Christians must be acutely aware of what is at stake during this election season. We must participate in conversations with our families and peers about the importance of our religious freedoms and liberties. But within our discussions, there should also be the reassuring peace that no singular politician can take away. There must be the remembrance that the Lord is Sovereign and that those who live for him have no reason to fear or doubt. Do not let fear paralyze you! We serve the Prince of Peace! And HE is the antidote to all our fears!

There is this attempt within our mainstream way of living to silence the critics. There is a movement that desires to eradicate any voice of dissent. This is evident with the ‘cancel culture’ revolution, which is the phenomenon of promoting the “canceling” of people, brands, and even shows and movies due to what some consider to be offensive or problematic remarks or ideologies. But what we are witnessing in the latter days of this unconventional year of 2020 is not just a cancellation of alternative views or the suppression of free speech. It is an outright crucifixion.

I got “ducked” on a beautiful night last week. Leaving Cottleville Wine Sellars, my friends and I returned to my Jeep to find a small, yellow, masked, rubber ducky sitting on my door handle. I was at once amused and then a bit nervous as to what it meant. I cautiously picked up the little fellow and read it’s card aloud, “Holy Duck…I love your Jeep! Stay calm and duck on! Share a smile and share a duck!” We all laughed in delightful surprise. How and why did ducking begin, I wondered?

I recently witnessed a young mother take two lollipops out of her purse and hand one to each of her children. The candy was to occupy them quietly so that she could return to her conversation. However, her strategy backfired as her daughter shouted that she wanted the red lollipop that her brother had been given. Thus began the back and forth tussle of jealousy that robbed both children of the pleasure of enjoying an unexpected, sweet treat and their mother of enjoying a much-needed adult conversation.

As we greet autumn and begin looking forward to the holiday season, many of us are apprehensive about how our celebrations may be changing this year. Don’t lose hope if you are dreading the disruption of long-honored traditions this year. Even in the midst of our most difficult struggles, we can find hope, thankfulness, and contentment.

In this life, we will walk through fire, hardship and turmoil. These trials produce meaningful growth that we don’t experience during periods of tranquility and peace. As Christians, what hope can we cling to as we go through periods of hardship in our personal lives, and as a country?

Life won’t ever stop throwing us curveballs, so how can we make the most of frustrating situations? When we take stock of what’s going on inside us, we can intentionally choose to be responsive rather than reactive, and ultimately diffuse tension.

Lying is harmful. But it causes a rush that can trick your brain and essentially make you feel good about lying. The feeling is fleeting, and ultimately hurtful. Can honesty work the same way?

What do you focus on when life gets difficult? And does that focus help you move forward, or hold you back?

Today, many are mourning the loss of well-earned and long-awaited celebrations. How can we celebrate these milestones in the face of restrictive gathering laws?

In his July 2020 newsletter, Dr. James Dobson writes about division in our country and describes two different Americas. One defined by the noble characteristics we all love about our country. And the “other America,” which Dobson describes as…