What's In The MainStream?

Our Thoughts:

During the confirmation hearings for Senator Ashcroft, we are constantly hearing that his beliefs aren't 'in the mainstream' of the American public. I've given lots of thought to those sort of thoughts, and wonder from where that comes. The main definition in the dictionary for 'mainstream' is 'The prevailing current of thought, influence, or activity.' It doesn't say 'who' is included in these current thoughts, influence, or activities'. Any one of a number of people, groups, or states could be considered in the 'mainstream' or OUT of the 'mainstream'. I believe mainstreaming is done within the constraints of one's own mind - given the situation in which they are speaking. I would offer this: that, if your opinion conflicts with *my* (speaking of only the person making the judgement-not mine personally) opinion, then you are out of the 'mainstream' of thought on that particular subject. Thus, we have Senator Ashcroft 'out of the mainstream' on his ideas. I personally believe he is in this situation because of his religious convictions.

Senator Ashcroft holds to views that lots of Americans believe in - the right to life, limited abortion, and others. He also happens to hold to the same beliefs that I do, in his beliefs on religion. But, he has also made the statement that he would never push those beliefs on others. I know he has tried to pass legislation to get some things changed; but what legislator wouldn't try to get passed things that are close to his heart? I do not think this puts him 'out of the mainstream' on anything. In fact, perhaps it puts him more in the mainstream with those of us that value life.

I don't believe the Lord is happy with those that decide, 'hey, I don't want this child; let's abort'. I believe every woman that has had an abortion, later in life, will say, this has been one of the most traumatic times of her life. That is a decision she will have to live with the rest of her life. It couldn't be less traumatic than a woman who has a still birth. You long for that child; it's the mother's instinct to love a child. And, I do believe that love is in most of the mother's hearts, when she finds she is pregnant. She may decide to say she doesn't feel that love, but, if the truth were known, Mother's love without reservation. The tears may be withheld for the public, but she yearns for that child. I have a friend who wasn't permitted to see her stillborn child, for fear it would hurt her. She, to this day, nineteen years later, is struggling with her emotions of never having been able to see that child, to hold her in her arms.

We were made individuals, people who have a mind and heart. With our mind, we make up our own mind to what we think on anything. With our heart, we have to live with the values that we perceive to be the correct values. If mainstreaming means giving up your individual values for the approval of those that don't believe the way you do, even if you hold the views of the Bible, then I say, forget mainstreaming and go your way, unashamedly! You may get opposition from the mainstreams, but, rest assured, you are being watched and heard from above. God won't let you go unnoticed in His Court!

God's Thoughts:

All Scriptures are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.