South Carolina, so much more

And when hatred stands

And knocks you down

We see you rise

To Higher Ground

Instead of Blood

We see HIS hand

For America's sake

Please, help us understand!

From the song, "South Carolina, so much more"

(by R.P.Edwards)

An obscure beginning. This, being an election year, this writer was (and still is) a huge fan of a presidential candidate (former) who would have, if given the opportunity, done great good in the office (former Governor, Mike Huckabee). The electorate was not convinced.

Anyway, the preliminary--pick the candidate for the eventual Republican nominee--process begins in Iowa and, since my God-given talents lean towards verse and voice, I wanted to do a pro-Iowa song with a gentle endorsement of said candidate. The result was "Iowa Stand" (a link to is currently at the bottom of the page). It, of itself, is apolitical. 

Well, knowing that South Carolina too has a strong Christian base, I thought perhaps a song for The Palmetto State might be in order. Yes, it started as a thought, a nudge, a stirring and, one would think that the removal of my man from consideration would have ended it. It did not. And, as I did more research on the State and its struggles, I quickly came to realize that there is more to South Carolina than Myrtle Beach and Fort Sumter.

Slavery; a horrid practice. Lessened by the blur of time, it was nevertheless an evil institution that treated those made in God's Image as less than human; as property; livestock. South Carolina championed it. And, theirs was not just a passive endorsement; no, the State was the FIRST to secede and to attempt the death of others through government sanctioned warfare. And, of course, after the bloodletting known as the Civil War the evils of the KKK, Jim Crow, and segregation found a ready home.

But, I don't want to stay there for, if I may, the real issue is "sin," and, as so many South Carolinians know, the solution is always...Christ. On June 17, 2015 a young, white male was lovingly welcomed into a Bible Study at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Driven by hate he ended up murdering nine of those attending; hoping to start a Race War. He did not.

Indeed, the Country--so often divided and in conflict with one another--it (we) did NOT witness a violent response to the violent act, but rather, what WAS seen was a united outpouring of compassion culminating with some of the victims' families going so far as to extend forgiveness to he who did the unthinkable.

You see? South Carolina, although resplendent with those "things" that are pleasant to the senses; those "things" that please the eye and entertain the muscles and mind; South Carolina, dear reader,...is so much more. For, it has in its confines an understanding; a knowing; that our survival rests not in ourselves...but in He whose heart and grace knows no bounds. And Oh, how we in America need this!

And...when I read the State's Motto: "While I breathe, I hope"...that did it.

In conclusion; I hope this little offering is a blessing. There's no "endorsement" attached other than for the one who redeemed me from my own personal bondage years ago. And, although I realize this song is simplistic, a bit strained in places, amateurish at best; I dearly hope the message of South Carolina becomes the theme of ALL fifty States. So that we would truly become, once and for all; One nation, Under God, Indivisible...

South Carolina, so much more

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Huckabee, a tribute

After

(by R.P.Edwards)

Time for rest

Time for ease

Time for YOU

Alone to please

Time for sitting

In one place

Time for Song

Amazing Grace

Time for family

Close and dear

No more travel

Far and near

Time for grandkids

Time for play

Time to plan

But not today

Time for schedules 

Open all

Time to NOT

Receive that call

Time for smiles

Cameras none

Time for time

It has

Begun

I knew better, but that one life-sucking spot on the love seat lured me in. I was asleep in no time. AND, as a result I missed a lot of the play by play concerning the Iowa Caucus results. Alas, my man Huckabee did not do as well as hoped and he, wisely, has suspended his campaign.

O, I have great admiration for the former Governor and I have followed with interest his campaigns and career since the 2008 Presidential run. Godly, courageous, kindly, conservative, compassionate, seasoned, tested, tried and true; all of these describe the man from Hope Arkansas. And I, and not a few others, were dearly hoping that his run for the White House would have ended at Pennsylvania Avenue. 

And so, he is out of the race. No doubt there is disappointment in the camp, but there must also be the satisfaction that comes with knowing ALL was done in the effort. Now it's time to decompress, regroup, and rekindle. Take a break, Governor. You, ALL of you, deserve it. 

PS, if one cares to look, this blog is adorned with not a few Huckabee items. Many of these will remain, at least for now. One reason: It may very well be that the eventual nominee may want their running mate to be a man, wise in counsel, and well able to step into the highest post if needed. Mike Huckabee is such a man.

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Iowa's BIG night!

Iowa Caucus 2016

(by R.P.Edwards)

Iowa Caucus

Hopeful I

A decent showing

For my guy

 Polls upended

Pundits wrong

Then singers sing

A different song

Hours away from the long-anticipated IOWA CAUCUS' (ta dah!)

Yes, those hardy Iowans will brave the weather and gather in their many and diverse gathering places and then try and convince their equally hardy neighbors why THEIR particular guy (or gal) is the best fit for their Midwestern selves.  In the last two election cycles (presidential) two very devout types won the day (on the Republican side). First, former Governor, Mike Huckabee (2008), and then former Senator, Rick Santorum (2012).  Neither went on to win, but they were first out of the gate.

Well, NOW the field is FULL of devout types (again, the Republican side). Even Donald Trump has been seen with his Bible. Yes, these are trying hard for the holy nod and, although MY choice, Huckabee, is given little chance, I'm hoping he at least wins the "show" spot in this horse-race. 

Not much to add. I'll be paying attention to the results. Over the last few months efforts have been made to promote a fine, and gifted, and WELL QUALIFIED candidate. Some say it will take a miracle, well, I believe in those.

Following is a link to a playlist of pro-Huckabee songs; all of which were sung by a currently laid-off, union steel-worker (moi). Many were birthed through the lyrical talents of a gifted fellow we shall call "Huckabee George," matched to some familiar tunes. If you've got a few minutes and a liking for Mike, pour a cup of coffee and give a listen. And then, if you're an Iowan; go, GO fight for the most battle-tested and qualified candidate; former Governor, Mike Huckabee!

Them Huckabee Songs

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Remembering Challenger

Challenger
(by R.P.Edwards)

Down to earth

My feelings fall

From the heavens

From the "call"

From the promise

Hopeful flight

From the Day

Into the Night

Standing, Cheering!

Now sadness

Pain

So much fear

To fly again

But wait! O children

Look up and see

The dream lives on

In you!

In me!

Though mourning folds

Our eagle wings

With thoughts of those

No more to sing

But listen, now

And hear them say

No more restrained 

By mortal sway

"Rise up! Rise up!

Spread wings and fly!

Your dreams for fuel

Your compass, "Why?"

Striving!

Searching!

Working!

Go!

Beyond the limits!

Beyond the know!

And ne'er again

Shed tears for we

O, children, rise!

And boldly BE!

And know that death

Is but a door

So, while you breathe

Do more!

DO MORE!"

It was thirty years ago, today. I was sitting in some sort of class having something to do with my Broadcasting major at Fresno State (btw, I work in a steelmill, at least for another day). Anyway, Dr Monson, who was pretty white to begin with, poked his head in the door with a facial skin tone that was whiter still. He told us the Space shuttle, Challenger, had exploded.

Christa McAuliffe was the civilian "teacher" among the crew. It was a promo type thing; having an educator on board would help support the space program and give young minds a nudge in the direction of the hard sciences. How tragic when the thousands of television screens turned on for the big event, showed instead that disaster is always in the wings.

I'll not go on other than to briefly mention the other crew members, ALL of which I honor today. Using the above photo, we'll go from the top left on (including Christa). A link will give you some more info.

Ellison S. Onizuka

Christa McAuliffe

Greg Jarvis

Judy Resnik

Mike Smith

Dick Scobee

Ron McNair

Found another blog I wrote on the subject five years ago. A slightly different take: 
To touch the face of God

****

For Noah

Noah

(by R.P.Edwards)

Noah sleeps

In Jesus' arms

Safe from danger

Safe from harm

Free from terror's 

Bitter take

No more pleading 

Tears to make

And with a kiss

And warm embrace

He wakes to see

The Savior's face

Then gentle words

And all is joy

As love surrounds

This little boy

And to those who mourn

And rightly should

Tormented by 

The "Why?" and "Could?"

As waves of grief

Relentless roll

And sadness smothers

Heart and soul

Remember, dear ones

In your pain

Though Noah died

He lives again

And by the Savior's side

He waits

To take your hand

When you awake  

Noah Chamberlin, a precious little two year old, went on an outing with his grandmother and four year old sister. The grandmother turned away for a moment...and he was gone. A week later, after extensively searching the area, his lifeless body was found. No foul play is suspected. It was a "tragic accident."

Death and mourning are all around us. The coworker, the neighbor down the street, the long-distant friend; acquaintances all; and, when they pass, or one of their loved ones moves on, we "all," to some degree or another join in the sadness.  But, with Noah's plight, and eventual resolution; well, this one caused a heart-wrenching grieving in this writer's breast (though momentary). And why? Because in my life I have an intimate relationship with a two-year old boy; my grandson. And, the thought of him lost, alone, frightened, crying, pleading in the darkness until he succumbs to the elements is almost maddening. I can only imagine what his close relatives are, and have been going through.

Having said that; it is my understanding that his family members are people of "faith," as am I. And, although I do not ascribe to the theology that "everything" that happens is God's will; I DO believe the Lord can make good of bad things that occur.  And, if I may, I know: I KNOW! that Noah lives. I KNOW that he is well, and joyful, and delighting each moment in the presence of the Savior. And, as the grieving runs its course, let us not forget that Jesus, when walking among us, was quick to take the small children in His arms. And that He hasn't changed. And, to get to my point: Noah has made the journey to heaven quicker than most, but the journey beyond this "flesh" is an eventuality for all. And, as those who loved him most dwell on the TRUTH that their little boy awaits them, I pray their comfort may be shared with others and that their determination to see him again, is made even more sure.

One more thing: "knowing" is what makes the death of a loved one so difficult. Imagine then the Creator's grieving when those He loves (for He intimately knows ALL) are given no worth. Let us pray then, as many as love Him, that we begin to see ALL others...with HIS eyes. 

"For God so loved the world..."

(from John 3:16)

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36 weeks; the barbarism of the Left

36 weeks

(by R.P,Edwards)

36 weeks

Almost there

That is, if mother

Cares to care

For one child, her arms

Await your fill

The other pays more

To have you killed

Just a short blurb on the subject (since I yoyo back to it so often).

Went to my local abortion clinic a few days ago. A lot of business. One, a "not so sure" woman, was gently intercepted by a ministry that has been in the baby-saving business for a couple decades now.

The "abortion-bound" agreed to a free ultrasound and, upon a little sound-wave producing light, a baby in the neighborhood of 36 weeks gestation was revealed! The child will live.

Just another case of the barbarism that masquerades as enlightenment. How utterly debased are those who tout their sophistication and supposed benevolence and yet support and enable the slaughter. Like the polished and perfumed southern aristocracy who drank their mint-juleps as their "property" wallowed in the shadows, so is the left. Sadly, as in the South before the blood-letting known as the Civil War, many Bible believers (and there were many) chose to block out the scriptures that spoke of the possibility of natural freedom to go along with the "equality" that comes with belief in the redeemer.

It is my hope that at least in the coming election the "Christians" will rise above their fleshly predispositions and vote for liberation. And, if one is a Christian and married to the Democratic party; then get some godly candidates to fill that glaring void of conscience. 

PS 36 weeks, or 3 weeks: The magnitude of the crime is no less. It is only more visible.

****

Iowa stand

Inspiration

(by R.P.Edwards)

"From where does inspiration come?"

Asked the apprentice, midst his chores

As he watched the artist shape the stone

A masterpiece...and more

The kindly elder paused, and turned

To meet the child's gaze

 "For the greatest inspiration, lad,

Begin with prayer and praise."


Iowa stand
Iowa do
The nation needs a heartland
And the nation looks to you 
Iowa speak
Iowa say
"I stand for God and country
And I know no other way.
I stand for God and country
And I know no other way."

(From "Iowa stand")

A man can only give what he has been given. My simple offering, contribution, for this troubled time is a simple song called, "Iowa stand." It's an encouragement for the caucus goers of the Hawkeye State to coalesce around a strong, qualified candidate who shares their values; former governor, Mike Huckabee.

However, having said that, this "song" is apolitical in that no "candidate" is mentioned in it (although the video gives a gentle nod). It is, rather, an appeal to a significant portion of this Heartland state to use their influence to help America remember, and return.

There is much more that can be said, but let me conclude by saying; I began this piece with a poem about inspiration. Dear reader, I believe it applies here. I take no credit for any good that comes from the melody and verse; for I think the Lord is in it (I'm sure others will strongly disagree; such is America). It's quick construct and execution seemed to be "more than me." And, if that is indeed the case...I hope the blessing continues.    

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