Paul Harrison–The Journey of an Ex-Christian

Here are two very interesting videos by Paul Harrison who, like me, no longer adheres to Pentecostalism. There are very clear distinctions as to what conclusions we came to, but the cause is pretty much the same. The first video refutes the “you were never saved in the first place” diatribe often championed by Calvinists.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFZ5c8Caxr4&rel=1]

The second is the first in a 30 part series describing his deconversion. Whatever you believe about this issue, there are some very important lessons to be learned. Enjoy…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTl69LlU5YA&rel=1]

Jerry O’Connell’s Take On Tom Cruise’s Recent Video

I need a laugh after that “frightening” Tom Cruise Scientology evangelism tape, LOL. Take a look and enjoy:

the parody video Tom Cruise WANTS you to see! on FunnyOrDie.com

The Folks At Westboro Baptist Church Are At It Again

I’m quite sure that Heath Ledger’s funeral and memorial services will bring out a host of people from celebrities, close friends, fans who will crowd the sidewalks, and freaks. If you want to know who the freaks are, click here. According to this article, Phelps and the gang will attempt to disrupt a memorial service for Heath Ledger. The question is why?

Well, we all know that Ledger had a starring role in Brokeback Mountain as a gay cowboy. Now allow me to be the first to say that I have not and will not see the movie because of that very theme. But that is no reason for me to disrespect the actors. As far as I’m concerned, Heath Ledger was the tall and handsome Australian actor with the oh so sexy voice. As a result of my schoolgirl crush, I decided to “look beyond” the movie by simply ignoring it, LOL. But not Phelps and his crew. According to them, “God hates fags” so they are unknowingly on a grand crusade to crush the idea of a God who will free people from their sins. Rather, God simply wants to beat them down before frying them in hell.

That leads me to one very important question. Why do so many Christians take tragedies such as this and use it as an opportunity to turn people against the faith rather than to it? It may be unintentional, but it’s disgusting nonetheless. Any thoughts?

My Interview With Author Anita Hackley-Lambert

Who would you classify as a great social reformer? MLK? Malcolm X? Or perhaps it’s George Washington or Ronald Reagan. There is also another group of social reformers that I call the unsung heroes. Anita Hackley-Lambert uncovers the extraordinary life of such a hero in her book F.H.M. Murray: First Biography of a Forgotten Pioneer for Civil Justice. First, I’d like to thank her for stopping by my blog.

What inspired you to write the biography of F.H.M. Murray?

Our family history is rich and full of great stories. I always loved how mother kept the stories about my Grandpa Murray alive. Freeman Henry Morris Murray was my mother’s grandfather and my great grandfather. Mother had me promise to write Grandpa’s legacy, as she revealed secrets behind several family mysteries, while handing me a box full of documents. I was hooked. Little did I know it would take over a decade to research and complete.–A.HL

How would you describe the writing process you used to approach this project as opposed to your other works?

Difficult and complex. This was not your ordinary nonfiction book. It is a historical biography requiring proof, images, footnotes, and an index. I had never written this type of narrative so it was quite a challenge. I began with a chronological chart, which became my outline. I wrote to those topic areas and developed my first draft. As I wrote, I kept track of each element for uniformity. After that, I kept writing until I finished.–A.HL

Describe how you learned that your great-grandfather left such a fascinating legacy. How will you honor that legacy?

My mother was key, plus family gatherings, where the legacy of my great grandfather lived on. I had a personal relationship with him, too. Grandpa Murray was the only grandfather I ever knew. His warm, kind, and gentle demeanor lives on in my heart today. I will never stop promoting my book or any others I may write to keep his legacy alive. He placed the safety of himself and that of his family on the line for the advancement of his race. If the authorities had found out that he had created a post Civil War Underground Railroad to free Blacks from the hanging tree, Grandpa Murray and his family would have been hanged and I would not be here to tell his story. Freeman Henry Morris Murray deserves more honor than I can ever give.–A.HL

You describe him as a forgotten pioneer. That is a strong and true statement considering he was a very fascinating man. Why do you think the public does
not know more about him?

For certain, F.H.M. Murray, as outspoken as he was, remained elusive and behind the scenes. He needed to make a big noise in the press to defer attention from what he was doing with his URR, which operated unnoticed for decades. He created quite a stir in the press with his attacks on Booker T. Washington and his followers, and on the President’s Administration. In fact, during that period, no one understood how or why the president nor the powerful influences of Washington could not get Murray fired from his job at the War Department nor could they silence him. In a sense, it appears that Murray intentionally boxed himself in a corner and no one wanted him to receive credit for anything.–A.HL

What are some of the most surprising facts you learned while writing the book?

In addition to all the remarkable accomplishments of F.H.M. Murray, I kept discovering that he had contributed much more to American history and to the betterment of human kind, which my family kept secret. For every stone I turned, there were new revelations and validations. I was shocked when I searched for and found Murray’s personal copy of the book he wrote, self-published from his Murray family press. I recall how I ran outside, ran around my shrubs, did jumps and cart wheels as I thanked God. Another time was my encounter with his personal journals. As I opened the first journal I had a supernatural encounter with my Grandpa. It was as if he had entered my body and was looking through my eyes with his own tears streaming down my face as he read his own words, calming me, and letting me know he approved. You can read about this in my introduction. It was a most memorable experience and surprise.–A.HL

Explain a few of the most important things that we can learn from his life.

He was a visionary whose philosophy centered on his belief that everyone should have an enlarged vision and pursue it. His compelling legacy validates his philosophy. Grandpa Murray’s life teaches that regardless of race, gender, or restrictions, anyone can rise above their circumstances and become successful in their lives, in business, and in service to others.–A.HL

What obstacles did you face during the process of publishing this book?

One obstacle was lack of information to validate family history. This required in depth interviews with family members and traveling across the country to search archives. I soon became an expert at this. The greatest obstacle came when I was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer. In the beginning, I wondered if I would have time to complete my book. Being a person of strong faith and my belief in the healing miracles of God, I got over my fear and entrusted my life to God. I maintained my focus and got the job done. In the process, God healed my body completely.–A.HL

Tell us when and how you realized you wanted to become a writer.

Writing has been in my blood since age twelve. I actually completed my first unpublished manuscript by then.–A.HL

Would you say that you are more passionate about writing fiction or nonfiction?

No, it is quite the opposite. Most of what I write is nonfiction, although I hope to toss in something fiction every now and then.–A.HL

I am very interested in both your previous and upcoming works. Could you tell us about what you’ve done in the past as well as something you are working
on for 2008?

My first book, F.H.M. Murray: First Biography of a Forgotten Pioneer for Civil Justice (August 2006), is the first and only book to highlight Murray’s numerous contributions to American history, including his involvement with W.E.B. Du Bois, William Monroe Trotter, Booker T. Washington, and other social reformers. I am excited to have accomplished what historians and other authors failed to do. Murray’s legacy is a fascinating one that proves how much one person can accomplish in a lifetime.

I am currently working on Barry A. Murray: Biography in a New Dimension. This man’s remarkable legacy parallels that of F.H.M. Murray, the great grandfather he never met. I also have two other works slated for publication in 2008. My writing schedule is full, with 12 new projects that include such genres as autobiographical, biographical, inspirational, true supernatural encounters, suspense, and fiction. You can visit my website at www.anitahackleylambert.com. –A.HL

Sounds like 2008 will be an exciting year for you. Thanks again for taking the time to chat with me.

Be sure to visit her website linked above for more information about her life as a writer as well as how you can purchase her book.

WHAT’S SO SHOCKING ABOUT PAUL WASHER’S MESSAGE?

I’ve recently discovered a preacher new to me, Paul Washer, who preached what many believe is a shocking message about false professions of faith. The thing that baffles me is why people find it to be so shocking. Coming from a pentecostal background, I grew up with that kind of preaching (I should add that Paul was actually a lot nicer in his delivery than what I’m used to). So I can’t fathom why others have not heard this type of message before. In a nutshell, he was trying to show his listeners that being a believer implies a genuine lifestyle of repentance and faith and not just some simple prayer a la Jesus come into my heart…boom poof, that’s it. I totally agree and have no challenge with that. Again, I am just surprised that this type preaching isn’t more prevalent than it is. Thus, it is called SHOCKING and SCARY, when it is heard. My only challenge with Paul is his championing southern baptists. They may have proclaimed the “narrow way,” but they also have a history of racism. I shudder at the thought of the number of people who rejected Christ based on the inconsistent posture of the southern baptists. So if I were Paul, I’d leave the championing of that denomination out of it…but that’s just me. Other than that, it is a very important message and deserves a listen.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuabITeO4l8&rel=1]

Would You Like To Be Osama Bin Laden’s Daughter-In-Law?

The stupid things we women do sometimes… This article is about a 51-year-old British woman who married the 5th love of her life, the son of Osama Bin Laden. Her young stud, Omar Bin Laden, is 27. Wow, that is probably the same age as one of her children. Allow me to make one thing clear, I see nothing wrong with her marrying him per se. Just because you are related to an infamous, evil person (whether it is a relative of Hitler, or Osama) does not mean that you are also evil thus undeserving of marriage. What blows my mind is what appears to be happening to hers. Take a look at a quote:

 “Today, she is taking family loyalty to a somewhat improbable level, insisting again that the Bin Laden patriarch might just be innocent. With a jaw-dropping combination of stupidity and naivety, she says in her best school ma’am voice, when I raise the question of the Twin Towers: “I mean, do you know - beyond all doubt - that he did it?

“If so, I’d like you to show me the evidence. I don’t think it’s nice to make assumptions about someone when you don’t know the facts.”

I hope that I am wrong about this, but why does it appear that women fall for such nonsense more so  than men do?

Lord, help me not to be so gullible.

Is Black America Still On The Clinton Plantation?

For years, Bill and Hillary Clinton have enjoyed the undying devotion of black Americans. I find it to be so strange that there are a number of black people questioning the racial sincerity of the Clintons. No, I won’t claim that we are being unfair to them. I will, instead, ask why my demographic has waited until now to administer constructive criticism. Oh wait…Senator Clinton has a black opponent this time. Could that be the reason? Now all of a sudden, the Clintons have become part of the racist power structure in this country.  I knew this was coming. Back during the Lewinsky scandal, Bill Clinton spoke of the redemptive and forgiving nature of black Americans.  I knew then that he would be snapped back into reality. The truth is, black America is no different than any other group.  Most of us will be rational, a few will follow blindly, and still a few will be against you no matter what.  I cannot say if the Clintons are racist or not. I just hope they realize that they cannot take the black vote for granted any longer. They do not own the black vote.

 BTW, has Mrs. Clinton spoken out against the disgusting comment made by BET founder, Uncle Bob Johnson against Barack Obama?

“And to me, as an African-American, I am frankly insulted that the Obama campaign would imply that we are so stupid that we would think Hillary and Bill Clinton, who have been deeply and emotionally involved in black issues since Barack Obama was doing something in the neighborhood –­ and I won’t say what he was doing, but he said it in the book –­ when they have been involved.”

Now he is backpeddling of course. It won’t work…at least not for me.

Atheist Sam Harris Feels That Religion Is Harmful But Calls Rape Natural

If you don’t believe me, just take a look at page 90 of his work, Letter to a Christian Nation

He states:

“There is, after all, nothing more natural than rape.”

Of course some will declare that I am taking this out of context. But hey, people would say the same to him regarding bible passages he abhors. What’s the difference? Whether in context or out, there is NOTHING natural about rape.

Other than his careless comment above, I had the pleasure of reading the entire book today. He made some pretty great points, some of which I agree with. This is especially true of his position regarding stem cell research and some of his assertions on sex education. But I would have to say that nothing in his book really makes a compelling case for atheism. All he does is argue based on opinions of various issues and not the existence of the biblical God. I find that to be the case with much of what I hear from atheists. A claim is made against the existence of God, but the “supporting facts” are simply arguments against various doctrines (many of which aren’t necessarily biblical).

To make a long story short, I recommend this book if you would like to understand the mindset of the atheist. It’s a great afternoon read. And for that I say thanks Sam.

Hillary, Save The Tears For Bill

I’m quite sure I’m not the only one who didn’t buy Hillary Clinton’s tears during her talk last week. Her choking up was her biggest sign of weakness to date. There is simply no room for crying in a presidential race. And as much as I hate to admit it, it is worse for a woman in her position to shed a tear. It reinforces the stereotype that women are too emotional or gentle for tough jobs such as President of the United States. Just think about it. What is she going to do when dealing with Iran or Al Qaeda? Cry again? She should just pull herself together, finish the race, and for goodness sake,…NO MORE TEARS!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-UnVQC9-yA&rel=1]

Nostradamus Prediction: Strange Indeed

When I was in 9th grade, I remember talking with some school chums about this specific Nostradamus prediction. Does the description remind you of a certain terrorist who wears a white turban?

Out of the country of Greater Arabia
Shall be born a strong master of Mohammed…
He will enter Europe wearing a blue turban.
He will be the terror of mankind.
Never more horror.

Although I’ve never seen a picture of Bin Laden in a blue turban, the description above sounds eerily similar to him. hhhmmm

For the record, I am not concerned about the authenticity of the prediction one way or the other. It is quite entertaining though.

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