Unorthodox Christianity: "Show Me Your Faith..."

"But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners? Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

(Luke 5:33-34)

That word…repentance…sure has been made into a scary one throughout the centuries, and with it, a conundrum for leaders of systematic belief. If you look up the etymological sources, the meanings are similar:

So basically, repentance is a combination of: Confession (an acknowledgement of wrongdoing), repentance (turning away from wrongdoing), restitution (making amends), and walking a new path as a changed being.

All systems–whether social, political, corporate, or religious–can eventually break or fail completely. We’re seeing that everywhere, across the entire planet. Why do they fail? Well mainly, of course, money and the lack or scarcity of it. That’s why there are planning and development processes. Some systems succeed and survive; some don’t because of one thing: Funding. Gotta have that funding flow in order to survive or at least break even.

But then again, you also have those running the show who have no idea what they’re doing (or saying), or…filled with their own ambitions, greed, or corruption. That's not just in the world of business...there are churches and organizations with very intricate systems - business and religion intertwined - to control their followers and congregations. But confessional booths - whether literal or figurative - are useless, if there is no true repentance.

Godfather, Part 3 - The Confession

Show me your faith without your works…

"But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’

Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!"

James 2: 18-19 (underline added).

Simply put, what you believe and the deeds you do should come as a result of your Faith. I believed in Santa Claus until I was told there wasn’t actually a big fat guy in a red suit with a team of reindeers and went down chimneys. But I eventually did learn that there really was a man, St.Nikólaos, who was known for his generosity and secretly gave money and gifts to needy people. I believed in Mormonism until I discovered that the Book of Mormon wasn’t actually the real story of how Native Americans populated the Americas. I voted for and believed in some U.S. presidents and leaders, and ended up either pleased or disappointed. I've believed in several people who had come and gone in my Circle...sometimes I learned the easy way, sometimes the hard way as to who was the real deal and who was not.

But I didn’t learn about Faith through a religion; I learned it in the course of living my everyday Life. When I went blind in both eyes, I learned to feel around furniture and objects. I had to write my stories for County 10 in a 26-point font (with 300-strength reading glasses)! I had friends and family who would take me by the arm and guide me, drive me to my job at the museum. I interviewed for jobs where I failed tests because I couldn't see, couldn't read the screen, couldn't see what I was typing.

Physical blindness is pretty terrifying, but spiritual blindness is even worse.

I've found that the key is to listen and discern. Sometimes I can’t really 'see' others’ motives or agendas unless I listen, read, ask questions, and enter into a civil discussion. Sure, there are times that my discernment isn't so keen, but I've also learned to use my “sixth sense” and call bullshit when something doesn’t set right in my gut. It has taken me a long time to discern between what to believe, versus the Faith it takes to require a knowledge of Truth. And the Truth can be hard to find...until it isn't, and it suddenly appears.

This is why my tribe is so angry at Foundations for Nations. Words were spoken from a pulpit that did not sit right with those who heard them. The shock and ensuing conflict has clearly revealed that a false christ has a hold on that church. The lack of humility, the continuing pride in their works, the defense and “no compromise” of their false christ, a lack of remorse or regret…the lack of repentance…is evidence enough.

But those who are programmed in systematic belief don’t see it because they lack the real Christ to guide them through all the furniture and objects. They refuse to listen to those who would take them by the arm and guide them, correct them, provide some wisdom and understanding. And those caught in the middle of it all fear the unknown if they leave. Fear takes a hold, instead of Faith.

 “Enter through the narrow gate.

For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction,

and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road

that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Matthew 7: 13-14

“Faith without works is dead (James 2:26). Not belief without works. Faith. Discounting or demeaning elements of another one's Faith doesn't make your deeds superior to theirs. Getting others to stand with you to worship your false christ, or minimizing other pastors who serve the Good Shepherd with a great love for their own flocks isn't something to be proud of. “Pride goeth before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18). Remember, all systems have weaknesses, and eventually break or fail. Then what do you have to hold onto? Your money? Your stakeholders? Your congregation? Your reputation? Your pride? Your 'friends'?

They said to him, “John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.” Jesus answered, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.” (Luke 5: 33-35)

It’s been 2000 years since the Bridegroom was taken. Fasting, praying, repentance…all are core elements to a walk of Faith. There are no systems that can replace it. And though inflicted for centuries, the Faith of many tribes and peoples has remained strong.

"Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard;

hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up,

I will come like a thief, and you will not know

at what time I will come to you."

Revelation 3:3

One day, the wait will be over.

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(Note: Yes, I use AI and Bible Gateway, solely as tools for research purposes. Hey, sure beats the Dewey Decimal system. LOL)

Unorthodox Christianity: The Story and the Battles Unseen

By Carol Harper

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name peform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
Matthew 7: 21-23

On my very long, very difficult spiritual journey...I have made it a practice to study from history and learn from it, apply it to the present, and use it as a guide for the future.

I'm no archaelogist, but I'm smart enough to know that the past cannot be completely erased, no matter how well-hidden. I'm no scientist, but I'm smart enough to know cause and effect. And I'm no prophet by any means, but I'm smart enough to know that prophecy is based upon probability.

To me, the Bible is a miracle book. After all, what other book has been a best-seller circa 400 A.D.? Considering the amount of compilations, translations, and interpretations its been through, it exists to tell one story: The Story of the Messiah.

Storytellers have been around for thousands upon thousands of years. Native tribes weren't surprised to hear the story of Jesus. The problem was (and has always been) the pre-interpretation and delivery of it. The evolvement of Christianity as a religion has produced a plethora of churches, denominations, sects, and cults...producing their own brand of Jesus preached from their pulpits. Is it any wonder that Jesus Himself warned against false christs and false prophets? (Matthew 24)

But fortunately, we also had people who defended the tenets of the Story, like Martin Luther who stood up against the Catholic church and sparked the Protestant revolution. We have churches on the reservation who have learned to serve the people in peace. We had people like John Roberts who lived peacefully among the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho and had a great Love for both tribes...respecting the Story, telling the Story, actually living the Story. The Story became a part of their many stories of the Great Spirit...worshipping in spirit and in truth.

"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."

1 Corinthians 13: 1-3

So to introduce doctrine, theology, and interpretations that are contrary to the Story, why would anyone be surprised that our Native tribes stand up and defend the tenets of it? Why would anyone be surprised that the tribes are fed up with preachers who hypocritically preach and buzz around their own brand of Jesus that goes contrary to the Story in the first place? Their spirit animals must be the mosquito! (And what a summer it's been for those!) 

I'm also smart enough to know that it is not really about a church's facade, it's about the people behind the curtains running the show. "Foundations for Nations"? Seems to me they were foolish builders whose "foundation" was built upon the sand. (Matthew 7: 24-27) They have become the Judases of the real Jesus, crucifying Him over and over again, digging their heels in with pride in the work they've done for a false christ. The probability of a house built on the sand? I'm no architech either, but you do the math.

The Story stands well enough on its own Rock. It doesn't need interpreted, doesn't need "another testament", doesn't need to be politicized. The Story doesn't need to be altered to fit an agenda or marketing plan. The Story doesn't need to be twisted by the spiritually blind to justify putting people under submission and control, or purchasing up and taking away lands for profit. And if you ask me, our nation's tribes are closer to Jesus and the Great Spirit because of their ceremonies, rituals, and traditions! John Roberts saw that. And as far as America goes? We should all be paying our biggest respects to our veterans who have fought and still fight for our Constitution, and for these lands to be protected and free to worship however anyone chooses.

But there are battles that are unseen...and those are the most difficult battles of all.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Ephesians 6:12

Unorthodox Christianity: One Person's Offering...

By Carol Harper

The situation with Foundations for Nations and the Northern Arapaho Tribe has escalated to the point of national and world news attention. With it, division has occured widely; people are taking sides, having arguments and debates on social media.

My view? Sarah Lucas and Foundations for Nations should have genuinely apologized. Because that's what Jesus said to do in his Sermon on the Mount:

"If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." Matthew 5: 23-24

I recently made a statement on MMIP Wind River about my experiences with Foundations for Nations. My biggest concerns have been for the members of this church, but most especially, the children and youth. They are our future. They are watching us. They should not be used as pawns in this situation, nor abused physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually! But unfortunately it is a strategy with tactics that have been used for centuries.

"Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. So watch yourselves." Luke 17: 1-4

Sarah should have apologized instead of digging her heels in. I don't know what "Jesus" she's following and worshipping, but it is obvious that it's not the one in the Gospels. And with false christs and false prophets rampantly sermoning everywhere, it can get to the point where most might be thinking: "Would the real Jesus please stand up?"

Today I was led to the Gospels to the following parable:

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

As churches and pastors may exalt themselves and everything they've done in the limelight...and even in this situation, where Foundations for Nations is so focused on their Constitutional rights, rallying stockholders and Christian nationalists to stand with them, Bibles in hand...there is a Greater Law that is revealed in this simple parable.

The real Jesus doesn't care about anything you've done "to be seen by men". Anything. So if your heart is more about "look at everything we've done" with the Jesus you've created with your many words, you are compelling your followers and congregrations to believe in a false christ.

“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him."

Matthew 6:1-8

Maybe everyone should all take a step back and ask: Who are the real "heathens"?

Unorthodox Christianity: One Person's Beliefs and Traditions...

By Carol Harper

It's really difficult to catch up with everything that's going on in the world these days. I've been getting some great night's sleep lately, so I want to keep that feeling of being refreshed and ready for the day. But then I've been quite a bit focused on the things happening in my tribe...then I miss what's going on in the nation and the world. I drive to work listening to the radio, getting bits and pieces to catch up. Then I walk into the station and never know what fresh brand of whatever awaits there. Knowing that ultimately everything is my Creator's hands, it's still very difficult to "be of good cheer" (John 16:33) and not let all the distractions waste my time.

The scripture God put on my heart today came from Matthew 15 (KJV):

"Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

But he answered and said unto them,

Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:

Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?

But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch."

Obviously, nothing needs to be added to that! But here's a little bit of perspective for those who are defending Foundations for Nations: Please try to get back to what Jesus really said. So many like to interpret and twist scripture because quite frankly, it's because of fear. There are so many who have been off the road of Faith for way too long, programmed from the pulpits, get comfortable in systems and structure until the blindness catches up to them when something happens. Then they desperately and blindly spout off scripture in defense of their own selves, church, or religion (or political party). 

Hypocrisy is a very slippery slope. What I gain from Jesus' words is Him using just one example (honoring your father and mother) in a brilliant attempt show the Pharisees...those who were highly respected and very well versed in their traditions, beliefs and practices...that they worship in vain. Wow, no wonder they were offended and wanted Jesus to die...and this was over 2000 years ago!

Jesus didn't care about appearances. He didn't care if anyone washed their hands before they ate. He didn't care about political or social status. He didn't care if you knew the law so well that you could twist it to benefit for your own gain or self.

I think about the confused, displaced, hurt and dying every day. It's a part of my job, actually. As I read the reports and narratives of our EMTs and Paramedics (and I've read literally thousands of them), I often get drained with compassion fatigue. I think about our veterans who have fought and sacrificed so much for this country, and how funding and care has been cut through the decades. I think about both our veterans and military, how they have fought and still fight for these lands right alongside others of different race, color, and creed.

I went to the Ethete pow wow a couple weekends ago. They are both social and ceremonial. Does anyone see or know how we honor our veterans in the Grand Entry? Does anyone see how many flags are flying in the wind? Kayleen Harding is an EMT here in Fremont County and the WRIR. She was a Stars of Life recipient and the Head Woman dancer. Does anyone see how we honored her?

The LDS missionaries were sitting/standing right behind me. You didn't see them proselytizing or pushing the Book of Mormon. They were guests and behaved as such. And given my last writing about the LDS church, you didn't see me going over and rebuking them. You didn't see me trying to argue and call them out over their false doctrines. You know what I did? Prayed for them with every step of the dance that night. Had hope that they one day they might be cured of their blindness, unshackled by their blind leaders, and they would see and know the Jesus I know. I put it in the Creator's hands, because that's where it belongs.

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!

You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside

but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.

In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous

but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."

(Matthew 23: 27-28)

It's an election year. We will be voting for leaders who will take us through the next four years. The vote has become so, so difficult because of extreme partisanship and division. There are many vying for seats of power (or wanting to stay in their seats of power), that quite frankly we really don't know if they have our best interests at heart. I came up against this during the presidential election. There were way too many things that I didn't know about either candidate, didn't know if this was going to be a bait and switch of promises made. So I didn't vote for either of them and put it in the Creator's hands.

But Jesus doesn't care about accolades. He doesn't care about who you greet in the marketplace. He doesn't care about what fancy restaurants you eat at, how much silverware surrounds your plate, or even if you washed your hands before you ate. He doesn't care about how many likes or followers you get on your Facebook page, or how much you spent on billboard signs. He doesn't care if you know the law so well that you could twist it to benefit for your own gain or self.

No, the Jesus I know was homeless (Luke 9:58). His 'job' given to him from the Creator was to preach Light, Life, Love and Truth, and it certainly wasn't a job He was paid to do. He called out the leaders on their hypocrisy; they tried to silence Him many times. They brought Him before a corrupted court, against trumped up, ridiculous charges, and ended up crucifying Him under Roman law. Believers were put in prison or to death in order to silence them as well.

Sound familiar? Karma has this way of making it around and through centuries of pain, suffering and death, and those who are blinded by their own political traditions, ambitions, or self-interests - whether partisan or religious - refuse to learn those history lessons and fail to see the destruction that always lies ahead.

But Jesus saw it.

Jesus called them together and said,

“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them,

and their high officials exercise authority over them.

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you

must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—

just as the Son of Man did not come to be served,

but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20: 25-27

P.S. Crack open those bibles and read all of Matthew 23 before voting!

Unorthodox Christianity: One Person's Truth...

By Carol Harper

I've been bombarded by folks on both sides of the religious/spiritual spectrums...tribal and Christian...on the Foundations for Nations controversy going on in my tribe right now, and there was a particular comment exchange between a friend of mine on County 10. Rather than continue it on their platform, I thought I would do it here.

My friend's comment: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and the days to come. Never forget we needed a Savior. No man comes to the Father except through Jesus. Where have we missed this basic truth? If it's not Christ centered, then it's idolatry, plain and simple. Native America doesn't get their own God-nobody gets to build their own path. How hard is that to understand?

My response: Quick history lesson: America is stolen land. Genocide of the Native peoples happened. Many Christians were the worst perpetrators. I know it's something a lot of folks don't want to be reminded of, but it happened. You can't change history. You cross over onto tribal lands? You are a GUEST of a sovereign nation. I agree with you about finding out if a church is truly Christ-centered, but even those who call themselves Christians have a difficult time with that. What Jesus? The Jesus that white supremeists use to burn crosses and hang people? The Jesus that calls Native people savages? The Jesus that turns into a corporate businessman? The Jesus that does a bait and switch? Seems to me Christianity has enough problems of its own to deal with before trying to tell others what to do and how to believe.

Systematic Belief vs. Faith

As children, we are programmed to believe what we are taught by our parents and if you go to church, that which is spoken at the pulpit. Most know my story about being adopted and raised in the LDS church. As a child, my family was very good at taking me out on the reservation to meet and visit with my family, but there came a time where they didn't want me to be confused, so the visits became few and far between.

In 1996, I left the LDS church. It was devastating. Over time, as I discovered the truth (that I had been worshipping an entirely different Jesus), I found myself in a state of grief for several years. It was as if everything I had ever known about anything was stripped from me, including my identity. I went through shock, denial, rationalization, anger, deep depression...and finally acceptance. My marriage fell apart, my children were confused. Why did God do this to me? Do I curse God and just die this spiritual death?

The latter wasn't an option for me, so I began a study and exploration of world religions. I started with Zen Buddhism and went from there. I explored Hinduism, Islam...even Wiccan. I took a college course on the history of Christianity and its denominational evolution. I read the Bible with fresh eyes. I replaced my grief with a desire to learn and understand. I visited other churches, even became a music director for a few of them. And at the same time, there were certain 'freedoms' that I had never experienced before. I tasted wine, beer, and coffee for the very first time. My circles of friends changed; relationships changed. In a nutshell, let's just say that wisdom is gained over the passage of time.

Faith and Trust go hand in hand

When I came back home here to Riverton, I had finished a 35-year long career as a music director, and with it, my church days ended. Not entirely (I'll visit a church from time to time), and not my relationship with God...but the church as an institution of systematic belief. Eventually, I learned (sometimes the hard way) that living a life of Faith, though downright scary in and of itself, has greatly benefited my soul. The sun rises and sets, and I'm grateful that God gives me another day of life.

I wouldn't wish the grief of leaving a church or religion on anyone. It was a horrible experience. Finding out the truth about the LDS church took a deprogramming process that came with great sorrow. It has taken a very long time to learn discernment, how to trust anyone or anything again. I still have problems with it, because several times I've been too trusting and naive when it comes to wolves in sheep's clothing. But in retrospect, I've also learned that God has had to give me a good ass-kicking once in a while to get me on the path that is according to His will and not my own.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and He shall direct your paths."

Proverbs 3: 5-6

As a believer in Jesus, I pretty much stick to the Gospels. What did Jesus say about it? What did Jesus do about it? There are so many stories and parables He taught...simple, yet powerful. And yes, I know; there those who like to debunk the Bible. Even Christians use and abuse it. But sandwiched in between the Old Testament and the New is the story of a Man who saw a world on the path of destruction and brought Light.

So what did that world do, in true human style? Crucified him. Started a religion. Continued the division, wars, and battles, but this time we have a banner to wave, the supreme idol to worship, lands and people to conquer and kill in his name, opportunities to control, churches and temples to build, sermons to write, scriptures to interpret and politically twist; movies, videos, and reels to produce, stocks in the marketplace...

Then Jesus went into the temple of God

and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple,

and overturned the tables of the money changers

and the seats of those who sold doves.

And He said to them, "It is written:

'My house shall be called a house of prayer,

but you have made it a den of thieves.'"

Matthew 21:12-13

My tribe has a Lodge of prayer and fasting, for tribal members only. There are also believers in Christ who attend Sundance. Prayer is direct communication, a very deep, personal, sacred time with your Creator, worshipping in spirit and in truth. Earth to Sky. Sound familiar? God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. How you do that is none of anyone else's business. It is your spirit communing with The Great Spirit.

So who is anyone to judge and say: "You're doing it wrong"? That's what the LDS church did to me. I was programmed to believe that theirs is the one true church on the face of the earth, and that you have to believe in all of their prophets, and that the Book of Mormon (which is a false history of Native Americans) is true scripture from God. Sign the dotted line. Terms and conditions apply. Pay ten percent of your income. There are good people who have been very misled since 1820 when Joseph Smith had his "vision" where two gods/personages appeared to him (which is polytheism, by the way). One man's truth is another man's lie.

Anything can be an addiction, including religion or system of belief. Alcohol might make you 'feel better' short term, but the effects on your mind and body? Poison. You have doctors playing God with prescription drugs and medications with small print side effect disclaimers, some of which include death (um, death is not a side effect). There's a big difference between drugs and true medicine. We've had pastors, priests, and kings playing God, speaking for God, prideful in thinking they know the mind of God, doing the will of God and the work of Jesus. Again, which Jesus are you referring to?

Some might think I'm being disrespectful, calling out the LDS church, comparing it to the situation now with Foundations for Nations. No, it's simply telling the truth. I see what's going on in my tribe now, and there are even tribal members who have sneered and mocked me and tell me that I'm not a "true Arapaho"...after all, what does she know, she's a half-breed. (Wait, isn't that disrespectful to say as well?) But I understand why they'd say that; many still don't know me. If they did, they'd know that I only say these things because I care. All they know is that they're hurt and angry...the same way I felt when I discovered the truth. And the truth hurts! But sometimes it might take that 'ass-kicking' that is needed these days...to look up from our screens, break the gossip circles, open our eyes, and be truly aware of all the narratives we're being fed. A little knowledge and a little humility would do us all some good.

I just think that, maybe it's time to get back to the basics with our child-like faith. That is why I love Jesus' simple stories and parables. There's a reason why He is called the Light of the World. That is why I love the stories I've been told by the Storytellers and Elders of our tribe. It is good medicine for my soul, and I still have so much to learn from them. Love, truth, and wisdom rings true with ALL tribes and peoples of the world. Love God, love your neighbors, even love your enemies. We haven't even learned how to love each other! So what business do any of us have, lecturing or casting stones about what is or isn't? If you don't have love, you have nothing. Nothing. No matter the religion or your beliefs, they are empty if you don't have love. Maybe it's time for some monumental, paradoxical do-overs.

I have a dear, wise friend who had helped me through my transition moving from Nashville back to California. She said: "Make a plan. Stick to the plan. Do not deviate from the plan." The journey through Life is yours. Your own body is a temple. The Creator has always had a plan for each of us, since the day we were born, a path for each of us to walk. Who will we listen to? There is so much hypocrisy, so many distractions, so many blind guides and white lies, so much confusion...it shouldn't be unconscionable for anyone to question words spoken from any platform or pulpit.

God is the Creator of the entire Universe. The world is changing at such a rapid pace. Lies uncovered, truths discovered. Lamps are being trimmed (Matthew 25: 1-13), the stage is being set. Keep watch and continue to pray, whenever and however you choose. Do it in spirit and in truth.

Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger."

James 1:19

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ."

Philippians 1:9-10

"Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains."

Matthew 24:4-8

"We did not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children."

Crazy Horse

"The white man did not kill my son. Whiskey killed him."

Chief Washakie

"You must not get drunk; it is a great sin...But you must not drink one drop of whiskey. It is the drink of the Evil Spirit. It was not made by me, but by the Americans. It is poison. It makes you sick. It burns your insides."

Tenskawatawa, brother of Tecumseh

"O my children! my poor children!

Listen to the words of wisdom,

Listen to the words of warning,

From the lips of the Great Spirit,

From the Master of Life, who made you!

"I have given you lands to hunt in,

I have given you streams to fish in,

I have given you bear and bison,

I have given you roe and reindeer,

I have given you brant and beaver,

Filled the marshes full of wild-fowl,

Filled the rivers full of fishes:

Why then are you not contented?

Why then will you hunt each other?

"I am weary of your quarrels,

Weary of your wars and bloodshed,

Weary of your prayers for vengeance,

Of your wranglings and dissensions;

All your strength is in your union,

All your danger is in discord;

Therefore be at peace henceforward,

And as brothers live together. 

The Song of Hiawatha