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Abortion and President Obama

Posted by Daryl Densford on January 25, 2009 in Politics, Religion
Well, it didn’t take long for president Obama to wipe away one of the protections of unborn life that President bush (re) established after President Clinton wiped it away after President Reagan established it–that is the cutting off of federal funding for international organizations that offer abortions or discuss it as an alternative.

It’s not unexpected. Everybody knows that, for the most part, Democrats oppose the rights of un-born children while Republicans support them and whenever either party is in control they do what they can to “correct” what the other party did when they were in power. . . what a system we have!

I was ammused by an “anti-life” supporter (they call us “anti-choice”!) who said what President Obama did helps the underpriviledge. She went on to say that low-income people have the right to family planning. Well, there’s a serious flaw in her statement: Abortion is NOT family planning! Abortion is what you do when did NOT have family planning! Family planning is deciding when you want to get pregnant and using proper counterceptives to prevent pregnancy if you plan not to have a family yet. This, of course, all being done within the confines of a monogomous, one man and one wife, marriage.

That’s all I want to say about that right now . . .

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If I was elected as a representative . . .

Posted by Daryl Densford on November 16, 2008 in Politics
by Daryl Densford on Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 8:13am ·

Obama ran an un-believable campaign. His use of technology to get out the vote is unsurpassed in American history and I think that is a trend of the future. If I was ever to be elected a representative (who knows?), I would use this technology even further.

Beyond what Obama did to have folks sign up to hear from him, I’d have them sign up so that I could hear from them. I would send out regular messages about votes that were coming up in the Legislature, what the issue is about and how it would impact them. I would ask for their response, then (and I know this would take powerful software & probably at least one staffer) I would tabulate the results and consider what it means to represent those people. Then, instead of them having to search out my voting record, I would follow-up the vote by contacting them again with the results that I received from them, how I voted and why.

While representatives are elected based on who they are and what their philosophies of the issues are, based on what they said in their campaigns & their previous voting record (if any), I think that by involving the people who elected you in the legislative process, you would truly be their representative.

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Some of my thoughts on . . . the recent U.S. election.

Posted by Daryl Densford on November 6, 2008 in Politics
Well, my candidate didn’t win but at least he fared pretty well with nearly half of the popular vote. It definitely wasn’t a landslide or a mandate for President-elect Obama. I think many voters are tired from the difficulties of the last 8 years (not all President Bush’s fault, remember he did have a democratic congress) and were willing to give new blood a try.

I don’t think that President-elect Obama is the best choice of new blood, though– I think he’s a bit too new, with no executive experience and hardly any legislative experience. He does seem to have decent education and has a knack for raising money, though. Hopefully he’ll surround himself with strong and knowledgeable advisors who will help him do what’s best for the country, but then that looks an awful like child-monarchs whose countries were ruled through them by their advisors.

It was an historical election, though. I’m proud to be an American when I see an African-American be elected to our highest office. I do think, however, that his race is what got him elected more than his policies or even President Bush’s low approval rating. This is evidenced by the high minority turn-out this election. But, I will give him a chance and see if he really is my president –and not just the liberals & African-American’s president– as he said in his acceptance speech.

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Some of my thoughts on . . . God, Christians & the Government

Posted by Daryl Densford on October 30, 2008 in Politics, Religion

“Separation of Church and State” has never been a part of the constitution. The 2 clauses which are often mistaken for “separation of church and state” are: The “Establishment Clause” which states that the government will not ESTABLISH or give preference to a particular religion (which is what many of our founding fathers’ fathers were escaping when they came here from Europe). supplementing the Establishment Clause is the “Free Exercise Clause” which states that the government will not prohibit the free exercise of religion. (These, by the way, are the foundations of why the government can pay a clergy-person to be in the military: to guarantee the free exercise -or not- of religion.)

We have to consider the intent of the original writers, not what we think. They obviously didn’t intend on separation of church and state or they would not have used the Bible, prayer, the name of God, etc., in public proceedings. Or would we say that our founding fathers should not determine for us how to govern or be governed today? (I think that Jefferson had some thoughts to this effect, though they didn’t become his public policy).

Yes, our country is a mixed bag of religions today but that doesn’t mean that we should deny our foundation. Tolerance, yes. Religious freedom, yes. But sanitizing the government of Christian symbols and references smacks of denying God which we (Christians) are, of course, warned about in the Bible. What is wrong with being a Christian nation?? Study Europe and you see that many countries have religious symbolism and even religious federal holidays & have no problem with it. Muslim countries are even more against separation of church & state than ours and it works for most (but without true tolerance or religious freedom)–though countries like Turkey that have declared themselves a secular government have worked but I dare say that religion isn’t absent even from their government (side note: do you know they have had a Jewish man in their legislative body?).

John Jay, who was the 1st Chief Justice of the United States (1789-1795), 5th President of the Continental Congress (1778-1779) and 2nd Governor of NY (1795-1801) said in 1777, “Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest, of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.” As one of the founding fathers, Jay stated that the U.S. was a Christian nation as a matter of fact–he wasn’t pushing for it or suggesting that we should be, he was stating it as fact. The founding fathers believed that is what they were establishing: a Christian nation, which flowed from the original intent of most of the 1st settlers in North America as they established “covenant” communities–they were covenanting with God to establish a better place to live. Within the boundaries of a Christian nation, however, they did provide for religious freedom (the “Free Exercise Clause” in the Constitution), allowing for the free exercise of religion for any citizen whether they agreed with them or not.

The thought that one can separate their religion from their public life is ridiculous and if they could, would not have the integrity to be a public official. That doesn’t mean that they should seek to pass laws that are limited to their own personal beliefs (like abortion, gay rights, etc). In my opinion, if Christians really wanted to make an impact on the issues that they care about (abortion, gay rights, etc.) they shouldn’t waste their time trying to legislate morality but should spend their time evangelizing & winning the hearts and minds of people to the Gospel–which would have a greater effect than laws. A Christian’s primary goal in life is to glorify God in his/her life, this is aided by winning others to Christ. This has nothing to do with “issues.”

If some who have claimed to be Christians have done evil–that is an indictment on them personally and not on all of Christianity. (BTW, while Hitler had a Roman Catholic childhood, nothing in his adult life indicates that he maintained that relationship. In fact, he held himself and the Third Reich up as his supreme being & religion–similar to Saddam Hussein).

Anybody who confesses to be a Christian and sins gives Christianity a black eye. It hurts us all, but wise & intelligent people should know that those individuals make their own choices and do not represent the whole of Christianity. Using that reasoning is the same as saying that all black people are bad because one committed a crime; all Arabs or Muslims are bad because one is a terrorist; or a whole nation is bad because one citizen doesn’t represent it well. This point brings up the issue that more Christians (true Christians, not just professing) should get involved in politics and public life. We’re better able to reform government from the inside than by complaining about it from the outside.

Christianity has survived over 2000 years even with many who have professed it and sinned. I think it has primarily survived-in fact, flourished-because there have been many who have professed it and lived right and stood up for Christ in private & in public–even giving their lives if necessary.

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Preparing to deploy

Posted by Daryl Densford on January 26, 2006 in Chaplaincy, Christianity, Military
 

I have been staring at the blank page in front of me for most of the morning as I have tried to get “inspired” to write this piece.  Anyone who knows me well knows that writing or speaking is usually not a struggle for me but today it is.  Normally what goes on in my personal life is properly pigeon-holed and doesn’t interfere with my work but (I’m supposing as I struggle with these words) that when my work and personal lives become entangled, the result is this struggle.

At the risk of this piece becoming too personal, let me explain what’s going on in my life with the hope that it may help you in yours:  As a new Chaplain at my first assignment I am about to receive orders for my first PCS which is anticipated to be a 1-year unaccompanied tour to the Persian Gulf area.  Most of you, I know, have already dealt with this—probably many times in your Army career—but this is my first.

am excited about going overseas.  I am proud to serve my country and privileged to serve the Army through the Chaplain Corps, but as I prepare to go, many questions have come to my mind:  I wonder if my marriage can survive the separation.  I’m concerned that my children, fatherless for a year, will become undisciplined.  I worry about whether the bills will get paid on time or not and if our newly purchased horse farm will be maintained.  I get up at night to be sure the doors are locked and doubt that anyone will think to do that while I’m away.  I imagine the engine of our truck locking up for lack of regular maintenance.

With the time counting down, I have found myself trying to instill into my two sons the things that I have always taken care of around the house and with the vehicles.  I’ve started trying to help my wife to remember to check that the doors are locked before she goes to bed or leaves the house.  I have begun compiling a list of our payments and when they are due so that my wife can take care of them.  But none of these preparations seem to relieve my greatest fears.  It seems that everyday we hear on the news about another service member who has made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and I wonder “what if I’m called on to make that same sacrifice?”

My death is not that great of a concern to me as I take comfort in Saint Paul’s words, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21, NIV), but then I think of my family and even in the safety of my office on Fort Knox, tears come to my eyes.  I think of my loving wife, and doubt that she really knows how much I truly love her because I’m lax in showing it.  I think about my two sons and realize that I have not been the best example of a Godly man for them to follow and haven’t passed on all of the “manly” things that it is my responsibility to pass on.  I think of my two daughters and question whether I have given them enough of my time and affection that will help them seek out a mate that will love, cherish and take care of them.

Now with just a few months left before I go, I realize that there is not enough time to make things completely right.  I can’t possibly make up for the years that I let slip by being more concerned with providing for my family than caring for them.  It’s easy to look back, though, and see what I would do if I could start all over:  I would realize that there’s always going to be work to do and some of it can be left until the next day so that I can get home and spend that evening with my family.  I would make sure that I not only told my wife that I love her but would show her that I love her in ways that she understands (See The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman).  I would sit down with the TV less and go out with my sons more.  I would schedule time with my daughters and show them what healthy love looks like.  But since time travel so far is not a reality I can’t go back and start over and must live with the time that I am given, do what I can from this point forward and hope for the best.

With that in mind, I’m determined to live each day as though it is my last, whether preparing for deployment or not—treating my wife as she needs and desires; living in front of my sons the life I would want them to emulate; and loving my girls as I should.  And maybe, just maybe, with God’s help and blessing on it all, things will work out alright.

Perhaps you find yourself with some of the same feelings that I’ve shared here.  Maybe you, too, have wasted the years and have not been everything that your spouse and children have needed you to be.  Well, I don’t believe that it’s too late and I know that it is worth any effort.  I invite you to determine with me to make every day count.  Decide now to spend time with those you love and who love you.  Show them you care.  Show them your love.  Seek God’s help and blessing.  Then maybe, just maybe, it will all work out for you, as well.

(by Chaplain (CPT) Daryl Densford. Originally published 2 Feb 06 in The Turret, Fort Knox, KY. )

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Keeping the Faith

Posted by Daryl Densford on September 16, 2005 in Christianity, Military

Last week we had the opportunity to celebrate Hispanic heritage month at a very well-executed ceremony at the Leaders Club.  As I sat and enjoyed the program, I was impressed by the number of Hispanic-Americans who have had an impact on our society.

Most notably in my mind this day were the essays by the winning High School and Middle School students.  The Middle School winner talked about how recording artist Carlos Santana has inspired her creatively and has enriched her life and service to others.  Equally impressive was the High School winner who wrote about her HispanicJunior High school principal who was not only an inspiration and role-model but also helped her excel in school and achieve far beyond average success.  These students represent just two who have been positively impacted by Hispanic-Americans.   We would not have the space in this paper to include all of those who would have similar or even greater testimony to the contributions of Hispanics on us and our culture.

Added to the Hispanics are the myriad other ethnic groups that come together to form this great country of the United States, each with their corporate contributions to society and individual torch-bearers for what is good from their heritage.

As I reflected on these thoughts later in the day, I wondered if I have ever, or would ever have the kind of impact on a person that I would be the subject of their essay.  Let me be quick to say that I’m not looking for notoriety, but I would like to know that I have had a positive influence on those around me.  If we just go through life for ourselves, not impacting others, what real, eternal, value is there to life?

As a Chaplain, or more specifically as a Christian, I would hope that God is working through me to impact others.  In fact, New Testament Scripture teaches us that as Christians, God’s children, we are to be Christ-like and this Christ-likeness should not only be noticed by others but should also draw others to Christ and impact them with His Gospel message.

What does your life look like?  Aside from the heritage that might be yours from your ethnic background, how about your Christian heritage, is it forming your life to be what God would have it to be?  Is it influencing others to greatness?

I encourage you to join me in seeking the Father of all and asking Him to use you as a positive force in your community, among your friends and within your family.  Let God mold you, empower you, and use you to accomplish His good will.  Let’s look forward to the day when we hear someone talk about us as the one who helped them become who they are!

(by Chaplain (CPT) Daryl Densford. Originally published 22 Sep 05 in The Turret, Fort Knox, KY )

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Tragedy . . . Why?

Posted by Daryl Densford on June 17, 2005 in Chaplaincy, Christianity, Military
There are a few words in our language that are a complete sentence by themselves.  “Why” is one of those words.  Having four children, I have heard that question a lot:  “But dad, WHY?”

As a father, many times I did have an answer for that question:  “You can’t play in the street because you might get run over.”  “You can’t just eat candy and no vegetables because you need the nutrients of a balanced diet to grow.”  “You need to go to school to learn what you must know to be a ‘grown-up.’”

As my children have gotten older, however, finding an answer for “Why?” has gotten much harder.  Many times I have had to resort to that answer that I grew to hate as a child:  “Because I said so, that’s why!”

Times when tragedy strikes cause us to ask that one-word question to anybody who will listen.  “Why did this have to happen?”  “Why did this happen to me?”  “Why?” “Why?” “Why?”

I wish that I could answer that question, “WHY?”  but I can’t.  Without getting too theological, however, I believe that I can rule out at least one possibility.  I do not believe that God points his finger down to earth and says “it’s your time for a tragedy!”

I know that God is usually the one who takes the rap for bad things that happen on this earth, but it really shouldn’t all fall on Him.  Way back at the beginning of humankind, the possibility of bad things happening today had its start.  Sin entered the world and because of sin, sickness, diseases, infirmities, death and other tragedies also entered the world.  Because of these things and the human lack of immortality on earth, bad things happen.   It doesn’t mean that those who experience bad things are bad; we’re just experiencing life on earth.

Certainly God is able to stop bad things from happening.  Often, through our prayers, we are able to avert tragedies.  But while God is sovereign and on the throne, he does not put an end to all bad things.  It wouldn’t be fair to the millions of people who have gone before us if He was to just do away with bad forever.

Human kind started us on this “bad” track, and God is bound by His own word to allow it.  But let me quickly add that God looks down with sorrow when we experience tragedy.  He hurts when we hurt.  He grieves when we grieve.

So, can we answer that question “WHY?”?  I don’t think so.  We may just have to accept the answer, “Because I said so, that’s why.”

But another couple of one-word questions can help us in any tragic experience:  These questions are “HOW?” and “WHO?”

In bad times, after asking “WHY?” we naturally ask, “HOW?”:   “How can I possibly survive?”  “How can I get through this?”  “How can I go on?”

I believe that these “HOW” questions can be answered best with the “WHO?” questions:  “Who can help me survive?”  “Who can help me through this?”  “Who can give me the strength?”

Many times those around us can be a great help:  your battle buddies, your friends, your family or church members, your Chaplain, even your First Sergeant or Commander.  All of these people can help in some way.  But many times we need more.  We need someone who can truly understand what we’re feeling.  We need to know that he is always there for us.

The writer of Psalm 23 knows who that One is that we need:  He is God.  The Psalmist answered his “WHO?” question by writing, “The Lord is…”  In earlier Scripture, when Moses asked “WHO?” God, himself, told Moses, “I am that I am.”

So the answer to our question “WHO?”  is God!

God does truly understand us.  He knows our heart and he has experienced loss and tragedy.  God has promised to be with us always.  He can go with us where others can not—and can be with us always.  God can help us survive, He can help us through whatever we face, and He can give us the strength to go on.  Look to him in your time of tragedy.  Lean on Him, He will be your help!

(by Chaplain (CPT) Daryl Densford. Originally published 23 Jun 05 in The Turret, Fort Knox, KY.)

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Behaving Valiantly

Posted by Daryl Densford on March 8, 2005 in Chaplaincy, Christianity, Military

(Originally published in The Turret, Fort Knox, KY by Chaplain (CPT) Daryl Densford)

In Old Testament Scripture, First Chronicles 19:13 says:  “Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God; and let the Lord do that which is good in his sight” (KJV).

This passage has much to say to us regarding how we live our lives in days like these whether as a soldier, DoD civilian or family member.  Henry Crane, a Methodist Minister during the Second World War explains it well:

“We behave valiantly whenever we make a situation worth something by being stronghearted; for through courageous, conscientious men [and women] God can do what is good in His sight.  We are not truly [upright] till we behave valiantly.  What is involved?

“First.  Receive whatever comes, good or bad, as a part of life; do not try to reject trouble as though it were an intruder.  Happiness comes not from avoiding hard situations, but from overcoming them….

“Second.  Respond to whatever comes; do not react.  Whenever we merely react mechanically, we function on a subhuman level.  As persons we can respond; that is, we can project into any situation something that is the unique contribution of a personality, something spiritual, creative….

“Third.  Rejoice in whatever comes; do not rebel.  In these dark hours– Rejoice (a) that we are matched with such a supremely significant age as this.  Rejoice (b) that we now have an unusual chance to test the validity of our … principles.  Rejoice (c) that we will discover what we ourselves are actually made of.  Rejoice (d) that we will be able to discover how tribulations bring patience, patience experience, experience hope—which means we will be living deeply, richly, greatly.  Rejoice (e) that we will have revealed to us the necessity and availability of God.”

Our prayer in times like these should be:  “Infinite Father, we would open our hearts to You willingly, confidently, completely.  Whatever comes to us, teach us how to receive it, respond to it, and rejoice in it valiantly, and thus transform tragedy into triumph, as did Your Son.  Amen.”     (Quotes from Henry H. Crane, Strength for Service to God and Country, Chaplain Norman E. Nygaard, ed.  New York:  Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, 1942.)

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Dying for freedom

Posted by Daryl Densford on July 20, 2004 in Chaplaincy, Christianity, Military

I have been working this week on a burial service for a soldier whose remains have just been identified from the Korean Conflict.  This process and the ultimate burial service has been a humbling experience for me.  As I have explored the service record and history of this soldier I have learned that he went off to fight for his country at a young age, before he had a wife or children of his own.  He went to fight for the freedom of other families, both Korean and American, before he even had the opportunity to begin his own family.

Involvement in the life of this soldier has caused me to look more intently at the soldiers who are going through training here at Fort Knox.  They have voluntarily joined the Army at a time when our country is at war.  Many of these brave young men have just graduated from high school and like the soldier whose burial service I am preparing, have not yet had an opportunity to begin their own families but have volunteered to fight for the freedom of my family and others around the world.

I wonder what the parents of the soldier who died in Korea felt as he went off to war and then didn’t return.  I wonder what the parents of these soldiers at FortKnox felt when their children left to go into an Army that is at war, no doubt wondering if they would return.  I wonder how I will feel if my sons or daughters choose to go to other parts of the world to face people whose mission it is to see that they don’t return.

I’m reminded of another father who sent his son to die for the lives of others.  In a time when the known world was at war and people were dying without freedom, this father saw that his son was needed to win this war and his son willingly accepted his duty and ultimately gave his life for the lives of many others.

This son’s name was Jesus and he was sent by his father, God, into a world that was dying in sin and without hope.  The world was at war as Satan was seeking to take control of the lives of humankind and shatter the hopes of the people of the world.  But Jesus’ sacrifice brought life and freedom to humankind as he broke Satan’s hold on the people of the world and allowed them to experience real life and true freedom.

But this isn’t just an event in history.  Jesus’ death makes it possible for us to experience abundant life and freedom from sin today.  His death provides a hope of eternal life for us and our families.  Because Jesus died, all humankind can experience his love and this freedom from sin along with this hope of eternal life.

Many have died over the years to provide freedom for people around the world.   Many more are likely to die as they, too, fight for freedom.  We should continue to honor those who serve and those who have died, but even more, we should honor the one who died to give us true freedom and eternal life.  He is worthy of our honor since the death of Jesus on the cross makes it possible for all humankind to have freedom and life even in the midst of a world at war.  We honor him best when we give our life to him.

So as we fight for our freedom and the freedom of others, as we train soldiers who will also go to war to fight for these freedoms and as we send our sons and daughters into harms way to better the lives of others, remember that God sent his son Jesus to war for us, and he ultimately died for our freedom.  Remember, also, that Jesus now lives to be with you both today and forevermore.  Let these facts bring you hope in a time of crisis and peace in a time of war.

(by Chaplain (CPT) Daryl Densford. Originally published 5 Aug 04 in The Turret, Fort Knox, KY )

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Message of Hope for Christmas

Posted by Daryl Densford on December 23, 1995 in Christianity

Every Christmas season, we are reminded of that famous newspaper article of years past assuring little Virginia that there is a Santa Claus.  That was long ago, when Christmas brought with it many long-held traditions and getting through the season was simpler and not so hectic.

Now, every year, it seems that the Christmas decorations go up earlier and earlier.  I remember when if they were up at Thanksgiving, they were up early – now we see some before Halloween!  And the decorating also seems to be centered more on Santa than on the Christ child!

The stress on families at Christmas seems to be increasing, as well, as they attempt to “keep up with the Joneses.”  Children insist on the latest styles and name brands, causing parents to extend themselves financially beyond their means, or to feel guilty or frustrated because they aren’t able to buy all that they would like.  All of this certainly takes the joy out of the Christmas season and causes us to wonder, like Virginia, if there is some wonderful person that cares for us.

A recent Time Magazine article reported how many of the stories and people of the Bible are being proven through archeological discoveries.  There is one story of interest to us at this time of year that every major character has been identified as having actually lived.  It is found in Luke, chapter 2. It is the story of the first Christmas; it tells of the coming of Jesus into the world.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

When you get tired of seeing the decorations, when you get caught in the busyness of the season, when you run out of money before you run out of gifts to buy, and when you find yourself wishing that there really was a Santa Claus who cares about you, remember that story in Luke.

Remember that God cares for you.  Remember that Christmas is about Jesus coming to earth to die for you.  Remember that there is a Savior.

I would like to improve on the words of the editor who wrote to Virginia and give to you a message of hope for this Christmas season:  Yes, America, there is a Savior!

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(Originally published, exclusive of Scripture text, December 23, 1995 in the Daily Sentinel, Rome, NY)

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