DeGarmo and Key. Steve Camp. Bryan Duncan. Rick Cua. Resurrection Band. Mark Farner. Kenny Marks. Steve Taylor. Carman. Margret Becker. Whiteheart. Whitecross. Crashdog. DC Talk. Michael W Smith. Stryper. Bloodgood. Larry Norman. Petra. The Allies.

These are names that, in this writer’s opinion, the Christian musicians of today owe a debt of gratitude to. Several of these names had mainstream followings before crossovers were the norm, and many were uncompromising in their messages. Today, I just wanted to honor these artists by giving my favorite songs and quickly telling why it is one of my favorites.

To hear any of the songs I write about, follow this link to the player:
http://thecircle.teddekker.com/profiles/blogs/a-debt-of-gratitude

I was asked by a friend to write up a form letter that could be spread around to everyone demanding the Senate bow to the wishes of the People.  He wanted to write, but did not have the words to use or the knowledge of the measure before the Senate as of Monday.

Having just spent over ten hours reading it and studies and cross-studies, I accepted, citing only what I felt necessary and most alarming.  I present it to you all now, hoping that you will use it, and spread it to everyone you know, asking them to do the same.

Thank you.

Did you know that according to the US Census Bureau, there is one death every thirteen second in this nation.  Every thirteen seconds.  If I do a little quick figuring, that means that there are over six thousand, six hundred and fifty-two people die every day- On average.

Now- How many do you think were scientists?  How many were writers?  Actors?  Teachers?  Philanthropists? Parents?  Children?

Recently I challenged Alpha Jan to come up with two articles showing the positives in the sex industry. While he did not show much of anything that could be considered positive for the client, he did bring up the industry side of the coin, which is what I was going to be addressing next.

The faces above are some of the more well known stars through the last few decades. All have said some wonderful things about the importance of safe sex, personal responsibility, and so on. However, the industry they work in capitalizes on the fantasy escape of its buyers. I suppose this is not much different from a cruise line, except that in this industry, people are not going in with the expectation of coming back.

"Our goal is to see the world through eyes well clouded; To speak with little knowledge; To stand against anyone who thinks differently; And to defend our actions, words and cause with the implication of narrow mindedness."

When I hear of organizations created to bring about "freedom" for this group or another, I immediately think of the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr., and Rosa Parks. The next to last thing I think about are Christians. The absolute last thing I think of are homosexuals or transgendered folk.

However, just a few days ago, I was introduced to a group known as Soulforce. Now, because of this group, my whole perspective has changed.