Let compassion guide our charity

I do not share the president’s interpretation of the words of Jesus concerning the distribution of other people’s wealth (social gospel according to Barack Obama). It is true that the more affluent among us should share, but alms must be given voluntarily and with true compassion for the suffering of others.

There should be no coercion of any kind, from any source except as the heart of an individual is moved to contribute.

Forced service is nothing more than slavery even though it might wear a righteous robe. God has retained judgment for Himself and in due time He will render a fair and just assessment of the works and motives of each of us.

Until that time let us trust Him to manage the conscience of others and trust Him to bring about the desired solution to our national problems.

A life recklessly lost

Hearing of the death of Whitney Houston at age 48, cause unknown, I realize I have watched yet another “star” fall to the tsunami of choices that led to a life out of control. Choices that at one time were not a lifestyle, but someone choosing to “try” alcohol or drugs. That led to habits that led to a lifestyle that took a life destined for greatness, destined to enjoy her family, daughter and fans, but lost.

I would hope that her death is a life testimony to all people — young, old, black or white, male or female — that the careers any one of us can dream of or have been blessed with are grand as they may allow any one of us “more” choices that can benefit our and others’ lives, or take control of us and become our worst of demons.

Whitney Houston was a star whose life allowed the frightful luxury of endless choices that regrettably took over her life and ended it. I shall mourn the life she did not fully live. I will ache for her daughter, family and friends whose relationships suffered for her early death and pain in life.