Jackie's Journey "Thorns and Thistles!"

“By His wounds we are healed”.  Isa. 53

 This Friday is Good Friday!  The cross is the center of our commemorating the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  His selfless and sinless sacrifice in our place is our reason to celebrate and praise His Name.  We call the holiday Easter and for a moment in time we stop and rehearse His ultimate sacrifice…His life for ours on that thorny and thistled “old rugged cross”.  Not only did he die for us but also on the third day He rose from the dead and gave us the promise of a resurrected life after death!  

 This deliberate and divine act of love was to give our lives promise, plan and purpose.  We are destined and programmed to serve others first, not ourselves.   In our Easter release to the Princess Parable Series, “A Royal Easter Story”, we have introduced our five young knights who present a challenge that draws our young princesses into a chariot race that reveals the truth of what the cross teaches.  

 Do you live a life selflessly and sacrificially serving others?

  We cannot be consumed with a life that seeks its own and find life abundantly.  It is impossibility.  Local churches open their doors on Good Friday to give us the opportunity to take a personal account of our commitment to our first love and renew our loyalty to live as Jesus challenges us to live…Holy!  We are reminded to live serving others, as He did, with eternal values and purpose in view.

 As moms, we are dedicated to living and then, teaching the character of Christ into our little princes and princesses.  We focus on drawing their attention to the importance of serving, helping and caring for others.  That is why we find ourselves saying, “Can you comfort your little brother” or “Will you help mommy?”  Teaching by example, without excuse, is the most powerful tool in our toolbox!  We are “known and read” by these little eyes and ears.  They know if the cross is real in us, or not.  We don’t fool them, but we do confuse them when our life message does not speak the reality of Christ in us!

Are your little ones confused?

“Then said Jesus to his disciples, IF any man will come after me,

 let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

Matt. 16: 24

 The cross holds the hope of humanity.  Denying self-life (our pride and selfishness in all its ugly forms)…and taking up His cross (His desires and His perfect Will for us)…  authenticates His life in us.  Living life consistently with no unconfessed sin and nothing between another person and myself enables us to follow Him.  “His crucifixion is the key; His resurrection the door…it is only by His death that we have the mandate to enter into the gates of eternal life.  His door is open always.  Christ is King.”  Isrealmore Ayivor

  “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; 

yet not I, but Christ lives in me: 

and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, 

who loved me, and gave himself for me?” 

Galatians  2: 20

“There are no crown-bearers in heaven who were not cross-bearers here below.”

Charles H. Spurgeon

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "Untested Unknowns!"

“Perseverance is a lowly virtue whereby mediocrity

achieves an inglorious success!”

Ambrose Bierce

 While attending Bible School, I met my husband and we were married a year later.  We had never heard of tribal people who had never had an opportunity to even hear the name of Jesus Christ!  Can you imagine?  God challenged us to take His Name to them!  My husband responded immediately to the need before him.  Yes, he would go!  He stood up quickly, as the seasoned visiting missionary, challenged the crowd for tribal missions; however, I stood frozen with my mouth wide open, in shock!  I could not believe his independent, instant response.   God had work to do in my stubborn heart.  My self-consumed willfulness held me captive!   

I was not equipped to live in the jungle…I hate spiders!  It took three days travel to get to this Indian village.  One and half day’s journey by banana boat (that’s right we slept on wooden benches) following the coastline, arriving in a remote small town to make a connection for the last ten-hour day trek upriver in an open dugout canoe!  Let’s see, I have two babies less than three years of age fighting the rapids during rainy season!  Surely, there was someone in that crowd of churchgoers more mature than I am that is willing and ready to go…not me!  I, fearfully, contemplated another 24 hours before I silently knelt with my husband and acknowledged God’s beckoning whisper to submit to His will and His very clear call to GO!  

 As a young student, untested missionary, wife and new mother I stepped out in blind obedience.  The unknown was my constant companion, as was my all-knowing God with His directing will and promises.  “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, so shall your offspring be.  Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead…since he was about a hundred years old…and that Sarah’s womb was also dead.  YET he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promises of God being fully persuaded that GOD HAD POWER TO DO WHAT HE PROMISED.” (Romans 4:18-21)

 For over 50 years now, God’s pursuing love has driven us to claim the name of Christ.  First, to those living in the remote jungles of Panama, “in the farthest corners of the earth” (Psalm 65:8), and today, to those living in the asphalt jungles of the United States.

 We have counted it a privilege to walk day-by-day wrapped in His strength, following where He leads us.  Joyfully persevering has become a fulfilling way of life… His receiving the glory is our reward…

 What are you facing today that seems

unbelievably overwhelming and impossible?

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "Who Needs a Title?"

In a global environment where who you are is an imperative and keeping track of your every move and accomplishment or failure is a priority, it might serve us well to take a look at our titles…because they describe our responsibilities!  Knowing and doing what God and others are expecting from us gives meaning to what responsibilities are all about. (Rom.14:12) 

Abraham Lincoln said “You can’t escape the responsibility

of tomorrow by evading it today.”   

1.      I am called a wife; mother; mother-in-law; daughter; daughter-in-law; grandmother; aunt; teacher; missionary; bush nurse; author; Pastors wife…to name a few…each with unending expectations and responsibilities.

2.      Ralph, my husband, is called a Pastor, Missionary, Nutritionist; CRA Doctor; Husband; Father; grandfather; father-in-law; teacher; provider, protector…

3.      A policeman may be a traffic or patrol officer; a detective or a Captain. Responsible for our safety and to a community at large. 

4.      Soldiers carry all kinds of titles depending on their rank. Responsible for our national security and defense. We are “soldiers of the Cross”. Responsible for being “battle-ready” to defend the faith & promote the gospel. II Tim.2:2

5.      We are “Priests”. Responsible to pray & represent Him to the lost and encouraging the saved to be alive and functioning. (I Pet.2:5,9)

6.      We are called “chosen” people. (I Peter 2:5,9)

7.      We are “Saints”. Taken from the world; sanctified and set apart for His service. Serving Him in every attitude, thought, word, action, opportunity with pure motives is our primary responsibility. (Phil.4:22)

8.      We are called “Disciples”. Responsible to delight Him as followers & students of His heart, will, purpose and plan for us. (Deut. 30: 15-18) 

9.      We are called “Ambassadors” …Responsible to make Him known & to represent Him to the world everywhere. (II Cor. 5:17-19)

10.    We are called “Believers” (Present Progressive!)  Responsible to “trust in the Lord withALL our hearts and lean not to our own “stupidity” (my husband’s rendition), in ALL our ways make him known and He will direct our path.” … (Proverbs 3:5,6)

11.    We are called the “light of the world” to light the way. We are known and read by all men. (II Cor. 3:2) Responsible for our daily walk and life-message. (Matt. 5:14)

12.    We are called “Spirit-controlled.” Responsible for yielding to His control, priority & purpose. (Gal.5:22,23)

13.    We are called “slaves of righteousness”. Responsible for our choices…right or wrong! (Rom.6:16-18)

14.    We are called “Servants” for the success of others, dedicated to pleasing Him first. (Matt.20:26-28) 

This is not an exhaustive list, but a starter…

One day we will be held accountable to God for how we worked out our salvation and God-given responsibilities… (Rom. 14:12)

Are you ready?

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "What? ...Why Not?"

“Worry is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. 

 If encouraged, it cuts a channel 

into which all other thoughts are drained.” Arthur Somers Roche

I’m a mom and when someone says, “Don’t worry”, I instantly balk!  I know worry is sin.  I know God is in control of all the current chaos.  The command in this portion of Scripture is “do not worry” about life, our future (current chaos included!), food, our bodies, or clothing.  God feeds all the birds in the air and the animals in the world. (Luke 12:22-31) His question to us is, “how much more valuable are people, believers, than the birds?”  

 For us women worry has a purpose that gives it value!  Do you know what it is?   Worry is purposed to place needs on our hearts to be converted into prayer.  We are to cast our cares or worries on Him who can do something about it.  The question is, then, “why do we worry?”  Why do we feel we have an ounce of control? Being responsible is not the issue here.  Being negligent in our relationship to Him is.  Our only real concern should be how we are linked to God in this existing growth process.  Is He really first in my life?  Is my primary concern in life pleasing Him?  Am I a light to those in darkness?  Do I prepare daily for the task or desires that He places on my heart?

 “…Oh you of little faith.”  

God is asking us…why we doubt Him?

 What has He done that is not believable?  “Do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink: do not worry about it.”(Lu. 12:28,29)   Why Not?  That is not our goal.  Lost people worry about such things because they are their own and only hope.

 What is the promise?

 “Seek the King and His kingdom, and all these things will be given to you”. (Luke 12:31)

 Place your future (regardless of present circumstances), wealth, talents, time and pleasure in His hands, so He can convert it into souls.  Aim for treasures that will last forever. (Lu.12:32-34)

 All the above is to prepare our lives for service to the King and to be at His service for the benefit of others.  The exchanged life is our hearts and lives alert to His commands, while He is concerned about our needs…future (regardless of chaos all around), food, clothing, housing, health, family, education relationships etc.  (Lu.12:35-38)   He will return to get His people… when? (Lu. 12: 40)

Will we be ready?

 In verses Luke 12:45-46, God finds the unfaithful doing his own thing.  His life is a fraud.  Hell is his final destination.  He enjoyed his sin for a season and had his time of pleasure. (Luke 12:45-46)  We are held accountable for our relationship to Him and how we have spent our lives. 

 “Worry is Prayer Inside-Out…” Ralph Johnson

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "Where Do We Focus in all this Muddle?"

I’ve been thinking this past week of the myriad of issues that we, as mom’s, are being challenged with and the decisions we are being asked to make, both for ourselves and our children.  How are we to know what is best, not just expedient?  

With social media giving unprecedented direction into every area of our lives, where should our focus be?  The supreme court is arguing this morning over “mandates” regarding some of these issues and what should be Federal Law?  With the turmoil in our world and the global world spinning out of control, where do we go to get grounded?  Where is the hiding place of refuge? 

“He (She) did EVIL because he (she) did not set his (her) heart to seek the Lord”. (2 Chron. 12: 14)   For moms, the thought of “missing the boat” with our children is pre-eminent!  We only have one short span of opportunity with them.  To seek the Lord is a present progressive verb…meaning… ongoing, never-ending action.  We are to connect with Him daily. (Romans 6:18 )  We are “freed from sin and forgiven… to do right”.  New Focus!

This is the most concise definition of evil found in the Bible.  It says that we are robbing God and ourselves by not living in that way.  “Setting our heart” is fixing it on the Creator, the one in total control. We are created to fulfill what we, with Him, are to do.  Our designed purpose is “to do the will of God on earth, even as it is being done in Heaven”. (Matthew 6:10)

We are “created for a life of good works that He has prepared before-hand for us to do”. (Ephesians 2:10)   He has given us the equipment we need to face the disorder and to step up to the plate, with God-confidence that we are not hindered by “evil” in our lives and can face the future without fear.

 “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (and all these things mentioned above v. 27-32) will be added to you”. Matthew 6:33    This is the section in Scripture on why we, moms, do not need to worry! He wants to supply for His family, like any good father, as His family yields to His will and ways.

Evil is doing our own thing.  We have two choices:  “Wisdom from above”, as described above or “wisdom from below”…Satanic, that which is selfish, proud, and envious. (James 3:13-15)   We cannot separate selfishness from Satan or pride.

 Sacrificing our will and desires means surrendering to God’s will, bringing us into His will and our purpose. (Romans 12:1,2) In Matthew 7:21,22, there was a group of people doing their version of God’s will, but doing it their own way.  He said, “depart from me, I never knew you.” They were doing, what appeared to be the same as the apostles, but it was in self-motivated satanic power.  

Who discerned that?  The Lord Jesus did!

What is His will in general for all believers?  Fish for men. (Matt. 4:19); Walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16.); Seek Him in the Scriptures daily to understand His heart.  It always involves service.  He came to serve, not to be served.  He lives in the believers to continue to do just that.  He is the same today, yesterday and forever.

 “The eyes see what the heart loves.  If the heart loves God and is single in this devotion (focus), then the eyes will see God whether others see Him or not.” Warren Wiersbe, Live Like a King

Let’s be wise moms this coming year and stay God-focused…

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "Don't Waste Your Life!"

Two days ago, we celebrated the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ…”a Name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4: 12 “But indeed, all the earth was filled with the glory of the Lord, for the earth was full of the knowledge of our God…” Num.14: 21; Isa. 11:9   This Lord will be “king over all the earth and on that day there will be one Lord, and his Name the only Name.” Zecharaih 14: 9

The best part of Christmas is the promise that “everyone who calls on that Name will be saved…” Rom. 10: 13-15  The climax of the ages with its ultimate victory is encompassed in our taking the Christmas message, as the cross-bearing family of God, and making the Name of Jesus known by word and deed.  

In 200 A.D, Tertullian said, “Go on, rack, torture, grind us to powder; our numbers increase in proportion, as you mow us down.  The blood of Christians is their harvest seed.”  “The Calvary road is where all the riches of the glory of God in Christ are found. All the sweetest fellowship with Jesus is there.  All the treasures of assurance.  All the ecstasies of joy.  All the clearest sightings of eternity.  All the humblest affections.  All the noblest camaraderie.  All the most earnest prayers.  These are all on the Calvary road where Jesus walks with His people.  

 Take up your cross and follow Jesus.  On this road and this road alone, life is Christ and death is gain!  We don’t make the name of Christ famous by our strength, our financial success, our outward glamour.  No, His strength is made perfect in our weakness!” John Piper

How will they hear without a preacher?  The lack of denying self and an unwillingness to bear the shame of His name hinders the Christmas promise from becoming reality in someone’s life.  Most of us are not satisfied with the permanent output of our lives.  “Nothing can wholly satisfy the life of Christ within His followers except the adoption of Christ’s purpose toward the world He came to redeem.  Fame, pleasure, and riches are but husks and ashes in contrast with the boundless and abiding joy of working with God for the fulfillment of His eternal plans.

Those who are putting everything into Christ’s undertaking are getting out of life its sweetest and most priceless rewards.” J. Campbell White

 “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 

‘Whom shall I send and who will go for us?’ 

 Then I said: ‘Here I am, send me.’”

Isaiah 6: 8

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "The Significance of Christmas Past!"

Christmas is nearly upon us.  There will be parties to attend…food to prepare, guests to entertain, gifts to purchase and greetings to send…all wrapped in a whirlwind of activity.  During this busy time of tree trimming and family gatherings, we have an opportunity to rehearse and learn the lessons from the birth of Christ.

 Let’s look at Mary’s Willingness…  “And the angel said unto her, ‘Fear not, Mary: for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and you will call his name JESUS.” Luke 1:30-31 On that very first Christmas Mary, the mother of Jesus, exemplified how WE should live our lives!  Always willing to trust God first… no disbelief, no fear, no panic.  Always willing to be used of God, no matter what He asks us to do!

 Then there was the Star’s Brightness! “There came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, ‘where is he that is born King of the Jews, for we have seen HIS star in the east and have come to worship Him.’” With everything going on around us, we are instructed to “let our light so shine (sparkle with the hope, love and peace of Jesus Christ) before men, that they will see our good works, and glorify our Father, which is in heaven”, regardless of our “hustle and bustle” and harried circumstances.

 Of course, we can’t forget the Hastiness of the Shepherd’s, “as it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, ‘Let us NOW go even to Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.  And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger.” Luke 2: 15,16   How quickly do you follow HIM?  Are you consistently God-conscience or consumed with the chaos of the day?  Have you paused long enough to know if your will is in harmony with HIS?

 Lastly, the lesson of The Wise Men’s Unselfishness.  “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and fell down and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matt. 2: 11 The wise men found Him, fell before Him, worshipped Him and gave Him the very best that they had to show their love, devotion and adoration.  This is exactly what we should do! 

 We celebrate this time of year because of the incredible gift

God gave us in the birth, life, death and resurrection of His Son!

 Will you join me in celebrating the TRUE meaning of Christmas?

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "Dry Bones!"

If there was ever a day when our families, country,

and world call for Revival…this is the day!

My grandsons are in college, but they call me every week to fill me in on their busy lives.  This past week, as I am reading through Ezekiel, I asked them both to read Chapter 33 and be prepared to share with me next week.  Ezekiel was a prophet, a priest, and a faithful servant of God who was sent to give God’s message to a wicked and rebellious nation,not unlike our own! 

In Chapter 37, he speaks of his vision of a “valley of dry bones” and in verse 11 cries out,” Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off”!  Spiritual deadness is a frightening position to be in and falling into the hands of an angry God is a dreadful thought. The absence of the fear of God reveals itself in our moment by moment life practice…

 Are we dedicated to comfort and convenience,

claiming personal rights, doing our own thing 

or are we dedicated to Calvary’s road 

and a God that calls us into holiness!

Jesus says: Putting anything before me reveals spiritual deadness.

Our dedication determines how alive we are spiritually, or if we are a mass of “dry bones”.  There is a quality of spiritual life that is rarely experienced among believers in the West because we are so busy…living in entitlements. The anger and rage seen all over America is the mark of entitlements!

Where are you living this moment?

Stephen Olford in Heart Cry wrote, “O that God would teach us that it is just as important to be spiritual, as to be sound in our approach to the Bible; just as vital to be obedient, as to be orthodox; and that the purpose of revelation is nothing less than transformation of human lives.”

Revival is the power of the Holy Spirit transforming God’s Word in our souls.  While in Bible School a fellow student introduced me to a small paperback book, The Calvary Road by Roy Hession.  Revival’s clear definition and seeing my need for personal application has been a constant reminder of God’s promise to set us free from sin and self…continually!

Revival does not begin with our nation or someone else. 

 It begins with me…and you.

Understanding our desperate need initiates the promise that “surely God will cause breath to enter into us and we shall live!”  Christ did not come into this world to make bad men good…He came to make dead men live!

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "Watch Your Tongue!"

Thanksgiving is this week and families will be gathering together to celebrate.  In 2008, a sweet South Carolina friend sent me this reminder to not get so busy with my life that I forget to control my often-frazzled thoughts, not realizing the tremendous impact words have on others.  As women, we often have the idea that God should control our thoughts and we go on auto-pilot, disregarding the sharpest weapon we have in our arsenal.…our tongue!

 “The power of life and death are in the tongue”! Proverbs 18:21

Your words, your dreams, and your thoughts have power to create conditions in your life.   What you speak about, you can bring about. 
If you keep saying you can't stand your job, you might lose your job. 
If you keep saying you can't stand your body, your body can become sick. 
If you keep saying you can't stand your car, your car could be stolen or just stop operating. 
If you keep saying you're broke, guess what? You'll always be broke. 
If you keep saying you can't trust a man or trust a woman, you will always find someone in your life to hurt and betray you. 
If you keep saying you can't find a job, you will remain unemployed. 
If you keep saying you can't find someone to love you or believe in you, your very thought will attract more experiences to confirm your beliefs. 
If you keep talking about a divorce or break up in a relationship, then you might end up with it. 

Turn your thoughts and conversations around to be more positive and power packed with faith, hope, love and action. “Guard your hearts and minds, rejoicing always.  Don’t be fearful or anxious about anything, but let the gentle control and peace of God rule your life.” Philippians 4: 4-9  “Even a fool is thought to be wise when she keeps silent (shuts her mouth)…” Proverbs 17: 28  “The woman who guardsher mouth, protects her life and the woman that opens her lips invites her own ruin.” Pro. 13:3

Watch your Thoughts, they become words. 
Watch your Words, they become actions. 
Watch your Actions, they become habits. 
Watch your Habits, they become character. 
Watch your Character, for it becomes your Destiny.

 Thank you, Angela Ramsey for bringing to mind

our responsibility, regardless of our harried circumstances!

We will all be held accountable one day…

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "Life is Not What Happens to Us...!"

I am a woman, daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt, American, politically conservative, Christian, an author, teacher, bush-nurse, missionary, pastor’s wife…These are what I call myself in my head; the tags that I attach to myself to describe the person I think I am.  They become the boss of my thoughts.  

 Who are we without a title, right?

 I have sundry labels, but the one that is shouting the loudest these days is that I am a Christian conservative American woman that has sat quietly on the sidelines, too long. I am fighting mad. The Afghanistan fiasco is the last straw and has challenged my tolerance for futility!  I am the mother of two strong woman and most recently, my oldest granddaughter, who have called me up short with their bold personal involvement regarding our country’s current need.  

 As women, we have been harassed and divided. We have experienced betrayal and disloyalty.  We have been silenced and shamed by the blind leading the blind!  Our homes, schools, churches, cities, counties, states and nation are in dire straits.  Our children are being taught, as fact, concepts and ideas regarding history, sex and health that contain terms that are not even in our vocabulary!

 The border crisis, the debacle and humiliation in Afghanistan (that was a result of a disastrous dyslectic plan), coupled with the recent flood of 9/11 memories with 3,000 sacrificed lives and the multitude of young soldiers wounded and lost here and on foreign soil, the abortion issue in the forefront again…are just a few of the many challenging topics of conversation we are hearing everywhere.  Strangers in a grocery store line are discussing the confusion and ineptness all around us.  

 Masks on one day…no masks another day!  The ever-changing vaccine issue! Two vaccines, vaccine cards, then…boosters in 4 months…then 6 months.  Mandates galore!  Businesses closing, ships stalled in port, not enough trucks to get food and goods to us once unloaded off the ships, Americans that don’t want to work, and the defunding of our police! Not to mention…the assumed positions of power and disregard of rule and law that has served us and our country well for over 200 years. We are becoming unrecognizable!

 No one seems to have an answer that resonates truth.  Our focus is lost on the peripheral, sacrificing the permanent on the altar of the immediate, grappling with issues that do not address the core of our ailment, as individuals or as a nation. We are being led by incompetence and directed by worldly philosophies. Whatever your personal beliefs, we all have a voice and we do not need to all agree.  This is America. 

 Let’s bury our fear and step up to the plate…all of us can agree that the families of our young men and women that were put in harm’s way in Kabul, need our support now more than ever.  We agree that all lives matter, including the unborn, and that division and hate will ultimately defeat us! Let’s agree where we can and not back down where we can’t!

 As American women, our time has come to claim yet, another title… “Warrior”!

 We fight for truth, righteousness, and like mama bears, we protect our own…

 Life is not what happens to us, but what we make happen…

 Just saying…

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights.