Freedom Rings (Will You Answer?)

I just read an interesting story with the headline: "Man who insulted the King of Bahrain on Twitter sentenced to six months in jail." Apparently, the issue is that there are people in that kingdom who would prefer democracy to monarchy.   They are marching in protest to say that they want to have a say in how they live their lives and don't want to be dictated to by a king. This particular fellow was accused of "defaming" the king and he will now be paying a price.

I wonder what the fuss is about. How bad can it really be? Things seem to be good enough in Bahrain that this guy had a Twitter account and apparently had access to a computer to post his perceived insult, so I am guessing that he isn't starving or going without clothes. Some speculation is that he was put up to this "stunt" by those in Iran who just like to see turmoil in the region. Who really knows? 

For me, the question is this... Is it worth it, this idea of "freedom"?  Would I be willing to sit in jail, or worse, for a cause in which I believe? When people talk of freedom, emotions start to flow. We, in this country, have wonderfully eloquent rhetoric when it comes to freedom.  From the men under George Washington to those under General Petraeus and his successors, we have awesome examples of those who have been willing to pay the ultimate price for freedom. 

For generations we have written songs about "the land that I love."  I am one of those men who still sing the National Anthem, out loud, every time it is played at an event I attend. I get goose bumps and choke back tears nearly every single time. Sad to say,  I have come to notice that there aren't too many people singing along with me. At least not out loud. 

Where, for you, does the cause of freedom stand in the priority list of your life? And when you think of freedom, what does it mean? Before, I would have thought of living here in the United States of America, the home of "give me liberty or give me death." Now, my beloved country is my second thought. Don't misunderstand me, I love my country and I would fight to the death in her defense. Even so, I do have a hard time thinking in terms of real freedom.

How can I think in terms of true freedom when I am subject to a government that is supposed to be subject to me but rarely does things as I believe they should.  A government with volumes dictating all of the things I can and can't do, where I must or mustn't spend my time and money, and where they will or won't spend it on my behalf? Freedom. I can't even buy Big Gulp in New York City. Are you kidding me?

It reminds me of the Old Testament with all of the laws, which are impossible to live by and often punishable by stoning death. The difference of course is that there is also a New Testament which was the fulfilling of the law, meaning even when I get it wrong I am spared that death penalty because Jesus already paid that price on my behalf. I accept that He paid my penalty and now I am truly free to live my life. I choose to live a life for Jesus because although the kingdoms of this earth will pass away, even those in Bahrain, the Kingdom of Heaven will reign forever. And for that cause, I will not fight and die, I will love and live, eternally.  

If you enjoyed this post, please comment, subscribe or share. If you are interested in having me speak or perform for your group/event, feel free to contat me at dwaynecastle40@yahoo.com, by phone at 419-961-1265 or through my website at www.funnybutclean.com. 

We Can't All Be Right (so let's do it my way)

The presidential election of 2012 brings a sad realization for me. It's the first time in history that someone on the ticket is younger than I am. Paul Ryan has gone and made me a middle aged white guy. Thanks a lot, dude. And this year the big talk is the economy but need I remind you that in 2006 we lost a planet? That's right, a planet! Remember Pluto? An entire solar system has been downsized by over 11%. Okay, just jokes. But I'm a comedian, what'd you expect? 

Before being a comedian, I am an American and I have serious questions about life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness. I have concerns about the state of truth, justice & The American Way? What about my constitutional freedoms and rights? I, along with over 60% of the population don't like direction we are going as a nation. The problem is that we many don’t seem to agree with me as to the right direction. 

I blame otherism for this. That's right, otherism: "a distinctive doctrine, cause, or theory" that is different than mine. Before you go and get all offended, I want to remind you that this is America and I have every right to point out the flaws and problems of this nation and those causing them.

I have the the Constitutional guarantee to share my point of view, the freedom to tell people when they are wrong and to call them names when they don't agree with me. I can make signs and march with other people who correctly believe the way that I do. This is the USA, baby and I can express myself. I have guaranteed 1st Amendment rights and by all means, I will exercise them.

A few days ago, my friend Eric Johnson, re-posted one of his great blogs. In it he gave his take on politics and the issue of fear vs faith from a Christian perspective. Although his point was a bit different than the point I'm attempting to make, it brought some old and similar thoughts back to my mind. Where does my allegiance lay? Is it with the "kingdom" of man or The Kingdom of God? And if I put my God above my country can I still be considered a good patriot?

I have had people tell me that it's my duty as a Christian to stand up and be heard and that I must join with the chorus shouting over the message of the "other side”. Our morals and way of life are "being assaulted" and it's up to us to stop those perpetrating this deed. It's been implied that to jump in guns blazing, figuratively speaking, is the patriotic thing to do.  

The problem is that there are American's and Christians on both sides of each issue. Am I to destroy my brothers and sisters and their character to ensure that my rightness beats out theirs?  On top of that, and more importantly, there is a world full of individuals who don't know the God we say we are standing up for.  The only glimpse they may get is the one of a man holding the WWJD sign in one hand while flipping me the bird with the other (which has really happened.) 

Don't misunderstand me. I believe that we are to be engaged in the electoral process and with the pulse of our culture. I believe that the sins of our nation will be judged and that this country will be punished for its broken covenants. I believe that our disobedience will not go ignored by our Creator. I believe that we are obligated to stand up for Israel and for the unborn. I believe as a nation we have allowed ourselves to stray from God and to put Him on a shelf next to the many other gods we serve. 

Are not the two greatest commandments we've been given to love God and to love our neighbors? Are His instructions supposed to take a backseat to our "rights"? We fight and divide over the principle that this country was founded by God and then forsake His commands and unwittingly mock Him while defending our right to do so on constitutional grounds. 

As a Christian, how do I glorify God by calling the President, his opponent or their supporters, poo poo heads? As both a Desert Storm veteran and as a man fully in love with Christ I caution you to not lose sight of who you are and what you truly stand for.  I choose to pray, to vote, and to calmly articulate my points of view. I choose to do my best to demonstrate Jesus to others by blessing and not cursing, even when we disagree.

If you have enjoyed this post or have thoughts on it, please comment, subscribe and share. If you would be interested in booking me for your group or event, check me out at www.funnybutclean.com or contact me at dwaynecastle40@yahoo.com or by phone at 419-961-1265.