This is a LONG email I sent out several years ago. Since then, Dr. Carson ran for public office and was considered for presidency of our great land. Since then, God has ordained (in my opinion) Donald Trump to be our president. Since then, in different ways, America seems to be regaining her beauty. In other ways, we still need to hang our heads in shame before God. But, my love of this amazing country hasn't changed. Since those over 50 years ago days of my high school Civics class I continue to debate and struggle in sharing. So when I read this again, I felt it appropriate to put on my worship blog. God and Country will ALWAYS be a unified issue for me.
Dear Friends and Family
My
favorite class in high school was my senior Civics class. It was my
favorite for two reasons: the subject fascinated me and
the teacher I had was excellent. The study of American government at
that young age was probably fascinating because of his teaching skills.
By far I was not the smartest senior that year but this teacher sought
me out after class one day to tell me something very special. On that
particular day in
class, he did a "this is how I would set up our government" on the
chalkboard. The idea he wrote spread across the entire board and his
presentation took the whole class hour. When he finished I raised my
hand and said "that won't work" and gave the
reason why. For several weeks we had been discussing and studying the
balance of power (checks and balances) of the three branches of
government. He wanted to challenge this with his idea. So, I
challenged him right back. I'll never forget his response. He put the
chalk down, wiped the chalk dust from his hands and said, "she's
right". In the library, after the school day ended, he found me and
said, "you were the only one in all my classes who challenged me - great
job!"
If Dr. Ben Carson, author of
America The Beautiful,
had been a high school teacher and not a pediatric
neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins, he undoubtedly could have inspired
students as my civic teacher did that year, long ago. In the second
chapter of his book, Dr. Carson explains the brilliant idea of "checks
and balances of our three branch government". But he doesn't challenge
this idea. He affirms it. Dr. Carson has been the key note speaker at
the Washington Prayer Breakfast several times. And, who was in the
audience? The President. The Vice President. Members of congress.
Just to name a few.
From his book,
America The Beautiful,
here is a bit about Dr. Carson's growing up years. In the chapter -
Capitalism: Its Pros and Cons, he wrote: "The neighborhood housing
projects I walked through when I began attending school in Boston were
in even worse shape than ours. Some of the houses were abandoned, some
were burned, and others were literally falling down
altogether. But worse than the structural decay was the angry,
aggressive attitude
spawned by the conditions of poverty around us...My brother, Curtis and
I were frequently bullied and with Dad gone, Mom had to work multiple
jobs just to provide. She never failed to put food on the table,
however, and believed fervently that God would keep us going." Is this
the same Ben Carson who later spoke at several Washington Prayer
Breakfast meetings? Is this the same Ben Carson who was flunking 5th
grade until his Mom inquired of God about what she should do? Is this
the same Ben Carson who became Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. Yes. But how? Good question.
So, why am I sending this email to everyone in my email address book? I'm writing you to recommend his book
America The Beautiful because
I love my country and I love our freedoms. I know you do,
too. Politics, among other subjects is hard for me to talk to others
about. I get a brain freeze. I get tongue tied. Although I know what I
believe, I just can't seem to verbalize it. So, when I heard
about Dr. Ben Carson's book
America The Beautiful,
I bought it. After reading it, I thought, "Finally, a means to share
my views with others." On some
future date, I will not ask you what you think about Dr. Carson's
views. I'm not looking to debate our differences or agreeing points.
Probably what I appreciate most about Dr. Carson is the fact he doesn't
bash others who oppose his views. And, in his sharing, he points out
the "good and bad ideas, attitudes, methods, etc" on both sides. Again
and again he talks about using logic and common sense to resolve our
national problems.
So, read his book --- then do what you will with Dr. Ben Carson's view of America the beautiful.
Blessings of God's grace, mercy and peace to you and yours. Gini
