Tag Archives: Freedom of Speech

Waking Up in the Minority

When you fall asleep each night, only God knows what will occur in the dark of night.  However, you don’t have to rest for the world to change.  Rather, the moment you begin to stop standing up for what you believe, eventualy you will wake up in the minority.

America is a good case study to test this theory.  Prior to the 1960’s, faith was a foundation for most communities with the local church serving as a beacon of hope.  Yet, when the religious community was lulled to sleep by apathy, Woodstock transformed the worldview for future generations.  Subsequently, only 33 % of Americas believe in absolute truth, now in the minority.

All you have to do is take a look at the war on Christmas, banning Nativity Scenes even in the Bible belt to recognize this societal change.  It’s no wonder that public schools are erasing Christian holidays from its calendars.  Freedom of speech is free unless you profess Christ, then you will be silenced.  If this trend continues, you too may wake up one day, finding yourself in the minority.

by Jay Mankus

Not Without A Price

Novelist Orson Scott Card made a interesting observation in regards to sacrifice.  “Happiness is not a life without pain, but rather is life in which pain is traded for a worthy price.”  Whether you are referring to freedom of speech, defending a just cause or standing up for what you believe, nothing is accomplished with a cost.

Perhaps, your reputation takes a hit, attacked by those with opposing views.  Or friendships are estranged as your worldview comes in direct conflict with a person you care about.  Either way, actions, choices and decisions will create enemies, hatred or jealousy.  What you need to determine is… is it worth the price?

When becoming of disciple of Jesus became popular, motives for following were mixed.  Some wanted to join because it was cool, others for the fame and a few for the right reasons.  Thus, Jesus set the bar high in Luke 9:57-62, causing many to quit, unable to pay the price.  Whether you are excelling as an athlete, student or servant, to become the greatest in anything takes unswerving devotion.  May you consider the costs, make up your mind and take a leap of faith, paying the price today to achieve a better tomorrow.

by Jay Mankus

Progressive or Indigestion?

The progressive movement in America was spawned after the Industrial Revolution near the end of the 19th century.  Politicians sought to level the playing field to allow the middle and lower class to compete by sharing the wealth.  Sound familiar?  Today, redistribution of wealth is punishing the richest citizens, trying to convince low information voters that the wealthiest Americans are not paying their fair share.  In reality, these hard working individuals are paying more than enough.   Demonized by the media, this lie has been bought, hook, line and sinker, causing successful businesses to think about leaving this once great country.

Meanwhile, the progressive movement has infringed upon freedom of speech.  A week ago, Tony Dungy was considered the moral authority in the National Football League, a commentator for Football Night in America on NBC.  Former Super Bowl winning coach and author of Uncommon, Dungy has been under attack the last 7 days for giving an honest opinion about Michael Sam, the 7th round draft pick of the St. Louis Rams who came out of the classic prior to the 2014 NFL Draft.  According to the liberal media, you can’t be a Bible believing Christian and objective.  If you read between the lines, the Bible is out of date and being progressive is the dawn of this New Age so if you want to keep your job, shut up.

In the 1970’s, the United States of America was known as the great melting pot, blending nationalities into one nation under God.  Unfortunately, political correctness and the progressive movement is destroying the foundation upon which this country was established.  Why can’t we debate ideas and let the people decide?  May the Holy Spirit fill Tony Dungy with the boldness of the apostles in Acts 4:29.  Pray for him and others who are fighting for the pursuit of life, liberty and the American way.  At the conclusion of this battle, either the progressives will win or indigestion will inspire a nation to rise up and vote progressives out of office.

by Jay Mankus

Muzzled by Freedom

Today is suppose to be a national holiday in the United States, a time of reflection, thanksgiving and celebration.  However, as brave young men and women serve this country on foreign soil, the freedom they are fighting for is being muzzled.  As the summer heat begins to rise, certain states restrict the size of your beverage.  Meanwhile, activists, politicians and power hungry officials are trying to tell you what to eat, taxing and punishing the owners of popular restaurants.  If this trend continues, you’ll start being fined or arrested for freedom of speech.  Oh, that’s right; its already happening.

Like a high school administration that has lost control of their students, the innocent are being punished for the foolish sins of others.  Whether you drive a car, own a house or want to start your own business, ridiculous regulations and restrictions are taking the fun out of life.  Unfortunately, we live in a culture that is now treating citizens like little children who can’t stay out of trouble.  Perhaps this fall’s election will lift the malaise from the hearts, souls and minds of beaten down individuals.  If something doesn’t happen soon, the blood, sweat and tears of veterans will be forgotten.

On this Memorial Day, 2014, remember the words of John F. Kennedy, “don’t ask this country what it will do for you; rather, ask yourself what can I do for this country?”  When families, neighbors and young people begin to become doers of the word, Matthew 7:24, the chains of oppression will be unlocked.  Despite our best efforts, their is only One who is in control.  May the God of the dead transform the heart of the living so that freedom is no longer muzzled.

Please share your favorite war movie which inspires you to be proud of red, white and blue.

by Jay Mankus

Relocating Your Voice

Freedom of Speech isn’t what it use to be in America.  Today, fear of public opinion is silencing many, afraid their beliefs will lead to a feeding frenzy in the media, falling out of favor like a fading star.  Thus, individuals are forced to relocate their voice, finding other avenues to express how they really feel.

In an episode called State of Grace, the writers of Joan of Arcadia present a show focusing on a junior in high school who stutters.  Though intelligent, he is unable to communicate what is in his mind without severe stammering.  Subsequently, he turns to writing to voice his opinions.  Joan played by Amber Tamblyn encourages her new friend to relocate his voice from the debate team to writing for the school newspaper.

As graduates enter the work force this spring, its harder than ever to discover where you can maximize your God given talents.  Though money is an important factor, failure to apply your gifts in a position can stifle your joy.  Until you locate a place that values your assets, people will continue to search for an ideal match.  May you enjoy the journey as you relocate your voice to find your place in this world.

Please share how or who has influenced you to stand up for your belief in the comment section below.

by Jay Mankus