"We do have a choice"

Once again, as I start this column, I must say thanks to all those readers, who let me know that they like what they read from my articles. As long as I know, that they are out there waiting for the next one, I will have the stamina and the willpower to write another one. I really do get a lot of enjoyment ,from writing about the old days, and once in awhile, something about what is going on in the present.  Like I have stated many times, it was hard to make it in the old days, but everything that we have today, is a result of what we had to work hard for in the past. There is a great feeling of pleasure ,to know that without the proper training and the discipline from our parents and grandparents, we would not have the luxuries of today.

I get a lot of calls and e-mails with questions about myself and my brothers and sisters. Most of them are questions asking more, about how it was to live back then, and I really get a kick out of answering them. But sometimes, there are those who are just people who want to meddle in mine and my family's affairs.

 I recieved a call the other day, and although he would not give a name, I listened to some of the questions put forth ,by what I consider a meddlesome person, and I let that person have it with both barrells. The caller first asked me if I believe in GOD. I stated that I did. The caller then asked why did I believe in GOD. I then thought that this caller probaly was asking for assurance, and so I answered that I have been close to death twice in my lifetime, and prayer to The Great Father was the only thing between life and death. In both cases, I was able to pull through and live my life here on earth for a few more years. I truly believe in GOD, and me being here now, is plenty of evidence that HE does exsist and that HE still has work for me to do before HE calls me home.

Then, that caller asks me if I go to church, and where do I go, and I asked  him why he wanted to know, and his answer to that was that he wanted to invite me to his church, so that I would really find salvation and be truly saved. That is where this old man draws the line.  It is no business of anyone, to ask anyone else, where he attends a place of worship. I made my answer very clear to that caller ,that it was none of his business of my religion, and of my church. I will state right in this column, that my heart tells me what to do, and my concience makes sure that I do it. If you belive that GOD can forgive, and if you can believe that Jesus is your Savior, and that he died on the cross for your sins, AND if you have been to the mountain top two times, what more can you ask for. I have heard many people say that the only way to make sure that you will be on that stairway to HEAVEN, is to attend thier church. That is fine for those who need that re-assurance of salvation, but I, like many good  GOD fearing people, don't feel that being a member of any church group, gives you the right ,that you can knock another for not being a member. You can pray anywhere, and HE can hear you. It really gets me ,when at a viewing of a loved one that has passed away, a visitor will ask if he or she has been saved. How do you think that makes the survivors feel? Once again it is no one's business, as to the beliefs of others. Our country was based on the rights of freedom of speech and freedom of religion..

And so, this old man let that meddlesome caller know very nicely ,that it was none of his or anyone's else busisness, as to my preference of beliefs. For me to really verbally let him know what I thought of his question ,would make me as bad as he is. I believe and I do in the ways that The Great Father wants me to. And I want to make this very clear that this rude person does not represent all the good people who attend the church of thier choice. I know many ministers, and they know what I am, and how I think, and they know that I am very happy with the way I worship. What else can you ask for.

Now, in no way, am I saying that being a member of a church group is of no benefit, because for many good people it is a place for them to really     come together and feel close to God. And the togetherness, that the group gives to each other ,is a function of the idea of worshiping together . The right of anyone to join, and be a contributing member of any church, is what this nation was built on. In no way, do I try to alter anyone's right to worship. What I do attempt to do by this article, is to proclaim my right to how and where I worship. God will let me know when and where he wants me to worship. At this present time, my place of worship is in my heart and all of my body. As I have stated earlier, it doesn't really matter where you worship, as long as you do take time, to give thanks to our creator for giving us all the chance to feel His presence.
 

The same thing goes with questions asked by some people as to who I am going to vote for. It is none of thier business. I vote for the one ,who I think is going to represent me and all the others while he or she is in office. I have many times stated that once a person  is elected to office, he or she then works for the people. He or she should not represent the party, and /or special interests groups. Too many of our elected officials use thier position to get furthur up the ladder to a better position. Many of them will leave an elected position to take a better and/or more money  job. My feeling is that when you are elected by the people to represent them, either in the local, state, or national level, then you should be bound to serve out that term ,except in the case of death or extreme illness or recall by the people. Ask that question of those who want to be your voice in government, as to what thier intentions are in completing the term, that they asked me or you to give them. And remember those who deserted the voters ,who elected them to office, and who left for a high profile position, that will put them in line for the top position in our city. Would that same person desert them again. Sure they will ,if the ladder is there for them to climb. But then that is your vote to do with what you think is best. I have mine to do what I think is best for me and all the others .

Now ,if  I stepped on some very tender toes, then I am sorry that you hurt, but as I stated earlier in this column, we live in a country founded with the rights  of "Freedom Of  Speech" and "Freedom Of Religion". Our country is made up of all colors , and all of us were made in the "Image Of God". What else can we ask for in the greatest country in the world? Try writing this column in the other countries, and see how long it is before you are arrested, killed or almost stoned to death. I wrote this column for you and me, because I love everyone and I do love GOD.

I, like always,  welcome  your comments and I know that The Kokomo Tribune welcomes them too. Let this paper know that you either agree or disagree with me. And as always, this and all my other articles are posted on my web site at  http://www.geocities.com/kokomoman/ . You can email me at [email protected]  .May GOD BLESS each and everyone of us.

Ray"Uncle Ray" Day