God's Plumb Line    

   A few weeks ago, we hired some pros for household improvements. Yours truly was left with the task of hanging three bathroom mirrors.

   We cut several feet of string, attached a small lead weight from our old tackle box, and taped the top of the string to the wall. The weight hung precisely where we wanted each mirror to be centered. 

   It's called a plumb line, a method builders have used since ancient times to assure a wall is straight.

   God has his own plumb line. It is spiritual, as He is Spirit.

   Israel, the old Northern Kingdom, was proud...dependent on its own fortresses...and turned justice into poison and the fruit of righteousness into bitterness. 

   God called on a shepherd, who also took care of sycamore-fig trees, to prophesy for him. His name was Amos.

   In chapter 7, Amos wrote of a vision: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand.

   The Lord said, 'Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel. 

I will spare them no longer.' 

   Since God doesn't change, we can assume He still has that plumb line ... probably not for nations, but for those of us who claim to be his children. 

   [Santa knows if we've been bad or good.] 

   God knows if we are centered on his gospel ... and if we understand He is 100 percent grace, but also 100 percent truth.

  

Baseball in Karachi  
Our Grand Slam Idea    

   With major league baseball attendance on the decline, something has to be done. "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" doesn't thrill anymore.

   So far this year, the six worst fan bases include Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Baltimore, the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami.

   After 20 ho-hum years and one pennant in St. Petersburg, population 260 thousand, the Rays proposed a merger with Montreal, pop. 1.75 million (the former Canadian home of the baseball Expos, named for Expo67, a world's fair). Someone already suggested a perfect name for the split team: ExRays. 

   Montreal is all in. St. Petersburg (the Rays are under contract through 2027), is not. Anyway, the idea is to play in sunny Florida in April and May, then move to Montreal for the rest of the season. Fewer home games, more fans per game. Get it? 

   So, Views advises other struggling owners to think outside the batter's box. Pittsburgh could merge with Dhaka, Bangladesh and its 14 million people. This major financial capital in South Asia could be gold for the Pirates. 

   Detroit might play in Istanbul, Turkey, also 14 million. This historic capital draws millions of tourists - even more Tigers fans.  

   The Baltimore (Terrorists?) could split their season with wealthy Karachi, Pakistan, 18 million, with an open air stadium on the beautiful Arabian Sea. 

   For Kansas City, we offer Beijing, capital of China, with 18.5 million potential lovers of peanuts and crackerjacks. After the game, there are seven world heritage sites to explore.

   Finally, Miami might be a hit in Shanghai, China, with its 24 million in the city proper. A stadium along the Yangtze River would draw many thousands, especially for a World Series against Beijing. 

   Warning to Tampa Bay: The Expos left Montreal for a greener outfield, which they found in Washington, DC. Toronto long ago outgrew Montreal, but they already have a team. Um...maybe Tokyo? They love baseball there. 

       Jimmy

Pro-Choice Rhetoric Soars   

   When we lived and worked in South Carolina, taking in the sights, we happened upon the Charleston burial site of Sen. John C. Calhoun - a figure in our high school history books.  

   Jefferson and others had regarded slavery as an "unhappy necessity" that would outlive its usefulness. Abolitionists began efforts to make that happen sooner rather than later.

   In response, Sen. Calhoun struck back in a famous (or infamous) speech declaring slavery to be "a positive good." He predicted war unless men both North and South accepted his judgment. 

   Just 25 years ago, President Clinton and in 2007 his wife claimed that abortion should be "safe, legal and rare." 

   Now with a realigned Supreme Court and some states passing heart-beat laws and outright bans, like Sen. Calhoun in 1837 pro-abortion forces are going all out. For example:

   "I love abortion."
   "It's how I feel."
   "Loud and proud."
   "Let's...end the shame."
   "Parasites don't have rights."
   "We've got a political fight to win."
   "It's not just defensible, it's desirable." 

   Whether by social media or street protests, the pro crowd is raising the volume. Like slavery, the issue must be reckoned with.

   Janie B. Cheaney in WORLD magazine writes, "These are sheep without a shepherd, who know not what they do. If they only knew what makes for peace. Then I pray for them." 

      Jimmy

Leftocrats Take the Stage   

   It's political theater week, and Views at no charge offers a view that no for-profit news organization would dare suggest.

   We don't take advertising revenue, so we don't have a penny's worth of self-interest in capturing you and keeping you coming back for more. But, we like it when you buy into our blog, bye and bye. 

   See. We began writing today's copy before last night's debate, which debuted on deNBC network as Leftocrats debated one another. If you were looking for democracy at its best, you might have settled for a debacle. 

   Nothing personal or partisan. 

   In 2016 we  prepared for aspiring Righticans by making a chart: names across the top, issues down the side. 
   
   Like we successfully selected our last two vehicles: six makes and 30 points of comparison.

   Hit the brakes. Televised debates involving more than two people don't get us where we want to go, unless a single issue makes your day. No candidate in 2016 had opportunity to address every topic, and no topic received adequate attention. One question about an issue doesn't make or break it.

   We guess that primary voters selected Donald Trump because he was/is an outsider...none of the above. 

   Leftocrats took the stage in Miami. No matter the question, the response was:
 

corporations bad, workers good; 
rich and powerful bad, average folks (voters) good. 

   We didn't stay up for the entire show. Did viewers discover a way to decide, declare or debunk anyone? We did like the comment: "Keep what works; fix what's broken."   

   
      de-Jimmy

To Borrow or to Lend?                                               $
     
   Last week in another city, we used a credit card to pay a restaurant bill. 
We think that's why, on Monday, card security called to ask if we used our card for several purchases, which she listed. 

   No in every case. She said the activity was Sunday in Miami, where we haven't been in over a decade. 

   The thief will have to find another source of "credit," and we wait up to 10 days for our replacement card.

   Meanwhile, our country is stealing from our grandchildren.  

   At least twice in Deuteronomy, Moses - inspired by God - tells the Israelites they soon will be established in the Promised Land where they... 
 

"...will lend to many nations but will borrow from none." 

   This wasn't a command, just a hint of prosperity for future obedience.

   If anyone knows how a government and its people can prosper indefinitely, it must be God Almighty, the Creator. 

   We see from the Bible and history that the people didn't obey Moses' commands, and did not receive the blessings. In time, they lost everything. 

   Obedience involves more than money, but here's my question: Does anyone believe God will favor the U.S. more than his "chosen people?" 

   We owe more than $21 trillion to other nations, and pay rising interest, including to communist China, which intends to dominate the world. 

(Search the national debt clock.)

      Jimmy

Another View of the DR     
    
   Many of us realize that if we know only one fact about a person, a group, an idea, a country, most anything...we're unable to draw an accurate conclusion.

   Lately, the Dominican Republic became known for tourists - in good health - who have died mysteriously. The DR also made news when retired baseball star, national hero David Ortiz was shot in the back at a bar. Okay, that's two facts.

   Last November, some 30 occupational therapy (OT) students at Utica College in New York state spent two weeks there on a pediatric fieldwork project. 

   They spent one week in Santo Domingo and another in San Pedro, with guidance, of course. In addition to helping local therapists and caregivers, they presented at a conference to some 200 DR health care professionals. 

   Working with therapists who have been practicing for as long as the students have been alive, they were respectful of the culture and suggested slight changes in some of the services. 

   Utica students found, "...everyone was so kind and hospitable. When they said that 'their home was our home,' they truly meant it." 

   The group leader remarked that the people "...pour love and care into their work, and there is never a shortage of laughter, dancing and music. Most of all, kindness is universal." 

   That's four more facts.

        Jimmy

Wouldn't It Be Nice?      
    
   Maybe we could trade immigrants like pro baseball teams trade players. 
Hey, Honduras: Send us ten responsible people who will take the legal path to citizenship and contribute to their community's well being.

   We'll send you ten people who find their happiness in alcohol, drugs, pot or video games, or contribute to their community's moral darkness. 

   Nah. Honduras probably wouldn't go for that pitch. 

   People from Central America and lately from Africa are going to unbelievable lengths to play in America's ballpark, or at least get safely inside the gate. Wouldn't it be nice if we knew the character of each one?

   Multitudes of Africans migrated to Europe, and many have died trying. Recently, Europeans have cracked down, as have two main disembarking points - Turkey and Libya.

   Now Africans are flying to South America and beginning the arduous journey to the U.S. border. Who is paying the airfare, out of good will or otherwise?

   Current numbers aren't great, but triple the African asylum seekers of two years ago. Most come from the Republic of the Congo, Angola and the English-speaking part of Cameroon, where killing and other crimes are rampant. 

   Others on waiting lists include Ethiopians, Eritreans, Mauritanians, Sudanese and Congolese. 

   Prince Pombo, 26, a teacher and pro-democracy activist, fled the Democratic (?) Republic of Congo four years ago and finally arrived in Portland, Maine. He wants to rebuild a life for himself and his family. "I'd like to feel safe," he said."I'd like to build a decent life. I need to start again." 

   Seems like a decent candidate for legal immigration. Safe at home, for him. Wouldn't it be nice if all incomers were safe for us - at home?

Associated Press

       Jimmy

World Beyond Disney         
     
   Along US-192 south of Orlando, you can turn north into the world of Disney.

   Mrs. Donut and I continued a few miles beyond, to Johnson University, Florida, another world. Admission: Free! 

   Wednesday was one of four days of Bible Bowl competition among high schoolers. Our granddaughter was one some 200 participants...three or four players to a team. 

   Many of these kids may have enjoyed Disney World at some time. This week was the climax of months of study, practice and regional competition. Rather than video games and other idle pursuits, they spent their spare time studying parts of Genesis, 1 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, Daniel and Esther. 

   Granddaughter - I tell her she's my favorite granddaughter, and she replies, "I'm your only granddaughter" - finished her last year of high school. One other year for Bible Bowl she memorized all 28 chapters of Acts. 

   Questions are not easy, and purposely framed to make contestants think fast. 

   Her former Ohio team did well in the past. This year, now attending a church without BB, she drove herself two hours one way to practice with an Indiana team, Mt. Pleasant team 2. (Okay: there is a certain boy over there.) 

   Team 2 lost to their friends in MP team 1, but on Thursday battled their way into the championship. They needed to beat undefeated team 1 twice, in the gymnasium with more than 400 cheering people - students, parents and other adults like us.

   With granddaughter's parents and young brother on the edge of their seats, the first game went "our" way. Final game: Team 1 scored the first 85 points and held a large lead at halftime. Oh well. They're good.  

   Second half: Team 2 quickly tied the score and kept adding on. Only the Lord's return will be more exciting for us. 

   These kids all know that, "hiding the Word of God" in their hearts is more important than winning or losing. But, being rewarded for hard work isn't Mickey Mouse either. Many team and individual awards followed.

      Jimmy


   
   

Scriptures to Live By    
   
   God allows humans to experience the consequences of sin - whether by others or ourselves. It is not God who tempts...

...each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is ... enticed. 

James 1:13

While we wait for God to put an end to corrupt, evil, imperfect governments

and replace them with himself, here are a few scriptures to live by: 

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12

   The risen Jesus told Saul (Paul):

I am sending you to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light,

and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness

of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.

Acts 26:17-18

   While we endure consequences and trials, God supplies peace, strength, hope, mercy, grace and help: Philippians 4:6-7, 13; Ephesians 3:16; Hebrews 4:16; Romans 15:30-32; Colossians 4:3.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 
If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:28, 33

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 

in all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Providence    
Government of Men      

   While the unholy Roman empire ruled, Paul - under guidance of the Spirit - wrote: 

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted...

For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong.

Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority?

Then do what is right and he will commend you.

For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid,

for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is...an agent of wrath...

Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, 

not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.

This is why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, 

who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him...

taxes - revenue - respect - honor.

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:1-8

   Paul describes government as it should be. God gave the Israelites a king only because they refused to accept God as their leader, protector, etc. 

In this fallen world, we need protection from chaos and lawlessness, the result of sin. Leaders themselves are fallen, some more than others. 

   From our commentary: When the state requires something contrary to God's word, Christians must obey God rather than other humans. 

Government - An Aspect of Providence      
    
   Along with God's preservation of and provision for his creation, he also ordained government. World governments don't look like acts of God, but events happen under his permissive will. Sometimes he intervenes, with purposes that we may or may not know. 

   Until the end of this age...

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers,

so that they cannot see the light of the gospel 

of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

2 Corinthians 4:4

We know that...the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

1 John 5:19

..the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us

from the present evil age, according to the will of our God...

Galatians 1:4

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, 

against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world

and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12

   When God determines to do so, he will destroy Satan and the armies of evil. 

Revelation chapters 19, 20

   Then Christ will assume his rightful place as the King of kings and Lord of lords - the millennium. 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given 

and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called 

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.

He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, 

establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness

from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

Isaiah 9:6-7

NOTE: establishing and upholding - [creation and preservation]

Tomorrow: about human governments

What is    
The Providence of God?   
    
   George Washington and his contemporaries, in public, referred to "providence" instead of God. Did they not believe in the person of God, or was there another reason? They founded civil government, not religion, although Biblical principles made their way into our laws. 

   There is a doctrine, "the providence of God," and it has at least three aspects:

1. Preservation

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,

your justice like the great deep.

O Lord, you preserve both man and beast.

Psalm 36:6

   Christ in creation

Through him all things were made...

John 1:3

   Christ in preservation

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Colossians 1:17

2. Provision

   He provides for his creatures.

Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate day from night, 

and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years.

Genesis 1:14

I give you every seed-bearing  plant and every tree that has fruit with seed.

And...everything that has breath of life in it - I give every green plant for food.

Genesis 1:29-30

    He provides spiritual life

My God will meet (fill) all your (spiritual) needs 

according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 

3. Government 

   This gets interesting. See Views on Tuesday and Wednesday.

___________

With help from Bible commentary

   

What is Providence?

When our nation's founders spoke of matters somewhat 

above human activity, they sometimes used the word "providence." 

Was that a veiled reference to God?

A personal God?

Or was providence a secular term for the unexplainable?

We know that Franklin and Jefferson were not true believers.
Washington attended church; we hope with faith.

See Views Monday and Tuesday

Pearls Before Swine  
   by Stephan Pastis 

   Did you see last Sunday's comics, this one by Mr. Pastis?

   In the first window, a politician is standing on a block telling four small characters representing voters:

Hey! Everyone be outraged 

about this thing I want you

to be outraged about! 

   In the next window, they all shout:

OUTRAGED! 

   Next, another politician on his own block:

No! Be outraged about this thing

I want you to be outraged about!

   They all say:

OUTRAGED! 

   The first pol responds:

Wait! Be outraged about this thing

I want you to be outraged about!

   With one voter sitting down, one of the other three says:

OUTRAGED!

   The second pol yells:

Wait! Wait! Wait! 

Be outraged about.....

   With all four voters now asleep on the ground, the pol asks:

Hey...Why are you all so apathetic?

   Last window, a cartoon animal says:

I wonder why.

   His companion hollers:

We should be outraged about that! 

He Will Take        
 

Several politicians running for president

claim to support democratic socialism.

See our Thursday blog for a few of recent
history's notable democratic socialists.

   "Tyranny is inevitable," writes Marvin Olasky. "When revolutions leave a power vacuum, the most ruthless eventually fill it. The American Revolution was an amazing exception."

   "The French Revolution has been true of every socialist upheaval." 

Edmund Burke: "At the end of every vista, you see nothing but the gallows." 

   (Even some leaders of the French Revolution later were hung by unhinged partisans.)

   In his youth, Olasky was frustrated with poverty, Vietnam and government, and he hated God.

   At age 22 he traveled to Moscow to enlist as a Russian propagandist. He eventually learned, "Leon Trotsky in 1940 didn't expect to die with Stalin's ice pick in his brain. Nor did Cuban democratic socialists think they would end up with Fidel Castro." 

   We suspect: There are people waiting to replace government of, by and for the people. We just don't know for certain, who. All they need is for enough of us to vote them into endless power, like Putin, and one will rise to the top. 

   We are warned. The same day we wrote this blog, we happened to come across 1 Samuel, chapter 8 ... Israelites asking for a king.

   The Lord told Samuel to warn the people about a king: 

He will take...v.11; He will take...v.13; He will take...v.14; 

He will take...v.15; and He will take...v.17.

   But the people refused to listen.           Will we? 

   There is only one King who is worthy, and He hasn't come yet.

      Jimmy

Ugly History of DS    
    
   A man who was himself a "democratic socialist" at age 18 tells us why we should loathe such a system, and why it could happen here. 

   Marvin Olasky writes that Stalin became an atheist after reading Darwin's On the Origin of Species. (Incidentally, Darwin never did address the topic of his own paper.) 

   "I suspect (Stalin) didn't set out to murder at least 20 million people," Olasky says. "Hugo Chavez wanted to soak the rich, but I suspect he did not want to starve the poor..." 

   "Chavez and Stalin ... were initially democratic socialists," he writes, "but when they ran into obstacles ... they intensified their efforts. When Ukrainians resisted the forced collectivization of agriculture, Stalin's agents seized their crops and created a famine that claimed at least 4 million lives." 

   "When some of Stalin's comrades said the cost of socialism was too high," Olasky adds, "he doubled down by killing them too." 

   "The problem is that democratic socialism does not work," he says. "Socialism goes against entrepreneurial and familial instincts. People work harder when they and their families profit by it, and people work smarter when they can run with creative ideas rather than shuffle through bureaucracy." 

   He continues, "Karl Marx mocked democratic socialists and developed what he called 'scientific socialism.' In 1873 he called himself 'a true admirer' of Darwin and saw socialist revolution as a survival of the fittest..." 

   "In 1993," Olasky recalls, "Bill Clinton signed The Friendship Act, authorizing a Victims of Communism Memorial in Washington, DC. People added up victims in China, Russia, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, Cuba and elsewhere, citing the deaths of more than 100 million." 

   The purpose was to remember them, so "never again will nations and people allow so evil a tyranny to terrorize the world."

Continued tomorrow

     Jimmy

Seeing is Believing  

   We wish young people being fed propaganda about other nations could see first hand, or investigate for themselves. And where are American educators (and parents) who are supposed educate? 

   A Tampa Bay Times editorial writer is upset with the Trump Administration's new ban on visits to Cuba. He writes, "Anyone who spends hours on the streets of Havana - in the shops, museums, restaurants and markets - cannot help but gain a greater understanding (how lousy strict socialism is)." 

   During his recent visit, he says, "The Cuban government announced new rationing of eggs, rice, beans and other staples. The shelves of many state stores were empty. Few bathrooms had soap. Venezuela is paralyzed with a power struggle of its own." 

   "As in the Soviet Union," he continues, "I dealt with my share of indifferent state workers in Cuba and mindless enforcement of pointless rules. Police officers ignored an old woman struggling across a busy street, but stopped four lanes of traffic for a military patrol."  

   "Wet laundry hung from decaying balconies. Nearly every corner was a contrast between the false promise of the revolution and the sad reality of it," he observed. 

   "Kids hustled cigars and played soccer with a crushed beer can."

   Our administration claims Cuba is passing tourist dollars on to Venezuela. The Times writer argues that without cruise ships, travelers will stay in state-owned hotels, only helping the government. Who knows?

   By now every sane American should understand the message of our so-called Southern border: Ordinary people (not the traffickers) looking for a better life are streaming North, not the other direction. 

Tomorrow: The lie of democratic socialism

      Jimmy

The Old Gray Horse   

   It all began when the Donuts accepted a new challenge - controlling, correcting, separating - no, no, we mean teaching children in the church nursery once a month. Our first battle - no, no, our first opportunity to help and guide these "little ones" whom Jesus loves - came this past Sunday.

   For starters, they outnumbered us, 3 to 2. And not your typical nursery. Our charges were ages 5, 4 and 2, the latter quite capable of entertaining herself the entire two hours. 

   We spent the first 15 minutes getting acquainted with the supplies: children's books, CDs, crayons, jars of bubble liquid, toys, animal crackers, etc. We didn't spot any paddles or duct tape.

   Mrs. Donut told them we will sing, "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands..." The 5-year-old responded, "That song is boring." Okay. Just an hour and 44 minutes to go.

   Remembering the example of our D-Day heroes, we charged ahead.

   Next, a lesson about Jesus healing the blind man, coloring images of the blind man, pretending to be the blind man...then on to snack time, blowing bubbles and more. 

   As they became more comfortable with us, they called Mrs. Donut, "Nanna" and me, "Grandpa." Victory was within sight when Grandpa foolishly engaged in Ring Around the Rosie. You know - "we all fall down." 

   Suddenly...                       Giddy up horsey! 

   Two riders had the old gray horse where they wanted him. We moved slowly over the carpet. Then, slumped... 

                                       Come on horsey. Go horsey!

   Just a few more feet. We ain't what we used to be.

   Monday morning, it was off to the fitness center. Gotta get in shape for next month's battle - no, no, service in the nursery.

      Jimmy

Their Kind of, Maybe, Little Bit World   

   Prior to a big four-game series in Boston's home ballpark, Tampa Bay's manager Kevin Cash said, "We have to have our best weapons offensively to go out there and kind of compete against them, a little bit."  

   Is a little bit how you beat the Red Sox? Cash has spoken that way for years.

   Reminds me of former football coach Jim Tressell (now president of Youngstown State University), who addressed the media in much the same way. After a win that was convincing enough, he would tell reporters his defense kind of stood the test, and the offense was a little bit better than last week. Maybe, sort of, something like that. 

   These are both very accomplished men. They have their reasons.

   Aren't we glad Jesus didn't equivocate? Can you imagine? 

Blessed, a little bit, are the merciful.

You are sort of the salt of the earth.

Love your enemies a little bit, and sort of pray for those who persecute you.

For God somewhat loved the world.

Whoever drinks a bit of the water I give will almost never thirst.

My food is to do some of the will of him who sent me.

My Father is somewhat at his work.

I am sort of the bread of life.

He who believes in me a little bit has eternal life.

I am more or less the light of the world.

I am generally the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. 

Enough already, Jimmy

What Would We Give?     
    
   Miami Herald columnist Leonard Pitts - his D-Day column inspires our third and final blog on the 75th anniversary remembrance.

   "How the nation has changed..." he begins. Mr. Pitts focuses on "connectedness," which "is more than mobile phones and social media. It is also about the investment each one makes in a common us..."

   During the war, "...that connectedness made people save scrap metal and bacon grease, grow their own food, ration gas, buy war bonds and go without," he writes. "On D-Day, companies took out newspaper ads exhorting people to go to their churches or synagogues and pray..." 

   "Thoughts and prayers...has become a cliche," he says. "Yet, there is ... the assumption that the same burdens, hopes and faith were borne by all." 

   Pitts recalls Tom Brokaw's book, The Greatest Generation. Whether they were that or not, "...they were a generation that courageously faced the nation's greatest existential threat since the Civil War." 

   "Back home, families huddled around radios or snatched up newspapers, hungry for news. They were not a perfect generation. But they knew ... how to be a country - what it took, what it meant, and why it mattered." 

   "They pulled together and believed in something more important to them than their own lives. They were bound to one another, connected in ways unachievable by social media. We might find this difficult to imagine," he writes, "but we owe it to our country to try." 

   "History demanded of them an answer," Pitts writes: What would you give to save your world?" 

~ ~ ~

   The WWII years were an extension of the Depression. That and generally more faith may explain "connectedness." Plus, the "sneak" attack on Pearl Harbor resonated with most Americans until justice was satisfied in August 1945. Enormous changes have occurred here and around the world since the war. Without a serious threat, there seems to be a severe disconnect among us.     

      Jimmy

You Were His Mission   

   When Ken Jacobs entered the Army, he sensed God telling him not to be afraid, that He would protect him. Jacobs was in the second wave hitting Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. 

   C Company's commanding officer told his troops: "You're expendable. You're all expendable. If you go down, there are soldiers behind you. And soldiers behind them. And more soldiers. That beach is our mission. We must take that beach!" 

   Jacobs' best friend was among 1,700 Americans killed on Omaha Beach, and 30,000 by August when the invaders finally liberated Normandy. But Jacobs made it to shore. 

   After the war, he enrolled in Bible college, met his future wife, and through Wycliffe Bible Translators went to the Chamula people of southern Mexico. 

   The Chamulas had no written language, and practiced animism, sacrifice and witchcraft. They lived by tradition, ritualism and fear. They distrusted outsiders, but the Jacobses gained one trust at a time. 

   While Ken translated, his wife Elaine treated diseases. Converts to Christ could be ostracized, imprisoned, have their home burned, or be killed. 

   The couple finished translating the entire Bible in 2001. Today, tens of thousands of Chamulas call Christ their Savior. More than 130 evangelical churches preach the gospel. 

   Some struggles remain.

   A WORLD magazine writer and her husband visited Jacobs, now 97, in a Minnesota senior center. 

   Jacobs told them what his commander had said at Normandy. Then he grabbed the husband's labels and proclaimed, "Christ was expendable. He was expendable for you. YOU were his mission."  

      Jimmy