Saving Lives or Saving Face?

“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”

I was surprised earlier this week to hear local radio personalities buzzing about the latest news from the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure. Multiple commentators applauded the foundation’s decision to cease giving money to Planned Parenthood, expressing their thankfulness for the bravery the Foundation was exhibiting. I honestly did not know before hearing about their decision that Susan G. Komen was in any way affiliated with Planned Parenthood, but I too cheered them on. Then, yesterday, while browsing Twitter, I came across an article by Dr. Albert Mohler. In it he described how, after mounting outrage from Planned Parenthood and even some in the U.S. Senate, Komen recanted, apologizing for their seemingly political decision.

In light of all this, I can only think of the words Jesus spoke to his disciples so long ago. It is heart-breaking to see an organization surrender so quickly to the fear of man, trading temporary relief from a little political “peer-pressure” for eternal consequences. What is really gained if, in avoiding the possibility of lost financial backing, one earns the displeasure of the only God and Author of Life? Those of us who are Christians can only pray for the individuals who made this decision, asking that Jesus would mercy them, opening their eyes to their error, and turn them in repentance to Himself. And we must be careful not fall prey to the same fear of man, but we must continue to be the voice of the unborn victims of groups such as Planned Parenthood, continuing to cry out for equal rights for all humans—even those living in the womb.

(Scripture taken from Mark 8:36, ESV)

A Brief Overview of the Dine (Navajo) and Ani-Yun Wiya (Cherokee) Stories of Origin

This is a brief overview and comparison/contrast of the "Creation Stories", or "Stories of Origin" of the Navajo and Cherokee peoples that I recently wrote for my history class at ULM.


When studying the histories of cultures around the world, I always find each culture's account of their creation to be fascinating. In these stories one can catch a glimpse, not only of how a people fit themselves into the universe, but how they see the universe at large--its history and its future.

It is interesting to note the similarities and differences in the varying accounts peoples present of the earliest history of Earth. In his book C. G. Calloway offers samples of stories from the Navajo and the Cherokee. These people lived on opposite sides of the Mississippi, yet, in some ways, their stories are not that different.

In the Navajo story of creation one immediately comes into contact with "First Man" and "First Woman", and though many other "people" play a role in the story, these two are the main stars. It is not long after "First Man" and "First Woman" meet each other that they come across a certain male coyote who claims to have existed long before either of them. In response to this revelation, "First Man" sets up Great-Coyote-Who-Was-Formed-In-The-Water above himself, effectively making him a god figure. Finally, a fourth being arrives, interestingly another coyote, and fills the spot of a Satan figure.

The rest of the narrative gives details of all the people's journey from world to world, tells of their sins and explains the causes and effects of a great flood. Seeds, or corn, also carry a major significance and explain where food comes from. These Navajo stories are rooted to in the actual mountains and lakes that surrounded the Navajo people.

The Cherokee story of origination, while considerably less detailed (at least as presented in the textbook), does carry some similarities. Right at the start one meets once again the first man and the first woman. These two are more connected with the gender roles found in Cherokee culture than their counterparts in the Navajo stories, and give us an explanation of why Cherokee society works the way it does. Strangely absent in the Cherokee account is the ideas of "god", though one might argue that "Satan" is still present in the form of the "Wild Boy". Their are examples of sins committed as well that lead to enduring consequences in the world. Corn and other seeds are once again an important part of the narrative as well.

Both of these stories are interesting in their own right. Both provide a better glimpse into the cultures that birthed them. Both are even more interesting when compared against each other.

Pilgrim's Hymn

Lyrics to my latest song!

Pilgrim’s Hymn

Lord if I must needs stop my ears from Siren songs that this world sings

Then grant to me oh God to hear a million angel voices ring

And if you would I close my eyes to temp'ral treasures offered me

Then give to me oh God I cry more visions of my mighty King

Lo-o-o-ord be glorified in me

Lo-o-o-ord you're all I need

So Lord when it is your will to mold my heart through suffering

I pray I would remember still Jesus who suffered joyfully

When doubts and fears would cloud the day the promise of your cross stays true

The Lamb who suffered for my shame is faithful e'er to see me through

Lo-o-o-ord be glorified in me

Lo-o-o-ord you're all I need

Preserve me Lord until you come with trumpet blast and angel roar

Bring me safely to your home where time and sin will reign no more

Lo-o-o-ord be glorified in me

Lo-o-o-ord you're all I need