come together

Republican presidential nominee John McCain has temporarily suspended his campaign in order to assist in the recovery of America's economy and the Stock Market - a pressing issue which will essentially affect most of the world. McCain has urged his opponent Barack Obama to do the same, as his campaign's backstabbing tactics of McCain's group have not done much to aid his own progress towards the Oval Office. While the campaigning process has indeed been rigorous on many levels, the need for unity in America especially during these past few weeks of crisis (the hurricanes and now the economy) has superseded the division of race, culture, and religion - or has it? Have partisan tactics with the stirring of rumors and attacks upon the other brought our nation any closer to the unity we desire? With widespread dissatisfaction for the Bush Administration among many Americans, the need for change in the government has been an overarching theme in popular society. However, is the real change something that can be brought about by the government, or does it start with the people like you and I, our attitudes toward others, and our ability to coexist amidst the divisive agendas of those seeking our destruction?

The liberal media's portrayal of a model American family like Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin's has undoubtedly raised the awareness of basic morals and ethical values among many. A recent Saturday Night Live skit suggested that her husband Todd Palin had engaged in incest with one of their teenage daughters. This crude accusation, though framed in the context of a joke or comedy skit, reflects an obvious jab on the first family to the point of defamation of character. Many of the accusations made against Palin and her family are clearly hoisted out of evil intent and even jealousy against someone who is so successful and so upstanding. While no human is perfect, including Sarah Palin whose family is wrought with many of the same issues facing common American families today, her exemplification of upright ethical and moral standards should be heeded by all. Her love for God, her family, and her country have certainly contributed to her success even at a young age as compared to many other politicians. Though she is so similar to the average hockey mom, most people have never experienced anyone quite like her, with the tenacity of a barracuda and a backbone of steel - no attacks from the media or other politicians can keep her from being who she really is.

Sarah Palin's continued resilience to the numerous accusatory attacks show what a strong woman she is, but it is clear from her values and faith that God is the one who gives her strength. A familiar verse comes to mind Isaiah 54:17 "No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment will condemn." You see, when God is on your side He does not allow such attacks to destroy you, but instead He uses them to make you stronger, and even more resilient. Romans 8:31-33 says "If God is for us, who can be against us? Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies." Political views indeed reflect a person's personal moral and ethical values, and transcend into various aspects of human existence. Another common attack against Palin is that if a woman is raped, Sarah believes that the woman should not have an abortion, and I would tend to agree with that policy. If abortion - the killing of another human being because they might cause an "inconvenience" to you - is legal, then would it be ok for me to kill someone who is harassing and threatening my family and I? As much as we are inconvenienced, the answer is NO... the bigger issue here is the motivation of the RAPIST. When is it OK for a man to disrespect a woman to the point of violating her body and not being sensitive to her feelings? That philosophy or mindset in and of itself is the inconvenience, NOT a CHILD, a living, breathing life created by 2 other humans.

Several months ago, I became involved with a man in San Diego. One night we hung out, I offered to give him a ride home as he was noticeably intoxicated, and upon arrival to his home he was a bit too forceful with me and attempted to rape me in my car. Fortunately I was not intoxicated myself and I was able to stop him, and suggested we go inside and go to sleep instead. He drew me a map to his house and assumed we would be together sometime when he was NOT drunk, however his substance abuse overshadowed our interactions. Despite this, I developed quite a friendship with this man as we spent more time together over the following months, but I refused to have sex with him as I shared with him that I was practicing abstinence. He then began to push me away but would never explain why, other than past relationship issues which unfortunately kept him from being true to himself and opening up to the potential of loving someone who really cared about him. Although it takes two to tango, I never did anything to hurt or harm him - quite the opposite. My apologies were misconstrued and misinterpreted, however my requests to make amends with him came from sincere concern for his spiritual and emotional well being. Several of his friends continued to harass and threaten me, both verbally and physically, spreading rumors and attempting to push my buttons, but I can only ignore them, rise above, and NOT let them destroy me. Most religions teach LOVE as their basic credo, and the Bible teaches us to pray for those who persecute us. The root of the issue is likely still unresolved, which is the reason for his disrespect of women. This has nothing to do with me, and I cannot take it personally.

Is it better to push people away, argue with them, attack or even kill them because they are "inconveniencing" you, or because they are of differing race, religious views, or political party? I attended a Barack Obama rally the other day, and was told there would likely be other McCain supporters there, along with a wide variety of food options which indeed enticed me. I jumped on the opportunity and was eager to mingle with other people who had politics on their minds - despite our differences. Many of the attendees were shocked and even appalled that a McCain supporter was in their midst, but after they got over it, rather than to ostracize me they welcomed me into their social sphere. I made some valuable connections that day, contrary to my expectations. I believe many of them developed a newfound respect for those who opposed their political ideologies, as we were able to relate on so many other more personal levels. Just as John McCain is urging our country to come together in a time of national crisis, we must come together as human beings, required to coexist regardless of our differing views. Is there anyone YOU have pushed away because they were different, or because you were hurt by someone like them? Consider making amends, and working together - your interaction with them could bring positive change into your life especially if you can let go of long-held grudges. Come together, you might even find LOVE.

blessed to be persecuted

Being half Canadian, many of my family members live in Canada, so I visit as often as possible. Since last Christmas my mom and I have been planning a trip for her birthday, to include a train ride to Toronto to visit one of her sisters and a day's excursion to the wondrous Niagra Falls. On my dad's side I am one quarter German Jew, and having lived in Israel and traveled extensively to both Germany and Israel, I have really connected with my heritage over these past few years. While my early interests in travel were primarily cultural (I hold a bachelor's degree in art with a minor in music), the political and religious aspects have now become most prominent in my life, in light of my post-graduate studies.

Shortly before I visited Israel for the first time, my father and I took a trip to Minnesota to visit his brother and for my Cousin's wedding. He asked me "why are you going to Israel?" I informed him that since 911 I was interested in learning more about the Middle East, especially about the Muslims and their rationale for terrorist attacks on our great nation. He said "you know we're Jewish, right? The Birman family is Jewish." I told him I thought we were German, as our family originally immigrated from Germany. He informed me that because of the German persecution of the Jews, our family was forced to flee from the oppression so they came to America. The family name was altered slightly to Birman (it had previously been Bierman or something more German-sounding so as to not stand out as Jews) and we were from a Royal or Aristocratic line. My uncle had done some lineage research a while back, but only got as far as the records which came with his father by boat to America. Fortunately, he escaped from Hitler's Nazi persecution of Jews just a few years prior to the Holocaust, which began in the early 1940's. When I first visited Israel and eventually moved there, I finally began to understand what all of this meant.

If you are not familiar with this important time in world history, please take a few moments to read up on the Holocaust, in which German hatred of the Jews led to their persecution - controversial actions of harassment, physical torture, inhumane treatment, and for many, a slow, painful death. This anti-semetic spirit has been around since the Bible times, beginning with the split of brothers Isaac and Ishmael. Both were sons of Abraham but only ONE received his blessing, and that was Isaac. Of course Abraham loved Ishmael (though born to an Egyptian woman, not his wife), but the Bible clearly states that Isaac's lineage would be blessed as a great people, successful, ruling over many, and scattered among the nations. These people were the Jews, God's chosen race, and at that time Ishmael's lineage began the Arab race (Genesis 26-27). These people also numbered many scattered throughout the earth, and eventually the Muslim faith was born out of the Arab race around 600 AD. Fast forward to September 11 2001. You have probably heard the politically-charged statement "911 was an inside job", and this is certainly true in a more literal way than often liberally interpreted. The US and Canada had become so relaxed on their immigration policies that millions of Muslims from all around the world have moved to these Western nations, whether legally or illegally. The hijackers of 911 were trained in American flight schools, and many lived or had family in the US.

Upon arriving in Toronto, I noticed a large number of Muslims everywhere, even more than commonly observed in the US. This reminded me of when I had visited Europe, and Germany in particular. Last Friday while in the Toronto train station, I purchased a few items at a kiosk. My ears perked up when the cashier was speaking to someone on the phone in Hebrew, I listened to part of her conversation, and she said "Shabbat Shalom" just before hanging up. I greeted her with "Shabbat Shalom!" an expression which is used among Jews in wishing each other a happy weekend (Shabbat is sabbath, or Saturday, the Holy Day). The rest of our conversation continued in Hebrew while I paid for my items. I thanked her by saying "todah", and she replied "bevakasha". This interaction was indeed the highlight of my day! Later at the hotel, I discovered an Arabic TV station. Reading some of the captions and listening to some of the programming, mainly Islamic - I had the opportunity to practice my Arabic too! And I gave considerable thought to the purpose of that TV station in the Toronto area. I had not seen a station like this since I was in Germany, where some Arabs I knew had just about every Arabic and Muslim channel on Satellite. Its amazing how technology has increased global accessibility for information and communication.

Recently a Nazi German man has been harassing me online. Although he doesn't actually know me personally, I believe his hateful attitude and actions towards me stem from his Nazi German roots. HE may not even understand why his hatred for me has become so strong, just that he does in fact hate Jews, and I have become his target of attack - a single Jewish woman, educated and determined. In the process of becoming stronger against his attacks and continuing to stand up for what I believe in, the persecution increases, though now I am starting to fully understand why. He has been threatening, hateful, derogatory towards women, accusatory, and racially-charged. This Nazi spirit is the same anti-semetic force with which the Muslims have sought to destroy our country. To them, the West includes America, Canada, and most of Europe, and they know no political boundaries (Republican, Democrat, etc); their politically-glossed modus operandi makes them "acceptable" to many people, including some in the Western government.

As an American I enjoy freedoms that citizens of many countries do not have - I am truly blessed, even in my persecution. Enjoying an amazing week in Canada, visiting one of the 7 Wonders of the World, spending time with family, blessed with excellent health - the appearance of a 24 year old with the experience of a 34 year old! I am able to care for my older relatives whose health is deteriorating (a major priority for me right now), and to be there for them as other members of their families have not always been. Family is one of the most important gifts we are given, and human life is too precious to waste away by projecting hatred on other people. The Jews understand this, a clear reflection on their perseverance as a race and a possible explanation as to why their faith is always so strong. They have escaped persecution throughout the years and have learned to depend on God, drawing close to Him, many Jews returning to His Holy Land - not surprising it is the most controversial piece of land in the world.

Not only am I Jewish by heritage, one of God's chosen race, I am a Christian by faith, a Child of God through the option of new life in Christ Jesus His Son (He came as our sacrifice, so it is no longer necessary to slaughter animals as they did in the Old Testament). Because of this heritage AND my family lineage, I am Royalty, and no weapon formed against me CAN prosper - including persecution by Muslims, Nazis, or even fellow Americans. Stand up for your faith, protect your family, and cling to your values, morals and integrity. God will bless those who bless Him, and His wrath will come upon those who persecute His people. Allah Akhbar!