Tony Funderburk Posted on by

It’s sadly humorous. The way so many fall into (actually they leap into) a trend under the guise of edginess and non-conformity. For example, a website based on what they call edgy discord.

But there are almost a half million edgy discord members.

Granted, a half million people is still a fraction of the overall population. But it’s certainly not what I’d call a haven of non-conformity. Because when you build a “tribe” of that many people, it basically nullifies your edgy discord. After all, if a half million people share your view, you’re not that edgy.

And it reminds me of what the “old people” used to say. “If everyone else jumped off a cliff, would you?” I bet those old-fashioned ne’er-do-wells ne’er imagined how we could get to this point where many would actually jump, too.

But maybe that’s my own dark, edgy discord revealing itself. If so, I’d put mine up against the members of that website any day. Because I can almost guarantee I won’t find half a million who agree with me.

I remember how music, when I was growing up, was so much more fun. And stories shared reasons to be glad to be alive. Now, there’s just so much darkness.

Take music licensing. I remember a listing, online, that said a publishing company was looking for “Black Metal, Death Metal, Grime, Hard Rock, Hardcore, Heavy Metal, Metal, Post-Hardcore, Progressive, Screamo, Thrash”

And another one asked for “Dark urban, dark country, & goth”

Obviously most young people feel very “dark” about their lives these days. And, apparently, they’re not very optimistic about their future. OK, I can’t say I blame them. I might be like that, too, if I was a young guy, with no wisdom, these days. I mean, think about i. “People (and I use that term loosely) in charge” of the government spend present, and even future, money like it’ll never run out.

That’s partly why I’ve never made it my mission to trust what politicians do or say. Because almost all of them lie even when the truth sounds better.

And their whole purpose in life is to satisfy their lust for power, money, and control. You know what? Those are strong forces on the dark side. And I call it powernomics. Which definitely trickles down to the masses and sows the seeds of edgy discord.

So. If you’re a young musician, singer-songwriter, or other artist, take it from me. I’m a guy who’s been around the block a time or two when it comes to music and what’s going on in this world.

Look Up. Because your days on this planet will end before you know it. But YOU are an eternal being. And you were fearfully and wonderfully made. You didn’t happen by accident.

So, seek Truth on purpose.

And if you want actual non-conformity, trust Jesus.

He showed how there’s nothing like going against the grain to produce powerful edgy discord.

“C’mon and beat the world, and try to leave a dent.
But don’t regret the time that you’ve spent.
C’mon and beat the world, and try to leave a bruise.
You need to know the life that you choose
Is gonna beat the world.”

(from the song “Beat The World“)

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

So-called “enlightened scientists.” And so-called “moderns.” And I certainly wouldn’t use those labels for the so-called “Light People.” But they certainly like to use those kinds of labels for themselves.

Light People say the darndest things.

For example what the so-called “Light People historians” said on Ancient History Encyclopedia:

“Aside from being more accurate, BCE/CE is inclusive. The use of BC/AD relegates every event prior to, and since, the birth of Jesus of Nazareth subordinate to the Christian understanding of who he was. For Christians, Jesus is the Christ, the anointed of God, the Messiah. And the calendar “counts down” to the birth of Jesus and then proceeds to count away from it. To a Christian, this may seem like simple common sense and the way the world works. But not so to someone outside of that tradition. People of different cultures and belief systems should be able to access and discuss history without having to date it according to the Christian belief in Jesus as the son of God and the Messiah.”

In case you’re not familiar, BCE stands for before common existence. CE stands for common existence.

Yeesh.

Slightly side note: it’s interesting they call themselves “light people” since it’s Christians who are called to be salt and light. But I’m probably making a lamp stand out of a candle. So, don’t mind me.

Anyway…

Read that paragraph from the “historians” and you’ll see (again) how their so-called “inclusive” tends to shy away from including the Christian perspective. Oh sure, they’re not mean about it. But I suppose when you shy away from your Creator, that sort of action just naturally follows.

This all came up on my radar after reading an article about nothing.

Well, to be clear, the article was about zero. And why it’s important. I found this paragraph particularly interesting because of its reference to nothing.

“To answer this I think we need to investigate the idea of the zero. It turns out that zero matters a hundred percent. The place you start counting from counts. The zero divides and marks edges. It offers a mystery, and the mystery invites meaning. Zero denotes a threshold. A timeline without a zero is all how and no why. But don’t take my word for it. Let’s look at the zero in history and see if this can make more sense.

The ancient Greek philosophers, most of them anyway, did not invest much in the concept of zero. They didn’t really have a zero because they couldn’t make sense of the notion that nothing is something. The idea did not captivate the ancient rationalists. But other cultures did use the zero.”

Now, call me a nitpicker, if you must, but I also can’t agree with, nor “make sense of the notion that nothing is something. ” I understand what the writer’s intent was. But it’s kinda silly to say nothing is something. Because there’s no such thing as nothing. Maybe conceptually, for the sake of argument. But I prefer not to argue about something so blatantly obvious. There’s NO. Such. Thing. As. Nothing.

However.

A starting point must start from (the concept of) zero, aka: nothing.

Because every THING had a beginning. Every THING came into existence. Because every THING did not always exist. But in order for every THING to come into existence, there had to be a THING Maker.

And therein lies the rub. Methinks the “light people” have a problem with being the products of a divine Designer. They don’t want one to exist. Because they want to be products of their own imagination. And when you can manipulate thousands of years of record keeping into your own ideology, score!

I know this whole most people in the world will never ponder these seemingly insignificant little details. And maybe none of this means anything to you either. But I’m confident it matters.

Ideas have consequences. And most of them end up as eternal. Do with this what you will.

I can always use your support to help me keep the nearly 3000 posts I’ve shared on my website available to the world that needs to see and hear about the one, true, living, loving God of creation. So, see if one of my books suits your fancy. Get one for yourself or for someone you love. Here’s a link to check ‘em out:

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Hey fathead. Yeah, YOU! Don’t get mad. I’m just tellin’ it like it is. Because essentially you’re a fathead. For that matter, so am I. So, were in this together. Of course, I’m talking about that think zone inside your head. Your brain. It’s made up of about 60% fat.

How can you even function with such a sludge-filled think zone?

I mean, how could thoughts move around in all that fat? Yeah, the average adult brain weighs about three pounds. That means about 1.8 pounds are fat. In your head. So, see? I wasn’t fat-shaming you when I called you fathead. I was just stating the scientific fact. And you gotta trust the science, right?

According to those who’ve chopped up brains to find out, the remaining 40% of your brain is “a combination of water, protein, carbohydrates, and salts.” (side note: That quote left out the Oxford comma after carbohydrates, but I added it for your protection. You’re welcome.)

Anyway…

Your brain’s not a muscle (even though it needs a daily workout). But it IS quite an intricate design filled with blood vessels and nerves and neurons and glial cells. And when you dive even deeper into your think zone, way down to the molecular level, you get to the fatty acids. They’re so essential to your brain’s integrity and ability to perform that just about everybody who talks about ‘em calls ‘em essential fatty acids.

Wow! Your head is full of fat and acid. It’s a wonder you can think at all.

But you can.

And you do. And here’s the actual reason I’m even talking about this. Certainly not because I’m a certified nutritionist. I don’t even play one on YouTube.

Nope. It’s because too many people believe everything happens for a reason. And that everything you do and think has already been planned and ordained by God.

He created brains. And He designed all those essential fatty acids that build vessels, nerves, and the rest. Everything you and I need for a functioning think zone. But God did NOT preload it with every thought you’d ever think. And here’s proof He’s the ultimate (infinitely wise) risk taker. He gave you the ability to think for yourself.

GASP!

I know. In most of today’s Christian circles that’s almost anathema (which isn’t a respiratory problem, btw). But consider this, because you CAN consider it. Your infinitely brilliant Creator wouldn’t build a fence He’d have to hold up. Surely that makes sense. So, why in the world would He create human beings that way?

Short answer?

He wouldn’t. He didn’t. And He doesn’t.

That means you and I are free to use our fatheads on our own. We can fill our think zones with whatever we prefer. And that’s why this world is SO messed up. Because most people fill their brains with hogwash (and that’s not even remotely related to bacon) and hate.

Only a fraction of humans chooses the road less traveled that leads to a narrow gate that leads to Heaven. The rest use their heads for a hat rack.

I know that’s not you. But maybe you know somebody who fits that description. If so, tell ‘em pump up their brains with some grass fed beef (and other good sources of essential fatty acids) and clear the crud out of their think zones. Because people love that kind of advice.

Or not.

Your think zone is all your own,
And God lets you decide
If you will use your own will
To choose what He supplied.

I can always use your support to help me keep the nearly 3000 posts I’ve shared on my website available to the world that needs to see and hear about the one, true, living, loving God of creation. So, see if one of my books suits your fancy. Get one for yourself or for someone you love. Here’s a link to check ‘em out:

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

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I think about what she said, more often, these days.

I’m talkin’ about what my Grandmother said, as I sat on her front porch snapping green beans with her. It was during a couple of years when my brother and I lived with our Dad’s parents while he worked on setting up a new home life.

Dad and Mom divorced when I was about four and my brother was two and a half. Since he was given custody of us, he asked our Grandparents to take care of us, most of the time, so he could find another wife and someone who could be the “mother figure” in our lives. This was, of course, before feminism ruined so many households. But that’s another topic for another time.

Anyway…

Back to what my Grandmother said.

And I don’t think enough old people tell young people this stuff these days.

I remember it like it was yesterday. Despite the fact that it was decades ago. Grandmother sat on her porch chair, the metal clamshell style, with a large enameled metal bowl, full of green beans from their back yard garden, in her lap. I sat in the other chair with a smaller bowl in my lap. And we snapped green beans. And she talked while I listened.

“Enjoy this peaceful, wonderful day, and don’t take it for granted,” she said. “Because, one of these days, you might be my age and most of, or all of, the people you love will be gone for good.”

I remember thinking to myself, “Why do old people talk this way?” Of course, being a pre-schooler, I couldn’t have seen how Grandmother was speaking from experience. I was too young to grasp the depth of her advice. But, even a young age, I had enough respect for my elders to listen and pay attention.

And for some reason, I enjoyed snapping green beans.

Now, let’s fast forward to THESE days.

I’m about 10 years older than Grandmother was when she gave me that advice. And as of 2021, the fullness of her prediction came true. All those people I loved, except for my brother, are gone for good. In February, it’ll be three years ago already that Mom was the last to go.

They’re all gone.

But I’m one of the fortunate ones in this world. Because I have the hope of seeing them again. Because my Grandparents AND my parents believed in and trusted Jesus.

I know. At first you thought I was just gonna share a little of my good ol’ Americana story. But then I had to go and spoil it all by saying something about Jesus. (side note: for some reason Frank and Nancy Sinatra popped into my mind)

But here’s the thing.

I would never have any nostalgic stories to share if it wasn’t for Jesus. And neither would you for that matter. Because He created us. For crying out loud, without a Manufacturer, there are NO manufactured goods. Without a Designer, there’s no design. Without a Creator, there’s no creation. You get the idea. Right?

The image of sitting on the porch with my Grandmother came into my head after I read about a Christian brother whose wife died a couple of days ago. And this has recently happened with a couple of my other friends, too. Fortunately, each of them has the hope of seeing their wives again. And that hope is because of their faith in Jesus.

If you’re reading this without that kind of hope, I hope that changes for you very soon.

Because these days the end of this world is closer than you’ve ever known.

You don’t know, for certain, you’ll even make it to lunch. And without the hope of life after death, that uncertainty will only lead to torment. And even though most people in the world ignore the solution to that problem, it’s so easy to avoid. But the solution requires humility. The kind of humility that selfish people don’t wanna think about.

Humility that says there IS a God of creation, you’re NOT Him, and He IS the source of faith, hope, and love.

Most people who read what I write or listen to what I say already know this. But if you just happened to land on my website, or someone else sent you this message, maybe you need to hear that your problems DO have a solution. And if it makes sense and you want the problems solved, don’t put it off. Remember…

“Enjoy this peaceful, wonderful day, and don’t take it for granted. Because, one of these days, you might be my age and most of, or all of, the people you love will be gone for good.”

There’s no difference when going first to last.
Lord we need you like generations passed.
Give us strength for this life.
And help us always focus our gaze,
With our eyes on the Prize, because these…
Are the Bible days.

(from the song of the same name)

By the way I can always use your support to help me keep the nearly 3000 posts I’ve shared on my website available to the world that needs to see and hear about the one, true, living, loving God of creation. So, see if one of my books suits your fancy. Get one for yourself or for someone you love. Here’s a link to check ‘em out:

(https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B008R08LUG/allbooks)

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

An adult Christian man was a stupid boy on a social media channel early this morning. Because he wrote something stupid. And he writes a lot of things like this morning’s little jab. And I don’t why he’d say and do the things he does, in public, other than he likes picking fights with other Christians.

That’s why I said he was a stupid boy.

Because stupid boys pick fights. And it’s extra stupid for a Christian to do such things on social media for the whole world to see. And you can bet the whole world loves to see Christians arguing and airing their disagreements.

Just so you know. The guy’s blurb included a slight cut aimed at me and others like me. Here are his words:

”Don’t go with the crowd, even if that crowd is your church.
Go with God.
God isn’t pro family, pro life, political, a dispie.”

OK, the first two sentences are fine.

First one: “Don’t go with the crowd, even if that crowd is your church.” Yes, that’s true. The “crowd” is typically against God. So, don’t go with them. And many churches today follow the trends of the world. So, yeah, don’t go there either.

Second one: “Go with God.” Oh yeah, definitely. He’s your only hope.

And if the guy would’ve stopped there, or at least clarified his words, he could have avoided stupid boy syndrome. But then he followed up good stuff with stupid stuff. So, there you go.

Because God IS pro family. He is FOR family. And He Is pro life. He is FOR life. And God established government. So, He isn’t anti politics. I’m sure God hates what politics become when left in the hands of fools. But He wants you and me to live in a world governed by moral judgment based on real right and wrong. Government provides for that.

And then…

He implied God isn’t “a dispie.”

OK, that’s sort of an inside remark among Christians. Because if you’re a heathen…er…not a Christian, you might never have heard that term. It’s short for dispensationalist. I’m one of those pesky dispies. (side note: that word looks like someone who disses pies, and that would never be me)

A dispensationalist is someone who believes God has dealt with, is dealing with, and will deal with humans in different ways at different times. That’s the overview. And modern Christians didn’t make up the word. The apostle, Paul, even used the word in his letters.

Anyway…

I see so many church people who think of dispensationalists the way that guy does. And they even look at us, cross-eyed when we say we’re also young Earth creationists and open theists. That really drives ‘em over the edge. But, hey, the truth is the truth. Even when it rubs you the wrong way. Right?

Alright, I’m gonna finish out my miniature rant with something political. And I can only guess, of course, but I don’t believe God would be against my political position here. No matter who’s in charge of nations, give me…

God Over Government

Rights don’t come from government.
They only come from God.
Man’s words might acknowledge this,
But they can be outlawed.
No one here is sovereign.
And no one here is good.
And nations will disintegrate
Until that’s understood.
Truth will not prevail upon
The ones who choose to hate
The One who is the Truth, the Life,
The Way, and narrow Gate.
“Freedom isn’t free,” they say.
And you won’t disagree,
When you find out what it took
To bring you liberty.
The man-made “constitution,”
Amended to add rights,
Barely reflects the message
From the Father of lights.
He said perfect life awaits
For “who believes in Me.”
Choose God over government.
His Truth shall make you free.

© 2023

By the way, you might be one of those unlucky people who hasn’t read any of my books. And if that’s because you didn’t know where to find them, look no further than the link below.

(https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B008R08LUG/allbooks)

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

So, I found a website about an organization called “Faith in Action.” And I don’t think those words mean what the people in that organization think they mean.

Unless, of course, their faith in action is in themselves.

I haven’t read their entire website. And I probably won’t ever have time to do that. Just as they’ll never have time to read all of mine. Yeesh, who would? There are almost 3000 pages of me talking about stuff most people wouldn’t give a plug nickel to hear.

Anyway…

Just because I haven’t read their whole website doesn’t mean I don’t have a grasp on the flavor and intent of their “mission.” And that appears to be one of group-hug theology. For example, on one page they have a paragraph on something they call “Theology of Resistance Narrative Model.”

Here’s how they define that:

“At the heart of the Prophetic Resistance Project is a dialogue about how our multiple faith practices inform our shared struggle toward Beloved Community and against injustice and dehumanization. This dialogue occurs by way of the Theology of Resistance narrative and praxis model, a multi-faith approach that propels deep reflection on religious and spiritual identity, convictions, and experiences into prophetic action.”

And they finish it off with:

“The four key components of the Theology of Resistance model are: Encounter, Disruption, Reimagining, and Action.”

Wow, sounds like it came straight from one of the letters the Apostle Paul wrote. NOT.

And I didn’t see any information on their website about what they do to stand up for the rights of unborn/preborn babies. And no information about what they do to stand up for Christian liberty in lands where Christianity is increasingly persecuted.

Probably just an oversight.

Or maybe not since they make sure you understand their corporate status. Right on their website they say:

“Faith in Action is a 501c(3). Faith in Action and its affiliates are non-partisan and are not aligned explicitly or implicitly with any candidate or party. We do not endorse or support candidates for office.”

So, that means they’re not likely to ever embroil themselves in something so politically controversial as abortion. And even if they tossed their hats into that ring, I suspect they wouldn’t call for the abolition of abortion.

This post has taken quite a wry twist. Because I didn’t even start out with the intention to write about that knucklehead organization. In fact, I was only gonna share some of my thoughts about how faith, hope, love, and joy help inspire creativity. And through a series of searches, using those words, I stumbled upon that website.

But doggone it, I’m not gonna let that less desirable content rob me of my faith, hope, love, and joy. And I’m gonna go ahead and share a short poem I shared, in a wonderful picture, on a social media site. The person, who shared the picture, shares tons of amazing photographs. Most of them she adds her own title. And this one she called…

Sugar Coated Serenity

The road led to a magic place
With icy clouds of marmalade
In skies of azure butter mints
And honey-sweetened lemonade.
I found a house of chocolate
And nougat-filled divinity.
Faith, Hope, and Love are keys to this
Sugar coated serenity.

© 2024

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

OK, brace yourself. It’s gonna get serious mighty quick here. Starting with this question. How can you reconcile a loving God with all the pain in the world? People who want nothing to do with God ask questions like that so they can point out the so-called “flaws” in Christian faith. But I have another question for them. Do you actually believe that love and pain are mutually exclusive?

Because love and pain, in this world, are definitely not mutually exclusive.

And it only takes a good combination of love and logic to see that. And it’s easy to see the error in that assertion. I love how C.S. Lewis stated it:

“The problem of reconciling human suffering with the existence of a God who loves, is only insoluble so long as we attach a trivial meaning to the word love, and look on things as if man were the centre of them. Man is not the centre. God does not exist for the sake of man. Man does not exist for his own sake. Thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. We were made not primarily that we may love God (though we were made for that too) but that God may love us, that we may become objects in which the divine love may rest well pleased.”

But most people think love from God just ain’t the cool thing.

Ironically, the ones who have the most contempt for Christianity don’t even use their own doctrine or worldview to try and ridicule or debunk it. They know their own worldview of total tolerance means they’d have to accept whatever a Christian says or does as simply “doing what he feels is right.”

But they’re hypocrites.

And that whole coexist thing? Just a superficial word for superficial feelings. Because what they’d really like to see is the obliteration and annihilation of a worldview that includes THE living, loving Creator God.

So, what should you, a Christian, do in this world that’s starting to hate the very sight of you? Well, I recommend  standing up for the One who stood up for you 2000 years ago. Shoulder to shoulder with other Christians who work to expose and negate thoughtless, careless, and loveless doctrines like humanism and self-worship.

That kind of stand will require love AND pain, in this world, these days. So choose wisely. Because if they hated the One who made them enough to nail Him to a cross, who do you think YOU are?

A word to the confounded,
Pour light into your eyes.
If you expect more than neglect,
Get wisdom; yeah get wise.

Get wise to the deceiver.
Don’t harken to his lies.
Keep commanding understanding.
Get wisdom; yeah get wise.

© 1995

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other fun stuff, for Fa-Ree.

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

So, you’re sitting there trying to figure out what you can do for the 364 more days till Christmas. Right? Yeah, it’s all over but the leftovers now. Christmas came and went, as it has for years. Fast. And. Furious. And I won’t be surprised if I go into places of business today and hear NO Christmas music. Funny how it can start up months in advance. But stop the day after.

As the poet (or some sort of writer or philosopher) said, “time waits for no man.” The seconds tick in the rhythm of your heart. And your heart beats out the minutes and hours of your days. Then the days advance like an inspired army into the open arms of each passing year.

There’s nothing you can do about it. You can’t turn back the days. Or even stop the progression. You’ll just keep moving on down the road.

But what you can do something about is “the road.”

And, of course, I assumed you want to know what you can do as you move through time.

You can figure out where roads go, and which road you’ll travel. And you can decide whether you’ll walk, run, or drive.

At least you still get to make those choices for now. But we Americans (and other people around the world) continue to vote ourselves deeper and deeper into tyranny. So, sadly, America finds itself on the brink of suicide.

President Abraham Lincoln talked about this in an address to the Young Men’s Lyceum in Springfield, Illinois in 1838.

He said…

“At what point shall we expect the approach of danger? By what means shall we fortify against it? Shall we expect some transatlantic military giant, to step the Ocean, and crush us at a blow? Never! All the armies of Europe, Asia and Africa combined, with all the treasure of the earth (our own excepted) in their military chest; with a Buonaparte for a commander, could not by force, take a drink from the Ohio, or make a track on the Blue Ridge, in a trial of a thousand years. At what point, then, is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever reach us it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide.”

But now, America is willingly giving up its power and strength. And that emboldens enemies to invade. Because they have no fear of consequences or punishment. In fact, you and I live in a time when the government actually hands money and services over to the invaders.

And it was money they stole from you and me. To buy votes, influence, and power.

Yeah, America is on the fast and furious road to suicide.

Ol’ Abe told you what you can do about it. But he lived in a time when the majority of the citizens would take his advice. Unfortunately you and I live in a time when his words are considered toxic masculinity.

But freedom, rugged individuality, and masculinity aren’t toxic. Willful ignorance is.

But what can I do?
I’m only one man.
I’d love to see peace in this life
But I don’t have a plan.
Tell me what can I do?
I’m only one guy.
I’d love to see love conquer all and hatred run dry.
But what can I do?
Tell me what can I possibly do?

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I see it almost every day in so-called “conservative social media.” And I cringe every time I see it. Talk about the so-called “Second Amendment Rights” of every American citizen. I obviously don’t disagree with the right to life and liberty. But your right to defend your life and freedom doesn’t come from a document some well-intentioned men wrote almost 250 years ago. Even if they sort of acknowledged the hierarchy of God over government. Because their words were too vague.

They were brilliant guys. And definitely bold. Don’t think for a minute that I don’t realize that.

But they didn’t stand boldly enough on the Truth that can make you free. And Thomas Jefferson’s watered down religious beliefs probably had much to do with that. (side note: He actually re-wrote his own version of the Bible. And he left out parts he said were “so much absurdity, so much untruth, and charlatanism.” Plus, he said the Gospels were full of “vulgar ignorance.”

Early this morning, I wrote a rhyme based on that and SO much more evidence for the scarcity of wisdom in this world. It’s for anyone who understands something’s not quite right. And that the world is lost and needs…

God Over Government

Rights don’t come from government.
They only come from God.
Man’s words might acknowledge this,
But they can be outlawed.
No one here is sovereign.
And no one here is good.
And nations will disintegrate
Until that’s understood.
Truth will not prevail upon
The ones who choose to hate
The One who is the Truth, the Life,
The Way, and narrow Gate.
“Freedom isn’t free,” they say.
And you won’t disagree,
When you find out what it took
To bring you liberty.
The man-made “constitution,”
Amended to add rights,
Barely reflects the message
From the Father of lights.
He said perfect life awaits
For “who believes in Me.”
Choose God over government.
His Truth shall make you free.

© 2023

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

The irony of the so-called social media connection idea is how much more disconnected we are these days. And don’t try to defend your dozens of daily posts as how connected you are. Because that’s a fading facade.

Social media connection is mostly a digital soliloquy.

Sure, you can “reach out” and get in touch with someone, in a hurry, if you need or want to. And you can “friend” people you haven’t seen in decades. But the actual human connection just ain’t there.

My childhood came at a time, in America, when social connection was literally palpable. Here are some synonyms for palpable, right out of the dictionary, that illustrate what I mean:

  • visible,
  • observable,
  • recognizable,
  • unmistakable,
  • obvious

When I was a kid, you know what you’d see in every neighborhood in town? Kids! Playing in the yard, in the neighbor’s yard, in the street. Or doing their “chores.” Like mowing the lawn. Feeding the dog. Cleaning the garage. And it wasn’t just the kids out there “in the ‘hood.”

Adults were out there, walking around the block, and having conversations with friends and other neighbors. Yeah! I saw it with my own eyes. So, I know it’s true.

And I remember being told we had to “come inside when it gets dark.” And kids would debate parents on the definition of darkness in order to stay outside “just a few more minutes.”

But now, you can walk for blocks, in most neighborhoods, and not see a single kid outside. Or adults either, for that matter. And you can literally pass someone on a sidewalk without as much as a simple “Hello.” And a lot of times that’s because their eyes are looking down at their device.

Texts and social media posts are now preferred over actual human connections.

And “self” is the focus. I don’t know this for a fact. But it wouldn’t surprise me to find out how more selfies are taken on smartphone cameras than anything else. Well, except for food maybe. But that’s another disconnect I can talk about some other time.

The social media connection, disconnect, reminded me of a song I wrote during my songwriter year in Nashville. It’s about how people get so busy and focused on “getting somewhere” that they disconnect from others who care about them. And it recommends not putting off time with those you care about. Because, in case you don’t already know, humans die. And then it’s too late to build, mend, or maintain relationships.

Then, your only hope of ever having that connection again is when you meet in the metaphorical…

Angel Café

I watched as your world got so busy.
I felt all the edges get rough.
And I know you just want a secure life.
But, I ask, is it ever enough?
Is it worth just what it may cost you?
Are you willing to pay off the fine?
Just be wary of what you neglect here.
That’s my own bottom line.

Well time flies away.
Don’t put off who you should get to today.
Time flies away.
Don’t you wait till we meet in the angel café.
Don’t you wait till we meet in the angel café.

(one verse and chorus from the song)

© 1992

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