With the news completely saturated with political finagling as the 2008 presidental election nears the Alliance Defense Fund, a Christian advocacy group, are actively “asking” to be investigated by the IRS. 

Say what?

They are encouraging ministers to participate this weekend in ”Pulpit Freedom Sunday.”  They are disobeying a 54-year-old tax law which denys pastors the right to talk about politics from the pulpit. 

“Churches and other nonprofit groups such as charities and state-run universities do not have to pay taxes. That exemption, however, comes with a price. Churches, and by extension the pastors who serve them in an official capacity, are not allowed to endorse or oppose political candidates. ” (Source: ABC News Online)

The pastors will be speaking about their political preferences based on moral issues as outlined and defined in the Bible hoping to be able to challenge the legislation in court as a constitutional violation of their freedom of religious expression.  What’s at risk?  These churces could lose their tax-exempt status. 

So I ask…is it worth it?  Do you think pastors should have the right to discuss their political views or endorse a candidate for political office? Should they lose their tax-exempt status if they disobey the law? 

An unexpected moment occurred in my life today. As I sat in church, I was moved by 40+ individuals who were brave enough to bring a sign in front of the congregation. On one side it was something in their life that was keeping them from living, on the other side, it was a positive message or their faith in God, a message of recovery.

There were many who had overcome drugs, alcoholism, addictions, crime, and deviance but there were a few who stood out.

The front of her sign said, “I was conceived during a gang rape.” Gasp.
She flipped the sign over and it said, “God has blessed me to be a physician for women and their unborn children.” Holy crap!

Her sign said, “Bankruptcy, debt, and depression”
On the flip side, “Bank Manager and Financial Advisor.” You go girl!

His sign simply said, “PORN”
I’m still shocked at his courage for just putting that on his sign and standing proudly in front of everyone. I don’t exactly remember what the flip side said but I’m sure it was about living his life with Christ.

It was strange for me, almost poetic, you see, I just had this conversation with someone. Couldn’t I just see the signs? It would be easier if someone would just point me in the right direction. I said to myself, duh! Here they are, all 40 people standing in front of me showing me that there can be a change in my life…holding signs nonetheless.

It was very touching. A round of applause followed each person who was triumphant in their journey.

As the day of the big 30 approaches, I feel more and more like my life needs more purpose. My dilemma? I don’t know what that is or where to find it. So where do I see my signs? What will they look like? Where will they come from? At least after today, I know that whatever journey my life might take, I can always look toward to the flip side.

Dr. Randy Pausch passed away July 25 at his home after a valiant fight with pancreatic cancer. He was 47.

Last September, Dr. Pausch gave a “Last Lecture” at Carnegie Mellon, a college where he was a professor. It was an oppportunity for professors to discuss topics that were most important to them; this time, it truly was going to be his last time to speak in this venue. A year earlier, he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, Dr. Pausch spoke from the heart about his life and his family. On a whim the speech was recorded, it has since become an internet sensation and a best-selling book.

“If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself,” Pausch said. “The dreams will come to you.”

He focused on living the right way, enjoying life and having fun. He was a dying man who taught the rest of us how to live. Thank you Dr. Pausch.

“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”

The last lecture video and transcript can be found online in many place including on YouTube.

http://www.thelastlecture.com/