#Black Pastors Trump

[afriblaq]

"These runaway slaves hiding in the white house"

[jclovely]

📯📯📯 2025 YEAR OF DECISION 📯📯📯

MANY THINGS FORECASTED AND TOLD BUT THE CHOICE IS YOURS, BELIEVE LIES AND DECEPTIONS OR THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL ???

Here is a summary:

. The Rapture of the Body of Christ ie. all born again believers past and present.

. Lies and deceptions through AI, project Blue Beam, aliens in the skies, creation of Black Swan event such as the drones leaving poisonous substances in the air which many US and UK people have seen and fell sick to.

. Transgenderism and continuation of transhumanism agendas under Elon Musk, and all Luceferian global elites under WHO, UN, WEF, CDC, NHS, NIH and more creating the NWO.

. FALSE Ecumenism or Omnism bringing many faiths together creating ONE WORLD RELIGION.

https://rumble.com/v63gvok-exploring-the-abrahamic-family-house-a-temple-to-world-religion.html

. Terrorist attacks continuing domestically and internationally as we have seen lately in NYC, Las Vegas, New Orleans and Germany.

. Tower of Babel 2.0 returning trying to destroy the work of the Lord and destroy humanity.

. Hatred of Jews and Christians continuing as well as antisemitism and hypocrisy towards Israel defending itself since Oct. 7th 2023.

. CBDC and creation of digital currency.

. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ALREADY FORECASTED IN 1997 BY DR. ANDY HINES AND JOSEPH COATES. THEY WROTE ABOUT IT BECAUSE IT WAS THERE ALREADY AND THEY IMPROVED IT.

. Markets crashes around the world.

. World War 3 starting in the Middle East.

. 7 years Tribulation coming after the Body of Christ is Raptured and the revelation on the antichrist bringing FALSE peace.

. Club of Rome division of the 10 regions, now Trudeau gone, Canada, Greenland, Panama fair game for Trump and Musk to get these countries and their rich natural resources.

. And more sinister outcomes as mentioned in the Book of Revelation by the Apostle John.

IT WILL NOT HAPPEN ALL IN 2025 BUT IT IS WHAT IS SURELY TO COME IN THE FOLLOWING YEARS.

THERE IS NO FEAR FOR THOSE THAT BELIEVE IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. HE IS OUR HOPE.

IF YOU DO NOT KNOW JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOUR, HE IS READY TO GIVE YOU THE GIFT OF SALVATION RIGHT NOW:

A - Admit you are a sinner.

B - Believe in Jesus Christ, that He died for your sins and He resurrected and returning soon.

C - Call on His Name, confess that He is your Saviour now and forever.

As you come to Him, the Holy Spirit will seal you and will direct you to His Holy Word and reveal Himself to you and to all TRUTH.

God bless you all.

RECEIVE THE FREE GIFT OF SALVATION THAT THE LORD JESUS CHRIST READY TO GIVE YOU.

BUT HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS YOU CAN BE SAVED FROM ALL THIS AND BE TAKEN AWAY WITH HIM.

ONLY ONE SOLUTION SALVATION THROUGH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST WHAT HE WARNED US 2000 YEARS AGO HAPPENING NOW. REPENT, WE ARE ALL SINNERS, ACCEPT HIS FINISHED WORK AT THE CROSS AND BE SAVED FROM THIS WORLD GOING TO DESTRUCTION.

LET HIM DIRECT YOUR PATHS AND PROTECT YOU FROM WHAT IS COMING. HE IS THE TRUTH.

Thank-you to @godslove, @hiswordsarekisses, @heartsings77, and many others for all the gifs and memes.

Amen.

📯👑📯

🇮🇱👑🙏

🙏💖🌺🦋🕎✝️👑🇮🇱🕊📯

[this-is-me19]

Just a friendly reminder…

The above, I’m pretty sure is based on Pastor Martin Niemoller’s poem “First they came for…”:

First they came for the Communists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Communist

Then they came for the Socialists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Socialist

Then they came for the trade unionists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a trade unionist

Then they came for the Jews

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Jew

Then they came for me

And there was no one left

To speak out for me

[pastorprevon]

In Philippians 2:1, Paul mentions four things that can foster spiritual unity: Encouragement in Christ Comfort from love Fellowship in the Spirit Tenderness and compassion These elements can help promote unity and harmony among believers.

In Philippians 2:2, Paul asks the Philippians to fulfill his joy by being "like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind." By being united in their thoughts, feelings, and actions, the Philippians can bring joy to Paul. This unity and harmony would demonstrate the effectiveness of the gospel in their lives and bring satisfaction to Paul as their spiritual father.

In Philippians 2:3, Paul writes that we should consider others better than ourselves, doing nothing out of "selfish ambition or vain conceit." He encourages humility and selflessness, valuing others' interests and needs above our own. This mindset promotes unity, harmony, and servant-like behavior.

In Philippians 2:3-5, Paul encourages believers to conduct themselves toward others with: Humility: Considering others better than themselves (v3) Selflessness: Not acting out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (v3) Servant-like attitude: Looking to the interests of others (v4) Christ-like mindset: Having the same attitude as Jesus Christ, who humbled himself and became obedient to death on the cross (v5-8) By adopting this mindset, believers can demonstrate love, unity, and humility in their relationships with others.

In Philippians 2:7, Paul writes that Christ Jesus "emptied himself" and "took the form of a servant." This verse highlights Christ's humility and selflessness. He willingly laid aside His divine privileges and took on human form, becoming a servant to humanity. This act demonstrates His love and willingness to serve others, even to the point of sacrifice.

In Philippians 2:8-11, it is written that God highly exalted Jesus and gave Him: A name above every name (v9) Authority that every knee should bow (v10) Every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (v11) This passage highlights Jesus' ultimate exaltation and the recognition of His lordship over all creation.

In Philippians 2:13, Paul writes that "it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

In Philippians 2:16, Paul writes that he hopes to boast on the day of Christ that he "did not run or labor in vain."

According to Philippians 2:19-24, Paul felt positively about Timothy, describing him as: Like-minded (v20) - genuinely concerned about the Philippians' welfare. Unselfish (v21) - unlike others who prioritize their own interests. Proven (v22) - having a track record of serving with Paul. Trustworthy (v23) - someone Paul can rely on to send to the Philippians. Paul valued Timothy's character, work ethic, and commitment to the gospel, and trusted him to represent him and care for the Philippians.

In Philippians 2:25, Paul mentions Epaphroditus, describing him as: A brother Fellow worker Fellow soldier Messenger (or apostle) of the Philippians to help Paul. Paul considered Epaphroditus important and sent him back to the Philippians.

In Philippians 2:30, Paul mentions that Epaphroditus risked his life and came close to death while serving Christ, likely when he was sent to help Paul. This verse highlights Epaphroditus' dedication and willingness to risk his own life for the sake of the gospel and Paul's ministry. Philippians chapter 2 concludes with Paul expressing: Joy and appreciation for the Philippians' partnership in the gospel. Encouragement to unity, humility, and selflessness, exemplified by Christ. Praise for Timothy and Epaphroditus, highlighting their dedication and service. The chapter emphasizes the importance of living out the gospel through unity, humility, and sacrificial service, reflecting Christ's example.

[worldmediathewhowhatwhen]

Healthy Eating

As you can see in the spelling on "healthy" it has the word "heal" in it. You must be eating, consuming, digesting, and enjoying foods that heal the body and not breakdown it's defenses.

Food Moods

Sweet and starchy carbohydrates boost the level of a "stress-relief" serotonin in the brain makes you feel relaxed=pasta/bagels/baked potato. So, is a bagel something you want to eat for a morning pick me up if it's designed to make you feel relaxed?

Protein Mental Alertness

To increase mental alertness foods like fish, poultry, and dairy products increases mental energy. Are these foods something you want to eat before going to bed when wanting to whine down to sleep?

Salt/Sodium Watchers

Low sodium foods such as Sparkling bottled water, club soda, and fresh turkey are low in mg sodium. But deli variety turkey, ham, light soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce have the high mg sodium that you're trying to avoid.

Foods in Our Moods

Remember, you are what you eat? Well, it's true! Energy and alert chemicals in our body called dopamine and norepinephrine have an energizing effect. Chemicals that cause alertness is the amino acid and tyrosine (protein foods). Serotonin is the relaxing chemical/relieves anxiety. The chemical relies on amino acid tryptophan found in protein. But there's got to be a balance of protein. Eating too much protein foods depletes the brains tryptophan supply (amino acid that makes you relaxed). The constant tug of war between proteins of when to relax or when to get energized are competing in protein foods. To increase tryptophan, eat carbohydrates without protein. This will allow insulin to be released allowing tryptophan to enter the brain.

Tyrosine and tryptophan are better digested and reacts better in eating food rather than swallowing a pill form. Foods loaded with protein are fish, lean beef, veal, skinless chicken, shellfish, low-fat diary, tofu, soy products, and egg whites. These foods have pure protein without the fat and carbohydrates. Eating the carbohydrate without protein is crucial. Protein will boost levels of amino acids that compete with tyrosine for the brain. Instead of feeling relaxed, you'll feel hyped.

High-fat foods interfere with blood entering the brain to the digestive tract and take long time to digest.

by pastor prevon

[jccheapalier]

Rooftop Revelations: People got rich off identity politics. Now, we’re m...

[jenks378]

Black Pastor CLAPS BACK At Joy Reid For Crying Over White People Being A...

[allthegeopolitics]

Shopping giant Target is facing a huge backlash, including calls for a boycott from a Black pastor and civil rights leader, after it said it was ending some of its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. Just four days after Trump’s inauguration, Target issued an announcement stating that it planned to eliminate hiring goals for minority employees, as well as ending an executive committee focused on racial justice. Target also stressed the need for “staying in step with the evolving external landscape,” CNN reports. The new Republican administration has repeatedly attacked diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, which help to provide equity for marginalised groups, particularly in work environments.

Continue Reading

[kosher-salt]

Let me tell you something about fear.

I grew up in a smaller town. I changed high schools after a sports team of my YouTube-and-chat-room-radicalized classmates from far-right families and churches attempted to kill me a few times. Their chief complaints? That I wasn't white and that I was a lesbian* (I'm queer to be certain).

*A word they likely used far more in the search bar late at night.

There have been times, growing up, where I found myself at a coffee shop, campus area of the college, school cafeteria, or grocery store and overhead conversations that didn't strike my fancy. Some of them went something like this:

Person A: That Bad Thing is obviously caused by those immigrants/females/the trans/"Blacks"/scary scary gay men/abortionists (still not sure what that one means).

Person B: Yes yes, Trump/my pastor/Tucker Carlson/pewdiepie/the incels that live in my phone told me so as well and I agree.

A: Excellent. Now I'd like to order my vanilla sweet cream double carafe triple shot venti frapaccino, extra whip and stirred, not shaken. On the rocks. And it better be hot.

Now, I am not an immigrant nor trans, etc., and it was already visually evident that I was a lady so what they said would bother me and gross me out, but I wouldn't feel panic. My ears didn't ring, I didn't feel my heart in my throat. I felt no great animalistic resistance to confronting strangers speaking like this, and I often did if I didn't have good reason to believe that my interjection would galvanize them further.

I have called out, in my life:

-peers at all stages

-adults much older than I was

-professors

-coworkers

-bosses (knowing I'd lose my job, scary but worth it)

-military leadership

The people I confronted were certainly not scared or they wouldn't have been publicly and loudly speaking like this. In these instances, the fear I felt was minor if any, only for administrative retaliation at worst.

And that's because, if I dress right and talk right and deny my hair the right to roam, I can pass as a slightly unusual looking white person ("maybe she's Italian?"). My peers from earlier didn't consider me white for two reasons: I often failed at subduing my hair, and they already knew I was Jewish. I was proud of that, and often called them out for their racist bull, but there was nothing those particular people could do to me that they hadn't already tried while we grew up. I was the only Jew, that nobody would speak up for, suicidal enough after years of putting up with this not to care if they brought their gun.¹ This allowed me to speak up despite that dizzying feeling, the buzzing in my ears, and the way my hands would shake if I didn't keep them firmly around the sports equipment I eventually had to use, months into this, for self defense.

This, then, has been the difference between using my conditional privilege as much as I can to call out bigotry, and how it feels to be faced with hatred against you yourself, where your safety depends on them not noticing you. It is primal fear. If you have crossed paths with a mountain lion, you know the feeling. If you have any doubt, friendly reminder that these dudes did try to kill me. The school was aware. The police were aware. They punished me for recording (which was legal for me to do in Texas).

Here are some places in the last ~600 days where I have heard, in my blue city, conversations that made me feel like I was upwind from a mountain lion:

-In my lyft ride, unprompted:

"That foundation does a lot of research, but to be real they're funded by Zionists." Proceeds to explain how the Zios secretly control everything and experiment on bodies and kids in Gaza and the US. His stickers indicated he identified as left leaning, with a penchant for guillotines and grammatically incorrect Arabic that he almost certainly could not read. I left the car at a stoplight before he could check the mirror and realize it wasn't a sheriff's star around my neck.

-Coffee shop.

Young men that through their (very loud) conversation with each other indicated themselves as a mix of ashamed college students and proud dropouts. Described how the Jews did 9/11, and also about how suicide bombing is simply a cultural difference we must reckon with, and that it's "sus" if you feel any blips of internal disinclination to accept violent jihadism as a valid form of Resistance. They did not appear to notice any contradiction between those two ideas. I weighed both the worth of getting kicked out of my favorite coffee shop and the likelihood that one of these men would follow me home. The emerging horshoe of anti-intellectualism is not lost on me.

-On that note, in classrooms. Especially from professors.

One once brought me into the hall to berate me (and cause me to miss my next class) because our anthropology assignment included sharing the migration paths of our families. I mentioned that mine is Jewish. She told me I'd better renounce my Judaism. That it "triggered her." She then threatened to accuse me of plagiarism.

-At home.

A housemate tried to kill me within 24 hours of meeting me because another roommate told her that I am a Jew (and apparently nothing else).

In these instances, who do you think felt fear? Again, it couldn't be these people, or they would not have been openly and without hesitation making these claims for anyone/strangers to hear, despite how much people with these views love to claim oppression under some Zionist thumb.

I felt fear. I felt fear at minimum for my degree and livelihood. At maximum for my life or freedom if another housemate gave false testimony following the stabby roommate incident.

None of these people knew anything other than that I was in some way a Jew, ethnically or culturally.

This is not the fear I feel if someone is complaining about left leaning people, about pro-choicers, against anything that is a position I elect to have. Yes, I can take a necklace off, straighten my hair, speak differently, and put a fake name down for my apps, maybe get away with being recognized as The Bad People. Some of the individuals I mentioned were unaware for various reasons that a Jew was right there. But it would have been dangerous to let them know. Speaking out could have (and has) led to an assumption I was Jewish. Perhaps because it's so rare that anyone who isn't speaks up for us. After all, easier to get on the bandwagon than to walk the whole way.

This is the fear I have at the library when the group next to me reveals they're organizing a fundraiser to donate to Hamas (not a charity pretending to be unaffiliated, but the terror org itself, explicitly). The discomfort in my chest when the pharmacist tech repeats my last name long after I confirmed it with a strange infection, looks at my chain, sneers, and then throws my prescription at my face like it's the first pitch. When the children in my congregation don't sleep and their parents don't either. When knowing that the only reasons I'm physically unharmed are because most people are too cowardly to do what they rant about online (good), that I don't reveal myself to the ones that aren't, and that I have a natural talent for dodging chef knives.

If you cannot understand that the reason that "anti-Zionist" Jews don't often call this sort of thing out isn't because they aren't experiencing antisemitism, or you asume that antisemites can accurately guess who is and isn't a Zionist, you do not have enough of a foundational grasp on systems psychology to regard yourself an expert in international politics.

And if you aren't a Jew, and you have the cousin of JFK Jr's tape worm riding along with you/hate Jews, you may be getting ready to write something along the lines of, like Jews get on every post about their lived experiences, "that didn't happen and you're a stinky liar and im uncomfortable!!!"

Okay 👍 I bet you are uncomfortable.

[grits-galraisedinthesouth]

Black MEN tell Barack Obama to go home to Martha's Vineyard & kick rocks!!

"No more simping! It's Trump 2024"

Anton's follow up commentary: https://youtu.be/72b5EywbWqg?si=jtjO9cTFB4eIN7AS

Nina Turner calls out Obama's DISRESPECTFUL tone towards BLACK Men

"...finger wagging & shaming..." from Obama to BLACK Men

Obama's "plantation speech" is rejected

Eloquent Pastor reminds BLACK men it's none of Obama's business which box you check in the PRIVATE voting booth.

"Barry leave us alone!"

Polling Black men in Chicago

Ace Smart

Under Trump: No new wars, better economy & low crime.

Under Kamala Harris:

[gxlden-angels]

I've had this account now for 5ish years now. I've been in therapy for years, not exclusively for religious trauma but it's a major part. I've gotten better. I have a lot of content here I could reflect on, but I don't think I want to. I like knowing I progressed. I don't like looking at what from. Usually religious trauma comes up in therapy as an "oh yea...." instead of by name now. It's indirect. Enmeshment. Parentification. Vaginismus. Scrupulous and Harm OCD. Alexithymia. Derealization and Depersonalization. Paranoia.

I'm like, a real adult now I guess. I have a bachelor's degree now. I walk this upcoming weekend. I live in a house and I'm renting out a room with my own money. It has a backyard my cat likes to run around in. I had a job interview in my chosen field today. It went well

Then I'll go back to my family for the weekend and I find out they're spiraling into AI generated christian conspiracy theory videos. Their pastor is preaching about Trump being the anti-christ, and any non-Trump or Conspiracy message is the same thing he's said for the past decade, sometimes word for word. My uncle is convinced he's a prophet. He tells a story about a girl that was paralyzed after not listening to his message. My grandfather is convinced us black people are the true Israelites and chosen people. I thought I was the only one medically neglected by my aunt who's a doctor. I was not. I show her my emotions chart app. She tells me it's good so I can recognize when I feel bad and remember Jesus's love until I'm happy again. It's not normal for your joints to pop out of place apparently. We all learned this at the same time. It's Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. That explains a lot. My grandfather fell asleep to a video about the Ethiopian bible and how other bibles were made to take out miracles by Jesus and angels again. The remote is lodged in his hand so we can't change it

Then I talk about plants and food with my dad and my grandmother. My dad jokingly complains about his mom making him garden with her all day half a century ago. I give her a little kiss on her forehead before I go. My dad sends me home with leftover peach cobbler he made. I eat it with my lunch at my job. I answer phone calls at a front desk. I paid real taxes for the first time this year. I go to therapy and I talk about everything from my sex life to my graduate school plans to my opinions about generative AI (I hate it). I'm like, a real, breathing adult that has autonomy I guess. I'm not even claimed as a dependent anymore. I built my own desk that I bought from Big Lots.

You get where I'm going with this right? I'm not cured or healed by any means. Far from it in fact. I still get a pang of anxiety using the lord's name in vain and a chill down my spine when manifesting feels too close to confessing. It's harder making a personal post about religious trauma now though. It's not necessarily that I'm cured, it's just so engrained that I've created atheistic excuses to stay stuck in my religious trauma. I can pinpoint the source of it if I think about it long enough, so I don't think about it long enough

I'm not afraid to think lustful thoughts because holding lust in your heart is a sin, it's because I feel like a creep. I'm not worried I'll be sent to hell if I make mistakes that take me further from Jesus, I just think making mistakes would make me a bad person and an asshole. These beliefs popped out of nowhere, of course. They aren't influenced by the religious trauma so deeply buried in my head that taking it out would feel like taking out the gray matter of my brain itself. I'm schrodingers's man where I'm only a human when I'm observed. It used to be a deity but then it was you. I'm observed by you and that proved I'm human just long enough to get by when I most needed it. I still have that problem, but I'm seen outside of here. I see myself more often too

I don't want this post to seem like a good-bye, because it's not. I'm just currently in a period of limbo and I feel like the next generation of religious trauma bloggers are rising. I'm too busy arguing with my therapist about why I'm a bad person in a way that doesn't just boil down to "I'm a sinner in need of redemption" in a desperately-secular way. I'm self-aware enough to know that's what I'm doing, but not progressing enough to stop yet. I think what will happen is I'll eventually get frustrated enough to give up on the secular origins of my mental distress. I think a lot of you are in a similar place. You're out long enough that it feels like it should be over. You don't live in the bible-thumping, belt-wielding, gay-bashing, hellscape you once did. You might even be no-contact. You pay taxes now in your apartment. But it's not over. It's still there. It's just harder to say it's Jesus's fault I'm like this. It feels like it's been too long to still blame the bible.

It's not. It's buried in your synapses and neurons and muscles and bones and skin and hair and teeth and it's hard to remember that after 5 years. It's not oozing out into your bloodstream and filling you with enough cortisol and adrenaline to fuel an elephant anymore. It trickles though like a leaky faucet. I think I've lost the plot at this point, but you get it

Like I said, not a goodbye despite what it seems like. I just have to remember that a leaky faucet is still a concern

[pastorprevon]

The Epistle to the Philippians is a book of the New Testament in the Bible. Here are some key facts about it: Authorship: The letter is attributed to the Apostle Paul, who wrote it while in prison (likely in Rome) around 61-62 AD. Recipients: The letter is addressed to the Christian community in Philippi, a city in ancient Macedonia (modern-day Greece). Purpose: Paul wrote to express gratitude for the Philippians' financial support, to encourage them in their faith, and to provide guidance on living a Christ-centered life. Themes: Key themes include joy, gratitude, humility, and the importance of following Jesus' example. Famous passages: One of the most famous passages is Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." The letter emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith with joy, humility, and unity.

In Philippians 1:6, Paul expresses confidence that "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." In other words, Paul is confident that God will continue to work in the lives of the Philippians, bringing their faith to full maturity until Jesus returns.

In Philippians 1:7, Paul says that the Philippians are partakers with him of God's grace because they have shared in his sufferings and have supported him financially in his ministry, specifically mentioning their support of him while he was in prison. Their partnership in the gospel and their kindness towards him have made them sharers in God's grace together with Paul.

In Philippians 1:29, Paul explains that it has been granted to the Philippians "not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him." This verse highlights that suffering for Christ is a privilege and a gift from God, just as believing in Him is.

In Philippians 1:9, Paul prays that "their love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight." He's asking God to help the Philippians grow in their love for each other and for others, and to do so with increasing knowledge and discernment.

In Philippians 1:9-11, Paul prays that the Philippians' love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that they may be able to discern what is best (verse 10) and be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God (verse 11). In essence, Paul is praying for their spiritual growth, discernment, and righteous living, ultimately bringing glory to God.

In Philippians 1:12, Paul writes, "Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel." Paul is saying that his imprisonment and sufferings have actually helped to spread the gospel, likely through his witness to those around him, including guards and other prisoners. Despite his difficult circumstances, the gospel is still being advanced.

In Philippians 1:14, Paul writes that his imprisonment (or "bonds") has given others confidence in the Lord, and as a result, "most of the brothers and sisters, having confidence in the Lord because of my imprisonment, now more boldly dare to speak the word." Paul's boldness and endurance in the face of suffering have inspired others to be more courageous in sharing their faith. His imprisonment has had a positive impact on others, emboldening them to preach and share the gospel more freely.

In Philippians 1:15-17, Paul mentions that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, or selfish ambition, rather than goodwill or love. They are motivated by a desire to cause Paul distress or to advance themselves, rather than genuinely serving Christ. In contrast, others preach Christ out of goodwill and love, knowing that Paul is imprisoned for the gospel. Paul's focus, however, is on the fact that Christ is being proclaimed, regardless of the motivations behind it.

In Philippians 1:18, Paul writes that regardless of the motivations behind the preaching, "Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice." The fact that Christ is being preached brings Paul joy, even if some do so with impure motives. He focuses on the positive outcome – the spread of the gospel – rather than the negative motivations of some preachers.

In Philippians 1:21, Paul writes, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Paul's perspective is that whether he lives or dies, his life is centered on Christ. Living means continuing to serve and follow Christ, while dying would mean gaining a closer relationship with Christ in heaven. For Paul, both life and death are valuable in relation to Christ.

In Philippians 1:23-24, Paul writes that he is torn between two desires: "I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far, but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body." Paul is expressing his struggle between the desire to die and be with Christ, which he believes would be a wonderful thing, and the need to stay alive to continue serving the Philippians and spreading the gospel.

In Philippians 1:24-25, Paul concludes that it is more necessary for him to remain in life for the sake of the Philippians, and he is convinced that he will remain and continue to be with them for their progress and joy in the faith. Paul's conclusion is that staying alive is more beneficial for others, and he chooses to prioritize their needs over his own desire to be with Christ.

In Philippians 1:27, Paul writes that the Philippians' "manner of life" should be "worthy of the gospel of Christ." He encourages them to live in a way that reflects their citizenship in heaven and to be united, striving together for the faith of the gospel. Their conversation and conduct should demonstrate the values and principles of Christ.

In Philippians 1:29, Paul writes that it has been granted to the Philippians "to suffer for Christ" as a privilege. Suffering for Christ's sake is seen as a privilege and an honor, not just a burden. This highlights the value of identifying with Christ's sufferings and the special relationship it brings with Him.

[worldmediathewhowhatwhen]

Every American holiday seems to generate trash and packaging trash. Trash pollution heavily burdens the Earth through various impacts, including environmental damage, economic costs, and health risks. Globally, billions of tons of waste are generated annually, leading to significant pollution of land, water, and air, according to DevelopmentAid and Earth Day. This pollution harms ecosystems, wildlife, and human health, while also contributing to climate change and increasing economic burdens on waste management and cleanup efforts. Here's a more detailed look at how trash pollution impacts the Earth:

Environmental Damage: Pollution of land, water, and air: . Trash contaminates soil, rivers, lakes, and oceans, leading to the release of harmful chemicals and pollutants into ecosystems. Harm to wildlife: . Marine animals ingest or become entangled in plastic and other trash, leading to injuries, deaths, and habitat destruction. Ecosystem disruption: . Trash alters natural habitats, disrupts ecological balance, and can lead to the decline or extinction of species. Climate change: . Methane emissions from decaying trash in landfills are a significant greenhouse gas, contributing to global warming. Loss of biodiversity: . Pollution and habitat degradation caused by trash reduce the diversity and abundance of plant and animal species.

Economic Costs: Waste management expenses: Collecting, transporting, and disposing of trash, including landfills and recycling programs, incur significant costs. Healthcare costs: Exposure to pollutants from trash can lead to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues, increasing healthcare costs. Cleanup and restoration costs: Remediating contaminated sites and restoring damaged ecosystems can be extremely expensive. Tourism and recreation losses: Polluted areas can deter tourists and reduce recreational opportunities, impacting local economies. Loss of natural resources: Overconsumption and waste generation deplete natural resources, leading to economic instability.

Human Health Risks: Exposure to harmful chemicals: Trash can contain chemicals that leach into soil and water, contaminating drinking water and causing health problems. Respiratory problems: Air pollution from waste burning or decomposing trash can cause respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis. Infectious diseases: Unsanitary landfills can attract rodents and insects, transmitting diseases like West Nile virus and leptospirosis. Food contamination: Microplastics and other pollutants can enter the food chain, potentially harming human health.

Other Impacts: Aesthetic damage: Trash litter can detract from the beauty of landscapes and reduce quality of life. Social unrest: Poor waste management can lead to social tensions and conflicts, especially in areas with limited resources. Impact on future generations: Trash pollution and the associated environmental and health problems can create a burden for future generations. In conclusion, trash pollution has far-reaching and detrimental impacts on the environment, economy, and human health. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including reducing consumption, improving waste management practices, and promoting sustainable alternatives to plastic and other polluting materials.

[camisoledadparis]

In the USA, Pope Francis appoints an "anti-Trump" and "pro-LGBT" cardinal to head the Archdiocese of Washington! Chosen by the sovereign pontiff on Monday, January 6, 2025 to lead the Archdiocese of Washington, Robert McElroy, 70, has issued several criticisms in recent years regarding the future American president's migration program and his treatment of LGBTQ people!

A symbolic decision. Pope Francis on Monday appointed a Catholic cardinal who is very critical of Donald Trump's political program as the new head of the Catholic Church in Washington, a few days before the billionaire's inauguration as President of the United States, and on the fourth anniversary of the attack on the United States Capitol, January 6, 2021!

Robert McElroy, 70, already made a cardinal by Francis in 2022, has been Bishop of San Diego since 2015! He is particularly known for his public anti-Trump stances… During the Republican leader's first term, Bishop McElroy strongly criticized his plans to launch a mass deportation campaign targeting millions of immigrants living in the United States! He called on Americans to "disrupt" these plans in a 2017 speech and later told a Catholic magazine that Catholics "simply cannot stand by and watch (migrants) be deported"! A bold move: Robert McElroy is also an outspoken ally of Francis among the American Catholic bishops, who are widely divided over the Pope's pastoral agenda! He has taken progressive positions on issues such as welcoming LGBTQ Catholics and calling for the ordination of priests… Before arriving at the head of the archdiocese, the cardinal had a classic career path: holding a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, as is customary for Catholic prelates, he also earned a doctorate in politics from Stanford University, where his thesis focused on American foreign policy!

"This is a bold move," Massimo Faggioli, an Italian academic who has closely followed Francis' papacy, said of RobertMcElroy's appointment! He will replace Cardinal Wilton Gregory, who has led the Archdiocese of Washington since 2019 and is retiring… Gregory was the first African-American leader of the Catholic Church in Washington and the first black cardinal in the United States!

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Noel Sims at Popular Information:

In a January 24 press release from the Department of Education, the Trump administration declared that book-banning was a “hoax.” But last month, President Trump invited John Amanchukwu, the self-proclaimed “book-banning pastor,” to the White House for a Black History Month event. Since 2023, Amanchukwu, a youth pastor from North Carolina, has travelled to at least 23 school board meetings in 18 states on a nationwide book-banning tour financed by Trump donors and allies, including Turning Point USA (TPUSA). On this tour, Amanchukwu demands that school districts remove books that do not align with his conservative Christian ideology — usually books written by or about LGBTQ people. Amanchukwu relies heavily on insults and threats during his school board speeches, maximizing each appearance's potential for social media virality. At a recent stop in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Amanchukwu launched into a typical rant about the book "It Feels Good to Be Yourself." Amanchukwu said the book was "a lie" because it acknowledged that gender identity is fluid and intersex people exist. As proof that the book was lying to children, Amanchukwu cited Genesis 1:27. Informed by the chair of the school board that he was out of order because his comments did not pertain to items on the day's agenda, Amanchukwu just began speaking louder, attempting to drown out the board members. Asked to return to his seat, Amanchukwu was undeterred. "We want to ban books that seek to pervert the hearts and minds of children," he shouted. The shouting continued for approximately three minutes, until the board declared a recess. In April 2023, Amanchukwu attended a meeting of the Wake County Board of Education in his home state of North Carolina with then-candidate for state superintendent Michele Morrow and other local activists. In his comments, Amanchukwu said that inappropriate books were being "purchased and delivered" to local schools as part of a plot by the "Democrat Party" that "castrates children, mutilates children, perverts children, grooms children, murders children, and indoctrinates children." (The Wake County Board of Education is non-partisan.) [...]

The money behind Amanchukwu

In August 2023, Amanchukwu officially announced a nationwide tour of school boards in partnership with a “major organization,” TPUSA. In June 2024, he appeared on a podcast hosted by TPUSA Founder Charlie Kirk during which Amanchukwu revealed that TPUSA had chipped in “thousands and thousands” of dollars to support his work. Amanchukwu also said he received “hundreds of thousands” of dollars from Robert “Dr. Bob” Shillman. Shillman is a businessman and right-wing donor who has previously funded anti-muslim activists including Laura Loomer, Brigitte Gabriel, and Tommy Robinson. Shillman also hosted a fundraiser with J.D. Vance for the Trump campaign in September 2024. Some specifics of the financial arrangement between Amanchukwu, TPUSA, and Shillman have not been disclosed. But, based on TPUSA social media posts, it appears that Shillman’s donations to TPUSA are being used to fund Amanchukwu's school board tour. Amanchukwu has worked with TPUSA Faith, an offshoot of TPUSA, as a contributor since July 2022. Amanchukwu was a featured speaker at America Fest, TPUSA’s annual conference, in December 2024 and is often featured on TPUSA's social media accounts.

[...] In Fall 2024, Amanchukwu became a visiting fellow at the Center for Renewing America, an organization founded by Russell Vought, a lead author of Project 2025 who was recently confirmed as Trump's Director of the Office of Management and Budget. The Center for Renewing America did not respond to questions about Amanchukwu’s work. [...]

Causing chaos at school board meetings to create viral social media content

When Amanchukwu announced his school board tour, he said he would travel to the “wokest and bluest and darkest cities in America.” Instead, his tour has largely stopped in purple or red districts — Boise, Idaho; Washoe County, Nevada; Gwinnett County, Georgia; Midland, Texas. On at least two occasions when Amanchukwu visited school boards that only allow public comments from people residing in their district, Amanchukwu has claimed to be the roommate of a local activist. Amanchukwu’s school board speeches follow a routine format. He identifies a few books he feels do not belong in school libraries. These books often feature LGBTQ characters and range from picture books to more mature young-adult novels. Amanchukwu reads a passage from one of the more mature books and admonishes school board members for allowing such “perverse” material in their libraries. Amanchukwu frequently breaks meeting rules, which has resulted in him being escorted out of meetings by police on several occasions — and provides eye-catching content for his social media accounts.

Popular Information does an exposé on anti-LGBTQ+ extremist and book ban advocate John Amanchukwu. Amanchukwu’s activities have been funded by right-wing bigwigs, such as Turning Point USA.

[mariacallous]

I am a Chinese woman, a daughter of immigrants, who voted for Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election. It is almost a secret, though I sometimes offer up the confession like it is penance.

I cried driving away from my polling place and sobbed on a futon when he won. My chest was tight, my stomach churned, my face was hot — all blood and breath and acid had conspired inside me to signal alarm. I immediately hated my choice, but I did not yet believe it to be wrong. I had bought into the lesser-of-two-evils arc, with “But her emails!” still echoing in my mind to assure me that this was the only option.

Earlier that fall, my church had just launched a new “Adopt A College Student!” ministry. It was imagined as a mentorship and fellowship opportunity for the young adults in our congregation, a chance to share coffee and do laundry. We were invited to apply for the program, so that we could prayerfully be matched up with an adoptive family. I learned the family of one of our church’s pastors had requested to be paired with me, and this thrilled me. I had secretly hoped to be matched with them, and I loved a narrative in which I was chosen.

My eagerness to sign up for anything that promised me love was what had brought me to church in the first place. The messaging was direct. They had cornered the market on love, and all I needed to do was say yes. The love would turn out to be a gimmick to get me signed up for the real program, one that I was even more primed to receive, and that I believed was simply the precursor to how to be loved: how to be good.

In addition to a behavioral and ideological rulebook, white evangelical culture provided me with one other thing I’d been chasing after my whole life: an entry point into dominant white culture. I wanted to un-other myself and believed that I could assimilate myself into safety, power and love.

...

A few months before the election, I had just for the first time considered whether or not I was a “person of color.” I had watched a recording of a diversity roundtable segment from a popular Christian women’s conference featuring people of color discussing race and the church, and two East Asian women were on the panel. Afterward, I asked my white roommate if I was a person of color and cracked a joke about whether or not yellow was a color. I knew I wasn’t white, but I had been white-adjacent enough to believe that a racialized experience wasn’t something that belonged to me. I had only ever heard race discussed in the contexts of Blackness and whiteness.

Recently, my only Asian American friend from high school shared that her prevailing memory of me was that I hated being Chinese and wished I was white. She remembers me saying this over and over again. I had always felt the categorical otherness of being Chinese in a town that was over 90% white and had so minute an Asian population that the category was often omitted altogether in census data (other times, it came in at a decimal below 1%). But I lacked a framework to make sense of it. I didn’t yet understand white supremacy, or the model minority myth or even systemic racism. I didn’t know that I was a person of color.

I instinctually hated what was hated in me, but even that felt like pointing at a ghost. How do you gather evidence when all the evidence is just ways you are quietly not there? The movies you are not in, the books, the TV shows. The way your history is omitted, but you can’t cite what you don’t know, you can only know what isn’t yours, and the history you learn never is. You singularly fill the gap that accounts for your existence, because if you haven’t learned about you, then surely they haven’t either. They ask you about your eyes or your food or your parents’ names, but it’s all in good faith (except when it’s not). The systems that are designed to restrain us — the ones that succeed without our ever seeing them — breed a particularly maddening brand of self-hatred.

Following the election, the bubble of white-adjacent privilege I had quietly kept myself in popped overnight. All of the good behavior in the world couldn’t save me from the pain that was now presented to me as my birthright. People I loved had received a blanket permission slip to say out loud any abhorrent things they had believed all along. Oftentimes racist ideology was shared with me with no awareness of its implication on me at all.

I’d spent so many years trying to convince white people and myself that I was one of them, and I’d almost done it. I’d prided myself on being the kind of Asian you could make Asian jokes to, ask your racist questions to. I beat people to the punchline for a quick laugh. I cracked jokes about pretending to be everybody’s adopted Chinese daughter; one year, I wound up in three different families’ church directory photos as a gag. I’d spent my life allying with whiteness, and I couldn’t believe now how it had betrayed me.