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Next week we will know the outcome of the most important election in our lifetime.
Nationally, we will decide if America keeps the promises upon which we were founded, or accelerates down the path of secular progressivism and so-called relative truth---discarding the eternal biblical principles upon which our Founders framed our existence, embracing certain mediocrity, possible cultural death and financial disaster.
If we do not keep the promises of self evident, God-given, not government granted personal rights and freedoms, we will embrace a different destiny. One the Founders never envisioned and God never in intended.
We will fail the Founders, dismiss God's destiny and forfeit a blessed future for our sons and daughters.
My grandchildren living in the state are 5th generation Washingtonians. Their future, along with your children and grandchildren's future, hangs in the balance.
Washington State will not only decide the future of marriage in the state, but what public education will teach our children and grandchildren about marriage, family, sexuality and gender.
A moral catechism in the so-called morality neutral environment of public education.
Should marriage be redefined, it will elevate a secular godless worldview, while diminishing the historical and spiritual value of biblical truth in a nation that claims to be "under God."
The latest Elway Poll finds that the gap has closed in favor of natural marriage and those who defend it. Those who seek to redefine it once led by 14 points, as of last week, they now lead by only 4 points.
If marriage stands, we will rejoice--- but we will know that Sen. Ed Murray will be back next year. And the next, if necessary. He will keep that promise.
We must remain vigilant.
I was asked again last week by a pastor friend, "Gary, why are you so passionate about what you do? Many of your pastor friends either have or are retiring."
The pastor, who has known me over a lifetime, reiterated some of the things we have done in our life of ministry asking, "How long will you stand up to the negative responses from those who seek to change and undermine the foundations of the culture? The continuous attempt to undermine your voice and discredit your influence?"
Here's how long. And Why.
Fifty years ago this month, I stood at an altar in the church where I grew up in the Yakima Valley, and promised God, I would, to the best of my ability, go where He wanted me to go---and do what He wanted me to do.
I will always follow what I believe to be a God inspired vision for my life. Wherever that leads.
I will continue to speak and act as long as He gives me breath and opportunity to do so, with Scripture as my guide.
A life or a culture without the blessing and influence of God and His principles, will, in the end, equate to decline and destruction. Godlessness is intellectually seductive. Man wants to be "as God."
Let me illustrate from a Robert Frost poem: "Stopping By The Woods On A Snowy Evening."
The rider stops his horse "between the woods and frozen lake---the darkest evening of the year."
Even his horse senses the danger of lingering in the deep dark woods on a snowy night. But, "The woods are lovely, dark and deep."
And they are seductive.
The attraction of secularism and relativism is elitist to many. It's FORWARD. Biblical truth and principles are backward---regressive, to them.
Our culture, as the rider, has been attracted to the "deep, dark, lovely woods" of secular progressivism. We have paused and there is an uneasiness about it all. Gov. Gregorie called it a personal conflict as she came out to redefine marriage. Others who have violated their consciences on this moral issue have echoed her emotions.
Our culture, as the rider, has paused in the deep dark woods and may be seduced by the intrigue.
But the rider moves on--- toward safety.
Frost writes, "I have promises to keep, and miles to travel before I sleep, And miles to travel before I sleep."
I believe our country still has promises to keep---a destiny to fulfill.
Personally, I must do what I do. I have promises to keep. There are still miles to go before I sleep.
I want to personally thank all of you who stand with us with your kind words, your prayer and your financial support, without which we could not do what we do.
We do not know today if our country and Washington State will linger in the seductive deep dark snowy woods of secular progressivism and choose a path that takes us further away from godly principles, into the " the darkest evening of the year."
Next week we will know.
This is a critical time for us, as we prepare to respond to the moral and spiritual challenges that will face each of us and our children and grandchildren in the coming months.
Thank you for traveling with us. Without you, we could not.
Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Prayerful. Be Active. Be Blessed.