Reflections with Sherry Anne: Who Are You?

Not that long ago, I ran into a very well-respected, famous comedian in the airport. Excitedly, I blurted out “I know who you are!” To which he responded in a personification of his beloved television character: “Well, WHOOO are you?” Following a brief chuckle, I answered, nervously, by telling him what I do—which is not necessarily who I am but, rather, just that: what I do…

Ironically enough, within months of that encounter, this renowned celebrity of over 30 years or more, began making shocking national headlines with a revelation of his character completely contradictory to what the general public knew and believed about him. I immediately recalled our conversation and couldn’t help but to wonder… “Who are YOU, sir?!!”

I know who I am… and… who I am not:

I am not a Democrat or a Republican, but I am for a “Democratic Republic.”

As one who is a business owner in the free enterprise system and welcomes entrepreneurialism, I commend fellow Republicans…

As one who fell on hard times and limitations growing up, partaking of government programs, I appreciate fellow Democrats…

As one who believes that each person has a right to their own decisions, I understand fellow liberals. I do. For even God has granted us free will. He never forces anyone to believe in Him or follow Him. He does, however, command us to love one another as we love Him (John 13:34-35) and promises us that if we are obedient to Him and His commands that He will “make of thee a great nation” and “will bless thee, and make thy name great; [that] thou shalt be a blessing” (Gen 12:2).

I believe in saving the environment as long as it includes saving the environment of the unborn child (i.e. womb).

I believe in regulating aliens as long as we don’t alienate them in the process.

I believe in the right to love as long as you rightly love God and His Word first (Whose standards of holiness, by the way, do not change).

I believe in extending a hand liberally, spending conservatively, forming government democratically, but governing our lives independently.

As such, I am Republibecrat! If this offends you, I am sorry. Jesus was of no political affiliation.

Does anyone have the truth?

To be sure, there is One who said, I AM the truth… (John 14:6)

What does this truth teach us? It teaches us to: pray for those who persecute us, lend a hand to those in need, forgive willingly (70 times 7), give cheerfully, love sacrificially, discern judiciously, rebuke lovingly, admonish graciously and exhort generously in the word of God.

We are encouraged in 2 Timothy 2:15 to ^“study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” We are to read His word daily and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth (John 16:13). Jesus said, “You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Truth, then, is the great emancipator of the soul.

So, no, my friends, I am really not a Republibecrat— I am a believer in Messiah, the Anointed One, who came not to condemn the world using smear campaign or coy politics, but that the world, through Him might be saved (John 3:16). Perhaps if we all kept this in mind, we wouldn’t need sides, debates or fund raising campaigns; but rather, hands to hold in prayer, arms to lean on for support and feet to walk each other forward. After all didn’t Jesus command us to be His feet and His hands to a lost and hurting world?

This year, move forward away from past bellicose arguments. Seek higher ground based on the rock hard foundation of Jesus Christ. Follow in the psalmist’s cry and allow the truth of God’s word to emancipate your soul to be all that God created YOU to be! He believes in you, won’t you believe in Him?

In You, O Lord, I put my trust;
Let me never be ashamed;
Deliver me in Your righteousness.
^ Bow down Your ear to me,
Deliver me speedily;
Be my rock of refuge,
A fortress of defense to save me.

For You are my rock and my fortress;
Therefore, for Your name’s sake,
Lead me and guide me.
^ Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me,
For You are my strength.
^ Into Your hand I commit my spirit;
You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.

(Psalm 31:1-5)

Written by Sherry Anne, Gospel singer.

First published by SGN Scoops digital magazine in February 2015. For current issues of SGN Scoops click on the mainpage.