Winning Words 2/12/09
“When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That’s my religion.” (A. Lincoln) The Dalai Lama put it another way by saying, “My religion is kindness.” People have a variety of opinions on the subject of religion. I suppose you have one, too. My opinion on religion looks for positives, rather than negatives. Luther’s explanation of the 10 Commandments puts each in a positive light. ;-) Jack

FROM MOLINER G.S.: Bill Russell is 75 today - time marches on. My Mom got his autograph at the NCAA Finals in 1954. REPLY FROM JACK: If Lincoln were living, he'd be 200. Let's see...who else has a birthday today?

FROM M.L. IN ILLINOIS: i believe that if we acknowledge the positive, when the negative comes across our path, we instinctually face it with positive and it diminishes/confuses it's power.

FROM PR J.S. IN MI: Luther has the good sense to emphasize the positive aspect of the commandments without throwing out the negative aspect.....we are not only to help others but we aren't supposed to harm them either. Some of our Positivists could learn from that!!! JACK'S REPLY: The public perception of the 10 Commandments is one of negativity. I think that Jesus emphasized the positive. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind, and love your neighbor as you love yourself." MORE FROM J.S.: Jesus also said, "You have heard that it was said to the men of old......." and then he tightened the noose even farther. No simplistic positivism from the Gospels.... MORE FROM JACK: Let's see, didn't he say to love your enemies and do good to those who would do harm to you? Talk about living positively! AND MORE FROM J.S.: You do a great job of ignoring that which doesn't fit into your system.....

FROM MOLINER LIZ: That's why God instilled us with a conscience. Unfortunately, it seems a lot of people choose to ignore their "inside voice".

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: True religion is just between a person and God. The church is a fellowship of like believers. My husband is Abraham Lincoln's 10th cousin, mother's side. There were only a few men's name used in that family, Abraham, Malcolm, Samuel, Jemison to name a few. Gary's grandfather's name was Abraham Raymond Lincoln...he was a doctor for LSSM. He had a very interesting upbringing. President (Lincoln) was the great president ever...at least to me. He had a strong and tested faith and stood firm on the foundation! MORE FROM JUDY: "The most attractive people in the world are the ones who are interested in others - turned outward in cheerfulness, kindness, appreciation, instead of turn inward to be constantly centered in themselves." Pat Boone

FROM L.P. IN MI: Today is publication day! It is good. I feel great!