Greetings!
Let’s see if I can get somebody stirred up this week like I did discussing the Electoral College in last week’s DHD.
A supporter of the National Popular Vote sent me a “dissertation” to express his/her disagreement. I concluded in asking what the commenter thinks of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I never got a response.
Just like last week, I’m not expecting a rebuttal to these topics, but you never know!
Thank you for reading!
- ‘Free Burma Rangers’
This week, I went to see the movie Free Burma Rangers, which was in the theaters Feb. 24-25 only. This is a powerful documentary with actual footage of what this humanitarian military group does—rescuing and caring for people in war-torn countries.
It was as intense as any fictional action, war movie I have ever seen. The rangers have two objectives: document what is happening in these area—including battle attacks from terrorists in Iraq and national warmongers in Burma (currently Myanmar)—and minister to the citizens affected, providing medical support, food and spiritual nourishment. The video documentation the rangers produce is shared with international news sources, such as Associated Press and BBC, and has been utilized as evidence by the United Nations to confront the Burmese government.
I shared Michael Foust’s review last week on Free Burma Rangers, but I will share it again here.
Also, Michael, Brian Hobbs and I did a podcast about movies and entertainment and opened with discussing this movie. The podcast should appear on the Messenger Insight page in the coming week.
I definitely recommend seeing this movie. Unfortunately, I don’t know of any upcoming showings, but Free Burma Rangers is produced by LifeWay Films and could be available through live streaming or DVD. I plan to keep up with news about the movie and will share if I find anything.
- Family involved with Free Burma Rangers
Along with intense war action, the movie also focuses on the Eubank family. Their story far surpasses anything a Hollywood screen writer could produce.
David and Karen and their three teenage children live incredible lives. I don’t know a greater faith or acts of obedience in my lifetime than what this family demonstrates.
David founded the Free Burma Rangers, and his family is right there training with their dad and the several thousand Rangers. Karen and the kids do not participate in the recon missions. Instead, they provide care and food, as well as music and Vacation Bible School-type activities with children in these devastated areas.
I found a Christianity Today article about the Eubanks. Check out “Meet the Christian Family Behind Free Burma Rangers.”
- DeYoung’s 7 Questions
I enjoyed reading Kevin DeYoung’s article “7 Questions to Ask in Evaluating Online Pundits.”
You do yourself a disservice if all you read are articles by people who share the same views and perspectives.
There are conservative, moderate and liberal writers I don’t enjoy reading. I go along with DeYoung’s Question Six about those who write in hysterics. Presenting a view in the extreme is poor communication. Like DeYoung wrote, “If the matter at hand is truly grave, the facts should speak for themselves.”
And Question Seven brings a great point too (by the way, I like all seven questions). Writers or commentators who describe in derogatory fashion those who have an opposing view are not credible sources. Some apply humor at the expense of their opponents, and this could be an exception. Still, be discerning and follow DeYoung’s advisement.
“I can learn a lot from people who try to persuade. I learn little from people who do nothing but berate.”
- Olasky on abortion views the past 30 years
World Magazine editor Marvin Olasky has a great article on how public opinion on abortion has changed from 1990 to 2020. Check out “1990 and 2020.” It’s a lengthy piece but worth reading. I especially think it would be a good social studies report for a high school student.
One thing that stuck hard with me from the article is a quote from Abraham Lincoln:
“In this country, public sentiment is everything. With it, nothing can fail; against it, nothing can succeed. Whoever molds public sentiment goes deeper than he who enacts statutes, or pronounces judicial decisions.”
I may further examine this quote President Lincoln made in 1856. This is a powerful observation.
- Thunder thoughts Part 1
The Oklahoma City Thunder is coming off another dramatic win last night, hosting the Sacramento Kings. I heard I got quite a bit of air time, sitting at the scorer’s table.
If you’d like to read a great recap on the game (and basically a summary of the Thunder’s season) check out Brandon Rahbar’s write-up on DailyThunder.com
By the way, just like I said the Thunder would not beat Denver last Friday, I’m certain they won’t win in Milwaukee tonight—but I’m hopeful for a similar result!
- Thunder thoughts Part 2
Remember what many thought about the Thunder before the season started? There weren’t many encouraging outlooks. As it has been said multiple times, the Thunder are exceeding expectations.
I thought about an op-ed piece Thunder G.M. Sam Presti submitted to the The Oklahoman. If you’re interested in re-hashing what Presti proclaimed last July, after trading off both Paul George and Russell Westbrook, you should read Sam Presti: Looking back, thinking forward.
Here are two quotes I pulled from Presti’s piece:
“Our ultimate goal is to build a team that will inspire the same kind of joy, success and togetherness that we have all experienced over our first 11 years. This will take time and involve hard choices.”
“The people of Oklahoma City should be able to one day watch the rise of another great team, as they have watched the rise of their rebuilt downtown, with the knowledge that they are witnessing something not only great but enduring.”
