FIRST FRIDAY

Today is the first Friday since Trump became our President Elect. Despite the unreasonable meltdown of Liberals, sanity is uniting this country for the first time since Reagan. A large portion of the Democrat seem to now be embracing the policies of Donald Trump; a closed border and a war on inflation help us all. That said, I will do everything in my power – in my small sphere of the world – to avoid conflict with my fellow Americans. For months now, I have worn the Trump hat. Today, I retired the Hat and all of my Trump shirts. This Sunday, I will help a man – confined to a wheelchair – to attend my church. Whether you believe in God or not, generally church is a place of unity and stability. Many years ago, I had a High School friend who got into the marijuana routine early. From there he got into alcohol and became know as a ‘troubled’ Tile Setter. As a General Contractor, I tried to help Jon but, he had to behave and this soon dissolved our friendship. For Jon, things went from bad to worse and I finally lost touch with him altogether. Another couple of years passed and I heard that Jon was landing some big Tile jobs. I heard from a mutual friend that Jon had hit bottom a year earlier. After his wife threatened to leave him, Jon joined Alcoholics Anonymous. Apparently, the greatest achievement in his sobriety was the work that he attained through his connections with AA. Suddenly, Jon had a lucrative clientele and eventually, I called Jon to do a small job for me. I was surprised when I met Jon. He was clean shaven; his thinking was focused and clear; his pricing was high. The change was phenomenal. His ability as a Tile Man were the same but now, he was efficient and diligent in his work. After a couple more jobs, I stopped calling Jon because his pricing was very high for a somewhat average Tile Setter. My point is this: Jon began to succeed when he had a community that surrounded him and helped him. Abstractly, becoming an alcoholic was the best thing that could have happened to Jon. Well, Church can also be that Community without having to drink yourself silly first. Churches all around the world are centers not just of Faith but, of forgiveness and help. I encourage anyone and everyone to find a good church and become a part of society, not just for monetary gain but, because most any Church will give one the stability that most of us lack. Church and Community are interchangeable ideals. Sincerity is the key. Without the sincerity of wanting to be a part of the community, you will be discovered and the benefits of clean, honest society will escape you. Be Sincere; be Honest; learn to have the Integrity of Abraham Lincoln and you will be successful beyond your wildest dreams.