Madeline Crabb
Does my voice still matter?
By Madeline Crabb
We live in a new age when increasing numbers of people are outraged about something, and therefore constantly have their "mad on" with swords raised, standing ready for battle. With increased anger and grievances against those with differing views, the volume of so-called speech among numerous groups has risen to maddening and deafening levels. Forget civil discourse. America is now filled with a cacophony of screeching, howling, and seething hate. Do we hear, or even want to hear one another? Can the voice of the average American citizen be heard, or even matter? Moreover, does my voice still matter?
Many people with whom I talk are beginning to sound defeated and hopeless about the direction America has gone. All of us can probably relate to this. Perhaps the old saying about the squeaky wheel getting the grease is how America will be governed going forward. In reality, this may work for a while, but world history provides ample evidence that the ruling elite will eventually grow tired of the shrieking and end it – and it is not a pretty ending. History also tells us of different countries like China and North Korea that have concentration and/or re-education camps. Of course, Russia has sent people into exile in Siberia. Or the easiest way of silencing people is to just shoot or hang them. And yes, some of this is happening today.
For decades it appeared our own elected officials – the ones who are supposed to represent our interests and concerns in local, state, or national offices – forgot about us when they began occupying said offices. While it is easier to control things at the local and state levels, the national levels have seemed out of our reach. And yes, it probably has a lot to do with the people we elected. Despite what the enlightened New Left crowd says, character does matter!
Thankfully, a majority of Americans had enough hope left in them to vote for a huge change in our country's leadership, and elected Donald Trump in 2016. Sadly, even though we have a leader who truly cares about our country and all Americans, he has been facing battles from every side since before his first day in office. Even some in the Republican Party continue to battle against him. So, it gets very discouraging. Defeatism starts rearing its ugly head, and we begin to wonder if positive change can ever be accomplished. None of us are immune to these feelings of helplessness. As a result, we sometimes retreat and do nothing. If nobody cares or is listening, why bother?
While it is difficult to admit, even I have dealt with these feelings. Or perhaps it should be called a battle. Understandably, we all have lives to live. Unless it is our job, most people have limited time to spend in fighting the battle for America's continued existence.
College-aged youth seemingly have all the time in the world to be politically active. (For many of us in college in the 70's, we were too busy working while attending school, and thus didn't have time for "marching in the streets.") Responsible young people in their 30's and 40's are busy providing for and raising their families. Now, far too often, grandparents must also take more active roles in helping with grandchildren, which occupies increasing amounts of their time. Simultaneously, as we age, extra problems can begin to appear such as health issues, injuries, and often times, accompanying depression in dealing with these issues. Furthermore, as we age we sometimes feel less needed or important, which can also cause us to lose focus.
The Left mocks aging people, unless of course, it is their idols, the Clintons. Pontificators on networks like MSNBC, and shows like The View, mock the aging population. How many times have you heard such people make comments about old white men? Ever-so-wise bartender turned Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently made such a comment about Joe Biden. Hmmm... showing respect for our elders was once the norm. The Bible says that we are to "show respect to the elderly and honor older people." (Lev. 19:32 GWT) But then, many time-honored traditions have been tossed out the proverbial window, only to be replaced by selfish ones from a self-centered, pampered, and entitled younger generation. While new and fresh ideas can be good, some principles should remain. After all, America is still a nation after over 200 years because of our Constitution and founding principles.
So yes, in today's society there are many circumstances requiring our attention that can keep us from actively participating in President Trump's quest to Make America Great Again, and then to Keep America Great. But as I have reflected on this idea, it has finally occurred to me that we ALL still have our voices, and can indeed influence others – particularly the younger generation.
Over the years there were times when I had more zeal for the fight. But I, too, succumbed to some of the aging "woes" mentioned above, and when the depression seeps in, even the most zealous can be attacked. What happens is that a voice whispers to us that what we have to say doesn't matter, and that nobody cares or is listening.
So, finally, it is my understanding that while some people may not care, it is important to act and speak if we are being led to do so. It is not our concern who or how many might be in our audience, but that we are obedient to either speaking or writing a certain message.
What about audiences? We all have different individuals or groups to whom we are meant to influence. In my case, I have been privileged to have a platform at Renew America. Perhaps your audience is young grandchildren. You have a God-given reason to speak to that audience. These children need to hear true wisdom from their elders. If you are a college student busy with getting an education, then concentrate on that. These are the years of accumulating knowledge, and for learning critical reasoning. Before we become wise, we first have to listen and learn. Scripture says, "Zeal without knowledge is not good." (Prov. 19:2 NLT) I submit that if you are a Bible-believing Christian, you, as a student, have a different kind of knowledge from the Father of all Knowledge that is the most important information to share in this sin-filled, evil-worshiping society.
Even those in the middle of their working and child-rearing years have audiences, whether it is co-workers or other mothers and fathers. If Christians listen for that still small voice of the Holy Spirit, we will always know when, what, and to whom to speak.
We must understand that we have an enemy who is determined to destroy everything good and decent in our individual lives, and in our nation's purpose and destiny. The Bible teaches that our enemy, the devil, comes like a thief to rob, kill, and destroy. (Jn. 10:10)
So we all must fight against the forces trying to silence us, and that means remembering what's at stake. When our children and grandchildren are adults, will they have the same freedoms we enjoyed in our past? Don't deny it...we are less free than we were even just 20 years ago. When we can be fined and/or prosecuted for calling a so-called "transgender" by the wrong pronoun as in California (Fox News), we have lost at least some of our freedom of speech. In fact, Canada jails people who do the above, according to a report in the Daily Caller. https://dailycaller.com/2017/06/16/canada-passes-law-criminalizing-use-of-wrong-gender-pronouns/ Think hate crimes. In reality, it has already started here.
We are fortunate to live in America the Beautiful. Is she worth fighting for? Since wickedness appears to be celebrated through much of society, it appears some of us maybe haven't done our part to keep America beautiful (and great).
The solution: Speak up! Your voice and mine still count! In fact, last night I was reminded that if I didn't use my voice, I might lose it. Frightening. And if we don't fight for America, we will lose her. The forces of the Left are anti-God, even anti-America, and are reaching unprecedented levels. If the only people willing to speak and act represent darkness, guess which side wins? Sir Edmund Burke once said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men should do nothing."
No matter what battles I face, or what negative and discouraging words the enemy whispers in my ears, I choose to use my voice. If nobody is paying attention today because of complacency, perhaps in 30- 40 years or so when America is a communist nation, someone will then find hope in the messages left by myself and the hundreds, maybe thousands of other patriots attempting to awaken, encourage, and teach our fellow citizens. Your voice does matter. Will you use it? To anyone willing to hear....
© Madeline Crabb
July 11, 2019
We live in a new age when increasing numbers of people are outraged about something, and therefore constantly have their "mad on" with swords raised, standing ready for battle. With increased anger and grievances against those with differing views, the volume of so-called speech among numerous groups has risen to maddening and deafening levels. Forget civil discourse. America is now filled with a cacophony of screeching, howling, and seething hate. Do we hear, or even want to hear one another? Can the voice of the average American citizen be heard, or even matter? Moreover, does my voice still matter?
Many people with whom I talk are beginning to sound defeated and hopeless about the direction America has gone. All of us can probably relate to this. Perhaps the old saying about the squeaky wheel getting the grease is how America will be governed going forward. In reality, this may work for a while, but world history provides ample evidence that the ruling elite will eventually grow tired of the shrieking and end it – and it is not a pretty ending. History also tells us of different countries like China and North Korea that have concentration and/or re-education camps. Of course, Russia has sent people into exile in Siberia. Or the easiest way of silencing people is to just shoot or hang them. And yes, some of this is happening today.
For decades it appeared our own elected officials – the ones who are supposed to represent our interests and concerns in local, state, or national offices – forgot about us when they began occupying said offices. While it is easier to control things at the local and state levels, the national levels have seemed out of our reach. And yes, it probably has a lot to do with the people we elected. Despite what the enlightened New Left crowd says, character does matter!
Thankfully, a majority of Americans had enough hope left in them to vote for a huge change in our country's leadership, and elected Donald Trump in 2016. Sadly, even though we have a leader who truly cares about our country and all Americans, he has been facing battles from every side since before his first day in office. Even some in the Republican Party continue to battle against him. So, it gets very discouraging. Defeatism starts rearing its ugly head, and we begin to wonder if positive change can ever be accomplished. None of us are immune to these feelings of helplessness. As a result, we sometimes retreat and do nothing. If nobody cares or is listening, why bother?
While it is difficult to admit, even I have dealt with these feelings. Or perhaps it should be called a battle. Understandably, we all have lives to live. Unless it is our job, most people have limited time to spend in fighting the battle for America's continued existence.
College-aged youth seemingly have all the time in the world to be politically active. (For many of us in college in the 70's, we were too busy working while attending school, and thus didn't have time for "marching in the streets.") Responsible young people in their 30's and 40's are busy providing for and raising their families. Now, far too often, grandparents must also take more active roles in helping with grandchildren, which occupies increasing amounts of their time. Simultaneously, as we age, extra problems can begin to appear such as health issues, injuries, and often times, accompanying depression in dealing with these issues. Furthermore, as we age we sometimes feel less needed or important, which can also cause us to lose focus.
The Left mocks aging people, unless of course, it is their idols, the Clintons. Pontificators on networks like MSNBC, and shows like The View, mock the aging population. How many times have you heard such people make comments about old white men? Ever-so-wise bartender turned Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently made such a comment about Joe Biden. Hmmm... showing respect for our elders was once the norm. The Bible says that we are to "show respect to the elderly and honor older people." (Lev. 19:32 GWT) But then, many time-honored traditions have been tossed out the proverbial window, only to be replaced by selfish ones from a self-centered, pampered, and entitled younger generation. While new and fresh ideas can be good, some principles should remain. After all, America is still a nation after over 200 years because of our Constitution and founding principles.
So yes, in today's society there are many circumstances requiring our attention that can keep us from actively participating in President Trump's quest to Make America Great Again, and then to Keep America Great. But as I have reflected on this idea, it has finally occurred to me that we ALL still have our voices, and can indeed influence others – particularly the younger generation.
Over the years there were times when I had more zeal for the fight. But I, too, succumbed to some of the aging "woes" mentioned above, and when the depression seeps in, even the most zealous can be attacked. What happens is that a voice whispers to us that what we have to say doesn't matter, and that nobody cares or is listening.
So, finally, it is my understanding that while some people may not care, it is important to act and speak if we are being led to do so. It is not our concern who or how many might be in our audience, but that we are obedient to either speaking or writing a certain message.
What about audiences? We all have different individuals or groups to whom we are meant to influence. In my case, I have been privileged to have a platform at Renew America. Perhaps your audience is young grandchildren. You have a God-given reason to speak to that audience. These children need to hear true wisdom from their elders. If you are a college student busy with getting an education, then concentrate on that. These are the years of accumulating knowledge, and for learning critical reasoning. Before we become wise, we first have to listen and learn. Scripture says, "Zeal without knowledge is not good." (Prov. 19:2 NLT) I submit that if you are a Bible-believing Christian, you, as a student, have a different kind of knowledge from the Father of all Knowledge that is the most important information to share in this sin-filled, evil-worshiping society.
Even those in the middle of their working and child-rearing years have audiences, whether it is co-workers or other mothers and fathers. If Christians listen for that still small voice of the Holy Spirit, we will always know when, what, and to whom to speak.
We must understand that we have an enemy who is determined to destroy everything good and decent in our individual lives, and in our nation's purpose and destiny. The Bible teaches that our enemy, the devil, comes like a thief to rob, kill, and destroy. (Jn. 10:10)
So we all must fight against the forces trying to silence us, and that means remembering what's at stake. When our children and grandchildren are adults, will they have the same freedoms we enjoyed in our past? Don't deny it...we are less free than we were even just 20 years ago. When we can be fined and/or prosecuted for calling a so-called "transgender" by the wrong pronoun as in California (Fox News), we have lost at least some of our freedom of speech. In fact, Canada jails people who do the above, according to a report in the Daily Caller. https://dailycaller.com/2017/06/16/canada-passes-law-criminalizing-use-of-wrong-gender-pronouns/ Think hate crimes. In reality, it has already started here.
We are fortunate to live in America the Beautiful. Is she worth fighting for? Since wickedness appears to be celebrated through much of society, it appears some of us maybe haven't done our part to keep America beautiful (and great).
The solution: Speak up! Your voice and mine still count! In fact, last night I was reminded that if I didn't use my voice, I might lose it. Frightening. And if we don't fight for America, we will lose her. The forces of the Left are anti-God, even anti-America, and are reaching unprecedented levels. If the only people willing to speak and act represent darkness, guess which side wins? Sir Edmund Burke once said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men should do nothing."
No matter what battles I face, or what negative and discouraging words the enemy whispers in my ears, I choose to use my voice. If nobody is paying attention today because of complacency, perhaps in 30- 40 years or so when America is a communist nation, someone will then find hope in the messages left by myself and the hundreds, maybe thousands of other patriots attempting to awaken, encourage, and teach our fellow citizens. Your voice does matter. Will you use it? To anyone willing to hear....
© Madeline Crabb
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