It isn’t conservative, it isn’t Christian, it isn’t even the best of being American. What is this boiling pot of rage and hatred against the weakest and most frail of God’s children? How is it that we who bear Christ’s name are so indistinguishable from local culture and the latest bubbling fear? Time to go back, not to the beginnings we imagine them to be, but the foundations that, in fact, we may need to encounter afresh or for the very first time.
“What is true in the position of the social activists is that a Church which exists only for itself and its own enlargement is a witness against the gospel, that the Church exists not for itself and not for its members but as a sign and agent and foretaste of the kingdom of God, and that it is impossible to give faithful witness to the gospel while being indifferent to the situation of the hungry, the sick, the victims of human inhumanity.”
Lesslie Newbigin, The Gospel in a Pluralist Society
The Flatpickin' Pilgrim's Progress 
Hello Gary, I really like what you are doing and would like to do something similar or maybe even collaborate. After my retirement from a long career as a state trooper and a criminal investigator, I served another 20 years as Republican legislator, but my faith has compelled me to declare myself a political independent and share what I’ve learned about politics with those who care to listen.
Before I could leave my political career with a clear conscience, I has to write my memoir, “Picking, Politicking, and Pontificating (While Faithfully Fighting Corruption)” I love to give you a copy if you’re interested. At any rate, I would love to chat with you over a cup of coffee or a meal. Since I’m retired, I wouldn’t mind meeting somewhere that’s convenient for you.
By the way, I’m a decent “shade tree” musician and play a good bit around Huntsville. Maybe we could jam sometime. I know you’re busy but I might have some insight for a former insider’s perspective that could be helpful to you in your current endeavors.
Mike Ball 105 Canterbury Cir Madison, AL 35758 Mobile: (256)565-6225 repmikeball@gmail.com mikeballppp.com
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Saving this to use in Bible Study here at Brookdale. Thanks!
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