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Wed 12/12/07 The Grinches of Congress 
Last night, the House of Representatives voted on a benign resolution, H.R.
847, "recognizing the importance of Christmas and the Christian
faith." Not surprisingly, the initiative, sponsored by Rep. Steve King
(R-Iowa), passed overwhelmingly--despite nine Democrats who voted against it
and ten members (nine Democrats and one Republican) who voted
"present." Interestingly, the 17 Democrats who voted either
"nay" or "present" weren't motivated by the so-called
"separation of church and state," since they were seen formally
recognizing Islam back in October. H.R. 635, sponsored by Rep. Eddie Bernice
Johnson (D-Tex.), recognized the "commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic
holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commended Muslims in the
United States and throughout the world for their faith." Perhaps these
congressional scrooges took issue with the wording of the Christmas
resolution. Or did they have a bigger problem rejecting "bigotry and
persecution directed against Christians, both in the United States and
worldwide"? Maybe they disagreed with the expression of their
"deepest respect to American Christians and Christians throughout the
world." Whatever their reasoning, these 17 Democrats have some explaining
to do. How can they possibly promote Islam in the same breath that they attack
Christianity, the very faith that buoyed our nation at its founding? The
following voted "no" on H.R. 847 and "yes" on H.R. 635:
Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.), Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), Diana DeGette (D-Co.),
Alcee Hastings (D-Fl.), Jim McDermott (D-Wash.), Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Fortney
Stark (D-Calif.) and Lynn Woolsey (D-Calif.). Those who voted
"present" on H.R. 847 and "yes" on H.R. 635 include:
Reps. John Conyers (D-Mich.), Barney Frank (D-Mass.), Rush Holt (D-N.J.),
Donald Payne (D-N.J.), Janice Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Allyson Schwartz (D-Pa.),
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fl.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and John Yarmuth (D-Ky.). Heisman Winner Makes Forward Progress on Life 
According to his mom, football sensation Tim Tebow came very close to
missing his run at the Heisman Trophy. Pam Tebow says it wasn't because of his
performance, but because her doctors had advised the couple to abort him. Back
in the '80s, when she and her husband Bob were in the mission field, Pam was
diagnosed with a medical condition that could only be treated with drugs that
risked harming her unborn child. To avoid "irreparable damage" to
her baby, doctors suggested that she abort the future Heisman winner. She
refused. Today, Pam, Bob, and the entire University of Florida football team
are glad she didn't. Despite the doctor's prediction, Tim was born completely
healthy--and remains so. In his acceptance speech for the Heisman, Tim said,
"I just (want) to first start off by thanking my Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ, who gave me the ability to play football, gave me a great family and
support group..." Sadly, not every unborn child is as fortunate as Tim.
For every baby like him, whose parents embrace the gift of life, there are
countless others whose lives are ended before they begin, all in the name of
"choice." Of the 49 million who never lived to realize their
potential, imagine the number of future leaders, inventors, doctors--and, yes,
even Heisman trophy winners--among them. We are grateful to the Tebow family
for sharing their testimony and pray that it helps persuade other women of the
inherent value of their unborn children and the great promise that lies
within.
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©
2007,
2008 Reaching
the Community Sunday School Class |
