You speak my heart, sir. I've been looking forward to having the energy to blog about this cosmos-shifting event, myself. There is much to write...though I doubt it will come close to expressing the so very much tumbling about my insides.


BTW, I love your paintings and sketches. Really.

 

Thanks, Patsy!
 

thanks for this post. so sorry you have a cousin that is so blinded by hate but kudos to your ladies for standing in the face of it.


i do not envy the task that is ahead of President (elect) Obama and realize that there may be a time of national growing pains as we transition and repair the damage down over the past 8 years.


hopefully, he will continue to unify our divided nation. best of luck to him and those he draws into his cabinet.


MAN!!! i so want to be in Washington on 1/20/2009.
:)

peace,
zayne
 

thanks Stephanie!
 

Hi Phil,
I am reminded of a conversation we had at Bean Blossom 4 summers ago about "stealth Christians.
"
I am proud to be your friend (and Buddy's) not just because you are great musicians but because you have great hearts.

Thank you for what you have said.
Tell you daughters to stand proud, their belief in their dad has helped create history!
 

Phil, that's so lovely of you to say. And by the way, this has nothing to do with Obama, but I recently sold my AKG kick mic on eBay- I never use it since I got the Audix.

:)

later
pm
 

good stuff.

 

cheers
 

Phil, your honesty and desire to see grace unfold are very refreshing.

It is disturbing reading about the terrible kkk things, they have no idea about God's love and they do not represent Him in anyway.

I'm happy for Obama and I still believe that a man or a woman can love Jesus and vote Democrat!
All the best to you bro.

 

cheers
 

AMEN!
 

Go TU!
 

Amen.

 

thanks man
 

Well said, Phil. This is a rare opportunity for everybody to grow up and come together.

Let's all do what we can to make sure that The People are the real winners of this election.

 

power to the peeps, pongj.
 

Thank you.
You hit the nail on the head!
 

thanks, man!
 

Well said, Phil. I have many of the same feelings. Thanks for sharing.

 

you are welcome, thanks!
 

Hey Phil - The election was exciting, and it's truly an historic moment, one that hopefully will not continue to further divide Americans. But as I read the Democratic platform for myself I just could not bring myself to vote for their candidate. Their stance ..ion alone, and Senator Obama's history and voting record regarding this difficult issue, is a hurdle that I just cannot clear.


But I do agree that it is disturbing that people who identify themselves as followers of Christ can allow their hearts to be so darkened with hatred. However, I work for an agency that operates a soup kitchen, food bank and mens' shelter and the many many liberals that I am in daily contact with are also so very hateful and rude in their comments about Republicans and conservatives. It's been my experience over the past ten years that there are many people on both sides of the political and social spectrum that are so very intolerant of opposing views. So here in my little corner of the world I just keep my mouth shut because I am in the minority and just don't have the energy to constantly defend my personal positions.


On a more positive note - I do hope that the great number of newly registered and first time voters remain active in the process. This election has shown that our votes really can make a difference. I do admit to being quite nervous over Obama's agenda, but my faith and trust remain in Jesus Christ. So I will be praying for the incoming administration, as I have for past administrations.


Hey - I love your music! I remember the early days of Christian rock and I've always enjoyed your contributions.
I'll be a fan forever! I'll be waiting for new solo stuff! God bless!
 

Thanks Jim!!
 

I too fall under the same category as Jim Hart above me. I didn't vote for Obama, yet I am glad that we as a nation seem to be past a lot of the racist stuff of our past, or so it would seem. I am from Illinois, so my not voting for him has more to do with the fact that I can't really point at anything he has done for our state, and there are a couple issues that I don't agree with him at all on. That being said, he is a VERY inspiring speaker, and because of that, he has the potential to be a great, historic leader, provided he steps up to the plate once he gets in office (which is the same that ANY elected official has to do). It amazes me, however, how so many as you said who claim to be christians, or even just conservatives in general, spew nasty remarks toward him, and/or treat him as though he is the worst president in our history even though he has not spent a single day in office yet. As far as I can tell it's in all our best interest that Obama does succeed, and frankly, if he does an OK job I could care less which political party he belongs to. I hope and pray that he does well, he's taking on a job that will not be an easy task...it wouldn't be easy for anyone at this point, and it's certainly a job that I wouldn't want. We have become a nation of people who want change immediately, and many of our problems took years to get to the point we're at, and they will likely take some years to make up. God help us, and God help Obama, and the rest of our elected officials as we take our nation forward. My prayer is that we will stop and say a quick prayer for our leaders instead of making a slanderous thought or saying it out loud. If we do this, it will do us all more good than spreading negative thoughts around.

 

Well, Jon, it doesn't amaze me that Conservatives spew or that Liberals spew; they can do what they want. Just look at Karl Rove- there's a spewer for you! Keith Oberman... I get intrigued by ole Keith, but he's not that much different than Rush Limbaugh. spew spew and more spew...

It's those nuts who think they can hate in the name of Jesus that amaze me.

You've said some good stuff, thanks.

pm
 

Thank you for your thoughtful reflections. It has been difficult sometimes for followers of Christ to be able to speak freely about their support of Democratic candidates because of ideological (even partisan) assumptions, presumptions, and the like that other members of our faith communities impose upon the faith community and upon the gospel. Some of my colleagues voted against Obama only because of the abortion issue or the homosexuality issue, even though the other things Obama stands for seem (to me) to be closer to biblical teachings than the comparable stances taken by his opponent.


One of the good things about Obama's election is that, when I look into the eyes of my students (many of whom come from a wide range of minority backgrounds), I can say with confidence that there are many good possibilities and opportunities for them in this country. And they will believe it. And we all will be blessed by the gifts and the abilities that God has given them to use for His glory. . . .


I too pray for Obama to continue to be guided by God and by wise leaders/advisors that have gathered around him. . . .


Peace.
Charles
 

Thanks, I agree with much of what you've written.
pm
 

I can relate to much of what you say, as well as to Jim Hart's comment. I did not vote for Obama, but it wasn't because of his color, or his alleged associations, and especially not because of any of the ridiculous rumors circulated by people who ought to know better (you'd think if someone were concerned enought about whether a man fulfills biblical prophecy, they'd take the time to read the Bible to find out if he actually does! Makes Internet user licensing look like a good idea!). I don't share all his views on the best way to get to where we want to be as a nation, nor apparently on the point where a life deserves protection even from his/her parents, and so I went the other way. But my "hope" is certainly not in any politician; that's a sure path to disillusion and disappointment.


That said, I have to admit it's thrilling to have our ideals confirmed; that the White House is not "white only" (if you use that, I want a co-write!) nor reserved for old people with old family ties. I pray for Obama, that he'll have discernment and wise counsel; he'll need it in these times (we all will).


My dad is a dedicated FDR Democrat, but not totally free of the prejudices of his upbringing...so assuming he voted for Obama, I'm not sure if it was personal progress for him or a lack of it!

I've often found myself in the middle, such as when I worked at a PBS station and a print shop, the latter of which was staffed by conservative Bible college grads. And being a S. Baptist (member of Brentwood BC) and a songwriter in Nashville is similar! Each side has its share of idiots; "clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right..."! I try to be "all things to all people" with as much grace as I can offer, without compromising who I am or what I believe and without offending to excess; not an easy task. But I would suggest that being silent only allows the faith to be associated with those who are more eager to speak, not necessarily those who are most firm in the truth.


I'm reading a book about Tennessee during the Civil War and Reconstruction; as bad as the acrimony can be between Dems and Doze, or any two groups with opposing convictions, I think we just can't imagine how much worse it could be. For another more recent example, read "An Ordinary Man: An Autobiography" by Paul Rusesabagina. He's the hotel mgr. portrayed in "Hotel Rwanda." Chilling. But instructive, for those who have ears to hear.

 

Thanks Mark
 

Even though I would veer more to the right I've been in the country long enough to know the basic tennant of respecting the Office Of The President (and btw I still do). The fact that a whole library of painful history was turned over is also a good and valuable thing... politicking aside, President-elect Obama seems an essentially decent guy so hooray for democracy.


As to the recriminations that were made throughout the election, Christopher Hitchens said (and I can't recall if he was quoting someone) that Obama comfortably associates with so many ..colorful.. characters because he wishes to gather as much information as possible on a given subject. I hope that Hitch has his facts straight because if not, Obama could be the political "front man" for the left as GW was a front man for elements on the right. Let's also assume he really didn't spot the divisiveness of Rev. Wright and the radical tendancies of Bill Ayers who wants to tell him that his new Chief Of Staff comes from radical Zionist stock?! He can say there's not a 3rd World dictator he wouldn't talk to, but let's see how far off the military-industrial song sheet he can go with a veteran of the IDF and hardline Chicago politics running his brigade.


This could become a potentially great era for the kids coming through school (of any background) although I think there might just be more of the same for the rest of us... although I hope not. As for the white supremacists I've two words... "Ha" and "Ha". If there's any justice in the world, Robert Randolph and The Family Band will be involved in the innaugural bash.


Or to quote John Stewart... Si Se Puede but I don't have to
R
 

too true, too true.

 

Well stated, Phil, and also a note of appreciation to Jim Hart -- both sides of the politcal spectrum have been quite un-Christian this go-round. I have an essay in the new edition of the newsletter (hopefully out over the weekend) stemming from a Chicago's lady's assertion that "EVERY conservative hopes Obama's grandmother dies so it will distract him in the last few days of the campaign." Oh, and she identifies herself on her MySpace profile as "Another bleeding heart liberal Christian." I'll let you know when the essay is up; A LOT of healing needs to be going on in this country.

 

Phil, I love you, man. I hope and pray that you find the courage to be public about your faith and the opportunity to be around people who love Jesus and honestly live out their faith. America needs to see more people who are genuine Christians and aren't afraid to show it. If the genuine Christians shut up, that's sticking our light under a bushel and leaving everyone else in the dark.


Honestly Obama scares me. I'm afraid his inexperience and leftist stance will polarize us instead of unite us and leave our country and the Middle East in shambles. But I pray for the best.


Politics is an ugly beast. It takes otherwise good people and brings out the worst in them. If Americans were truly progressive, Obama's race wouldn't matter. Nobody would vote against him because he's black and nobody would vote for him because he's black. Race would be a total non-issue. Instead people would vote for or against him based on his political stance and his character.
It's sad how little we've come!

I can see my neighbor's flag flapping outside my window and I realize I'm happy to live here. I'm libertarian, so nothing in American politics makes me happy! But I love my country--not for the U.S. government, but for its people. To me, loving my country is a natural extension of loving my neighbor. I want to see my neighbors (my fellow Americans) love each other, love God, and live in peace.

 

Thanks Jonah.

Libertarian... well, I spent all week in the studio with a libertarian- good guy, and good insights, and much of the ideology works. it's just so hard to invest a vote in a third party. Ron Paul was interesting to me, however.

best
pm
 

Amen, Gwen.
 

Well stated, Phil. I've been curiously observing Obama for 5 years. Actually, my sister told me about him around 9 years ago, as she had some dealings with him and his associates in social work in south Chicago. She told me to keep my eye on him. Began reading and hearing more, and then when he spoke at the DNC in '04, it became apparent that something special was beginning to form around this man.


I think it was when he spoke conceretely,unashamedly, and practically about his faith at a Sojourner's Conference 3 1/2 years ago that I thought I "if this guy ever decides to run for President, I will support him.
"

I have several friends who were at the Election Night Rally at Grant Park in Chicago. They all commented that one of the most moving moments was during the invocation by the minister at the beginning. They said that even though there was a quarter of a million people, you could hear a pin drop during the intercession, and when he closed the prayer, nearly all uttered a loud "Amen." It was as if everyone knew that this was an important spiritual moment as it was a political one. I'm not saying God ordained Obama's election (I'm still not sure of all the theological implications of sports or civic outcomes), but it does seem that even those who are not within the family of faith realize that there is something God-breathed about the reconciliation and redemption that are demonstrated in this moment in our nation's history.


Obama is a pragmatist. You will see this as he puts his cabinet together. I believe those who are fearful of a radical leftist agenda will be assured early on that he wants to get after the deep financial and energy issues that face this nation, and the world. He will be more centrist in his governing, and I think he will help lead us into a recovery that will allow for elements of his platform like more balanced health care and education to be more widely embraced for the good of all.


Let's all keep praying, and then look in the mirror...determine what WE can each do, and then roll up our sleeves and get busy.
: )
 

Mark,
Thanks for your insights and opinions on Barack Obama. Obama exudes what seems like a true quality of earnestness and statesmanship, something which one rarely sees in our government. You tell me, who was the last statesman you could think of? We just call them politicians, don't we?

I hope you're right about all you've written.

peace
pm
 

Amen! Totally with you on the "It's been many years since I was truly excited about a candidate.
"
 

Yes, it was an exciting race! I am so grateful that it didn't go like 2000 with recounts, courts, etc.

pm
 

Good on you, Here in Australia, I don't really care who won, I mean America does affect the whole world, but I don't know who really will do a good job, so good luck to them both. Maybe a lot of Christians should remember that Paul (I think it was him) said to obey the government of the day (i.e. don't try to assasinate the leader) since it was God who put them there. I can't remember where it says it, but its there somewhere. God is Love, and that should extend to everyone, even Love your enemies. And not only to white, western males......(but don't forget us :) So anyone who feels they have the right to hate anyone else for their faults might just have to get that board out of their eye before worrying about a speck. God bless, Joshua
 

Thanks for writing. When I read your interpretation of St Paul, I immediately thought of Deitrich Bonnhoeffer's attempt to assassinate Hitler (someone whom white supremists venerate, of course). There is a time for civil disobediance- Civil Rights would never have happened if Martin Luther King, Jr, et al, had accepted the status quo as being alligned with God's will. Nor would Moses have petitioned Pharoah to "let my people go"... you know?

Anyway, my friend Steve Hindalong's parents said they voted for Obama, not so much for what America needs, but for what the world needs, and I thought that was a remarkable, and Christian way to look at things.
pm
 

HEY PHIL...THOUGH I AM MORE THAN LIKELY 180 DEGREES FROM YOUR POLITICAL VIEWS I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ASKING FOLKS TO COME TO YOUR BLOG FOR THE DISCUSSION!

FAR TOO MANY PEOPLE HAVE AND ARE USING THE MUSIC BULLETIN BOARD FOR THEIR POLITICAL RANTS....(MANY TIMES NASTY)

MUSIC IS A GIFT TO US ALL AND FAR TO MANY TIMES THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY ABUSES THE VOICE GOD GAVE THEM TO SING WITH TO RANT ON WITH THEIR PERSONAL POLITICAL THOUGHTS.....

BY USING ONES PERSONAL BLOG...THE WORD STILL GETS OUT ,AND A DIALOG IS POSSIBLE.....

I HAVE BEEN AROUND THE HOLLYWOOD CROWD FOR MOST OF MY LIFE AND FRANKLY FIND MANY OF THEM QUITE NARROW MINDED,SELF RIGHTEOUS AND TRULY NOT VERY OPEN TO CALM DISCUSSION.....

I POST MY OPINIONS ON MY BLOG WHICH IS WHERE I BELIEVE ALL POLITICAL FORUMS SHOULD BE HELD (AS FAR AS MUSIC MYSPACE IS CONCERNED)!!!!!!!

BRAVO FOR YOUR CHOICE TO PUT THIS UP ON YOUR BLOG........AS A FELLOW CHRISTIAN,I WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ALL THE BEST, MICHAEL FARADAY
 

I heard John Irving speak this morning, and one of the things that he said is that all great work offends somebody. So, Michael, when you think of great songwriters... When they're not talking about Love, the great ones often rant... Dylan, Randy Newman, etc "Blowin In The Wind", "SLow Train Comin'", "Political Science"... there's a long list of beautiful rants, I'm sure you'd agree! :)

Anne Lamott, another fine writer, says in her book "Bird By Bird", that if you're worried about offending people, you might as well just lay your pen down right now.

Thanks for getting back to me, and I appreciate what you have to say.

pm
 

I ecspecially appreciate your thoughts about 'wisdom' and 'humility'. Those two things, along w/ 'truth' should always go hand and hand. Very eloquently you have given your truth. I agree whole heartedly.

 

rare commodities, indeed!
thanks
pm
 

"Our hope is that this new president, Barak Obama, is God's man for such a time as this.
"



I know that Obama is "God's man for such a time as this" (Romans 13)...

But sometimes God gives nations exactly what they want (1 Samuel 8:5b-21a)...


An oppressive leader for a rebellious nation...


"if you reject my decrees and abhor my laws and fail to carry out all my commands and so violate my covenant, then I will do this to you:" * LEVITICUS 26:15-16a


"I will set my face against you so that you will be defeated by your enemies; those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee even when no one is pursuing you.
" * LEVITICUS 26:17



"But they were disobedient and rebelled against you; they put your law behind their backs. They killed your prophets, who had admonished them in order to turn them back to you; they committed awful blasphemies. So you handed them over to their enemies, who oppressed them. But when they were oppressed they cried out to you. From heaven you heard them, and in your great compassion you gave them deliverers, who rescued them from the hand of their enemies.


"But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.


"You warned them to return to your law, but they became arrogant and disobeyed your commands. They sinned against your ordinances, by which a man will live if he obeys them. Stubbornly they turned their backs on you, became stiff-necked and refused to listen. For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you admonished them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you handed them over to the neighboring peoples. But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.
*
NEHEMIAH 9:26-31


"But see, we are slaves today, slaves in the land you gave our forefathers so they could eat its fruit and the other good things it produces. Because of our sins, its abundant harvest goes to the kings you have placed over us. They rule over our bodies and our cattle as they please. We are in great distress.
*
NEHEMIAH 9:36-37



I believe that Obama has made it VERY CLEAR through his rhetoric that he IS a socialist (which is a soft word for communist)... As he decides how to "spread America's wealth" you (& your children) will have (increasingly) less (& less) opportunity to actually acquire (any) wealth... Furthermore, your proud independent nation will soon become part of one globalized government...

Many are so willing to put a price tag on all of their precious freedoms in life... They want "The Messiah" (as they call him) & Big-Daddy Government to coddle them, to meet their every need in life, to tell them how to live & what to say... It's all about "the hand-out" -- how sad... :(

You see Obama promised the masses a better life & THEY BOUGHT IT (hook, line, & sinker)... Why? Glad you asked... :)

Because (by & large) people are stupid...


"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.
" * MATTHEW 7:13-16a


PEACE,

The Wardster (truth -- not hate)

:)
 

I wonder, have you met my cousin?
 

Phil,

No I haven't met him... Sounds like a great guy though... :)

In all seriousness, I DO believe that God places people in leadership positions... So I HOPE your right about Obama being a wonderful statesmen & also about him ruling from the center (man I WOULD LOVE to be wrong on this one)... But my gut tells me it's going to be a rough 4 years...

Between Pelosi, Reid, & "The Chosen One", (I feel) they are going to "put the screws" into America in ways that we never imagined they could...

Oh well... Once the sun is up, we all gotta deal with the day... Maybe we'll all pray more now... I know I will... :)


Peace... No, actually, It's probably going to be "HI OBAMA!!!"...

OK, that was simply wrong of me... :)


The Wardster
 

I understand that since you were educated at Liberty University, the school Jerry Falwell founded, your interpretation of scripture is going to be from a certain theological bent, one which idealizes America as the new Israel. Hence, your belief that the judgements which were visited upon Israel specifically will likewise be visited upon the US.

If Jesus was president, do you really think he'd be looking out for the rich, and not trying to give the poor a break? I've yet to hear one Christian arguing against Obama who will just ask the question, how would Jesus govern?
 

"I understand that since you were educated at Liberty University, the school Jerry Falwell founded "

Why yes... I am one of Jerry's kids... & very honored to have met him while he was alive...



"your interpretation of scripture is going to be from a certain theological bent"

I'm definitely in the Reformed camp (not exactly "The Liberty Way")...



"one which idealizes America as the new Israel. Hence, your belief that the judgements which were visited upon Israel specifically will likewise be visited upon the US.
"

Nope... I believe that Israel is no longer just some geographical location... IMHO, it is (now) a covenant nation of both Jews & Gentiles (who have joined by faith)... But that's a whole new blog (or an old one @ my site)...
The OT passages that I used (with you & in a recent blog): I see many similarities with Israel's stubborness & America's rebellion... Also with how God punished Israel & how he's dealing with the USA...



"If Jesus was president, do you really think he'd be looking out for the rich, and not trying to give the poor a break?"

This IS a great question... We both agree that Jesus would help the poor... But over-taxing the rich (or any class) WILL NOT HELP them or anyone else in this country... Besides, taking peoples hard-earned income IS stealing (Jesus never promoted that)... Common man, the early Biblical church wasn't socialistic... The people were simply generous & compassionate...



"I've yet to hear one Christian arguing against Obama who will just ask the question, how would Jesus govern?"

I DO NOT PRETEND TO KNOW how Jesus would govern... But I'm sure that it would be NOTHING like our corrupt political system that we have in place today...


PEACE!!!
 

Hey, Wardster, I am a conservative who didn't vote for Obama. I don't agree with his political views. But I think that to suggest he is a part of God's judgement on this country strains credibility. Your comments to me suggest that you seem to believe this. Phil is right on many levels, in my opinion. I meet a lot of christians who can quote the Bible like the Son of God and are certain that their assessments are correct. And each one is certain that he/she is bringing the truth that the rest of us just can't see, or yeild to. They are certain that they are bringing the Word to the masses like the old testament prophets did. I think they're mistaken. I'm sick of the mindset that teaches us to act in fear when a liberal gets into office. And your assessments are simply that, your assessments. Not necessarily truth. Obama is going to succeed on some levels and fail on others. Politics is a blood sport, and he will spill blood and his will be spilled. From a biblical perspective that would teach me to pray for Caesar, I will do so, and I won't judge this man. As a church, our destiny is tied to Obama for at least the next four years, and likely the next eight, in my opinion. A test for the church will be how we can relate to a man that we don't agree with ideologically, and for a barbaric few, how we relate racially. One other thing, interesting note historically...the first century church had a passion for the poor. The modern day church does not, generally. Could it be possible that Obama has a heart for the disenfranchised, and since we aren't doing our job to the least of these, God will put a man in whose political philosophy might hurt our economy and strain it further, but the poor might be looked after? It could be that Obama will be in this role not as a method of God's judgment, but as a way of reminding the church of her obligations to the country to take care of and to minister to the least of these. I think we are ridiculous to judge a man who wants to help the poor when we are barely doing it day to day. I still don't agree with Obama's methods but the man might be sincere when he talks about the least of these. I think we've really understimated God's heart for the poor, and we are poorer Christians by example as a result of this and other issues. We need to be less strong politically, and more strong from a kingdom perspective. And I say this having an Uncle as a govenor. I believe as Americans we should be involved, but we've lost our way as Christians and solely seem to rely on political methods to expand the kingdom. This is as wrong as anything conservatives accuse Obama of. Phil, I appreciate your thread here, even though I'm late in responding. This is good stuff. And thanks for your work over the years in the music field. Really dig everything you've ever done that I can find. God bless.