The Definition of Sanity

Last week was the great tradition of the Illinois State Fair. It’s the time of year when people from all over the state gather to gaze at prize winning animals, eat way too much fatty food and then get on carnival rides that make them wish they hadn’t. It’s a festive time of togetherness.

Unless, of course, you’re into politics. Then you hear embittered speeches from ungracious politicians representing Illinois. Take for example, the words of Comptroller Susana Mendoza. Susana (a Democrat) considered the former gov—Bruce Rauner (Republican)—as “the worst governor ever.” She added that while he was in office—“metaphorically speaking”—she would “kick him in the groin with much joy and pleasure.” (See the Chicago Tribune link below)

Meanwhile, the current Democratic Illinois Governor, J.B. Pritzker, offered these inspiring words to the annual Democratic county chair association brunch:

“In America, in the face of what the Supreme Court and the radical right wing are trying to do to the fundamental rights of every American, we, the coalition of the sane, owe something better to our children and our grandchildren.”

I suppose if it were possible, I would have jumped out of my skin at such a claim. Pritzker has somehow come to believe that those who oppose his way of life are likely not of sane mind. This should lead us to ask, what is “sanity?”

Many Illinoisans felt Pritzker himself was off his rocker when he doubled the price of car registrations. We watched our state’s citizens cry out when seemingly absurd Covid-19 restrictions forced many businesses to close. Depression was felt statewide. We’ve now discovered an amazing amount of tolerated fraud that occurred in the state’s unemployment system—payouts to falsified claims. And then his “sane” mind justifies northing short of the murder of babies in the state’s liberal abortion policies.

Sanity. How about this. The Cleveland Browns' quarterback Deshaun Watson had his “punishment” for violating the league’s personal conduct policy based on numerous allegations of sexual misconduct increased to a suspension of 11 games and a fine of $5 million. He agreed to this. How generous. This, after he received a fully guaranteed, five-year, $230 million contract in March. Think he’s hurting?

I’m guessing that if virtually anyone had the same number of women make the same allegations against NFL leadership, they would lose their jobs. But NFL quarterbacks are in another “league.” A protected one!

Then we have the insanity of America’s love affair with transgenderism—right down to our children! A most interesting commentary from Breakpoint writer John Stonestreet this past week explains how the UK has reversed course on permitting children to be abused in childhood gender transitions. In fact, as Stonestreet’s article points out, “The vast majority of younger patients were prescribed puberty blockers, drugs that are now known to cause brain swelling and vision loss."

A major “clinic” for such procedures has been shut down. As the Breakpoint article states, “Other European countries are also pumping the brakes on these sexual experiments on children….countries like Sweden and Finland that have pushed back ‘firmly and unapologetically’ against such interventions.”

But not…in the U.S. Our politicians won’t go there. Try asking our “sane” governor about his views on this.

The Oxford dictionary defines “sanity” as "the ability to think and behave in a normal and rational manner; sound mental health.”

The Bible defines sanity under the microscope of wisdom. And this “wisdom” is not simply intelligence. Or knowledge. But to act with choices that serve human beings in the best way possible. Godly wisdom. Which, by its nature, comes from God.

Isaiah 48:17 reads, “This is what the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel says: I am the LORD your God, who teaches you for your benefit, who leads you in the way you should go.” (CSB)

The truly sane are those who find their way in the wisdom of the Living God.

That’s Forward Thinking. 

You can find a number of YouTube episodes and podcasts of Mark’s program, Moving People Forward at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosyuBzdSh1mXIas_kGY2Aw?

For more information on the Elfstrand Group, please visit www.elfstrandgroup.com

Articles of interest:

https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-pritzker-democrats-state-fair-20220817-xxjnfcf3ofei7hwct2viwgg3m4-story.html

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34412381/source-cleveland-browns-qb-deshaun-watson-suspended-11-games-fined-5m-settlement-nfl-nflpa https://

www.christianheadlines.com/columnists/breakpoint/americas-gender-exceptionalism.html?utm_source=ChristianHeadlines&utm_campaign=Connecting%20through%20Crisis%20-%20ChristianHeadlines.com&utm_medium=email&utm_content=6907446&recip=530696604&aps=3573af02591190322d3d755259709c4e164f76edbce4ddda8e23716394da9d8f

Don’t Rush to Russia

The National Football League pre-season is underway. Unless you followed the off season activity closely, you may find plenty of surprises of who is and who is not on your team. For example, Russell Wilson is now playing for Denver. Khalil Mack was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers. The legally-troubled former Houston quarterback, DeShaun Watson, was traded to Cleveland. And the former Cleveland QB — Baker Mayfield — was traded to Carolina.

Apparently, governments get into this game as well. The latest on this front is a pending deal where the United States would send Russia a known arms trafficker — Victor Bout — back to his comrades in exchange for WNBA rebel superstar Brittney Griner and another American prisoner — Paul Whelan. He’s a 54-year-old former Marine, a security consultant arrested in 2018, whom the Russians convicted of spying in 2020. He says he was framed. The Russkies gave him a 16-year sentence anyway.

As for Griner, in her travels to Russia last February, she was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport. Authorities there found two vape cartridges containing cannabis oil. A minor amount, but the substance is banned in Russia. The court did not consider this a misdemeanor, but instead, handed out a 9½ year prison term to Griner. Lawyers for the athlete plan to appeal. Good luck in that.

The United States government has already made one trade earlier this year. In April, a retired U.S. Marine named Trevor Reed came home after negotiators worked out a swap for Konstantin Yaroshenko. This bad boy was a convicted Russian drug trafficker!

So what was Brittney Griner doing in Russia anyway? Playing basketball, of course. She apparently has played for UMMC Ekaterinburg in the Russian Premier League during the WNBA offseason. Maybe she was checking out whether Mother Russia treated people better than the way she thinks we do in the U.S. She’s made her feelings about our country known before.

Anyway you slice it, these are not particularly good days to be making travel plans to Russia. Hey, if you really want one of those Matryoshka Dolls, you can find them on Amazon. Or eBay. Some even offer free shipping! Russian vodka is easy to find as well. Uh…I think.

In the 1990s, the well-known Christian apologist Josh McDowell made a number of trips to Russia. Somehow during his many excursions to the communist country, Josh had developed God-led friendships with leaders in the military, government, and business. At that time, a significant amount of freedom existed, which allowed Josh to print and share materials in the Russian language about Jesus and the Christian faith.

McDowell then organized a number of trips to the former Soviet country recruiting people from his mailing lists and radio advertising. I was one of several radio broadcasters invited to travel with Josh in the mid-1980s to witness the open opportunities of handing out literatures and meeting the Russian people. My eldest son, Marshall, later would travel with Josh and experience this openness as well.

Those days are over. Vladimir Putin put an end to such liberty. Not only for Americans with evangelical zeal, but for churches not blessed by Emperor Putin himself. One might think he’s a control freak.

So now Americans are expected to give up a true drug trafficker and known arms dealer for, well, who knows what we’re getting back. I do know that if any of the three Americans were my relatives, I’d hope we’d try something reasonable to get them home. And we are trying. Why? Because contrary to Griner’s perception, America still has a soul. One tied to freedom.

One of my daily prayers recognizes that what seems impossible requires but a nudge by God to move in a new direction. Proverbs 21:1 says, “The LORD controls the mind of a king as easily as he directs the course of a stream.” (GNT)

May God’s hand move favorably in these matters. But in the meantime, I don’t recommend you rush to Russia.

That’s Forward Thinking. 

You can find a number of YouTube episodes and podcasts of Mark’s program, Moving People Forward at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosyuBzdSh1mXIas_kGY2Aw?

For more information on the Elfstrand Group, please visit www.elfstrandgroup.com

Articles of interest:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/11/russia-prisoner-exchange-griner-whelan/

https://www.josh.org

Wisdom Personified

There were certain television programs during my very young years of the 50s and 60s that were not to miss. First was Zorro—"the fox so cunning and free.” Famous for leaving his mark: the “Z.” He was able to out-duel, outrun, and outsmart anyone. Especially the rather hefty Sergeant Garcia.

Two of my other favorite adventure programs were Sea Hunt (starring Lloyd Bridges) and Whirlybirds, the helicopter aces, starring Kenneth Tobey and Craig Hill. That last show only had a three-year run but I wouldn’t miss it. And the same for Sky King on Saturday mornings!

I know. I know. All of those programs are likely lost on Gex X and Gen Z readers. I don’t think you can find the reruns anywhere. At least I haven’t found them.

There were several wonderful family oriented programs in that era. The Donna Reed Show. My Three Sons. Ozzie and Harriet. And the king of them all, Leave it to Beaver. Just about everybody has heard of the Beaver, his brother Wally, and the rest of the cast that included the always annoying trouble maker friend of Wally, Eddie Haskell!

Without making any blanket indictment, it seems that by-and-large, the “stars” of yesterday did a pretty good job of keeping their lives together as they aged. The family life portrayed by these actors and actresses seemed to be something they truly embraced. In my estimation, they saw their roles as influencers as being important.

This was brought to mind this week as I read of the passing of Tony Dow, known for his role as Wally in Leave it to Beaver. Sadly, his death was reported twice, once prematurely. Tony suffered from cancer and that is what sealed his fate at the age of 77.

He was married twice. The second lasted until his passing. That knot was tied for 42 years. Tony fathered one child – a son, Christopher Dow.

The “Beav” (Jerry Mathers) had this to say about his actor friend on a Facebook post: (Tony Dow) was "the kindest, most generous, gentle, loving, sincere, and humble man," whom he had the honor of knowing for nearly 65 years. Few of us could likely attain to such a tribute.

Dow’s son Christopher weighed in on what kind of father he witnessed, saying on Facebook: “He was the best dad anyone could ask for. He was my coach, my mentor, my voice of reason, my best friend, my best man in my wedding, and my hero." Worthy of tears to almost any father’s eyes. 

Eddie Haskell, played by Ken Osmond, preceded Tony Dow in passing. So it was Dow who paid tribute to him in May of 2020. As he noted then, “We remained friends for sixty-three years. Plenty of memories!!”

Jerry Mathers commented on Osmond’s acting skill, saying he was the best actor on Leave it to Beaver. Why? Because "in real life (Ken’s) personality was so opposite of the character that he so brilliantly portrayed." He went on to describe Osmond as a "devoted family man," "decorated police officer," and "a wonderful friend."

Decorated police officer? Indeed! While Osmond sought out other acting work after his Eddie Haskell days, apparently producers felt he was too “type-cast.” Years later, the memory of that character faded and Osmond returned to some acting roles. (Imagine being pulled over by policeman Eddie Haskell!)

Fame, and accompanying resulting wealth, will often change or reveal someone’s character in really negative ways. Arrogance can set in. People start believing their own press.

This can happen just as easily to people in business. In the nonprofit world. And, of course, in the ministry.

The writer of Proverbs assessed life this way, “I ask you, God, to let me have two things before I die: keep me from lying, and let me be neither rich nor poor. So give me only as much food as I need. If I have more, I might say that I do not need you. But if I am poor, I might steal and bring disgrace on my God.” Proverbs 30:7-9 (GNT)

That…is wisdom personified!

That’s Forward Thinking. 

You can find a number of YouTube episodes and podcasts of Mark’s program, Moving People Forward at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosyuBzdSh1mXIas_kGY2Aw?

For more information on the Elfstrand Group, please visit www.elfstrandgroup.com

Articles of interest:

https://www.inquisitr.com/6061317/tony-dow-ken-osmond-tribute/

Moorings

I often find that in helping shape a viewpoint or a mindset, look to the dictionary as a starting point. This I did as I considered the topic of “moorings.” Sailors and aviators immediately would be drawn to this word. Merriam-Webster provides us our first two definitions:

Moorings:
1: an act of making fast a boat or aircraft with lines or anchors
2a: a place where, or an object to which, something can be moored
  b: a device (such as a line or chain) by which an object is secured in place

But it is their third offering that captures my attention in this age. 

Mooring: an established practice or stabilizing influence. 

Grabbing from the other two definitions, we should include these words: Making fast. Anchors. Secure. Those all contribute to creating that stabilizing influence.

I’ve wondered and shared with friends the puzzlement I find with the number of mass shootings we witness in more recent years. Add to that the number of suicides. The discontentment with not just work but the very idea of work. The addition to technology that often robs us of time better spent with others or in something that advances our knowledge. The lack of authentic friendships. And among the more bizarre, the inability to sort out human sexuality and even failing to define “woman.”

Where do moorings come from to keep us emotionally, mentally, and spiritually healthy? Where do we seek wisdom that will anchor us so that we are secured in place? Why do we allow voices we should not trust to guide us into new ways of thinking and tear us away from our safe harbors?

The moorings of the historical Christian faith have seen plenty of slippage. Detecting the source of trouble here is not so difficult. Seminaries have allowed the drifting away from historic creeds that were battled out to point us to truth. Educational degrees do not bestow wisdom but reward academic achievement.

As just one example of the church's neglected moral slippage, a 2020 survey by the Pew Research Center reported that half of Christians say sex between consenting adults who are in a committed dating relationship is sometimes or always acceptable. And better than half would say casual sex is OK. (Lower numbers were found among evangelical Protestants.)

No college degree—or even high school diploma—is needed to read the most basic book on what is appropriate in the areas of human sexuality. The teachings of the Bible are as clear as they come. The mooring on what to believe is established. Spiritual convictions of dissenters have weakened. Relationships have suffered.

A more important loss of foundation has occurred about the believability of the Scriptures and in God. The latest Gallup Poll reports that belief in God in our country dipped to 81%, down 6 percentage points from 2017. That’s the lowest since Gallup first asked this question in 1944.

Why the drop? Ryan Burge, assistant professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University, believes much of it has to do with those disconnecting from churches. In his words, “Belief is typically the last thing to go. They stop attending, they stop affiliating, and then they stop believing.”

In other words, they have become untethered from their mooring. They have lost their core spiritual identity.

Jesus of Nazareth gave a word picture of our spiritual moorings. He said, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” Matthew 7:24-27 (NLT)

Words of Jesus. The wisest teacher ever. Divinely inspired since He is the Divine.

More secure moorings we have never known. Grab hold!

That’s Forward Thinking. 

You can find a number of YouTube episodes and podcasts of Mark’s program, Moving People Forward at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosyuBzdSh1mXIas_kGY2Aw?

For more information on the Elfstrand Group, please visit www.elfstrandgroup.com

Articles of interest:

https://www.christianpost.com/news/half-of-us-christians-say-casual-sex-is-sometimes-always-ok-in-dating-relationship.html?uid=36c0d7bd13

https://religionnews.com/2022/06/21/poll-americans-belief-in-god-is-dropping/

Our Days are Numbered

I fully expected there to be plenty of protestors outside the Supreme Court after their recent decision to return the abortion debate to states to set policy. And there were plenty on hand when the decision was announced. The frustration continues for the pro-aborts. Now they know the feeling of what pro-lifers have felt since 1973.

But nowhere in the 70s did I see protestors go to the homes of Supreme Court justices to try and make life miserable for them. Or at a restaurant where their family was eating. It seemed we lived in more civil times.

Not anymore. Within the last several days, at least one Supreme Court justice got the royal protest treatment at a steakhouse where he was dining. It was Brett Kavanaugh – a favorite public whipping boy since his confirmation hearings. It was reported that he had to sneak out a back door at the downtown D.C. Morton’s Steakhouse after protesters had learned he was there.

It went further. The same group called the restaurant’s manager demanding that the justice be kicked out. That according to Politico’s Daniel Lippman. Are you kidding me??

The management of Morton’s was rightfully angry and wrote to Politico: “Honorable Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh and all of our other patrons at the restaurant were unduly harassed by unruly protestors while eating dinner at our Morton’s restaurant. Politics, regardless of your side or views, should not trample the freedom at play of the right to congregate and eat dinner.”

Morton’s management concluded by saying, “There is a time and place for everything. Disturbing the dinner of all of our customers was an act of selfishness and void of decency.” Spot on.

How long will this nonsense go on? The Court’s decision was made. And while the president seeks for ways to dismiss what the Court did in an effort to allow more babies to die, must justices now submit to the pathetic whims of opponents who don’t agree with them?

In response to the dining protest, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said this: “Any public figure should always, always be free from violence, intimidation, and harassment but should never be free from criticism or people exercising their First Amendment rights.” While that is true, I doubt Mr. Buttigieg would be so generous to those who might hold protests and signs outside of places that he dines that quoted biblical passages on homosexuality.

A few days ago, another protest group marched in Washington D.C. They chanted and yelled as they went. The Daily Signal reports that, “As the pro-abortion group turned to head towards the White House, one of the protesters blocked a pro-life sign and screamed 'We love killing babies!'”

Pro-life advocates have moved to help women with unanticipated pregnancies with the development of crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs). Services they provide include counseling on pregnancy issues, where to find help, and even doctor referrals. They will coach moms-to-be and provide diapers, blankets, and a number of other items once the baby arrives. They are a woman’s best friend when moving through this unexpected pregnancy.

And yet. And yet…two U.S. Senators want to shut these centers down. Senator Elizabeth Warren, along with Sen. Bob Menendez have introduced the “Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation Act” to combat what they call “false advertising” from crisis pregnancy centers.

In Warren’s words, “…those crisis pregnancy centers that are there to fool people who are looking for pregnancy termination help outnumber true abortion clinics by three to one…We need to shut them down all around the country. You should not be able to torture a pregnant person like that.”

Torture? What’s tortuous is watching a senior legislative leader be so out-of-touch on the true work of caring for mothers-to-be.

The Bible has forewarned us of these days. The prophet Isaiah wrote, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!” Isaiah 5:20-21 (ESV)

These are difficult times in which to live. It seems easier than ever to believe our days are truly numbered.

That’s Forward Thinking. 

You can find a number of YouTube episodes and podcasts of Mark’s program, Moving People Forward at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosyuBzdSh1mXIas_kGY2Aw?

For more information on the Elfstrand Group, please visit www.elfstrandgroup.com

Articles of interest:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/07/11/buttigieg-kavanaugh-protest-mortons-abortion/

https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/3549907-mortons-condemns-abortion-rights-protestors-for-disrupting-kavanaughs-freedom-to-eat-dinner/

https://www.dailysignal.com/2022/07/09/what-i-saw-at-the-womens-march-summer-of-rage-protest/

https://decisionmagazine.com/sen-elizabeth-warren-accuses-crisis-pregnancy-centers-of-torture/

Sorta Fancy Like ...

Chick-fil-A has done it again—having been awarded America’s favorite restaurant for the 8th straight year! This according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index Restaurant Study. Their tally is divided up into “quick-service” and “full-service” restaurants. Or what ordinary people would call fast food or sit-down places.

The Chick-fil-A index score was 83—same as last year. Behind Chick-fil-A, and ruffling a few feathers, were Jimmy John’s (79), Domino’s (78), KFC (78), Chipotle (77), Panera Bread (77), Pizza Hut (77), and Starbucks (77).

McDonald’s finished lowest, with a score of 68. Their arches have fallen lately.

Who were the kings of the sit-down places? LongHorn Steakhouse (80) tied with Texas Roadhouse (80). Cracker Barrel (78) and Fridays (78) tied for third. Also worth noting: Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, and Red Robin scored a 77. 

Chili’s and The Cheesecake Factory earned a 76. Denny’s and Red Lobster a 75. Buffalo Wild Wings got a 74. Applebee’s and IHOP were bottom feeders at 73.

Now for my reviews.

Chick-fil-A: I love their chicken sandwich, fries, and diet lemonade. And the fact they close on Sundays. They’re highly profitable and support families. However…it IS one expensive chicken sandwich meal.

Jimmy John’s: Freaky fast. Decent food. But my choice for a great sub is Jersey Mike’s.

Domino’s: Not even sure we have one close by. So can’t vouch for them. I’ve been more of a Pizza Hut guy over the years.

KFC: Love their chicken. Frustrated that many locations do not serve their green beans. The closest location doesn’t always serve the freshest chick. Personnel should take customer service lessons from Chick-fil-A. In fact ALL of these places should!!

Chipotle: Decent food and service…but overpriced!

Panera Bread: Great for bagels and baked goods. Sandwiches, salads, and combos are overpriced. Service has been mostly okay.

Starbucks: This is heavily dependent on location and the manager. We LOVE our Starbucks at Rt 59 and 111th in Naperville. We’re there twice a week. Service and friendliness are high on our scale. Plus, we love their coffee drinks.

On to the sit down places…

LongHorn Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse both scored the high number of 80. But my vote goes to Texas Roadhouse. HIGHLY patriotic and generous to veterans. They have a fine country fried steak with dee-lish-us gravy. And those rolls!!

Cracker Barrel: Good food and good value for your money, assuming you don’t spend another $100 in the store on your way out.

Fridays: Hardly make the trip there anymore. Nothing really distinctive.

Olive Garden: Any place that offers unlimited refills and wonderful breadsticks is worth your money if the food is good. And it is.

Outback Steakhouse: One of our favorite places. They took away their wedge salad but the replacement salad with the dressing and add-ons make up for it. Plus, delicious steaks and warm bread.

Red Robin: Just one word…YUMMM. (Ok, and unlimited fries.)

Chili’s: are there more often than anyplace. Members keep getting free appetizers, or chips and salsa, or soft drink every time. Plus, a few times a year, buy a $50 gift card—get TWO $10 gift cards free. Such a deal.

The Cheesecake Factory: Wonderful food after you spend an hour looking over the menu.

Denny’s: What can you say? It’s……..Denny’s.

Red Lobster: Love their cold salads and warm biscuits and unlimited shrimp whey they offer it.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Party crowd. Noisy. A gazillion TV sets. Not a real fan but the wings are good.

IHOP: (See Denny’s)

Applebee’s: True confession. I LIKE Applebee’s a lot. But we hardly go there. They closed many of them including one just blocks away. Wish they were closer ‘cuz I’d be going there. Especially for our Saturday date night. ‘Cause we’re fancy like ...

Every one of these restaurants should learn the message of Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A. It’s all about service!! And why do this? As it is written, “Obey the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. Remember the great things he has done for you.” 1 Samuel 12:24 (CEV)

So serve well in whatever you do. And spread those wings.

That’s Forward Thinking. 

You can find a number of YouTube episodes and podcasts of Mark’s program, Moving People Forward at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosyuBzdSh1mXIas_kGY2Aw?

For more information on the Elfstrand Group, please visit www.elfstrandgroup.com

Articles of interest:

https://www.nrn.com/consumer-trends/chick-fil-tops-consumer-satisfaction-study-eighth-consecutive-year 

(Photo shown above was taken with founder of Chick-Fil-A, Truett Cathy, in his corporate office.)

Press on, Weary One

Do you ever feel weary? I’m weary. Wordsmiths Merriam-Webster spell out the feeling: exhausted in strength, endurance, vigor. or freshness. They add a variance: having one’s patience, tolerance, or pleasure exhausted.

I’m sure some of my lackluster approach to life today has to do with my age. I’m now three score plus ten. So on that front, I’ve earned the right to some weariness. But it’s become much more than that.

Near the top of my list is my weariness with the attitudes of people toward faith and the church. I keep seeing stories about the “nones" and the “dones." The “nones” tell pollsters they have no religious affiliation for any particular set of religious beliefs. The “dones” are those who for various reasons have given up on institutional religion. Apparently, it didn’t serve their “felt needs.”

I myself am done with the strayers. Those who lead the way out of the faith. These folk were once supposedly strong voices. Pastors. “Christian” singers. Actors and actresses. I just read an article about Chris Pratt that appeared in Men’s Health magazine. After having made some faith affirming statements publicly, he appeared not only to distance himself from a stand for Jesus, but used the “f” word numerous times in the interview. It made me…weary.

I’m tired of greedy athletes complaining about their treatment and their pay. This new LIV golf league has stolen some of the game’s best golfers by throwing enormous sums of money at them. Some claim Phil Mickelson was drawn away by almost $200 million! Sergio Garcia also joined the Saudi-funded tour. He’s made more than 54 million dollars in winnings and sponsorships through his PGA affiliation. Recently he told fellow golfer Rory McElroy that by leaving the tour that took them to the dance, the departing few will “get paid what they deserve.” McElroy laughed out loud and replied, “Sergio. We’re golfers. We don’t deserve to be paid anything.” Good for him!!

I’m weary of media programs trying to “re-educate” us on ethical and moral positions. Several of what have been our favorite network television programs have succumbed to the pressure of the alphabet soup crowd and now must include “gay relationships” in their programs. Amazingly, we find virtually no straight-sex happily married couples on these shows. Anywhere.

They even reach for our kids. The latest Lightyear movie from Disney gave moviegoers the lesbian “kiss.” The film has flopped. But Disney has plenty of crude humor infiltrating the language of our children in their other movies. Yes, I’m tired of it.

I’m exhausted having to filter out the “progressive” way of treating political opponents. In the recent Illinois primary election, the Washington Post described the Republican gubernatorial winner as a “far right candidate.” The Chicago Tribune immediately said this man would likely lose to the current Democratic governor. But in describing a contest of two Democrats, the much more liberal candidate who lost was given graceful language – not that she was FAR LEFT! Because in most media, there IS no such thing! Why fight it?

Today is the Fourth of July…Independence Day. It’s a day to recognize that my weariness pales in comparison to those who valiantly worked to give us a nation where freedom was of high value. Stories that emerge from the Revolutionary War – in fact every war – always tell the tale of incredible weariness. And yet these patriots pressed on. For our sake.

As did the Savior of the world…Jesus. He grew tired. Frustrated. Worn down by the lack of belief. And the spiritual blindness around Him. Yet He pressed on. It is our call.

It was the same for many early Christians. It was why the apostle Paul found it necessary to write to them (as well as us today) these words: “Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary.” Galatians 6:9 (NASB)

If you understand my sentiment on this world, please also accept my encouragement: Press on, weary one. A brighter day is coming.

That’s Forward Thinking. 

You can find a number of YouTube episodes and podcasts of Mark’s program, Moving People Forward at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosyuBzdSh1mXIas_kGY2Aw?

For more information on the Elfstrand Group, please visit www.elfstrandgroup.com