Saturday, July 30, 2011

Death of a Nation

In America, born of hope for religious freedom, there can no more be total separation of church and state than there can be total separation of the soul and body of an American, short of death. To plead for separation of America's spirit and state is to plead for her death; and who of us, as Americans, will be guilty of requesting such self-inflicted demise?

As the Spirit of God indwells his children, so his church indwells this nation. To suggest—even to tolerate the suggestion—of something less, begs trial for treason against the very heart of America.

In truth, separation of church and state was never intended to protect the state from church involvement. Rather, it was intended to protect the church from state involvement—the very atrocity that drove our forefathers to America from their homelands. But somewhere and somehow along the way, that intention has been inverted to suit the diabolical goals of the enemies of America. And now, once again we find ourselves in a nation where the church is controlled by the state—the very crime our forefathers could not, would not, abide. And yet, many of our nation’s leaders today seem to abide the crime in apathetic contentment.

May God, who rules the world and this nation, whether or not acknowledged or recognized by unbelieving Americans, prevent his Spirit from being separated from his nation, whatever must be the cost to his children. As long as his Spirit dwells in the hearts and consciences of Americans, his church must dwell inseparably with the state of America.

If such separation be perpetrated by atheistic politicians, Old Glory will be finally folded to a three-cornered bundle, and the mournful wail of "Taps” will laden the stale air as America the Beautiful is laid to rest. Those pitiful notes will echo through history for all time to come as a benediction to something glorious that could have been. Only we can change tomorrow's history . . . today.

O God, please, bless America.

Mary Hollingsworth

Creative Enterprises Studio

Monday, March 28, 2011

Join the Positive Woman Connection!

For the past few months, I've been attending the Positive Woman Connection in Dallas, thanks to Gigi Falstrom who introduced me to the group. Lead by my friend and best-selling author Karol Ladd (The Power of a Positive Woman et al), this monthly luncheon and Bible study sponsored by Roaring Lambs Ministries is an oasis in the desert of a hectic week. Karol's gift of presenting interesting, exciting, and enlightening messages from God's Word is truly beautiful. She's so animated, funny, deep, and challenging. It's a refreshing time of networking with other Christian women, enjoying a marvelous buffet lunch, and just relaxing for a bit.

This time I got to sit by speaker and author Helen Hosier. What a charming lady! And after many years in the Christian publishing industry as an in-house editor for Thomas Nelson and author of more than sixty books, she's so bright, well informed, and insightful. We had fun talking about "all things books." It's a great honor to get to know her.

It never fails, too, that Karol and the delightful Donna Skell, executive director of Roaring Lambs Ministries, have piles of books and treats to give away at the luncheon. So you always come away with gifts, laughs, a full tummy, and a touched heart. What's not to like about that?

You might also like to follow this wonderful group at "Facebook/PositiveWomanConnection" or read their weekly blog at "PositiveLifePrinciples.com."

Join Us! If you're in the neighborhood on April 26, 2011, come and hear Karol speak about "How to Get Along with the People Closest to You." Or join us on the fourth Tuesday of any month at 11:30 a.m. at the Prestonwood Country Club on Preston Road just north of Arapaho in North Dallas. Lunch is Dutch treat ($18), and the huge buffet is fabulous fare. If you can join us, please let Donna know you're coming ahead of time by emailing dskell@roaringlambsministries.org. I promise you'll be so blessed if you come. And maybe I'll get to meet you there!

Blessings, friends,

Mary