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COMMENTARY: Examining religious discrimination in America

Written by archive on . Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

Arizona legislatures pulled a dandy. They asked their governor to sign a bill allowing any business the freedom to discriminate based on religious beliefs. The governor vetoed the bill.

 The First Amendment guaranteeing our nation the freedom of religion is not a legal loophole that allows religious people to hurt other people based on prejudice or interpretation of the Bible or any other religious book.

 A lot of noise has been made recently about the Middlesboro, Ky. pastor and church that handled poisonous snakes.  Jamie Coots, National Geographic reality star of "Snake Salvation," was bitten by a timber rattler almost two weeks ago and died within 90 minutes. He and his family refused medical treatment based on their interpretation of the Bible. I personally think they are crazy. 

Simply because someone interprets the Bible, Koran or any other religious book a certain way does not give that person the right to hurt other people. Nor should anyone discriminate against another person because of race, nationality, money or gender preferences.

 I do not understand why anyone would want to be gay. There is not a gay molecule in my frame. Because someone is gay does not give me or anyone else the right to not provide service in a restaurant or a seat on the bus.

Nor should one's sexual preference prohibit him or her from working the same job anyone else does.

 I do understand that the majority of religious people in America believe that a gay lifestyle is a wrong lifestyle and is forbidden by the Bible.  Please keep in mind that most church people believe it is wrong for a man and woman to live together without being legally married. Most church people believe stealing, killing and lying are wrong as well.

A church or religious entity traditionally has not hired ministers that were practicing thieves, murderers or liars or living with someone not in a legal marriage relationship. Is this discrimination? I don't think so. The average employer in America is only using common sense if they decide to terminate someone because that person is a thief or liar, or maybe causing disruption in the office by sleeping around with all the staff.

Religious entities that interpret the Bible as saying that a gay lifestyle is an unacceptable lifestyle should never be forced to hire someone that is gay. There are a few churches that are hiring gay persons because they believe it is acceptable.

This is America where we have freedom of religion. Keep in mind there are also thousands of churches that still would never hire a woman to serve as a minister. There are also many that would never dream of hiring a divorced minister because they believe divorce is biblically unacceptable.

 Arizona badly blundered on the concept of trying to create a law that allows discrimination in any business realm based on religious belief.  Could this apply to someone divorced? Could they apply this rule to someone that is a habitual liar? What about church deacons who curse, smoke, chew and date girls who do?  Would this rule apply to fat Christians? Whoops… sorry I forgot that gluttony is the Christian sin of choice.

Many of the very best people I know I met in church. However, religious people can be some of the meanest people in the world. A religious crowd was involved in nailing Jesus to the cross. Religious people are at the root of the problems in the Middle East.

If someone refuses to do business with another person it should not be based on prejudices and perceptions. Anyone abiding by the law and living in a respectful manner that is not disruptive or harmful to society deserves the same services as anyone else.

Finally, I doubt if an African-American church will ever offer me a job as their senior pastor, although I would really like that.

Dr. Glenn Mollette is the author of "American Issues" and nine other books. He is a graduate of Georgetown College, Southern Seminary and Lexington Seminary in Kentucky.  Send him an email or like his Facebook page.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: COMMENTARY: Examining religious discrimination in America

SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: Take me out to the ball game

Written by archive on . Posted in columns, Sports.

I'm a softy when it comes to little kids and baseball.

Youth league sports can be difficult to cover, but I still get a kick from occasionally stopping and watching boys and girls as they experience the great game of baseball for the first time.

I played my first organized baseball 48 years ago in a Memphis, Tenn., church league. The next year, my family was in Gulf Breeze, where I played another five years of youth league ball before my talent limits caught up with me.

To say I wasn't much of a baseball player would be an understatement. If there was some way to go back and check my old stats, I'd dare say I didn't hit my weight at the time, which, for the record, was around 70 or 75 pounds.

There was no minor league baseball in Pensacola when I was a kid. And Gulf Breeze didn't have a high school until my seventh-grade year, so youth baseball and the Saturday Game of the Week were links to the game I loved.

When Gulf Breeze High was formed in the fall of 1970 and fielded the school's first baseball team in the spring of 1971, I quickly became one of the team's biggest fans.

Those early Dolphin teams played all home, day games just a quick five-minute bike ride from my house and I seldom missed a game.

Growing up in Gulf Breeze back then was, in many ways, similar to growing up in Baker, Crestview or Laurel Hill.

There was one town with one high school team and the athletes who played for the Dolphins were the guys impressionable youngsters such as myself looked up to.

I continued to support the Dolphins, even after I got to high school and failed to make the team. As a high school student I could still take pride in the accomplishments of my classmates and friends on the diamond.

Life has a way of pushing all of us forward and then coming full circle.

There was a period in my life when I didn't have time for high school baseball — or any other high school sport, for that matter. I was too busy with life trying to figure out the next step I should take and how to move forward in search of my version of the American Dream.

But the last 15 or 20 years, my job has brought me back to high school baseball. The games I once took for granted as a kid now have special meaning. Maybe it's because this is the first spring of baseball without my dad being around, or maybe this season of life just serves to remind me that the simple things are often the best things.

I love being at a game with my scorebook in hand, camera around my neck and a bag of peanuts by my side. As I work covering a game, I can forget the world outside the ball park's confines as I'm carried back to those special days of youth when I first learned to love the great game.

Yes, you can take me out to the ball game. And, I really don't care if I ever get back.

I'll see you at the ball park.

Randy Dickson is the Crestview News Bulletin’s sports editor. Email him at randyd@crestviewbulletin.com, tweet him @BigRandle, or call 682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: Take me out to the ball game

FROM THE PULPIT: You can do all things with Christ

Written by archive on . Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

Do you ever feel like giving up on something you know God wants you to do?

If so, I invite you to check how the level of frustration came into play. Did the project sound like a fantastic idea, so you latched on to it and ran with the project? Good for you.

Or, did you run faster than God wanted you to, leaving God in the dust, following your own path and your own direction?

You see, when God wants us to do something, he want us to work with him — not ahead of him and not behind him.

The proper motivation is to want to do God’s will. This is why Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done.” This is why the Letter to the Philippians, verse 4:13 states, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Hang tight with our Lord. Don’t get behind him. Don’t get ahead of him. Walk with him and he will strengthen you in all things.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: You can do all things with Christ

SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: Tough decisions concerning school gyms

Written by archive on . Posted in columns, Sports.

There have been many discussions since Crestview High School's boys basketball team was forced to move Saturday's Class 7A region final game with Oviedo High School from the Crestview gym to the Northwest Florida State College Arena in Niceville because of insufficient seating.

I've talked to several fans and have seen several posts on Facebook indicating most locals were unhappy with the move, even before the Bulldogs lost.

I hear you and I understand the frustration.

Crestview High School's administration wasn't happy about the move, but the Florida High School Athletic Association has certain rules that — like them or not — must be followed.

Personally, I think there's something wrong with the FHSAA requiring seating capacities for arenas in any sport.The FHSAA doesn't have to stretch the already overextended district school budgets to build new facilities that accommodate standards they set.

The fact is, Crestview's gym doesn't seat the mandated 1,100 people required for a Class 7A region final. Crestview athletic director Tim Hatten and CHS Principal Bob Jones both said they sold a little more than 800 tickets for the region semi-final game with Lincoln. Anybody at that game will tell you it was a packed house with fans standing along the walls.

If you get right down to it, Niceville's gym isn't any bigger than Crestview's gym. Fort Walton Beach's gym might just slip in at around 1,100 fans, but I'd be surprised if it did. Choctawhatchee High School probably has the largest seating capacity of any high school gym in the county. I'm going to research the gym sizes in the next week or two.

Every local high school gym at a public school was built when or before Richard Nixon was president. For those of you who don't remember your history too well, Nixon was forced to resign in 1974.

Baker, Crestview, Choctaw, Fort Walton Beach, Laurel Hill and Niceville all have gyms that are more than 40 or 45 years old. I'm sure every local coach would tell you a new gym would make their life easier.

In the past 15 years, every high school in Walton County has moved into a new gym. South Walton High School opened as a new school in 2001 or 2002. Freeport High School moved into its new building about that same time.

Walton High School got a new building about three years ago. And while Paxton School is still in the same building, less than a decade ago the Bobcats moved into a state-of-the-art high school gym.

I understand Okaloosa County can't plunk down several million dollars to build new gyms at five or six schools. And basketball isn't like baseball or football, where you can pull in temporary bleachers to compensate for extra seating needs.

Crestview is not the lazy little community it was when the high school moved to its current location more than 40 years ago. The student population has more than doubled in size, but the gym is still the same size it was when less than 1,000 students roamed the halls.

Both the Crestview girls and boys reached the region finals this year. I believe coaches Kathy Combest and Greg Watson will have their teams back in the region finals sooner than later.

When that time comes, it would be nice if the Bulldogs had a gym that allowed them to play a home game in their home gym.

Randy Dickson is the Crestview News Bulletin’s sports editor. Email him at randyd@crestviewbulletin.com, tweet him @BigRandle, or call 682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: Tough decisions concerning school gyms

FROM THE PULPIT: You're as important as salt — and that's a good thing

Written by archive on . Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

Jesus referred to his followers as “the salt of the earth.” They recognized the importance of that analogy because back then salt was valuable.

It was used to cure and store meats, disinfect wounds, make food, pottery and more. It was valued so highly that salt caravans hauling salt from mines to the marketplace were among the very first commercial enterprises. It was so valuable that wars were fought to secure salt in a particular country.

At one point, salt was used as an alternative form of currency. Roman soldiers were often paid their wages in salt, which is where we get the expression, “Not worth his salt.”

So, when Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth,” he was pointing out to his listeners how valuable they were to God.

How often do you think of yourself as being valuable to God? If you are like most people, it is not very often.

But when you sincerely contemplate this, you will come to realize just how valuable you are to God. You will understand he is the one who gave you life; he is the one who offers fulfillment in life; you are a joy and a delight to him; and it is he who invites you to remember this and claim it.

Jesus said that God blesses the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek and the persecuted. He points out that people's value is much greater than even a sparrow for whom God provides.

These are just a couple of reminders. Jesus gave his life on a cross to prove each person's value. And that includes us, our children, our children’s children and all future generations.

As Jesus said, you are the salt of the earth — a person of great value.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: You're as important as salt — and that's a good thing

SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: Bulldogs on the rise

Written by archive on . Posted in columns, Sports.

In my more than 13 years of covering sports in Okaloosa County I've often heard that Crestview High School's athletic program had the potential to be the area's best.

But year in and year out, I've watched seasons of unfulfilled promises slip by.

Yes, there was the 2003 Bulldog football team that was the Class 3A runner up. And nobody can deny that Crestview baseball coach Tim Gillis consistently has one of the area's better teams.

Perhaps the greatest disappointments at Crestview High in recent years have been the boys and girls basketball teams. Anyone who has attended a Bulldog basketball game knows that has started to change.

Girls Coach Kathy Combest was a proven winner at Baker. In her second year with the Bulldogs she has shown the magic of hard work and tough love with a young team that has just two seniors.

First-year boys Coach Greg Watson walked into a great situation with a senior-laden team. Watson took the talented group and put his brand on the squad.

A guard during his playing days, Watson has preached physical toughness and aggressiveness inside, which plays to many of his key players' strengths.

Call it magic or good coaching, but both the Crestview boys and girls won 20 games this year. And the boys captured their first district championship in more than 20 years.

It also had been more than 20 years since either team won a playoff game, but that changed this season as the Crestview girls beat Leon and Fort Walton Beach before losing to Apopka Wekiva in the Class 7A region finals.

The boys won their region quarterfinal game over Leon on Thursday and hosted Lincoln Tuesday night in the region semifinals. A Bulldogs win and they will host the region final Saturday with a trip to the state finals on the line.

Some of the other CHS teams also have shown improvement.

Combest took the Bulldog volleyball team to the playoffs for the first time in several years. The football team, which was coming off back-to-back 4-6 seasons, improved to 5-5 under first-year coach Tim Hatten and, in the process, beat rival Niceville for the first time in more than 30 years.

One of the amazing things I've seen in all of this is the unity and bond that all of the teams share in support of one another. The Bulldog family is just that among all of the Crestview athletes.

For years, several Crestview area athletes have made the trip south on State Highway 85 to play ball for Niceville, Fort Walton Beach or Choctawhatchee. It's time for Crestview kids to stay in Crestview and get on board with what's happening at their hometown school.

A sleeping giant is waking up and the future looks bright for Crestview High School athletics.

Randy Dickson is the Crestview News Bulletin’s sports editor. Email him at randyd@crestviewbulletin.com, tweet him @BigRandle, or call 682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: Bulldogs on the rise

SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: Teammates for life

Written by archive on . Posted in columns, Sports.

When Laurel Hill School teacher and coach Ronnie Smith asked me to do a story on a fundraiser for former LHS athlete Katie Free, I was more than happy to help.

I had the opportunity to cover Katie throughout her Hobo career, and sShe has always been a great ambassador for the school and community.

A Boston butt fundraiser is 3-6 p.m. Feb. 21 across from Laurel Hill School. Butts cost $20 each and proceeds benefit Free, who awaits a heart transplant.

It didn't surprise me that Smith and others within the Laurel Hill community wanted to help Smith. Small towns and teammates have a way of reaching out to one of their own.

My little corner of the world was shaken about the time I was writing the story on Katie's fundraiser, which appeared in Saturday's News Bulletin.

Last week, I learned that one of my high school teammates and best friends, Mort Deer, has throat cancer and is in a hospital in Mobile.

Mort played receiver for Gulf Breeze High School's football team and was a sprinter and long jumper on the Dolphin track team. He competed against Crestview and Baker in track and played football at Jack Foster Stadium. He even once served as a makeshift windshield wiper for the track team one day, but that's another story.

The last several days have been spent working, sleeping and communicating updates on Mort's condition on Facebook.

Sunday, I made the trip to Alabama, stopping off in Summerdale to meet my best friend and teammate, Ken Hardy. Together, we made the trip to Mobile to visit Mort and share our love and support for him.

While visiting with him, we found out he needs help dealing with the cost associated with cancer. And now, Ken and I find ourselves looking at ideas for fundraisers as we come to the help of our friend.

We've already had several classmates, teammates and friends offer support, which doesn't surprise me. Gulf Breeze, like Laurel Hill, is a small, closely knit community, and that is especially true for those of us who grew up in the 1970s when our town and school were still young.  

But one doesn't have to be from Laurel Hill, Gulf Breeze, Baker or Crestview to appreciate the community and team's value. I'd dare say there are countless Katie Free and Mort Deer stories being written across this country. And in many cases, teammates are reaching out to pick their friend up.

One of the first things most athletes learn is it's not about me; it's about the we that comes with being a part of a team. My success means nothing if a teammate fails.

There is something about being on a team in the good times, and sharing the joy that comes with accomplishing something together. As the years have passed, I've realized that needing teammates and being a good teammate is as important 20, 30 or 40 years down the road, as it was those hot summer days so many years ago.

Mort Deer was a teammate and classmate that had a way of picking people up. Katie also has a way about her that puts a smile on the faces of those around her.

Yes, teammates do pick each other up and lend a helping hand.

Randy Dickson is the Crestview News Bulletin’s sports editor. Email him at randyd@crestviewbulletin.com, tweet him @BigRandle, or call 682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: Teammates for life

FROM THE PULPIT: Excel in your work and faith lives

Written by archive on . Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

In the business world, there are people who surpass expectations — not necessarily for personal gain, but to show gratitude for being employed, and to help the company or organization succeed.

And there are those who care nothing about the company or excelling. They complain about having to go to work, and grudgingly do the bare minimum — less, if they can get away with it. Still, they take home the company or organization’s money in the form of a paycheck.

As a college student, during the summer, I worked in a factory that manufactured plastic pipe fittings. I made sure the machines were constantly supplied with necessary raw materials. If a machine ran out, it would “blow up” and stop production for more than an hour.

The job was enjoyable, but not very challenging.

While working the day shift, I observed people who concentrated on doing their jobs and doing them well.

As I worked the graveyard shift, I observed a different work mentality. Because management was not around, and there were corners with no lights, it was common to see people sneak off, rest, eat or nap.

I didn’t understand that mindset. I had been hired to do specific tasks, but I was not going to do just the bare minimum. I was going to fulfill my responsibilities, and when those were done, find more to do.

Would you believe that in the Bible there are minimum requirements for being considered a Christian? Bare minimums are belief in the existence of God, our creator; and that Jesus Christ is Immanuel, "God with us," and that he died on a cross so the sins of those who believe in him could be forgiven. The bare minimums also include the belief that God’s Holy Spirit is his presence among us, working in and through us to accomplish God’s will on this earth.

More is needed to grow in faith and excel. This includes a change of mind and heart, and putting our faith into action. We change from thinking about and living only for ourselves, to living completely for Jesus Christ.

What God requires of us is a life lived with acts of justice, kindness and humility, which are lived as a result of our faith.

Don’t try to get by doing just the bare minimum. Do your utmost to excel in your faith journey!

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Excel in your work and faith lives

FROM THE PULPIT: Daily ways to focus on your relationship with God

Written by archive on . Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

This week I am providing you with five daily devotions for your reflection and prayer. Some may fit with circumstances in your life, some may not. Either way, remember to focus your heart and thoughts on God.

Day One

How well do you remember God during the course of your day? It might be easy during quiet times. But what about while you are driving in slow traffic, or while standing in a long check-out line, or dealing with an impatient child?

These are times when God needs to be remembered — not shoved aside. When remembering God, you will be able to recognize the peace he offers in the middle of any situation.

“Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he will hear my voice.” — Psalm 55:17

Day Two

I wonder if the warning system God has placed within us — our conscience — is losing its effect on people’s lives. I’m not talking about everyone, but a growing number of people around this country. The growing attitude of, “I don’t care how my actions affect another person, I’m doing or getting whatever I want,” seems to be taking over by leaps and bounds.

This mindset goes against God’s desire for us to be mindful of other people. It negates treating others with the same kind of respect we would hope to receive in return.

Remember, it is not God who has softened the warning system. It is we who are becoming calloused to its warnings and necessities.

“Therefore I do my best always to have a clear conscience toward God and all people.” — Acts 24:15

Day Three

The tongue doesn’t weigh much, but it carries great weight. It takes great strength to hold your tongue. I have seen people turn red in the face while holding it. And when it is not held in the heat of an emotional struggle or argument, it will do great damage. It may cause irreparable harm.

Do your utmost to bridle your tongue. Do your utmost to not brag and boast in order to make yourself look fantastic in the eyes of others. Such unbridled words may have serious unintended consequences.

“So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire!” — James 3:5

Day Four

Do you need assistance in turning around an issue in your life? Ask God for help. Do you desire to know God’s loving grace more deeply? Ask God to reveal more to you. Do you long to know you are loved and accepted by God? Ask God to enter your heart and open yourself to him.

God rarely imposes himself on anyone. And when God does, he always allows for a person to reject or accept his offer. It is only when we ask that we will receive. And when we ask, God will come in.

“Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me.” — Revelation 3:20

Day Five

How often do you wish God would do something for you? Perhaps you desire new clothing, but can’t quite afford it, or perhaps there is a new fishing rod that caught your eye. Perhaps you are wanting to feel less lonely or insecure. Do you ask God to provide what you want and then sit back and wait for God to drop it into your lap?

Often, when we ask something from God, he wants to know what we are going to do to play a part in achieving that desire. If you ask something from God, be sure to let him know the role you anticipate playing in the attaining of it. Otherwise, you may wait a very long time.

“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” — Proverbs 10:4

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Daily ways to focus on your relationship with God

SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: Denzel's big day has arrived

Written by archive on . Posted in columns, Sports.

Crestview High School defensive end Denzel Ware, a longtime University of Kentucky commit, will sign his National Letter of Intent during a 10 a.m. ceremony in the school's media center.

College football's National Signing Day is actually the start of a period of several weeks when a high school football player can sign with the college of his choice. It has become one of the most anticipated days on the college football calendar.

But there was a time when no hoopla surrounded signing day. Back in the day, fans had to wait to see who signed with their team as players didn't hold press conferences to tell the world they had committed to Mid State U.

Signing day, which took place in December when I was in high school, was low key, with a few friends and relatives gathered in a player's home to celebrate the occasion. Sometimes, a member of the media would be in attendance to chronicle the big event.

My best friend, Ken Hardy, was good enough to sign with Auburn University. Ken was the first Gulf Breeze High School football player to play at a Southeastern Conference or major conference school.

In the days before cable and satellite TV, fans were fortunate to get two games a week. And it was considered a treat to see a friend or high school teammate on ABC's College Football Game of the Week.

When college football broadcasting legend Keith Jackson called a player's name on air, it gave credence to the athlete's hard work.

Everyone knows I'm a Tennessee guy, but I developed a soft spot in my heart for Auburn during Ken's playing days for the Tigers. I still consider Auburn my second favorite team in the SEC.

It has been almost 35 years since Ken played his last game at Auburn, but at reunions, old classmates still talk about the time they attended a game and saw Ken play college football.

I guess I'm going to be a closet Kentucky fan now — at least while Denzel plays for the Wildcats. I'll pull for Kentucky every game, with the exception being the Tennessee game.

I'm guessing Crestview's Big Red Country will now have a tint of Kentucky blue on Saturdays in the fall as the Bulldog faithful cheer for Denzel and the Wildcats. And as college football broadcasts have saturated the airways, local fans will be able to watch most of Denzel's games at Kentucky.

If I know a thing or two about human nature, and I think I do, teammates and classmates will try to get to a Kentucky game so they can witness, in person, Denzel's college football journey.

I've been privileged to witness Denzel's high school football journey. And I'm excited for what the future holds for him.

Yes, Denzel Ware's college journey starts today. I wish him all the best.

Randy Dickson is the Crestview News Bulletin’s sports editor. Email him at randyd@crestviewbulletin.com, tweet him @BigRandle, or call 682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: Denzel's big day has arrived

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