New Column From Norris Burkes

Subject:
First column in September


Column:

Books to Read on Your Journey

If you're looking for a good book to read, look no further than this column dedicated to my annual list of recommended books.

The first two books landed on my list during my part-time work as a hospice chaplain last year.

I unearthed powerful professional counsel in "Knocking on Heaven's Door – The Path to a Better way of Death." The author, Katy Butler, begins by retelling her mother's shocking request to disconnect her dad's pacemaker. No, it's not about euthanasia. Butler's book explores how skewed the end of life becomes in the era of modern medicine. She concludes with strong practical advice to those caring for the dying.

Hospice chaplain Kerry Egan explores the poetic and philosophical side of dying in her reassuring book, "On Living." She writes with overwhelming honesty about her personal journey to make sense of her own life while she sits beside those who are dying.

However, if you'd like to delay death as long as possible, read Chris Crowley and Dr. Henry Lodge's book called "Younger Next Year: A Guide to Living Like 50 Until You're 80 and Beyond." Crowley is an aging man who writes alternating chapters with his physician, Dr. Lodge. The resulting combination becomes a motivational voice with scientific leanings that will boot you off the couch toward a more active life.

M. Scott Peck also had spiritual advice for me. In an effort to improve my ever-saddening game, I picked up his book, "Golf and the Spirit: Lessons For the Journey." Peck is the popular psychiatrist who wrote the self-help bestseller, "The Road Less Traveled." Peck leans a little heavily on the golf metaphors, but his advice not to keep track of the score is a good reminder that we must all be careful of life's hazards while not letting those hazards keep us out of the game.

From my nerdy sub-list, I suggest Daniel Yergin's 929-page book called "The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money & Power." This book covers the history of the global petroleum industry from the 1850s through the 1990s. With great storytelling, the author opened my eyes as to how often oil has been the root cause of many wars.

Reading isn't limited to paper. This summer I've rediscovered the joys of audiobooks while crisscrossing Europe by train. For instance, I recommend travel writer Bill Bryson. He narrates all of his books, making his dry-witted approach easier to appreciate. He will mesmerize you with his knowledge of science, history and yes, grammar.

Some people get lost in long audible narrations, but Mary Roach keeps your attention by writing her chapters into nearly self-contained stories. Roach is a comedic science writer whose books cover sex, space travel, the digestive system and the mortician's life. Believe me, they will keep you awake at night.

For suspense, I listen to Tana French's books. Her recordings are made with an Irish accented narrator that makes them a dramatic choice for the listening ear. I recently finished "The Trespasser" and found it filled with deep spiritual insight as well as cagy detective work.

I also write books. My first, "No Small Miracles" tells of my work as a pediatric hospital chaplain. My second, "Hero's Highway," recounts the stories of heroes in a combat hospital in Iraq. My third book, "Thriving Beyond Surviving" reprises many of my past newspaper columns.

I'm always looking for a new book to read. I hope you'll email me your suggestions.

Finally, this isn't the last you'll hear about books in this column. Next year, I'm going to Honduras to help my daughter start children's libraries. If you're a real bibliophile, consider joining me or ask how you might help. See chispaproject.org.
_________________________________________________
Email: comment@thechaplain.net. Voicemail (843) 608-9715 Twitter @chaplain Read past columns at www.thechaplain.net.

 

Attachment:

New Column From Norris Burkes

Subject:
See response from my column about Trump


Column:

Editors,

I've received over 50 responses by email, voicemail and twitter. Many were heartfelt and a few almost confessional. Below are email responses - I'd say 90% positive.I can't always tell where the readers are from, but since I grouped the emails by date received, you can probably match it to your run date.

If you weren't able to run the column last week, please consider it for the near future.


Begin forwarded message:
From: Julia Smith <jmcmsmith@gmail.com>
Subject: Thank you
Date: August 27, 2017 at 10:40:30 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Dear Mr. Burkes:

I was so, so pleased to read your Sunday, August 27th column in my hometown paper "The Lakeland Ledger".

Thank you for speaking out about the narrative coming from the leader of our country. I wish I, and many others, were brave enough to speak "truth to power" as you did in your column. I find myself opting for "politically correct" silence rather than verbally reacting to the hateful words and rhetoric I see on an almost daily basis. I hope to become just a bit less timid in the days to come as I feel silence indicates acquiescence. And I am not abdicating America to hate.

I am sure you will receive responses which are less than supportive but please know that this Lakelander is in your camp.

Best Regards,

Julia Smith
Begin forwarded message:
From: Jan Smith <ncgirl53@gmail.com>
Subject: A job I don't want, Lakeland !edger August 27, 2917
Date: August 27, 2017 at 9:54:47 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Thank you so much for this column. I read your column weekly and admire you very much. I have prayed I I Chronicles 7:14 daily for a long time now. Maybe you are the Billy Graham we need desperately to spur pastors all over this country to speak up for Christianity and put Christ back in charge. I still believe we are a Christian nation no matter what the PC people say. Don't be afraid. Speak up loud and clear. I'm praying for you.

By the way, I volunteer at our local hospice house one day a week and have never done anything more fulfilling in my life. It's a joy.

God Bless You,

Jan Smith, Lakeland, Fl
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: Robert Abbott <robertabbott118@gmail.com>
Subject: "A job..."
Date: August 26, 2017 at 7:59:41 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net
Cc: BOB ABBOTT <robertabbott118@gmail.com>

Chaplain Burkes,

Thank you for taking a stand and proclaiming your conviction in "A job I don't want" appearing today (8.26.17) in the Springfield (MO) News-Leader.

Seldom have Christian "spokespersons" have taken such a stand. Few exceptions include Chicago's James MacDonald and the Brooklyn pastor A.R. Bernard. Bernard quit the President's faith advisory council last week because his conscience would no longer allow him. "There was a line," he stated. Yet, how many "lines" have there been during the last year and a half?

Having been in evangelical congregations my entire life, I am now embarrassed and ashamed to be associated with the label. Persons who claim to speak for that label - Franklin Graham, Jerry Falwell, Jr., Tony Perkins, Johnnie Moore, Jack Graham, Robert Jeffress - bring shame to the Christian message and appear to condone the President's statements and behavior.

Enjoy your time in Brussels. Don't get caught downwind from the little Manneken Pis!

Bob Abbott
Branson, MO
Begin forwarded message:
From: Marilyn Bossing <marilynbossing@yahoo.com>
Subject: A job I don't want
Date: August 26, 2017 at 7:42:48 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

I have always enjoyed your stories and articles. Your view of life and religion was uplifting and positive......until today!

I will never give you another chance to revile a leader who I respect, President Trump. I truly felt blindsided that you would use your article to spew hatred!

You are definitely NOT the person I thought you were! Shame on you!

Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: Jim Shaum <jmshaum@gmail.com>
Subject: Calling on People of Faith
Date: August 28, 2017 at 3:02:43 AM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Thank you Norris, thank you for speaking out. You are welcome in our home anytime.

Jim Shaum
Ontario, Ohio
Begin forwarded message:
From: linda stigall <lmstigall@hotmail.com>
Subject: A Job I Dont Want
Date: August 27, 2017 at 4:56:31 AM GMT+2
To: "comment@thechaplain.net" <comment@thechaplain.net>

I read your column every sat. morning in our Springfield Mo Newsleader.I look forward to reading it as it is excellent.In this weeks A Job I Dont Want column you have shown a great deal of courage.Thank you for standing up against the wrong that has penetrated our society.I am a senior citizen and had never thought I would see the evil that is living in the White House.I pray that enough people like you will speak up to bring our country back to loving our neighbor no matter the color of their skin.There but for the grace of God go I.I do not understand that anyone can feel they are superior to anyone else.Please keep being outspoken about this matter as we are the only chance to stop the hatred and tyranny that is living in our country.Again,thank you!Linda Stigall Marshfield,Mo.
3o.




On Aug 26, 2017, at 8:25 PM, jrdennison511@aol.com wrote:

I have read all your columns in my local paper (Springfield News-Leader) but you crossed the line today. You can go crawl back under the rock you crawled out from under and I have read your last column.

Sent from my iPhone
=
Begin forwarded message:
From: Sue Harvey <suebabyt@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Incensing King
Date: August 26, 2017 at 4:09:50 PM GMT+2
To: Chaplain Norris <ask@thechaplain.net>

Jackson Sun, Jackson, TN

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 26, 2017, at 8:51 AM, Chaplain Norris <ask@thechaplain.net> wrote:



On Aug 26, 2017, at 3:13 PM, Sue Harvey <suebabyt@aol.com> wrote:

Praise God and hallelujah!!! Thank you for speaking out. It is time we hear from our religious leaders. I know you're going to get clobbered for it, but we thank you!!! He needs to be stopped.
Very sincerely,
One of your biggest fans,
Sue Tipton Harvey

Sent from my iPhone


Begin forwarded message:
From: Saddie Puddingtain <Lstmyheart@yahoo.com>
Subject: President Trump and your mistake.
Date: August 27, 2017 at 4:04:23 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

I think you missed the President's very first comment about the Charlestown sad event.
Trump spoke that all sides were wrong! Then people picked and chose what they thought he should have said.
It takes at least two sides to have a
fight and they were both there, one with a permit that the city council could not find a way to deny.
The other party could have stayed away.
So sir, rethink your statement- and watch all the news media. Because there is bias everywhere.
Do your research better in the future and don't believe everything you see or read from the news media.



Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: David Baker <DaveB@ntelos.net>
Subject: POSITIVE response tp "...but he is" column - Staunton VA News Leader
Date: August 27, 2017 at 8:08:05 PM GMT+2
To: Comment@thechaplain.net

I am not a Christian, but I follow your column regularly. I commend you for your column today. It is encouraging (and some what rare) to see a Christian speak out so forcefully and clearly about Christian principles in the present political climate. Good on you.

You have my complete support (for what that is worth) during the storm which this writing is bound to produce. Good Luck in enduring that. I'm sure your olive-skinned Middle Easterner leader approves.

Dave Baker
Fishersville VA


Begin forwarded message:
From: "Mee, Virginia Fay" <VMee@MissouriState.edu>
Subject: Springfield, Mo News-Leader , Saturday, Aug. 26 column
Date: August 26, 2017 at 7:32:02 PM GMT+2
To: "comment@thechaplain.net" <comment@thechaplain.net>

Thank you for speaking out in this column. I am a regular reader. There are far too many of us who are staying silent. I do not know the answer to our current situation, but I am thankful for your column and what you had to say today.


Virginia Mee
vmee@missouristate.edu
417-880-2255 (c)
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Pitsenberger, Doris Jeanne - pitsendj" <pitsendj@dukes.jmu.edu>
Subject: Today's Column
Date: August 28, 2017 at 2:31:42 AM GMT+2
To: "comment@thechaplain.net" <comment@thechaplain.net>

Dear Chaplain Burkes,


Thank you, thank you, for your column today, "Didn't want to call Trump 'wrong,' but he is." As a long-time Lutheran who is questioning Christianity altogether in this current climate, it was refreshing to read your column today (and I read all of your columns). Thank you so much for taking a stand against this corrupt and immoral so-called president. If only more intelligent and moral folks would make the same pronouncement as you, our country would be much better served and redeemed.


I admire you and your wife for your willingness to give up an easy and well-deserved retirement to help your daughter serve those less fortunate, wherever they may be.


Please continue to write your column to inspire those of use who need your uplifting messages!


Kind regards,
D. Jeanne Pitsenberger
Begin forwarded message:
From: Judith Rose <krjerose529@att.net>
Subject: Column--A job I don't want
Date: August 26, 2017 at 11:46:58 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Chaplain Burkes,
Good for you for speaking out about the awful trump. He is despicable beyond description. I would imagine that you have a lot of readers who listen to pastors every Sunday that are in support of trump. I refuse to put a capital letter on his name. Hopefully these people who follow you and support trump will start to have different thoughts about that. I think you should address his deficiencies every so often to remind those people of what a truly awful president we have.
Sincerely,
Judith Rose

Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Deborah Waldrip <dfwaldrip@gmail.com>
Subject: A job I don't want
Date: August 28, 2017 at 2:11:06 AM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

I had enjoyed your column up until today. After eight years of the King Of Narcissist, it is unbelievable what you wrote. You sounded like a CNN fake news reporter that can take everything out of context. Of all people to be a judge, truly you are a disappointment , uninformed person. Shame on you. I can truly say I am thankful you are not my pastor or father.. Deborah
Begin forwarded message:
From: mike williams <bikeman54@att.net>
Subject: Commentary 26Aug2017 Jackson Sun
Date: August 26, 2017 at 8:48:09 PM GMT+2
To: "comment@thechaplain.net" <comment@thechaplain.net>
Reply-To: "bikeman54@att.net" <bikeman54@att.net>

I am proud of you for taking a stand regarding our president. I have read your column for many years and appreciate your insight. However, this column may be one of the most timely. I believe that we have made a grave error in our last election and I am ashamed of the level that we have sunk to in what we as a nation will tolerate. This is not a hard call and I want to thank you for standing up for what is right (which seems simple but folks just want to make it hard ) AND for calling out those that seem to have strayed in supporting such behavior.

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
Begin forwarded message:
From: Faith Spear <faith@jsaenvironmental.com>
Subject: Thank you
Date: August 28, 2017 at 5:08:07 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net
Reply-To: Faith@jsaenvironmental.com

Dear, Norris Burkes,

I been reading your column in our local paper, The News Leader, in Staunton, VA pretty regularly for the past two years. Sometimes I want to argue with you, and sometimes, you bring me much closer to your way of thinking. I enjoying learning about your life experiences and how you grope, as we all do, with applying our testimonies in our everyday lives.

This morning, I just got around to reading your Sunday, August 27, post. And, I want to thank you. It must have been difficult to write.

Yours in light, ~Faith Spear


Begin forwarded message:
From: DIANE <dianelowe@comcast.net>
Subject: Re: A Job I Don't Want
Date: August 26, 2017 at 4:02:23 PM GMT+2
To: Chaplain Norris <ask@thechaplain.net>

Elk Grove Citizen. Also, met you, your wife and daughter at Elk Grove Presbyterian Church. We at EGPC are delighted when you join us. Do come more often.

On Aug 26, 2017, at 3:33 AM, DIANE <dianelowe@comcast.net> wrote:

Chaplain Norris:
Thank you for your honest article "A Job I Don't Want". Too many of us are guilty of not wanting to offend loved ones or hurt a relationship with conservative family and friends. Thus, we keep our thoughts about President Trump's horrid comments to ourselves. Your article says it all. Bless you!
--Diane Lowe

Begin forwarded message:
From: barbcann@aol.com
Subject: today's column
Date: August 27, 2017 at 3:13:33 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Dear Norris Burkes,

I am one of those who thinks of herself as spiritual, rather than religious. I read your column every Sunday and I can tell that you lean toward a more humane approach to the issues of our times.

Thank you so much for today's column. i was raised as a Christian and I can't, for the life of me, understand how anyone who follows Jesus's teachings can support this president. I appreciate your courage in speaking out today against his obvious racism, as well as all of the other despicable ways in which he disregards and disrespects other human beings, especially those most marginalized. My hope is that other religious leaders who haven't already done so will join your resistance and demand a stop to the trend that this president is encouraging in our country.

Sincerely,
Barbara Canning
Lakeland, FL
Begin forwarded message:
From: Sue Harvey <suebabyt@aol.com>
Subject: Incensing King
Date: August 26, 2017 at 3:13:04 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Praise God and hallelujah!!! Thank you for speaking out. It is time we hear from our religious leaders. I know you're going to get clobbered for it, but we thank you!!! He needs to be stopped.
Very sincerely,
One of your biggest fans,
Sue Tipton Harvey

Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Joy Watts <wattsnext@hotmail.com>
Subject: "Calling upon people of faith...."
Date: August 28, 2017 at 1:31:26 AM GMT+2
To: "comment@thechaplain.net" <comment@thechaplain.net>

Well said.



Ohio reader

Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: jrdennison511@aol.com
Subject: Column
Date: August 26, 2017 at 8:25:47 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

I have read all your columns in my local paper (Springfield News-Leader) but you crossed the line today. You can go crawl back under the rock you crawled out from under and I have read your last column.

Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: cjbilang@aol.com
Subject: Re: August 27 Article
Date: August 27, 2017 at 11:08:20 PM GMT+2
To: ask@thechaplain.net

Chaplain Norris,

I don't think we would call you a liberal…but we do believe that you are focused on the wrong things regarding our President. We need to look at what our President can do for our country and not his personal life just like we look at what Martin Luther King could and did do for his cause and not his personal life...to use one small example.

Carol & Tom Bilang




On Aug 27, 2017, at 1:24 PM, cjbilang@aol.com wrote:

So Chaplain why did you not speak out about former President Clinton, former President Kennedy and their dalliances?!!!! And a few other of our Presidents? Where was your indignation then?! Oh, yes, and how many in our Congress!!! And you quote Martin Luther King who did many good things however bedded more women than many would care to count!

We may not have a perfect President but he does love our country and wants what is good and best for the "everyday working citizens" of this country, our military and LEGAL immigrants. President Trump wants better health care, LEGAL immigration, wants to bring down our debt, bring in tax reform and more...BUT he is not a politician and what politicians do not understand is that we are sick to death of them and their righteousness!!!! Our country has been in DEEP trouble for years...we need someone outside the proverbial BOX to get it back in shape. Cleaning house is always a dirty, nasty business! More power and God's blessings for guidance to President Trump!

This stone throwing at our President is getting a bit much
...and who did cast the first stone?

Carol & Tom Bilang



Sent from AOL Mobile Mail
<photo.jpeg>


Begin forwarded message:
From: "Lynda Jardon" <ljardon@tampabay.rr.com>
Subject: 8/26 column
Date: August 27, 2017 at 2:53:58 PM GMT+2
To: <comment@thechaplain.net>

Dear Chaplain Burkes,
I appreciate your column "A Job I Don't Want" which ran in today's Ledger. I have wondered at the silence and defense of President Trump from fellow believers. When he first began campaigning I could not believe the support he received and thought it would not succeed in his election if people heard his words and saw his actions and yet it did. It makes my heart sad for our nation. You have taken a stand that could result in a lot of people against you but I so respect the courage it has taken.
I will pray you become the voice of reason our nation so badly needs. Thank you.
Yours in Christ,
Lynda Jardon
Begin forwarded message:
From: DIANE <dianelowe@comcast.net>
Subject: A Job I Don't Want
Date: August 26, 2017 at 3:33:17 AM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Chaplain Norris:
Thank you for your honest article "A Job I Don't Want". Too many of us are guilty of not wanting to offend loved ones or hurt a relationship with conservative family and friends. Thus, we keep our thoughts about President Trump's horrid comments to ourselves. Your article says it all. Bless you!
--Diane Lowe
Begin forwarded message:
From: Susan Klingbeil <sklingbeil7@gmail.com>
Date: August 27, 2017 at 2:10:49 PM GMT+2
To: "comment@thechaplain.net" <comment@thechaplain.net>

I'm sure you will get a lot of comments about your column in today's paper. I just wanted to say I completely agree with you.
I should tell you that I am a Catholic Christian; I pray, go to church, try to do good when I can, but a lot of doubts and laziness keep me from being what I should be. Truthfully, I never read any "religious" columns until I started reading yours. I feel that you always stress what is truly Christian--kindness, humility, charity, love. And in a way we can understand.
Anyway, I admire you for speaking out about Trump. I know for a fact that many Catholics voted for him because he is (supposedly) anti-abortion. I understand their thinking; personally I think abortion is a terrible thing. I don't think we have the authority to decide when life begins. However, I don't think laws are going to change things. What has to happen is for men and women to learn responsibility, to quit making babies they don't want. Then abortion would be a non-issue.
Trump's colossal lack of respect for women, his tactless and dangerous dealings with other countries, and his overwhelming egoism makes me embarrassed to be an American. And worried. I only hope we can make it through the rest of his term without something horrible happening.
As far as the sad state of race relations, my hope for the future is that we will learn to trust and love each other as fellow humans, that we learn to see that underneath we are all the same. I hope that someday we will be so intermingled that we'll all be a lovely beige "race," and there will be no "us" and "them."

Sue Klingbeil
Begin forwarded message:
From: Gary Nuhn <glnuhn@gmail.com>
Subject: sunday column
Date: August 29, 2017 at 5:44:33 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

dear sir,

i was a couple days late getting to your sunday column, but better late than ne'er.

i need say no more than that it was brilliantly written.

--sincerely,
glnuhn


Begin forwarded message:
From: Michael Draggich <mikedraggich@hotmail.com>
Subject: Job you don't want
Date: August 27, 2017 at 6:48:07 PM GMT+2
To: comment <comment@thechaplain.net>

Great column. I feel the same way.

As a practicing Catholic who brings Holy Communion to the sick I lay some of the blame as to how Me. Trump got elected on my Church. The Catholic Church is obsessed with abortion and focused on Hillary's pro abortion stance during the campaign and thereby avoided a direct endorsement of Trump.

I too am anti abortion but I know that no legislation will prevent it. Rather you need to change people's moral compass in their hearts to stop it. Let's face it morals have declined which is pervasive in society.

I pray that Mr. Trump does a good job but his being in office convinced me even more that we're in the end times.

Peace.

Michael Draggich
Lakeland Florida


Begin forwarded message:
From: "Linda Dickerson" <ldickerson@ntelos.net>
Subject: column in the News Leader on Aug. 27 about Trump's comment on Charlottesville
Date: August 29, 2017 at 3:30:47 AM GMT+2
To: <comment@thechaplain.net>

Dear Chaplain Burkes,
I live about ½ hour from Charlottesville and I watched the whole debacle unfold on live TV. The Charlottesville City Council had voted to get rid of a very old statue that honors Robert E. Lee, which sits in a public park that was named for Lee, but the Council renamed the park "Emancipation Park." However, some Virginians sued them in court because there is a law in Virginia that war memorials cannot be moved, defaced, whatever without the vote of the state legislature. While the case is winding its way through the courts, many conservative Virginians are unhappy at this sudden desire to destroy old monuments. When Isis and the Taliban destroyed historical artifacts, we thought it was horrible. Some of the people who do not want our monuments destroyed or hidden in some obscure place at great expense to the taxpayers are good people, just as Trump said. Regretfully there were some Neo-Nazis and racists at the Charlottesville rally, but there were also southerners who believe we should not try to erase our history. I was born in 1948, and the amount of death and destruction and cruelty and atrocities that have happened worldwide in my lifetime are staggering. Yet modern leftists can seek to destroy old heroes as if these rioters are full of virtue? These antifa rioters are the dangerous ones. They claim to be anti-fascists, but they go around the country paid for by Democrats, I suspect, violently attacking conservatives trying to practice free speech. Tonight on the news they showed some in Berkeley viciously beating conservatives and a few newsmen for daring to stand up for free speech. One speaker claimed some of these antifa, with their faces always covered, carrying clubs and other weapons, were members of gangs in Oakland who had been hired to create mayhem.

I am a Christian lady who totally rejects racists and haters and neo-Nazis. In Charlottesville the police let the antifa and some of the pro-statue demonstrators attack each other and did nothing to stop the violence until the fighting had gone on for a while. Finally they ordered everybody out and waded in to break up the fighting. They should have kept the groups far apart, and they should have protected the peaceful demonstrators, of which there were many. Conservative locals around here speak of the "Republic of Charlottesville" because it is such a liberal, leftist stronghold since the University of Virginia is there. However, the citizens of Charlottesville at the next City Council meeting rose up in large numbers and loudly criticized the leadership of the city and its police for watching while people at the gathering were attacked by these outside forces. They had huge posters saying the police and City Council have "blood on your hands." The crazy guy who ran down the anti-statue protester was from Ohio. He had been in trouble before for beating up his mother or grandmother—obviously he has mental problems.

Chaplain, please do not believe the lies the mainstream media tells about President Trump. He has his shortcomings, but the mainstream media twists everything, leaves out important facts, and is determined to destroy Trump with no interest in presenting a balanced account of anything he says or does. The media decided everyone at that rally was a racist and/or a Neo-Nazi, and that is not true. There are actually only small numbers of those reprehensible types in Virginia.

I have always enjoyed your column. My father was just out of high school, working in a steel mill near Pittsburgh. He joined the Navy during World War II to defend his country, and he stayed in for 22 years and then worked for the Navy another 10 years in the Civil Service. My mother was a coal miner's daughter who was "Rosie the Riveter" at the Glen L Martin airplane factory in Baltimore during the war, and the two of them met there and married when the war was over. I was raised on 4 continents as my family traveled with my dad as he served his country. My dad was an elder in the Presbyterian church and my mom was a deacon—two of the best Christian people who ever lived. We were never haters and never prejudiced. As a Navy junior, I have great respect and admiration for the men and women in the Armed Forces of our beloved country. I have seen what they sacrifice during their service.
I voted for Trump because I could not stomach a sleaze like Hillary being president. The country suffered enough when Bill was president. Trump was not my 1st, 2nd, or 3rd choice among the Republican contenders, but he deserves a fair chance to lower taxes on business, repeal Obamacare, protect the border, do something about the PC madness in this country, etc. The deals the Clintons and Obama signed have left us with nukes in North Korea and nukes on the way in Iran. Trump has inherited a mess and I am praying the RINO Republicans will not be re-elected so he can get his programs through Congress. God can use him for good. I am praying Trump will discover Jesus is a real way. We will see.
God bless you and your wonderful family.
Linda Dickerson

Begin forwarded message:
From: Gloria Gillespie <gsgpeach16@aol.com>
Subject: 8/27 column
Date: August 27, 2017 at 5:27:56 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Mr. Burkes, I just read aloud your column regarding Trump to my spouse as we are driving from Lakeland, Fl back to Atlanta. We enjoyed your column in the Lakeland Ledger for 4 years and have mostly agreed with your point of view. Today is no different. We applaud your willingness to stick your neck out at risk of offending your conservative base. These two Presbyterians choose to stand with you and the disenfranchised. We grieve every week as the political landscape is torn apart by our President and pray for our country to recover from the damage.

Blessings to you.


Gloria and Mike Gillespie




Begin forwarded message:
From: Fred Pfister <fredrpfister@gmail.com>
Subject: A job I don't want
Date: August 26, 2017 at 4:53:44 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

At last! A member of the clergy with spine enough to state a truth that has been obvious to most Americans. Even Episcapal John Danforth has wet his spiritual and political oar.

Thank you!



Fred Pfister: Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: Jackie Utley <jutleymail@aol.com>
Subject: "America's chaplain" column
Date: August 26, 2017 at 8:00:33 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Thank you. Religious leaders have been silent for far too long. I appreciate your courageous words. And find it depressing that it takes courage in today's America to speak out publicly against misogyny, racism, and hate. Thank you!
Jackie Utley
Reader of The Jackson Sun, Jackson TN

Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Laura Pearce" <pearce@redbird.net>
Subject: AMEN!!!!
Date: August 27, 2017 at 10:03:05 PM GMT+2
To: <comment@thechaplain.net>

Chaplain Burkes: I read the Mansfield News Journal (Mansfield, OH) daily; and look forward to your Sunday articles. I have found them inspiring, thought-provoking and uplifting. Today's article, dated 8-27-2017, entitled "Calling upon people of faith to ponder their silence" was the best article I have read regarding our current leadership!! You "hit the nail on the head" with every point you made. It was wonderful to read a man of faith and good conscience express the very thoughts I have had since early in the presidential campaign.
I would not want to associate with our current president at any level---I find his personality, his boorish behavior, his meanness, and everything about him deplorable. I pray that our country can survive whatever lies ahead while he continues in office.
I thank-you so much for finally saying what needs to be said---people of faith cannot stand by idly, saying nothing about this man.
I wish you the best always, and again thank-you for your well-spoken words today. Sincerely, Laura Pearce, Mt. Gilead, OH
Begin forwarded message:
From: Ralph McGraw <tom_mcgraw@att.net>
Subject: A Job I Don't Want
Date: August 26, 2017 at 7:54:03 PM GMT+2
To: "comment@thechaplain.net" <comment@thechaplain.net>
Reply-To: Ralph McGraw <tom_mcgraw@att.net>

Mr. Burkes,
A brief thank you for your article today. I have four daughters, wife and sister. I cannot understand anyone supporting President Trump after the way he has made the derogatory comments about women, minorities, immigrants, world leaders, and anyone that doesn't agree with him. I'am of Southern Baptist faith and have had many occasions to hear fellow church members defend Trump. I have requested prayer for our country and our leaders a few times at church. It does surprise me that my request is the only one I have heard. I feel the conservative religious Christians have done a lot of damage to the Christian faith.
Sorry I couldn't be more brief
Sincerely, Tom McGraw
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Sandra Brooks" <sbrook1@tampabay.rr.com>
Subject: A Job I Don't Want
Date: August 28, 2017 at 3:39:48 AM GMT+2
To: <comment@thechaplain.net>


After reading your column today concerning Donald Trump, I just want to say thank you! As a member of a Southern Baptist church, I find myself in the minority when it comes to Trump. It never ceases to amaze me that Christians continue to defend and support him after all he's said and done! Thank you for taking a stand and telling all the reasons why Trump does not deserve our support.

Sandra Brooks
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Patterson, Jacqueline (patteji)" <PATTEJI@ucmail.uc.edu>
Subject: Thank you
Date: August 28, 2017 at 2:59:17 AM GMT+2
To: "comment@thechaplain.net" <comment@thechaplain.net>

For speaking out. I hope you inspire many.

Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Evie Bolante <obolante@gmail.com>
Subject: "I've had tough jobs...."
Date: August 27, 2017 at 6:11:00 AM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Dear Chaplain Norris,
I just read with interest regarding your call by God! Thank you for taking a stand to pray for the best possible outcome regarding the President and his administration. I will share your article with many of my friends!
I still find it hard to believe Mr. Trump is our President!

Concerned Christian

Begin forwarded message:
From: SONDRA HAGERMAN <drsfh@att.net>
Subject: Re: Norris Burkes column New-Leader August 26, 2017
Date: August 27, 2017 at 12:46:39 AM GMT+2
To: Chaplain Norris <ask@thechaplain.net>

I am impressed with your quick response. Thank you.
However, a call for prayer for our country's leadership and safety for demonstrators would have been more appropriate.
Most sincerely, Sondra Hagerman

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 26, 2017, at 6:36 PM, SONDRA HAGERMAN <drsfh@att.net> wrote:

In this column, you, Norris, compare yourself to some very illustrious persons: Nathan in the Bible, Martin Luther, Martin Luther King and even Billy Graham.
This is all very interesting, but you are not in their league, and you have crossed the line.
You are NOT President Trump's chaplain. You are a columnist. A columnist, I might add, that is calling himself a spiritual columnist, but in this column you became a political activist.
As for Trump's comment, there ARE good people on both sides of every issue. In the case of Charlottesville, perhaps there were fewer good people, but that is not for us to decide.
Historically, these statues commemorating war heroes of the Confederate States of America, are important to our history and a lot of "GOOD" people respect the statues for the art they represent, as well as for a chance to teach our history.
But regardless, none of this belongs in a spiritual column.
You have crossed the line and I will NOT be reading your column in the future, neither will I continue to take this paper, which has evidently become way too liberal if even your column has become political against the man who is President of the United States of America. But since you are no longer living in the USA, perhaps you really don't care.
Sondra Hagerman, Ed.D.
Begin forwarded message:
From: Jim Hansen <witsend-2020@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Saturday's column
Date: August 28, 2017 at 6:26:03 PM GMT+2
To: "comment@thechaplain.net" <comment@thechaplain.net>
Reply-To: Jim Hansen <witsend-2020@sbcglobal.net>

Chaplain,

I and my wife agree completely. Well said. God bless you.

Jim Hansen
Begin forwarded message:
From: Jeanie Todd <jmtodd@eplus.net>
Subject: Trump attacks alt-left: not all Charlottesville protesters neo-Nazis
Date: August 28, 2017 at 5:32:55 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net


I often get aggravated at Trump's words . He is very often in artful in his expressions .

But am baffled at all the outcry over the Charlottesville comments .

Although I am quick to find fault with his pronouncements , I interpreted this way:

1. Some of persons protesting were white supremacists (whose beliefs most people decry).

2. Some of the people protesting were simply there to protest the taking down of Confederate statues , especially Lee's. But received guilt by association .

3. These kinds of persons had an actual permit to protest.
Based on freedom
of speech - but not necessarily agreeing with any premise some of them held . It was more about the removal/destruction of statues.
Yet recognizing a person's freedom to say unpopular speech.

4. The persons who agitated and started the fights did not have a permit to protest.
They were supposedly not white supremacists but were there to speak out against these neo nazi types and what they stand for .
Which would have been fine and LEGAL if they had had a permit. Although the permit most likely would not have been granted for that day - but would have for another day.

5. I never thought that Trump was for the white supremacists protesting . Only for their First
Amendment right to protest. And I inferred his very fine people remark to denote those who were NOT white supremacists but simply there to protest the destruction of the statues. Although he expressed it very poorly.

6. Many thoughtful people I have discussed this with think the bottom line is: Had the protesters( to the white supremacists) WITHOUT a permit stayed away on that day and waited to have their protest with a permit on another day, all this melee would have been avoided.

7. Seems we do a disservice if we do not recognize all the facts that played into this unfortunate day.

Thank you.



https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.businessinsider.com/trump-charlottesville-neo-nazis-alt-left-2017-8


Sent from my iPhone


Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:
From: Clay Holmes <holmesc1956@gmail.com>
Subject: Column dated 8/26/17
Date: August 26, 2017 at 4:19:25 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Chaplain Norris,
The purpose of this message is to commend you for your courage in sharing your thoughts RE our POTUS' proclivities. I appreciate your humility and the candid elucidation of your opinions about Pres. Trump. The "moral laxative" statement was a direct hit and rightly calls on Trump to repudiate his recent commentaries on various crucially important subjects. Keep challenging me to "be like Norris"!

Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Ken <kenrob72@aol.com>
Subject: Today's column
Date: August 27, 2017 at 4:16:45 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Thank you so much for speaking out against the hate and vitriol that is coming from the person who is hardly acting presidential. I couldn't understand how so many people voted for him when he has spoken out so crudely against women, immigrants, gays, transgenders, handicapped people, just to name a few...

Could you please tell me how to post a link (and/or give me permission) to your column on my Facebook page?

Thanks so much for speaking out for what is right. We applaud you!

Robbie Emert


Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: vicky woolery <vicky-woolery@att.net>
Subject: President Trump comments
Date: August 26, 2017 at 4:03:36 PM GMT+2
To: "comment@thechaplain.net" <comment@thechaplain.net>
Reply-To: vicky woolery <vicky-woolery@att.net>

Chaplain, I'm unclear about your reaction to President Trump. God's Word says we are to respect, honor and obey those in power (our government). I don't know how that directive and your words in today's paper correlate. It seems that contradict each other. Voting against him is our prerogative, forgiving his lewd actions is required. Your inbox is probably overflowing, but I'd really like to hear your thoughts on this. You undoubtedly pray for the president and all our leaders, as I strive to do, too. Please clarify how you are condemning him.

Sincerely,
Vicky Woolery
Rogersville MO
Begin forwarded message:
From: Ron Schipansky <ronthegolfer407@gmail.com>
Subject: A job...
Date: August 27, 2017 at 9:48:03 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

THANK YOU for doing "the job " ! I do enjoy reading your column each week..& am glad you stepped up to the plate ! I'm sure you're going to get a lot of negative feedback, but stick to your convictions as a man of God !! Sincerely, Ron Schipansky....
Begin forwarded message:
From: Peggy Bischof <peggybischof4044@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Share on Facebook
Date: August 27, 2017 at 7:26:26 PM GMT+2
To: Norris Burkes <comment@thechaplain.net>

Thanks so much. I just posted your column to FB. Just to let you know, I'm a Roman Catholic northern-progressive, retired in a conservative-southern rural town. Different from you, yes, yet I always love your column! You preach the Gospel, so what's not to love?

On Sun, Aug 27, 2017 at 1:10 PM, Norris Burkes ‪<comment@thechaplain.net>‬ wrote:
Glad you liked it so much! It's made USA Today website.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnists/2017/08/25/job-dont-want-incensing-king/594463001/

Post my website too if you can. Thechaplain.net and see my new book Thriving Beyond Surviving.



On Aug 27, 2017, at 7:03 PM, Peggy Bischof <peggybischof4044@gmail.com> wrote:

Loved your column: Didn't want to call Trump 'wrong,' but he is. I don't do Twitter but would love to share it with my friends on Facebook, also as a matter of taking a stand for what is right. How can I do that?
Thanks for your column which I read in The News Leader, Staunton, VA. They do not make your column available online.
Thank you!
Peggy Bischof


Begin forwarded message:
From: Lisa Williams <lisaannwilliams@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: Job I don't want
Date: August 26, 2017 at 7:05:02 PM GMT+2
To: Chaplain Norris <ask@thechaplain.net>

I read your column in the Jackson Sun, Jackson, TN as I do every Saturday morning. I appreciate your willingness to be bold, honest, and a true soldier for Christ.

Lisa Williams Sent from my iPhone


On Aug 26, 2017, at 3:26 PM, Lisa Williams <lisaannwilliams@hotmail.com> wrote:

Well done, good and faithful servant

Lisa Williams Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:
From: Bruce Abels <babels@tampabay.rr.com>
Subject: Your August 27th column: A Job I Don't Want
Date: August 28, 2017 at 2:14:51 AM GMT+2
To: Norris Burkes <comment@thechaplain.net>

Dear Norris - I have written to you at least once (or perhaps twice) before, complimenting you on a column. But with your latest column you have clearly gone to a new level and I am so grateful for the column and for you.

I was overjoyed by your clear stand - a stand without "drama" and self-aggrandizement - about the need to speak out on several topics: the President's bad behavior being the "easy" target. But, in many ways, the really important part of your column was your challenge to the pastors and ministers of many churches for remaining silent in the face of behavior that has been at times disgraceful, imprudent or cruel. I especially commend you for not making your statements "partisan" - but rather based on the classic question of "What would Jesus do?".

I am Catholic (all my life) but had a wonderful Lutheran father. So while I believe that Martin Luther was perhaps mis-guided, no one can question his famous statement, quoted at the end of your column, "Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God". To which I say "thank you" and "Amen".

My wife, an accomplished retired professional, with a long career of working up through the ranks has, incomprehensibly not only voted for President Trump but continues to think he is doing OK. Given her history, I can not imagine how she could support Trump. I have suggested to her that she read your column and I hope she does. It will be interesting to see if she is able (or willing) to accept a different perspective. We are, unfortunately, a couple who are blessed but who can not communicate calmly and rationally about Mr. Trump's behavior.

As an aside, I've enjoyed your adventures in Belgium. I hate to see the day coming when you stop writing your columns: they (and you) are a blessing and I've learned from you. One last thing: a few weeks ago I arranged a Kiwanis meeting program that involved chaplains from my home town's police and fire departments (Lakeland, FL). In arranging the program I was helped by what I've learned about chaplaincy from you - and those chaplains from LPD and LFD were on exactly the same page as you are. I think they appreciated the fact that a civilian knew something about their ministries.

All the best to you and your wife….have fun…and keep writing as long as you can.

Bruce Abels
President
Fairfield Logistics Advisors

863-688-0031 (home/office)
863-559-1985 (cell)
babels@tampabay.rr.com


Begin forwarded message:
From: Barb Arter <ribticklrs@aol.com>
Subject: Calling on people of faith to ponder their silence
Date: August 28, 2017 at 2:03:35 AM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Thank you for stating your position on Donald Trump in your article. I agree with you 100 percent!!
From a grateful reader
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: iroth <iroth@mchsi.com>
Subject: Your Aug 26th article
Date: August 26, 2017 at 8:46:43 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Thank you, Norris Burke, for the article "A job I don't want". You said the things I have been too cowardly to say.

Irene Roth



Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab®4
Begin forwarded message:
From: Roger Ellsworth <rogerellsworth@hotmail.com>
Date: August 27, 2017 at 3:28:35 PM GMT+2
To: "comment@thechaplain.net" <comment@thechaplain.net>

So brave Mr Burkes has taken a bold stand against 'King' Trump!
How very noble of you, knowing, of course, that all your liberal
buddies would applaud!


Why don't you show true courage and take on your true king -
the liberal establishment? I don't seem to recall you condemning
Bill Clinton for his groping or Hillary for enabling him. I guess
we could say you have case of 'selective genitalia' or shall we
say 'selective groping.' Do I detect hypocrisy?


How about an article taking the liberal establishment to task
for giving us the indiscriminate slaughter of millions of the unborn?
We wait breathlessly.


How about an article rebuking the liberal establishment for their
hatred of Christians and their silence about persecution of
Christians? That brings me to yet another question – why
do liberals constantly condemn other groups for 'hatred' but
don't hesitate to express their own? Why is liberal hatred
virtuous?


Trump is far from perfect, but a President who fights for the unborn
has my support whatever his other failings might be (by the way, I
did not vote for Trump in the primary). If you had lived in pre-Civil War
days, I think you would have said that slavery is such a huge moral
issue that we should support the President who leads against it,
whatever his other moral failings. Is abortion on the same plane with
slavery? I think it is. People in power in pre-Civil War days justified
slavery by saying blacks were not human beings, and liberals say
the same about the unborn.


Have a nice day!


RE


Begin forwarded message:
From: "George F. Thompson" <thompsongeorge33@gmail.com>
Subject: No longer silent
Date: August 28, 2017 at 4:38:11 PM GMT+2
To: "comment@thechaplain.net" <comment@thechaplain.net>
Cc: UUFW <minister@uufw.org>

Dear Chaplain Burkes,

I had the great pleasure of meeting and hearing you speak a few summers ago at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Waynesboro (VA) and read your weekly column regularly in the News-Leader of Staunton, Va.

My entire life has been dedicated to nonprofit causes, and I am now suffering daily depression because of the behavior and beliefs of President Trump. I have been even more depressed following events in Charlottesville that so many ministers have remained silent about this most egregious act and the reaction of the president. And some, such as Jerry Falwell, Jr. have even praised the president for his bi-polar response! How is this possible?

I was heartened recently when Senator Corker finally listened to his soul and proclaimed the president unfit and incompetent, and there has been a trickling of others to come forth. But your article truly helped me regain a small sense of hope that we might overcome this man. Those who remain silent are de facto collaborators in his behavior (that often borders on insanity and evil). I wish you luck in what should be missionary work for all leaders of all faiths!

Wit every good wish,

George

George F. Thompson
217 Oak Ridge Circle
Staunton, VA 24401-3511
thompsongeorge33@gmail.com
540-746-5263
www.gftbooks.com

Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: terrylworthington@gmail.com
Subject: Trump Truths
Date: August 27, 2017 at 3:06:38 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Thank you for being true to your faith. I lost my job at United Way for discretely doing the same.

It was the best thing that could have happened to me.

Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Lisa Williams <lisaannwilliams@hotmail.com>
Subject: Job I don't want
Date: August 26, 2017 at 3:26:47 PM GMT+2
To: "comment@thechaplain.net" <comment@thechaplain.net>

Well done, good and faithful servant

Lisa Williams Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Penny Ellis" <pjellis@suddenlink.net>
Subject: Bravo!
Date: August 26, 2017 at 12:58:21 PM GMT+2
To: <comment@thechaplain.net>

Today's column, "A job I don't want," really hit the nail on the head. Thank you. You'll probably have some strong opposing mail from Mountain Home and all over, but you are right. I'm hoping Congress will take a stand. I will pray with you for "the best possible outcome in the gentlest possible way" for the sake of our country. We so much need healing.

Penny Ellis
Mountain Home, AR
pjellis@suddenlink.net
Begin forwarded message:
From: Ruthie Cohen <ruthiem5184@gmail.com>
Subject: A Job I Don't Wat
Date: August 29, 2017 at 7:54:16 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Bravo - your column said it all! I'm sure you will get 'flack' from some, but the truth shall set you free.

Like millions of Americans etc.) I are horrified and disgruntled at our current President (and his cohorts) who are preaching hate and discrimination - of almost everyone! But more disappointing, are see there are still Americans who are supporting him and his hate. I had hoped we had grown up since slavery and the the Civil War, World War II Nazism, etc. Apparently not.

(I live in Arizona in the winter; Sheriff Apparo has committed far more crimes than he has been convicted of, for years and years. ANY PERSON of color (or not - such as a gay person) as he chose was subject to abuse.

My personal family is very diverse - religiously, racially, various sexual orientations - so when Blacks, Gays, Transgenders, Asian, Handicapped, etc. etc. are dissed, I take it personally. Substitute the word 'Jew' for 'Muslim" or 'Transgender' and the hate is the same.


I now relate to the Jewish Defense League who say: Never Again. We WILL fight back until this current EVIL is eliminated from our nation. I would rather follow Martin Luther King's path (or Gandhi) but I fear it would be too little, too late.

Keep up the good work!

Ruth Cohen
ruthiem5184@gmail.com
Begin forwarded message:
From: Peggy Bischof <peggybischof4044@gmail.com>
Subject: Share on Facebook
Date: August 27, 2017 at 7:03:30 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Loved your column: Didn't want to call Trump 'wrong,' but he is. I don't do Twitter but would love to share it with my friends on Facebook, also as a matter of taking a stand for what is right. How can I do that?
Thanks for your column which I read in The News Leader, Staunton, VA. They do not make your column available online.
Thank you!
Peggy Bischof
Begin forwarded message:
From: SONDRA HAGERMAN <drsfh@att.net>
Subject: Norris Burkes column New-Leader August 26, 2017
Date: August 26, 2017 at 6:36:16 PM GMT+2
To: "comment@thechaplain.net" <comment@thechaplain.net>
Reply-To: SONDRA HAGERMAN <drsfh@att.net>

In this column, you, Norris, compare yourself to some very illustrious persons: Nathan in the Bible, Martin Luther, Martin Luther King and even Billy Graham.
This is all very interesting, but you are not in their league, and you have crossed the line.
You are NOT President Trump's chaplain. You are a columnist. A columnist, I might add, that is calling himself a spiritual columnist, but in this column you became a political activist.
As for Trump's comment, there ARE good people on both sides of every issue. In the case of Charlottesville, perhaps there were fewer good people, but that is not for us to decide.
Historically, these statues commemorating war heroes of the Confederate States of America, are important to our history and a lot of "GOOD" people respect the statues for the art they represent, as well as for a chance to teach our history.
But regardless, none of this belongs in a spiritual column.
You have crossed the line and I will NOT be reading your column in the future, neither will I continue to take this paper, which has evidently become way too liberal if even your column has become political against the man who is President of the United States of America. But since you are no longer living in the USA, perhaps you really don't care.
Sondra Hagerman, Ed.D.
Begin forwarded message:
From: Roger and Linda Leonard <cedars94@live.com>
Subject: "A Job I don't want," August 26
Date: August 28, 2017 at 1:19:34 AM GMT+2
To: "comment@thechaplain.net " <comment@thechaplain.net>

Good for you. We appreciated your excellent column; it is right on target. Don't beat yourself up too much for your "whimpering silence." Our political leaders in Congress are the ones who really need to grow a backbone so that they can save our democracy and guide the country out of the mess we are in. We sincerely hope you will continue to "speak truth to power," even if it is a job you don't want. Thanks and best regards.

Roger and Linda Leonard
Republic, Missouri
Sent from Mail for Windows 10

Begin forwarded message:
From: Marilyn Bossing <marilynbossing@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: A job I don't want
Date: August 26, 2017 at 8:39:35 PM GMT+2
To: Chaplain Norris <ask@thechaplain.net>

My allegiance is first and foremost to God.
At the moment you voted, did Hillary Clinton reflect the values you wanted? Was she a better choice for you in November?
I will not rethink my allegiance to my country or my president! I will uphold his office and, while I do not always agree with him, I will not think that my personal platform should be utilized to further divide my country.
Sorry but I was so disappointed in you.
Sent from my iPad

On Aug 26, 2017, at 1:14 PM, Chaplain Norris <ask@thechaplain.net> wrote:



On Aug 26, 2017, at 7:42 PM, Marilyn Bossing <marilynbossing@yahoo.com> wrote:

I have always enjoyed your stories and articles. Your view of life and religion was uplifting and positive......until today!

I will never give you another chance to revile a leader who I respect, President Trump. I truly felt blindsided that you would use your article to spew hatred!

You are definitely NOT the person I thought you were! Shame on you!

Sent from my iPad


Begin forwarded message:
From: steve and debbie hansen <stevehansen1@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Column of Aug.26 on Donald Trump
Date: August 26, 2017 at 8:07:05 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Dear Chaplain,

Amen! I couldn't agree with you more. Thank you for your courage. As Christians, we have got to stand up for what is right. We are letting Trump and his supporters hijack our Christian faith, like Isis has hijacked the Islamic faith.

Again, thank you.

Sincerely,



Debbie

Begin forwarded message:
From: Marney Gibbs <mmgibbs@verizon.net>
Subject: Trump column
Date: August 28, 2017 at 10:33:20 AM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Wonderful column. "Moral laxative"? LOL! I have followed you for years. And am grateful for your inspiration, humor, integrity. and humanity. Thank you for writing.


Marney Gibbs
Staunton Guided Tours
mmgibbs@verizon.net
540-885-2430
Begin forwarded message:
From: Bonnie Fisher <bonniefisher53@gmail.com>
Subject: Than you!
Date: August 28, 2017 at 4:31:20 AM GMT+2
To: "comment@thechaplain.net" <comment@thechaplain.net>

Dear Chaplain Burke,

THANK YOU for helping to put into words what I'm feeling about President Trump. Thank you for taking a risk and using your public forum to stand up for what is right!

Blessings!

Bonnie Fisher

--
Bonnie Fisher
1629 Oak Forest Dr.
The Villages, FL 32162
bonniefisher53@gmail.com
614-565-0953
Begin forwarded message:
From: ldurrence@tampabay.rr.com
Subject: Amen
Date: August 27, 2017 at 2:53:30 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Chaplain Burkes, I suspect there were mental debates and struggles in writing this column; however, I hope that you had a feeling of peace once it was written. I also know that there are millions of Americans who appear to have build a wall between the Christian faith they profess and the politics they practice. That faction will criticize and denounce you -- perhaps demand that their newspaper drop your column.

You know better than I that prophets and men like Martin Luther faced rejection from the majority of the authorities and populous, but they had the faith and moral courage to speak the message God laid on their heart. Thank you for reminding us that we should follow the moral compass that Jesus lived and would have us embrace rather than the demagoguery of power hungry politicians who appeal to prejudice and our sinful nature.

I have no castle within which to offer you protection (like the protector of Martin Luther), but I pray that God will surround you with his love.

Larry Durrence
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Jerany Jackson <jeranyjackson@gmail.com>
Subject: Comment on the article you wrote in the NewsLeader
Date: August 29, 2017 at 1:03:23 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Mr. Burkes:
Thank you for your article in the NewsLeader 'A Job I Don't Want'. It was well written, and well received. I agree, we can no longer be silent.

Be well and God bless!
Jerany Jackson

Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Fred Owsley <frdowsley@gmail.com>
Subject: Your Pondering Column
Date: August 28, 2017 at 10:42:29 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

I've always enjoyed reading your columns. Imagine my disappointment
when I found that you have jumped on the Fake News bandwagon.

When Trump said that there were good people on both sides, he also
said that some of those people were only there to protest the removal
of statues. I was listening when those words came out of his mouth.
The media has never included those words when they complain about him.
He has on several occasions condemned the KKK and other radical
groups. Did you not hear any of that or are you just accepting what
the mainstream media spouts?

Do you recognize that the leftist groups are accusing Trump people of
Hate while they throw rocks at cops and damage property. Talk about
bigots; these people do not even understand logic. They just want to
use mob tactics to prevent anyone from the right from saying anything
in public. You go right along with them and their journalist friends.

You should be ashamed of yourself for that column.

Fred Owsley
Begin forwarded message:
From: Ronald Zoesch <rzoesch@icloud.com>
Subject: Thankful
Date: August 26, 2017 at 4:20:44 AM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

Thank you for your brave article and stand on racism it is a gift of hope for us all
As a Lutheran pastor and also with St Mary's Episcopal we need to speak out for the Faith God has blessed to unite us all Amen also to Luther for standing up for Gods word for all. Peace Pr Ron Zoesch
Begin forwarded message:
From: Jessie Chatman <jessie615@bellsouth.net>
Subject: August 26,2017
Date: August 26, 2017 at 4:52:01 PM GMT+2
To: comment@thechaplain.net

First and foremost,Thank God Almighty for you and your articles. I read them, with heartfelt anticipation each Saturday and today's article is one of your absolutely best. You said it well and I will frame this and share with many. Keep up the good work and I too, can appreciate Martin Luther, quote "...to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here U stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen."

There are so many people who will never admit what you have in your column today and a lot of them I have worked alongside fir year, carefully avoiding conversations about politics and race.

I am a 67 year old African American female who grew up in an era of integration and the negatives that you can imagine-so I won't list them. I wonder if many of your readers could put themselves in the shoes of those of us who had no other recourse but to pray for better days, work hard and wait for change..positive change. And even that, comes with a price. Doesn't it?
Thank you and please keep on doing the right thing.

 

Attachment:

New Column From Norris Burkes

Subject:
Alternative column for third week of Aug 2017


Column:

Editors, If you prefer an alternative to the political commentary I sent yesterday, you may use the piece below adapted from my book No Small Miracles.

UNEXPECTED DEATH BRINGS LESSONS FOR LIVING

As my wife and I travel Europe in the aftermath of recent terrorist attacks, friends and family are asking if we are fearful for our safety.

I assure them that we take reasonable safety precautions as we try to be aware of our surroundings. We walk with an effort to stay behind the barriers that line the sidewalks and we maintain vigilance when in crowded place.

They are reassured knowing that I've always played the role of "safety officer" for our family. My children were raised wearing sunscreen, bug spray, hats, helmets and seatbelts.

Their mother sometimes complained about such efforts, but she knew that my experience as a healthcare chaplain told me that death can come in the most unexpected ways at unimaginable speed.

I experienced that lesson in a profound way one afternoon in 1995 while working at Houston Northwest Medial center. That was the day I watched a mother follow her 3-year-old son's gurney the the automatic doors of our emergency room.

The two of them had arrived by ambulance from a metropolitan subdivision where they'd spent the morning inside the community's beautifully swept tennis court. They must have felt very safe and secure playing in a gated court was staffed by background-checked employees.

However, as the morning wore on, the boy asked his mother if he could take off his shoes.

The mother scanned the court for hazards like broken glass and broken pavement. Nothing. It was as clean and safe as you'd expect in their well-to-do subdivision.

"Sure," she replied. She wanted him safe, but she would not be overly restricted.

The boy explored his environment as little boys often will do. He splashed the puddles of the recent rain and kicked at the fence, testing the security of its boundaries.

This is fun, he must have thought. I'm in a giant playpen with Mommy. I feel safe.

Mom felt safe too. There was no way for her son to get out and no way for the bad guys to come in. If trouble came, Mommy was close enough.

Close enough was not fast enough. Her son was standing barefoot on a court dampened by morning rain when he kicked the fence near an improperly grounded outlet. He died before his mother even realized there was a problem.

Some might note with resignation that the Christian scripture teaches that, "It is appointed unto a man once to die." My concern with that verse is that some folks use it to cynically look for death everywhere and not to live their life to the fullest.

The takeaway of the verse isn't that we are all going to die someday. The good news is that we are encouraged us to live our lives with daily fullness, and to love each person in our lives with the certainty that this could be our last day.

Today, life takes us across the Belgium boarder into Germany. We will board a hop-on hope-off ferry and explore the banks of the Rhine river as it skirts Cologne. As with all my trips, I begin with some trepidation, but we go with this understanding -- The possibility of death is always close, but people of faith are called to hold life even closer.

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This column was adapted from a story in my book, No Small Miracles. Read past columns at www.thechaplain.net. Email: comment@thechaplain.net. Voicemail: (843) 608-9715. Twitter @chaplain.

 

Attachment:

New Column From Norris Burkes

Subject:
column for third week in August 2017


Column:

Editors: This is a politically based opinion that may offend some readers. If you prefer to run something different, let me know and I'll send you a "chaplain classic" from some years back.


A Job I Don't Want

I've spent my career working chaplain positions in the hospital, the Air Force and in hospice. They were tough jobs, but King David's chaplain had a much tougher one.

Remember King David? He's the dude in the Old Testament that had an affair with Bathsheba, the wife of one of his commanders. To cover the affair and explain Bathsheba's ensuing pregnancy, David orders the commander to the frontline and causes his death in battle.

A while later God sends Chaplain Nathan to confront David for his sin. (Yes, Nathan was technically a prophet, but I'm telling this story).

Rather than scream into David's face, Nate tells David a parable about a rich man who stole the only sheep of his poor neighbor.

David, incensed, demands that Nathan reveal this man's identity so the rich man can be jailed.

In a most famous Biblical line, Nathan points his finger in David's face and declares, "Thou art the man!"

Nathan told a king with execution powers that the king was the real thief – definitely not a job I would want. Yet today that job falls on me.

I say to our "king," President Donald J. Trump, "You're wrong!"

This past week Trump took a moral laxative, dumping all semblance of virtue in his defense of white nationalists. By saying that there are "very fine people on both sides" he played a tune not even his staff and family will dance to.

I know you read this column for spiritual inspiration. So why am I dragging political headlines into it? I may not presume to be "America's chaplain," but like Nathan, God calls me to speak in the face of wrongdoing.

I've been appallingly silent – but no longer.

For my whimpering silence, I should apologize. First to my wife and three beautiful daughters that I didn't publically question the morality of a candidate who boasted of grabbing women's genitals.

Then, I should apologize to my readers that I didn't speak up when Trump tried to ban immigrants solely based on their religion.

But mostly, I repent of cowering in silence, hoping it would please my readers and editors rather than using my calling to please God.

Today I call upon people of faith to ponder their silence.

Consider whether Trump's treatment of women, minorities and the poor has shown any improvement since January. I ask you to prayerfully reflect whether the president's insolence toward world leaders will be the stability and mental fitness we need to avoid a nuclear war.

I call on the church leaders who've supported this presidency to contemplate whether the oval office contains the moral depravity of a mean-spirited narcissist. Like Nathan before me, I rebuke Baptist leaders from my own denomination for continually praising this president and feeding the hate.

As a chaplain, I choose to speak in the best tradition of the clergy. Billy Graham opposed Nixon and the Vietnam War. Martin Luther King fought segregation.

However, as a Christian, I will pray for the best possible outcome in the gentlest possible way. I will follow the ways of peace expressed by the olive-skinned Middle Easterner who offered his life for the redemption of our world.

Whatever you think of my stand, you can count on this: I will vote in the next election, but don't bet on my silence.

As Martin Luther, the seminal figure in the Protestant Reformation, said, "… to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen."
_________________________________________________
Read past columns at www.thechaplain.net. Email: comment@thechaplain.net. Voicemail: (843) 608-9715. Twitter @chaplain.

 

Attachment:

New Column From Norris Burkes

Subject:
column for third week of Aug 2017


Column:

Editors: If you would like a picture of the people standing in food line, please respond by email. No faces are shown in the picture.


A Burger, a Bag and a Bond of Help

With mealtime approaching, I take my wife Becky to a nearby patio restaurant that serves American hamburgers. We both order an American burger with Belgium fries because this is my idea of fusion cuisine.

We are determined that nothing will spoil this meal. Other diners eat their burgers with a fork and knife, but they will not shame us. Men smoke cigarettes nearby, but they will not irritate us. The meal fills our homesick souls.

As we stand and walk away from our table, a smoker emerges from behind a tree, devours the leftover bread on Becky's plate and is quickly gone.

Honestly, I feel a bit guilty having stuffed myself in front of a hungry man.

While guilt can be self-destructive, God can use it like a smoke detector telling us that something is wrong.

Something is most definitely wrong. Hunger is what's wrong.

On the following day, Becky and I return to the Rafael Center. If you've followed my columns this month, you'll know that the Rafael Center is an old hospital repurposed in 1994 to house more than 380 homeless people.

According to the center's Facebook page, it's "an intercultural Christian community based in Brussels that seeks to provide and achieve care, reception, integration and education of immigrants and other people in need."

The center employs a unique strategy. They use refugees to help the homeless and underserved communities of Brussels. In other words, the helpless are encouraged to become the helpers.

Becky and I arrive at 9 a.m. to find Rafael residents offloading a truck of groceries from the Belgium food bank. It's the same truck I'd driven the previous week. There are probably a few Belgians glad I don't drive it more often.

Rafael residents come from many corners of the globe. However, this day I work with strikingly handsome and muscular African men from Nigeria, Rwanda and Sierra Leone. These are folks who'd been unable to establish residency because of paperwork snafus or family matters. They come to Rafael to snag a last bit of hope in this seedier corner of Brussels.

After the truck is unloaded, Becky and I spend the next hour helping pack the food into bags we will allot to the dozens of community residents lining up outside the front door.

Finally, at 10.a.m., everyone helper mans their distribution stations. The doors are opened enough to let people in one by one. The line is filled with families, single parents, disabled, addicts, aged and LGBT. However, nearly all who've come for help are Belgian citizens and, for whatever reason, aren't making it on their meager income.

Each person shows their identity papers and then pushes a rolling cart through our line to fill it with free groceries. They are getting help from people who seem more hopeless than they are.

It's a long morning, sometimes filled with arguments from those who feel shorted, while other sad cases are physically unable to stand in line. But still, most leave with enough to eat or perhaps trade for things they really need.

They remind me of the homeless man back at our burger restaurant. He'd passed too quickly to help, but, in some ways, I think we help him by helping others. Jesus backed up that thought in his teaching that whatever we do for the poor, the hungry, the naked, or the imprisoned, we do for God.

Such is the daily hand-to-hand work of places like Rafael Center.
______________________
Unfortunately, the mission of the Rafael Center is threatened with ill repair. If your church or organization is seeing an overseas humanitarian opportunity, please call me at (843) 608-9715. Or email me comment@thechaplain.net. Read more at my blog at burkesbums.com

 

Attachment:

New Column From Norris Burkes

Subject:
Column for second week of August


Column:

Editors: I have some pictures I will send you if you reply with request.

With God's Hands

After Becky and I spend a day helping Dan and Elizabeth Christensen distribute food at the Rafael Center in Brussels, Belgium, the 58-year-old assistant pastor from LifePoint Church asks me a question.

"Can you drive a truck?"

I raise a suspicious eyebrow.

"I'll be out of town next two weeks, so I need you to be the substitute driver for the center to pick up donated food." Dan says.

The Rafael Center is an old hospital repurposed in 1994 to house more than 380 homeless people. According to the center's Facebook page, it is "an intercultural Christian community based in Brussels that seeks to provide and achieve care, reception, integration and education of immigrants and other people in need."

In other words, the center feeds and houses not only the marginalized citizens of Belgium, but staffers also help immigrants who can't attain permanence or are otherwise fearful of returning to their homeland.

Christensen needs me to drive his twice-weekly route to gather donated food from local grocery stores. The foodstuff will stock the Rafael Center's food bank and be distributed among both center residents and the community poor.

Unsure of my driving status, I agreed to four daily pick-ups. On the following Tuesday, I rendezvous with Mathias, a 54-year old Nigerian long-time resident and my designated navigator.

Outside the center, we walk around the 25-foot box truck, tagged with graffiti. I check the balding tires. I climb into the cab and Mathias slides in beside me with the keys and driving paperwork. Squelching my doubts about the 15-year-old truck, I start the engine and pop the clutch. With the crazy Belgium driving rules, this has the promise of becoming a real European adventure.

The route includes four stops, probably about 15 miles round-trip. Our first stop is a popular supermarket called Carrefour. Mathias and I head into the chilled stock room where we sort through dozens of crates of discarded food.

Mayonnaise and yogurt containers have burst, giving me the feeling that we are dumpster diving. We wipe the crates clean so we can read the contents, but find the soured yogurt expired.

Still we find enough usable food to fill 3 dozen crates. I back the truck into the loading dock where I quickly realize that I'm expected to help load the heavy cargo.

We drive to two more stores before stopping at the Brussels Food Bank, part of the Belgium Federation of food banks. This place is more organized, but it's still shorthanded, so Matthias and I spend a lot of time transferring the food from their crates into our crates and then loading the truck.

We return to the Center where the residents help us unload. I accidently bang my head on a metal hinge inside the truck. I rub the forming lump and flippantly ask Mathias if I can file a worker's compensation claim. No one laughs. They don't know that luxury.

When we finish, my back aches from the daylong lifting of 30-pound crates. I'm exhausted from the work, but mostly I'm fatigued with the enormity of the task.

According to Eurostat 2016, "In 2015, 121 million people, 23.7% of Europe is at risk of poverty or social exclusion and 43 million of them are not able to afford a quality meal every other day."

I say a prayer. I ask God's hand with this enormous task. The answer comes in Mathew West's song, "Do Something." West's song screams at God to do something about poverty, slavery and pain.

"I shook my fist at Heaven
Said, "God, why don't You do something?"
He said, "I did, yeah, I created you" (now listen)
If not us, then who
If not me and you
Right now, it's time for us to do something…."

It occurs to me that sometimes, God gives a hand by allowing my hands to become his, lifting one heavy crate at a time.
_____________
Norris can still be reached overseas at (843) 608-9715. Read past columns at www.thechaplain.net or write him at comment@thechaplain.net. Twitter @chaplain.

 

Attachment:

New Column From Norris Burkes

Subject:
First column in August 2017


Column:

Things Are Different Here

"Stop! Stop!" my passenger yells. I stomp my brake pedal and narrowly avoid a T-bone accident on my passenger's side. The other driver seemed confident I would know the Belgium law of priority to the right where I must give way to vehicles approaching from the right at intersections.

Things are different here.

Later, Becky and I walk through a Brussels park where a huge dog startles us as he runs past to catch his owner. Leash laws seem either nonexistent or unenforced, so we watch where we step.

That evening, a waiter patiently explains that Brussels restaurants charge patrons for water. For an extra 7 euros I am happily hydrated. Later, a restroom attendant asks me for 50-cents to use the toilet. Apparently there is a charge for water as it is both consumed and expelled.

Things are different here. Yet in many ways, they are the same.

During midweek, I take the subway to the Rafael Center. It's an intercultural Christian community based in Brussels that houses 300 immigrants, many undocumented. I help a handful of their residents run a community food bank.

As I disembark the train, I walk through a predominantly Muslim community. It's different from my temporary home near a Baptist church, but it's also much the same.

A rubber ball bounces from a yard onto my walking path and a little boy ambles after it. I throw it back, but it falls between his feet, prompting giggles and laughs from us both. He throws it back to me. His dad gives a cautious smile to this American stranger. He's a dad. I'm a dad. We understand.

I walk past the restaurant where I'd eaten the previous day and see the owner carving thin slices of chicken from a vertical rotisserie. I wave and say "Bonjour." He asks if I'll be back today.

"Oui," I say. My mouth waters thinking of his döner kebab. It's similar to the Greek gyro, but he serves it with a mountain of Belgium fries, cooked three times to make a crisp outer shell with soft insides.

When I arrive at the Rafael Center, Mathias is supervising immigrant volunteers as they sort a hodgepodge of food from various grocery stores. They are people of all colors and faiths and are as diverse as those they are serving.

As I ready my place on the food distribution line, I find a quiet moment to reflect on being in such a distinctive place. It makes me think back to the times I'd challenged my congregations with an imaginary scenario.

I'd ask them, "What if you found yourself in a tornado like Dorothy of Oz? This crazy tornado puts you in the middle of Timbuktu.

"In this imaginary scenario, with no friends or colleagues, would you find a way to practice your faith with the same fervency as you do now?" Or, would you discard it? Or, even morph into a hedonist?

"In other words, "Is your faith portable?"

Here in the Rafael Center, I see folks living out this scenario in real ways. Turmoil has blown them across an ocean to work out their faith on a foreign shore. With the utmost resilience, they practice their faith, they love their families and they forge new friendships.

In these ways, they are not different from us at all. Because at the end of the day, no matter how far we find ourselves from home, if we don't bring our faith with us, things will always seem oddly different.

See more at https://www.facebook.com/pg/rafaelcenter
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Norris can still be reached overseas at (843) 608-9715. Read past columns at www.thechaplain.net or write him at comment@thechaplain.net. Twitter @chaplain.

 

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