together, never to be separated again!

As I close this article, here is a similar closing as last week’s: I know for at least myself and Nana, it is true stories of like sufferings that are found in The Bible which gives us a hope for an eternal reunion, and has given us strength to endure our own family’s times of sorrows throughout the years. It is our prayer that all those who may read this article who also are coping with their own such tragedy will find this same solace as well.

Remember, there is no turning back time, there is just going forward, looking toward that eternity that awaits (Job 14: 13-15). UNTIL THEN, THIS HAS BEEN ONE PAPAW AND NANA STILL MISSING THEIR KALEB AND ALSO ALL OF OUR OTHER CHILDREN WHO HAVE WENT ON AHEAD OF US.

For comment I may be contacted by email alandturner@hotmail.com.

As the previous article titled: He Did His Part was about mine and Nana’s grandson Kaleb Alan Turner, so is this one. As stated: 10/13/2010 is the second anniversary of Kaleb’s premature leaving of this present world.

For those who read this column, you know that since that fatal day on 10/13/2008, I have written various articles regarding Kaleb. One such article was on 05/14/2010 titled: When The Good Die Young, in memory of Kaleb’s then Eighteenth Birthday which was on 05/19/2010. I got the name of the title from a song written and sung by Billy Joel. For at the time the lyrics were saying to me: What a waste it seems to see a young life cut short, one that had so much promise and potential ahead of it; one of these young lives being Kaleb.

In this article, I once again have chosen the title of a song as the article’s title: If I Could Turn Back Time, for the lyrics of this song sung by Cher speaks of the hearts’ desire of mine and Nana’s and all those who truly loved Kaleb. Here now are some of the lyrics which have been altered and modified to fit our feelings:

If we could turn back time, if we could find a way; we’d have you stay, we didn’t wanna see you go.

If we could reach (beyond) the stars, we’d come to you; that we could be together, like we used to be.
Our world was shattered, we were torn apart; like someone took a knife and drove it deep into our hearts.
When you went out of this world, we lost everything right then and there.
We didn’t want to see you go; oh, how it made us cry. If we could turn back time, if we could find a way;

then maybe (just maybe) you’d been able to stay. If we could turn back time…

Even though this desire has been with us since that fatal day, and will always be there all the remaining days that we may live; I know it will never be, for we cannot turn back the time. So, since we cannot; the only thing we can do is to keep living, until the time when we too will leave this present world; to go and live forever in our eternal home with our Kaleb and all those other loved ones who have also gone ahead of us; all the young children automatically going and all others by way of each and everyone’s personally receiving their own individual Salvation thru and by Christ Jesus.

The Bible tells us of another family who suffered the premature departure of a younger family member. Here are excerpts of the comforting words spoken by the father:

^“And the child was very sick. David therefore be sought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them. And it came to pass on the seventh day that the child died. Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:15-23).

I know for at least myself and Nana, it is this very story of a hope for an eternal reunion that has given us strength to endure our own family’s time of sorrow. It is our prayer that all those who may read this article who also are coping with their own such tragedy will find this same solace as well.

There is no turning back time, there is just going forward, looking toward that eternity that awaits (Job 14: 13-15). UNTIL THEN, THIS HAS BEEN ONE PAPAW AND NANA STILL MISSING THEIR KALEB.

For comment I may be contacted by email alandturner@hotmail.com.

This article is a revision of a previous article by the same name, with some changes. The rewrite is due to this October 13, 2010 will be the second anniversary of mine and Nana’s grandson Kaleb Alan Turner’s premature leaving of this present world.

As stated in the original article: I am so very thankful that before Kaleb’s premature departure, he left behind a personal Testimony of Salvation before his fatal automobile accident. Even though this testimony does not take away the pain and sorrow of his premature departure; for all those who truly love Kaleb it does gives us hope that this departure is not a permanent separation; that there awaits an eternal reunion.

For this eternal reunion will take place for all those persons who have truly received Salvation (the forgiveness of sin) before their death occurs and/or at Christ coming to take those who are still alive to forever be with Him. As Kaleb’s premature departure shows, it is of the utmost importance to be ready; as death and Christ’s coming can and will happen within the time frame of the twinkling of an eye.

In the following Bible Verses we are taught the basic understanding that receiving Salvation is a two step process: First and foremost, Christ Jesus shed His Sinless Blood on The Cross for our forgiveness. Then secondly, each and every one must acknowledge and accept Christ’s sacrifice for the penalty paid for their own personal sin, and then receive Him as their personal Lord and Savior:

“Now is come Salvation: By The Blood of The Lamb (Jesus’ sacrifice of Himself), and by the word of their testimony (each individual’s personal confession)” (excerpts Revelation 12: 10-11).

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God is that all might be saved. The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: If thou shall confess with thy mouth The Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shall be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness (right standing with God); and with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation. For whosoever shall call upon The Name of The Lord (and truly makes Jesus their Lord) shall be saved” (excerpts Romans 10: 1-13).

“I thank my God always on your behalf, for The Grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (excerpts 1 Corinthians 1: 2-9).

I am so grateful that Christ Jesus did His Part (He died for us all), and as stated above I am also so very thankful that KALEB DID HIS PART (by receiving Christ Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior). Have you?

As I close this article, I leave you with this warning:

“How shall we escape (hell damnation), if we neglect so Great Salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by The Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him” (Hebrews 2: 3).

Have you received This Great Salvation? If not, please don’t delay any longer: Call out to The Heavenly Father in prayer; confessing and receiving your forgiveness by Christ Jesus; for only through Him do we receive eternal life. For on our part Salvation comes by way of prayer (personal confession).

Thank you for reading this column each and every week, as I continue to share THIS ONE MAN’S OPINION concerning subjects that matter to my God and all of our families.

For comment I may be contacted by email alandturner@hotmail.com.

DEMONIZING THE OPPOSITION

This week’s article is the result of what I perceive to be an ongoing attempt by those who are currently in political power to silence any and all opposition to their governing; by way of a technique known as Demonizing the Opposition. This occurs when one causes those who may oppose their viewpoint and/or method to appear evil or threatening in the eyes of others.

For it seems those who are in the majority in our current government are attempting to silence the growing public opposition to their plans and desires for the direction of America.

One may ask why are they intolerant toward those who voice their disapproval regarding their plans. Can it be they may fear that such a loud outcry of disapproval may prevent their plans?

In politics, from both political parties and/or various groups there are always those who are opposed to the present political party in power. But, it seems that this current group in power has a greater hostility against any person or group that engages in opposition.

Could it be since the political party with the current largest number of seats in office knowing they are in jeopardy of losing that majority in upcoming elections; they are merely defending themselves against their opposition?

Or, could it be it is evident they are so threatened politically, they have stooped to the lowest of all political campaign maneuvers, that being: Going on the offense, by way of slandering the character and/or motives of the opposition? Better known as, “Political Mud Slinging”. Or, is it even more sinister than that?

The reason I believe that it may be the latter is: The current Governing Administration have officially labeled those who are peacefully opposing their governing as a main threat to the United States as a whole; comparing them to extremist and even worse “Terrorist”.  You know the ones who use violence at large, especially bombing, murders of the innocent, assassinators of political leaders; those whose goals are to intimidate others with fear, often for political purposes; these ones who any good law-abiding citizen would be against.

They also are using newspapers and news media who are their allies to label such persons as Radical. I argue that if anyone is radical it would be the current governing powers themselves. This opinion is based upon the definition of what it means to be a radical, who is: One favoring or making economic, political, or social changes of a sweeping or extreme nature. With their far-reaching efforts to radically reorganize our basic laws, affecting our most important features, which is freedom of choice and speech; and, their sweeping changes being so drastic; they have potentially dire consequences now and forever.

America is being warned that these persons who are opposing such radical changes are fanatical activists who are attempting a revolution; that their desire is to overturn the current government. The truth is far from that; from all that I hear and read regarding the majority of these concerned citizens, what they truly desire is that the current government returns to the form of government that this country was founded on; which is: Our politicians are to vote the citizens’ wishes in alignment with our Constitution; not the wishes of the politicians themselves and/or their special interest groups.

Instead of those who are in current power simply addressing the issues and concerns of these concerned citizens, they have chosen to remove the source of the discontentment; the voice of these people.

So, if you are a conservative: In favor of preserving traditional values, and you advocate minimum government intervention, and are against what many believe to be harmful negative changes; you are now considered by this current Governing Administration as an radical extreme person.

If they cannot get you to agree with them, then they will attempt to silence you. If they cannot silent you, then they will attempt to cause others to stop listening to you; by way of demonizing you in the eyes of others.

Thank you for reading this column each and every week, as I continue to share THIS ONE MAN’S OPINION concerning subjects that matter to my God and to all of us, and to all of our families.

For comment I may be contacted by email alandturner@hotmail.com.

THE LOOM OF LIFE

In last week’s article titled: He Wasn’t There (But His Little Brother Was), I wrote how that Nancy and I attended the 2010 Breathitt High School Graduation on 06/04/2010; we were there to watch our grandson Hunter stand in for his big brother Kaleb; who was suppose to graduate this year. As stated, Kaleb did not get a diploma; what he did receive was recognition for his short lived life.

The fact that Kaleb was not physically present and the reason why, is yet one more hardship in my life that reaffirms this truth: One thing that can be counted upon in this current life that we all are attempting to live; and that is: Personal suffering is a part of living (Job 14:1).

This article is a revision of a previous article with the same title as this one: The Loom of Life. As with its original printing, the purpose for this revision is to encourage people to put and keep their trust in God, our Creator; especially during the times of hardship that comes into ones’ lives, and when there is no answer to the question of, “Why did this have to happen?”

Because for many, they will not understand “The Whys?” of this current life, until after their own current life has passed; it is so vitally important to maintain ones’ faith in God; for by it, they may endure the hardships until then.

I know for Nancy (Nana) and I it is only by our faith in our God that we are capable of enduring the premature death of Kaleb, and the various other hardships that have come into our lives through the years.

This faith is based upon our hope that when this current life does pass there awaits an eternal life without suffering, pain, and eternal death. (As a Christian, I truly believe such a eternal life only comes to those who have received The Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.)

As previously printed, here once again is a poem written by Nancy (Nana) which reflects this type of faith:

The Loom of Life

My Life is but a weaving,

Between The Lord and me;

I may not choose the colors,

He knows what they should be.

For He can view the pattern,

Upon the upper side;

While I can see it only,

On this – the underside.

Sometimes He weaveth sorrow,

Which seems so strange to me?

But I will trust His judgment,

And work on faithfully.

It’s He, who fills the shuttle,

And He who knows what’s best;

So I shall weave in earnest,

And leave to Him the rest.

Not till the loom is silent,

And the shuttle ceases to fly;

Shall God unroll the canvas,

And explain the reasons why -

That dark threads were also needed,

In The Weaver’s skillful hands;

As the threads of gold and silver,

In the pattern He had planned.

For those of you who do not know what a Loom is: It is an apparatus that weaves thread or yarn into cloth.

THIS HAS BEEN A REPRINTING OF ONE WOMAN’S OPINION OF AND FAITH IN HER LORD.

For comment I may be contacted by email alandturner@hotmail.com

HE WASN’T THERE (BUT HIS LITTLE BROTHER WAS)

This past week of 06/04/2010 was Breathitt High School’s Senior Graduation. Even though this Graduating Class is

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the classmates of mine and Nancy’s (Nana) grandson Kaleb Alan Turner, he did not receive his diploma as they did. Those who know me personally and for many others who read this weekly column, you know the reason why: Kaleb’s current natural life was cut short at the age of sixteen years old; due to a fatal automobile accident on 10/13/2008.

Since Kaleb’s accident, I have written several articles regarding Kaleb. The most recent one was titled: When The Good Die Young, written last month for Kaleb’s eighteenth birthday, which was 05/19/2010.

In that article I wrote: Even though all birthdays are precious, there are a few particular ones that seem to be more special than others, one of them being: The Eighteen Birthday, when one graduates from High School; when young men and women marry and begin their own individual families; as they begin bringing into this life the next generation; populating and repopulating this world; thus the family’s lifeline is able to continue. At least this is the way that it should be.

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Another previous article titled: He Was There, was written 06/11/2009 during the time of Kaleb’s fiancé Lyndzay Michele Fugate’s High School Senior Graduation on 06/05/2009. In that article I wrote: Nancy and I attended Lyndzay’s graduation for Kaleb’s sake and also for our love for Lyndzay for herself. Even though we felt pride for Lyndzay’s accomplishment; at the same time, Nancy and I both wished Kaleb could have been there to participate in His Lyndzay’s Day of Celebration.

Then to our surprise, at the close of the graduation, the school allowed the graduation class to have a slide show of pictures past and present of themselves. When it came time to show Lyndzay’s pictures; right there on the wall for all to see, appeared Kaleb with His Lyndzay; once again together, as they had planned to be forever. Afterwards, Nancy told me on the way home, that Lyndzay told her, “I know that you couldn’t bring Kaleb with you to my graduation; so, I brought him”.

Nancy and I attended last week’s Breathitt High School’s Senior Graduation, due to receiving prior notice from Kaleb’s mom Chastity that the school was going to name Kaleb amongst the other names of his classmates during the ceremony.

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When Nancy and I arrived at the graduation prior to its start, we found amongst the rows of seats that the graduation class was to be seated, in the very back row there was one seat with a blue ribbon with Kaleb’s name on it draped across it, along with a blue and white carnation. The seat did not remain empty though, for once the commencement started; amongst his classmates was Kaleb’s little brother Hunter.

Hunter sat in the seat in his brother’s stead. At the closing of the commencement: Row by row and one by one the classmates were being called by name to come forth to receive recognition for their achievement of successfully finishing High School. When Kaleb’s name was finally called, it was Hunter who walked to the platform to receive his brother’s recognition; not for graduating, just for simply being Kaleb; a young man who loved and was loved.

When Hunter reached the platform, this love for Kaleb and for his little brother Hunter was expressed in thunderous shouts and clapping from those classmates; who in the midst of their own time of joy, shared in the grieving of those of us who for all the days left in this current world will miss having our Kaleb with us.

Unlike Lyndzay’s Graduation last year, Kaleb wasn’t there for this one; but in his stead: His little brother Hunter was. At that very moment, while Hunter was letting everyone know that “Kaleb’s my brother!” I believe in Heaven, Kaleb was also saying “Look at Hunter, that’s my brother; Good job Lil Bro!” Love went full circle, brother to brother, what a closing statement.

Papaw and Nana know that Kaleb is so very proud of Hunter for his courage in showing his love for his big brother; as are we so very proud of him.

THIS HAS BEEN ONE PAPAW AND NANA’S OPINION OF THEIR KALEB AND HUNTER. “With all of our heart we love both of you boys!”

For comment I may be contacted by email alandturner@hotmail.com.

Alan Turner

WHO IS RIGHT AND WHO IS WRONG

This week’s political themed article is a continuation of my urging for the need for each and everyone not to simply take for granted as being accurately truthful all that they may hear and/or read from those who are suppose to be knowledgeable when it comes to the politics of our times; for what so often is coming out of their mouths and/or writings are tainted with biases. Sometimes this may be unintentional, while for others intentional.

There are those persons who have an obsessed loyalty to their political party affiliation, individual candidate and/or politician, to the point; that everything regarding such is given a blinded bias in favor of. These biases influence their ability to be fair in their opinions pro and con.

For some, they have become completely devoted to their politics over everyone and everything else, even their religion. Their politics has become the god they serve.

This obsessed distorted view gives them a sense of arrogance, causing them to ignorantly assume their political side as always being right, while at the same time believing the opposing side must always be wrong.

Such arrogance affects their thinking and actions. They speak as one who has all authority and complete knowledge. They will argue their view with the determination to affect the course of events in their political favor. For some, they attempt to persuade somebody’s thinking or action by the mere force of their personality; not being satisfied until everyone agrees with their opinion.

Then there are the followers of such arrogant ones; who repeat the same distorted facts by those who twist and stretch the truth. In doing so, the followers are propagating the same untruths.

Since this type of sharing biased political viewpoints and opinions is always ongoing in every avenue of communication by various persons with their various biases; it is difficult sometimes to know who is right and who is wrong.

For many the real truth is becoming more unclear and unrecognizable; and for the ones who are intentionally misleading, they depend upon this uncertainty to rightfully discern what may or may not be truth. This is why it is important for each one to already have a set of strongly held beliefs, morals and values that they will always live by; that they may better discern what is being reported or described as being accurate or inaccurate truth.

As stated in last week’s article: It is a vital necessity for people to know for themselves the real truth regarding all subjects that may have an effect on how one lives their life; this is especially true when it comes to politics and even religion.

I now close this article, with an exaggerated example from The Bible of one who only sees the wrong in others:

“And why beholdest thou the small twig that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the large timber that is in thine own eye? Or, how wilt thou say to thy brother, let me pull out the small twig out of thine eye; and, behold, a large timber is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the large timber out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the small twig out of thy brother’s eye” (Matthew 7: 3-5).

The next time you hear and/or read a political viewpoint, ask yourself this question “Is this person biased?” Using the above scripture as a guideline; the chances are they were, if they only spoke well about their side and only negatively about the opposing side.

It is my hope and prayer that all who do not wish to be misled will research the facts for themselves. Also, first and foremost always seek and then obey God’s direction and guidance; even when it is contrary to the rhetoric of the politicians and/or their devoted followers; and even if it causes one to go against their own previous biased political loyalties (Psalm 118: 5-8).

Thank you for reading this column each and every week, as I continue to share THIS ONE MAN’S OPINION concerning subjects that matter to my God and to all of us, and to all of our families.

For comment I may be contacted by email alandturner@hotmail.com.

Kaleb Turner (Click image to enlarge)

WHEN THE GOOD DIE YOUNG

For those who know me personally and/or who have been reading this column since its first article; you know that on October 13, 2008 mine and Nancy’s (Nana) then sixteen year old Grandson Kaleb Alan Turner left this world prematurely due to a fatal automobile accident.

During the week of Kaleb’s Seventeenth Birthday (May 19, 2009), I wrote an article titled: A Birthday Without Celebration. In that article I stated: On Kaleb’s Birthday; what should have been a day of celebration, was instead for my family and all those who love Kaleb a day of only heartbroken memories.

It seems so hard to believe, yet, another birthday is now upon us. Like last year’s birthday, so this year’s: Instead of a day of joyful gifts, there will be a day of placing tokens of our love at the sight of the accident, and new wreaths and flowers will also be placed at the gravesite that now holds his precious body.

In planning this article, the song lyric “Only the good die young” came to my mind; this song was written and sung by Billy Joel. Not that I believe the lyric to be entirely accurate; for I know that both good and bad can and does die at anytime and at any age.

What the lyric is saying to me at this time is: What a waste it seems to see a young life cut short, one that had so much promise and potential ahead of it; I am more keenly aware of this truth as Kaleb’s Eighteenth Birthday is now upon us.

As stated in a previous article: Even though all birthdays are precious, there are a few particular ones that seem to be more special than others, some of these being: The Thirteenth, when one becomes a teenager; the Sixteenth, when one may receive their driver’s license; then there is the Eighteen Birthday, when one graduates from High School, when one becomes capable to vote in elections and to join and serve in the Armed Forces.

At this age, some will go to college before entering the job market; while others will go directly into the full time employment ranks, to remain there for the next forty plus years. Young men and women marry and begin their own individual families; as they begin bringing into this life the next generation; populating and repopulating this world; thus the family’s lifeline is able to continue. At least this is the way that it should be.

For when one’s life is cut short without first leaving a child behind to continue that family’s lineage; that particular lifeline ceases. So, when the good die young; it is such a loss to not only the immediate family, but also there is the loss of future generations.

For the loved ones left behind, there is no being a part of their maturing into the adult that you dreamed of them becoming when they were a child; no watching the family’s continuance. All the hopes and treasures that you had been storing for them, has now lost all it true worth and value to you. You care less for whatever monetary value that may still yet be in the material items that you had purposed one day for them to receive as an inheritance; for without them, it is all meaningless.

What is left for the ones left behind? The only hope and plans that one can hold onto now, is the reassurance that if the child died as a Child of God; then there is coming a time appointed when all those who die in Christ, will have their souls and spirits reunited with their bodies, never to be apart again throughout eternity (2 Thessalonians 4: 13-18 and 2 Corinthians 5: 7-9).

I speak honestly and sincerely, sometimes this hope for an eternal reunion just doesn’t seem to be enough; now, in reality, I know as a Christian that it is; but as a Nana and Papaw it just doesn’t feel like it.

When I have such feelings, it is then that I am once again reminded of that young man who often, while reading from several Bibles that his Nana has at her home, would mark Bible Verses dear to him. In one such Bible in the final chapter of the book of Revelations where The Lord said , “Surely I come quickly” followed by ‘even so, Come, Lord Jesus”; this young man’s words are written, “Home at last” and “Thanks”; and then beside these added comments, it is personally signed by him.

That young man was KALEB. His Nana and Papaw know in our hearts that he has arrived at the place that he knew to be his true HOME (with his God); where we someday hope to be reunited with him and all of our other loved ones who have gone ahead to that very same place, or who will follow there after.

Even though his Nana and Papaw know where he is; it is also, during the times of these feelings, I understand how Job felt, for as he did when his suffering seemed unbearable; Kaleb’s Nana and Papaw scream within our very soul “When Lord, will our change come?” (Job 14: 13-15).

I close this article, repeating what I stated earlier in this same article: (In this current world) what a waste when the good die young!

THIS HAS BEEN ONE PAPAW AND NANA STILL MISSING THEIR KALEB.

For comment I may be contacted by email alandturner@hotmail.com.