Rumblings. 3.20.26

Rumblings. 3.20.26 

1. Dear Allies:

Our country is proving to be a very, very, very untrustworthy partner. 

We understand why holding the USA at arms length is the safe play right now. You’re just trying to protect yourself from harm. I get it. 

However, is there any chance you can carve out some time to help us just a wee bit. Some of you have more experience with dictatorial leaders than we do.  Any survival hints you can give us would be much appreciated. 

Please, talk to us. We need help. 

Sincerely,

Mike

2. The question is not whether this war will end.

The question is what will be left of the international order when it does. ~ Unknown

3. “You must not have any other god but me.” ~ God

That’s pretty straight forward isn’t it? Yet, in big and small ways we break that commandment. We worship idols. We deify mere humans. We settle for just a wee bit of religion and even then we only walk the talk when it is convenient.

4. We're being told that we have the greatest war machine in the history of the world.  

Who really gives a rip?  I don’t.

I’m more interested in knowing whether or not those who run the ‘greatest war machine in history’ have a conscience. Based on their rhetoric and their lack of remorse for wrongs done, it’s clear that their conscience is on life support.

It seems to me that  perhaps we’re the country that needs a regime change.

5. “For generations, the Black church has preached a faith that confronts injustice, resists tyranny, and mobilizes communities for freedom. In a moment when authoritarianism is rising and democracy is being dismantled, the Black Christian political tradition does more than offer historical insight—it offers the spiritual and political resources we need right now. The Black church has been speaking the language of justice and liberation for centuries. Maybe it’s time the rest of American Christianity finally learned how to listen.” ~ Jemar Tisby

6. Trump was asked: “When will the Iran War be over?” 

His answer. “I’ll feel it in my bones.” 

I immediately mumbled: “He doesn’t have the foggiest idea.” 

I’m pretty much the same age as Trump. The only thing I feel in my bones is arthritis. 

A good political leader knows why a war was started, has a plan for waging that war, and has a clear eyed vision about what it will take to end it. 

A truly bad leader just keeps on making stuff up and offers no real answers to the questions being asked.

7.  There are two questions that we must ask ourselves. The first is “Where am I going?”and the second is “Who will go with me?” If you ever get these questions in the wrong order, you are in trouble. ~ Howard Thurman

When we don’t know or care where we’re heading, it’s easy to find traveling partners. They’re a dime a dozen.

Once you know where you’re  heading, it can be a bit more difficult to find suitable traveling companions. It’s worth the effort to find those who can embrace the breadth and depth of who you are becoming.  

So many people have been forced to sabotage their deepest longings because they’re surrounded by those who don’t think those longings  are worth supporting. We wither and die around people like that.  

Lord, gift us with both wonder and a sense of purpose and bring people into our lives who also cherish such things. 

8. “The Incarnation is proof that God himself did not save us from a distance. He stepped in to be among his people. And if I’m to imitate Christ, then I cannot sit back and observe. I, too, must engage.” ~Arielle Lee

I’ve never found armchair Christianity to be particularly appealing. To watch sin unfold before me and then to be told that “shutting up and remaining neutral” is the preferred pathway for a good Christian guy like myself is both mind numbing and soul shattering. 

Oh there are times to keep quiet and neutrality can oftentimes help. But when there’s smoke in the theatre, I want someone to start yelling ‘fire’ and helping folks find an exit. 

I want to be that kind of someone. 

That’s one of the reasons I post these Rumblings each week. I’d be honored if you chose to share all or even one or two of my Rumbles to those within your circle of influence. 

9. In Week 1 of the Iran War the White House said: We won. 

In Week 2 they said: We’re winning. 

In Week 3 they said: Send help.

So, which is it? 

10. Trump’s claim is that one of the four living Presidents gave his private support for the war in Iran. 

Did you know all four of them deny that claim?

Well now you do. It speaks volumes.