This is an audio version of Mike Murphy‘s Friday rumblings. This is a regular post on Facebook that I’ve turned into a podcast. I decided Mike’s words needed a wider audience. You may agree or disagree with what he says, but there is certainly much food for thought contained here. You can friend Mike on Facebook for the printed version or read it below

Rumblings. 10.25.24

1. The countdown has begun for what astute people say is ‘the most consequential election of our lifetime.” They’re right.

Get ready, however, to ‘embrace the suck’ because Tropical Storm Donald is primed and ready to wreak havoc on everyone and everything whether he wins or loses. 

That’s what he’s saying. 

That’s who he is. 

That’s his promise. 

That’s what his version of ‘faith’ requires. 

And it’s what the ‘Bible Trumpers’, who believe he is ordained by God for this moment, will demand. 

Sad and scary isn’t it. Such is the fruit of vengeance.

Vote wisely. I’m all in on Harris/Walz because they’re all in on democracy and I don’t think the other team is. If they lose, they will lose with dignity. If they win, liberty and justice will be well served. They are not perfect and I’m not fully aligned with all they say and do but I do believe they are trying hard to do what’s right and honorable. And I do believe that, if elected, that they will listen to and respect opposing points of view.  

A big plus is that Harris, unlike her opponent, speaks clearly, using complete sentences. Seriously, that’s a big deal to me. And unlike her MAGA opponent she doesn’t take 10 minutes talking about Arnold Palmer’s genitalia. Whew, that was an awkward moment. 

Win or lose, I’m committed to inhabiting whatever space God lays before me. And in that space I will endeavor to continue to stand against evil and on behalf of all that is good. That’s what ‘Kingdom of God’ folks do. No election can change that.  Right? 

If you’ve never done so, perhaps now is the time to tell family and friends who you are voting for. If you’ve already done that, remind them again. A simple declarative sentence is all that is needed. “I’m voting for _______________.”  That’s it. 

If you get an immature, shaming response, ignore it and if you can’t ignore it, delete it. Immature, shaming  people don’t want to have a discussion, only an argument. Walk away. Above all stand tall and brave in the power of your convictions. But make sure people know what they are.

The power of your simple, non-argumentative testimony might be the very thing that helps someone make a wiser, ballot box choice 

2. Then Jesus said unto the sick:  “You better have insurance.” 

Then Jesus said unto the stranger: “Are you here legally?”

Then Jesus said unto the hungry: “My taxes better not be paying for these loaves and fishes.”

Then Jesus said unto the poor: “This is your own fault.” 

With tongue planted firmly in cheek, Rev. Benjamin Cremer reminds us of what the real Jesus doesn’t embrace. 

3. “In Christian monastic fixed-hour prayer … the sacred pause at first light is called lauds … Brother David Steindl-Rast distills the holy message of lauds to the notion that each sunrise, each new beginning, is a never-ending gift. In turn, in response to this unasked-for benevolence, our reciprocity is to ask ourselves, “What gift might I bring to this day?” ~ Center for Action and Contemplation, Barbara Mahany

4. “You either quit or keep going. 

Both hurt. 

Choose wisely.” ~ source unknown 

5. As Trump danced on stage for 30 awkward minutes a couple of weeks ago, I wondered if Putin went to bed, with a big smile on his face, thinking: 

“I never thought it would be this easy.”

6. As the world threatens to break apart weird religious types, sketchy politicians, wannabe authoritarians, durn fools, and ever ready scam artists show up and begin messing with our heads and weaponizing our fear.

Could it be our #1 task is to refuse to let them rent space in our heart and head? 

7. “We are made for goodness. We are made for love. We are made for friendliness. We are made for togetherness. We are made for all of the beautiful things that you and I know. We are made to tell the world that there are no outsiders. All are welcome: black, white, red, yellow, rich, poor, educated, not educated, male, female, gay, straight, all, all, all. We all belong to this family, this human family, God’s family.” ~ Archbishop Desmond Tutu

We are made to be right side up people in an upside down world, inviting everyone (and I mean everyone) to come taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

8. “A leader is a person who must take special responsibility for what’s going on inside him/herself, inside his or her consciousness, lest the act of leadership do more harm than good.” ~ Parker Palmer

A good leader needs to know him/herself. He/she takes the time to do some serious soul searching. That’s a good and necessary process. It shapes and defines a person.

We are all called to some form of leadership. Get to know yourself. Wrestle with your demons. Find your ‘true north’. You and those you interact with will be the better for it.

9. “The Quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while the Company is true.” ~ Galadriel, “Lord of the Rings”

As long as the Company is true hope remains. Never underestimate what a loyal, committed band of people can do. Better yet, be part of one. 

10. “I’ve been forced to explain homosexuality to my kids age three and four because their uncle is gay. This incredibly difficult and traumatic experience went as follows: 

Child: Why does Uncle Bob go everywhere with Pete? 

Me: Because they’re in love just like mom and daddy are. 

Child: Oh. Can I have a biscuit? 

We’re all scarred for life. 

Scarred, I tell you!” ~ Skeptical Kitten

Common sense, a caring heart, simple age appropriate answers and a lack of hysteria can make all the difference when discussing hot button issues. 

If someone shows me a glaring lack of common sense, an unkind heart, and a genuinely scary way of being, I know a good discussion is probably out of the question.