It's Open Season

Apparently, it's now open season.....on followers of Christ.  Young gymnast Gabby Douglas recently came onto the scene.  I watched this beautiful athletic young lady qualify for the US Olympic team and give all the glory to God.  I could tell she meant it.  She won medals this past week.  Then the attacks started on her.  From complaints about stating her faith to her hair to her mom, mean people have come out in droves to put down this young girl.  Jealousy?  Maybe.  Because she follows Christ?  It's a good possibility.  Jesus himself told us that we would be hated because we belong to him.  Watching coverage of the uneven bars competition the other night, Gabby wore a burdened expression and did not medal in the event.  The next morning she posted on her Facebook page about all the attacks and negativity she's gotten.  I stand in awe of this young believer who isn't afraid to tell the world she follows Jesus.  God bless her.

There are others in the public eye coming under great scrutiny because of their faith: Tim Tebow, Jeremy Lin, etc.  One news agency even asked their readers in a daily poll how they felt about athletes publically stating their faith and praising God during their game.  Well, for now, these individuals have the right to.  The Constitution protects them.  Believers in other nations are not so lucky.  Many are thrown in prison or murdered because of their faith.  There is a Christian pastor in Iran who is scheduled to die because he refuses to renounce his faith in Christ. Even if the government releases him, anyone in Iran who hates Christians will probably murder him the minute he steps foot outside the prison gate. I think about those faithful followers of Christ and wonder how bad could it get here.  We don't face death here, but do face obstacles.

We are supposed to enjoy the same freedom of religion that countless Hindu, Muslim, Buddhists have come to America for.  But as we accept others' rights, our own beliefs are being criticized, marginalized and even not allowed.  Which brings me to Chick-Fil-A.  People are crawling out of the woodwork to condemn the company founder and CEO.  Why?  Because he is standing firm in his faith in Christ.  What do these attackers want to accomplish?  Do they want CFA to cave into demands that they financially support groups and organizations that go against their beliefs?  Do they want Cathey to renounce his faith in his Savior Jesus?  Sure sounds like it.  Would any of these attackers force a muslim to eat pork?  A comedian can stand up and say "F*** Chick-Fil-A, but they'd never stand up in front of an audience and hurl the same sort of insult toward a muslim company.  They know better. 

A new Chick-Fil-A is opening up in San Jose next week.  I have been waiting for this for many many years.  I grew up eating Chick-Fil-A sandwiches in Charlotte.  The closest restaurant to us has been 90 minutes away.  We stop there on our way to Sacramento or Tahoe.  We stop there because we like the food.  I eat Chick-Fil-A everytime I am back in Charlotte.  I have loved Chick-Fil-A for many many years and plan to go to the new one here with my children opening day.  I will not abandon a company who has the balls to stand up for what they believe in.  I don't know what opening day is going to be like with all this controversy, but I'm going to be there.  Maybe I'll even eat two sandwiches. I know that some of my friends won't be there, and that's okay.  I'm not going to disown them because of it. 

Tune in next week.  I'll let you know how things go.

## I was saddened to hear about the shooting that happened on August 15 at the Family Research Council.  From the different sources I've read here's what happened.  A man came into the office, perhaps claiming to be an intern.  He pulled out a gun, yelled angrily about the groups policies and started shooting.  The brave security guard was shot, but subdued the man until another guard could help and police were called.  In his backpack were about a dozen Chick-Fil-A sandwiches.  What does this mean?  Well, Chick-Fil-A supports this organization.  Apparently, the shooter volunteered with a group with opposing viewpoints than CFA and FRC.  We don't know what he intended to do with those sandwiches.  What's upsetting about this is the lack of attention and details that the major news outlets are giving.