Speaking The Truth In Love

A month ago, I wrote a blog entry about Christian themes that are present in all my books. As things continue to change from day to day in this world, I feel compelled to take a stand for those same themes in real life: things that matter and can offer hope to others.

By "take a stand," I do not mean literally, as in hold up signs and protesting, getting in people's faces and shouting "my truths." That is not who I am and it is not how I want to behave. I also don't think it accomplishes anything positive. People don't want to be treated that way — and they shouldn't be.

I found the below quote and found it to be so true:


"Violence as a way of achieving racial justice is both impractical and immoral. I am not unmindful of the fact that violence often brings about momentary results. Nations have frequently won their independence in battle. But in spite of temporary victories, violence never brings permanent peace. It solves no social problem: it merely creates new and more complicated ones.

Violence is impractical because it is a descending spiral ending in destruction for all. It is immoral because it seeks to humiliate the opponent rather than win his understanding: it seeks to annihilate rather than convert. Violence is immoral because it thrives on hatred rather than love. It destroys community and makes brotherhood impossible. It leaves society in monologue rather than dialogue.

Violence ends up defeating itself. It creates bitterness in the survivors and brutality in the destroyers."

- Excerpt from "The Quest for Peace and Justice" - Martin Luther King Jr. Nobel Lecture -- December 11, 1964


I am an author. The best way I can convey my thoughts, beliefs, and compel others is through my writing and my spoken words. I am still relatively new. I have no illusions about my place in society. I am not famous, and I don't need to be. I am one man among billions of people.

Even so, I have been blessed to be used by the Lord in times past. Through Him, I know I have made a difference in this world. So, if it is God's will, then my words will reach people. I will continue to write and I will do what I can.

And while I do not fear censorship or so-called Cancel Culture, I have no desire to deliberately provoke anyone, either. I do not hate. I do not carry grudges or wish ill-will on anyone.

That said, I know that my Christian beliefs will eventually provoke people, simply by my believing and living those principles. Even so, the Lord compels Christians to be at peace with everyone if at all possible.


Romans 12: 17-21 (King James Version) reads:

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.


A few years ago, I made the decision to be openly Christian on Facebook, then on all social media. It was somewhat difficult to make that choice. I had concerns I might alienate longtime friends, acquaintances and perhaps even family.

But I went forward with it, because I am not ashamed of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, nor of His Father, God. I could not be happier with the changes He has made in me since I accepted Him into my heart. In return, He blessed me. Only one friend was hostile to me, to the point that I had to block them. Virtually everyone else accepted and even encouraged me, either as a Christian or as an author. I've always been grateful for that.

I have written boldly since then, and I will continue to. If the Lord wills it, I will be even more bold. I will say the things He inspires me to say, though they will be tempered in His love. People will either receive it or reject it. We all have free will.

In uncertain times, it is important to lean on what is reliable. Many believe that the only one you can rely on is yourself. I understand the reasoning behind that, but I do not agree. We are human and therefore fallible. We can mean well and still make mistakes. That is why I believe that God and His Son, Jesus Christ, are the only ones to rely on. They are eternal, Holy, and true. They have never failed. And they never will.


Psalms 27: 13-14 (King James Version) reads:

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.