Randolph Harris II International

Home » Posts tagged 'A'

Tag Archives: A

First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of One’s Country People!

Capture5Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace. Be master of your petty annoyances and conserve your energies for the big, worthwhile things. It is not the mountain ahead that wear you out—it is the grain of sand in your shoe. Due to feminism and feminist theory, gender is coming to be recognized as a social factor of major importance. Indeed, the new meaning of the words reflects the fact that so much of what has traditionally been thought of a sexual difference is now considered by many to be largely socially produced. Feminist scholars from many disciplines and with radically different points of view have contributed to the enterprise of making gender fully visible and comprehensible. At one end of the spectrum are those whose explanations of the subordination of women focus primarily on biological differences as casual in the construct of gender, and at the other end are those who argue that biological difference may not even lie at the core of the social construction that is gender; the view of the vast majority of feminists fall between these extremes. The rejection of biological determinism and the corresponding emphasis on gender as a social construction characterize most current feminist scholarship. #RandolphHarris 1 of 19

ImageOf particular relevance is work in psychology where scholars have investigated the importance of female primary parenting in the formation of our gendered identities, and in history and anthropology, where emphasis has been placed on the historical and cultural variability of gender. Some feminists have been criticized for developing theories of gender that do not take sufficient account of differences among women, especially race, class, religion, and ethnicity. While such critiques should always inform our research and improve our arguments, it would be a mistake to allow them to detract our attention from gender itself as a factor of significance. Many injustices are experienced by women as women, whatever the differences among them and whatever other injustices they also suffer from. The past and present gendered nature of the family, and the ideology that surrounds it, affects virtually all women, whether or not they live or ever lived in traditional families. Recognizing this is not to deny or de-emphasize the fact that gender may affect different subgroups of women to a different extent and in different ways. The potential significance of feminist discoveries and conclusions about gender for issues of social justice cannot be overemphasized. #RandolphHarris 2 of 19

ImageConclusions about gender issues of social justice and potential feminist discoveries undermine centuries of argument that started with the notion that not only the distinct differentiation of women and men but the domination of women by men, being natural, was therefore inevitable and not even to be considered in discussions of justice. Despite the fact that such notions cannot stand up to rational scrutiny, they not only still survive but flourish in influential places. During the same two decades in which feminists have been intensely thinking, researching, analyzing, disagreeing about, and rethinking the subject of gender, our political and legal institutions have been increasingly faced with issues concerning the injustices of gender and their effects. These issues are being decided within a fundamentally patriarchal system, founded in a tradition in which “individuals” were assumed to be male heads of households. Not surprisingly, the system has demonstrated a limited capacity for determining what is just, in many cases involving gender. Sex discrimination, sexual harassment, abortion, pregnancy in the workplace, parental leave, child care, and surrogate mother have all become major and well-publicized issues of public policy, engaging both courts and legislatures. #RandolphHarris 3 of 19

ImageIssues of family justice, in particular—from child custody and terms of divorce to physical and sexual abuse of wives and children—have become increasingly visible and pressing, and are commanding increasing attention from the police and court systems. There is clearly a major “justice crisis” in contemporary society arising from issues of gender. There has been a great resurgence of theories of social justice. Political theory, which has been sparse for a period before the late 1960s except as an important branch of intellectual history, has become a flourishing field, with social justice as its central concern. Yet, remarkably, major contemporary theorists of justice have almost without exception ignored the situation I have just described. They have displayed little interest in or knowledge of the findings of feminism. They have largely bypassed the fac that the society to which their theories are supposed to pertain is heavily and deeply affected by gender, and faces difficult issues of justice stemming from its gendered past and present assumptions. Since theories of justice are centrally concerned with whether, how, and why persons should be treated differently from one another, this neglect seems inexplicable. #RandolphHarris 4 of 19

ImageThese theories are about which initial or acquired characteristics of positions in society legitimize differential treatment of persons by social institutions, laws, and customs. They are about how and whether and to what obvious subject for such inquires. However, as we shall see, this does not strike most contemporary theorists of justice, and their theories suffer in both coherence and relevance because of it. This is a remarkable case of neglect. We are also attempting to rectify it, to point the way toward a more fully humanist theory of justice by confronting the question, “How just is gender?” Why is that when we turn to contemporary theories of justice, we do not find illuminating and beneficial contributions to this question? How can theories of justice that are ostensibly about people in general neglect women, gender, and all the inequalities between the sexes? One reason is that most theorists assume, though they do not discuss, the traditional, gender-structured family. Another is that they often employ gender-neutral language in a false, hollow way. While the democratic movement is professing to fight for the working classes against capitalism, in reality it is concerned only with establishing and perpetuating their own power. The masses are only there to be used—for their idealism, their class resentments, their willingness to work for cheap—and be sold out, again and again. #RandolphHarris 5 of 19

ImageThere has arisen a sort of schizophrenic manner of thinking, in which words like “democracy” can bear two irreconcilable meanings, and such things as concentration camps and mass deportations can be right and wrong simultaneously. For instance, it is deemed acceptable to lock one race or class of people up, but acceptable to allow people to flood into the nation without documentation and do nothing about it. However, the reason is that African Americans and Hispanics are becoming more stable and affluent and influential and are moving away from the democratic party because they no longer government programs to survive and so to stay in power and get a supermajor, the democratic party has to court and seduce a new party of voters, even if they are not citizens. Doublethink is a form of mental discipline whose goal, desirable and necessary to all Party members, is to be able to believe two contradictory truths at the same time. This is nothing new, of course. Most of us do it. It is called compartmentalization. Compartmentalization is a defense mechanism, or a coping strategy, which does not impart a very good connotation. Put simply, it is how our minds deal with conflicting internal standpoints simultaneously. #RandolphHarris 6 of 19

Image An example of compartmentalization is, while democrats were focused on the President and the Russia Witch hunt, they ignored the Novel Coronavirus outbreak, which is now a pandemic and is threatening the entire World, while President Trump created a thriving economy and high employment. President Trump is a threat to the democrat’s way of life because he puts Americans first and that is not what the media nor democrats want. Every day public opinion is the target of rewritten history, official amnesia and outright lying, all of which is sinisterly and sarcastically termed “news,” as if it were no more harmful than a walk through the park, on a warm Spring day. We know better than what these reporters tell us, yet hope otherwise. We believe and doubt at the same time—it seems a condition of political thought in a modern superstate to be permanently of at least two minds on most issues. Needless to say, this is of inestimable use to those in power who wish to remain there, preferably forever. And as you see, this form of tyranny has the potential for fatal mischief. Well, of course, the TV news media should not be altogether trusted as the main source of information, which is why so many people spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to send their children to school. Parents want well informed adults, who know how to research and think for themselves. #RandolphHarris 7 of 19

ImageIf creative flexibility is the method of education, how can one possibly train people to that way of practicing? When one in training, one should be given a rigid way of being so that one has a model to wean oneself to, so one can wean oneself from the ways of being one learned from mother, father, Sunday school, one’s neighbourhood, and the unreal TV news, and so on. These ways will not necessarily be effective in a daily exchange. However, I think it is good to learn something orthodox to give one a sense of professional identity, a badge. Yet, that is only half training. The other half is provided through supervision. Once a master is persuaded that the pupils have mastered the basic discipline, then one must afford encouragement and challenge to one’s student. When the student is wrestling with a concrete problem presented by a real-life situation, one is, as it were, being tempted to break discipline. If it seems to one and one’s supervisor that something is called for, but that if one does it, one will not be a good Rogerian (one who negotiates using a strategy in which common goals are identified and opposing views are described as objectively as passion in an effort to establish common ground and reach an agreement), then the supervisor must encourage one’s pupil to say, “Away with Rogerianism. Full speed ahead.” However, in a responsible way, because one and one’s supervisor must deal with whatever happens next. #RandolphHarris 8 of 19

ImageIn the neurotic’s extraordinary difficulties in criticizing and making accusations there are several determining factors in one’s adult personality. In the first place this incapacity is one of the expressions of one’s lack of spontaneous self-assertion. In order to understand this deficiency it is necessary only to compare one’s attitude with the way the healthy person of our culture feels and behaves in regard to making and expressing accusations, or more generally speaking, in regard to attack and defense. The normal person is able to defend one’s opinion in an argument, to refute an unwarranted accusation, insinuation or imposition, to remonstrate internally or externally against neglect or cheating, to refuse a request or an offer if one does not like it and if the situation allows one to refuse it. One is able to feel and express criticism if necessary, to feel and express accusations, or deliberately to withdraw from or to dismiss a person if one wants to. Furthermore one is able to defend or attack without disproportionate emotional tension and to hold a middle course between exaggerated self-recriminations and an exaggerated aggressiveness which would lead one to unwarranted, violent accusations against the World. To be able thus to take the happy medium is possible only on the basis of conditions which in neuroses are more or less lacking: a comparative freedom from diffuse unconscious hostility and a comparatively secure self-esteem. #RandolphHarris 9 of 19

ImageWhen this spontaneous self-assertion is lacking the inevitable consequence is a feeling of weakness and defenselessness. A person who knows—perhaps without every having thought about it—that if the situation demands it one can attack or can defend oneself, is and feels strong. A person who registers the fact that one probably cannot do this is and feels weak. We register as accurately as an electric clock whether we have suppressed an argument out of fear or out of wisdom, whether we have accepted an accusation out of weakness or out of a sense of justice, even though we may successfully deceive our conscious selves. For the neurotic person this registering of weakness is a constant secret source of irritation. Many a depression starts after a person has been unable to defend one’s arguments or express a critical opinion. However, given the life of faith in the community of the Church, the reception of the sacraments rightly administered and the audition of the Word of God soundly preached, a Christian is defined as one who is saved by grace through one’s faith in Jesus Christ, the Saviour. The Saviour speak to one in the Word and comes to one in the sacraments. Christianity is more than any other faith or community the realm of principle. However, salvation must reach to the depths of the being. The modern World has sounded these depths. #RandolphHarris 10 of 19

ImageGod’s graciousness is beyond and above human merit, and God’s graciousness is afforded us in spite of human’s intellectual doubts. Furthermore, God’s graciousness is even within human’s existential split. In chapter 18 the Ship Nephi was working on is finished—the births of Jacob and Joseph are mentioned—the company embarks for the promised land—the sons of Ishmael and their wives join in revelry and rebellion—Nephi is bound, and the ship is drive back by a terrible tempest—Nephi is freed, and by his prayer the storm ceases—the people arrive in the promised land. About 591-598 Before Christ. “And it came to pass that they did worship the Lord, and did go forth with me; and we did work timers of curious craft. And the Lord did show mw from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ship. Now, I Nephi, did not work the timbers after the manner which was learned by men, neither did I build the ship after the manner of men; but I did build it after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me; wherefore, it was not after the manner of men. And, I Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things. #RandolphHarris 11 of 19

Image“And it came to pass that after I had finished the ship, accord to the word of the Lord, my brethren beheld that it was good, and that the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine; wherefore, they did humble themselves again before the Lord. And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my father, that we should arise and go down into the ship,” reports 1 Nephi 18.1-5. Our natural knowledge begins from sense. Hence our natural knowledge can go as far as it can be led by sensible things. However, our mind cannot be led by sense so far as to see the essence of God; because the sensible effects of God do not equal the power of God as their cause. Hence from the knowledge of sensible things the whole power of God cannot be known; nor therefore can His essence be seen. However, because they are His effects and depend on their cause, we can be led from them so far as to know of God “whether He exists,” and to know of Him what mist necessarily belong to Him, as the first cause of all things, exceeding all things caused by Him. Hence we know that His relationship with creatures so far as to be the cause of them all; also that creatures different from Him, inasmuch as He is not in any way part of what is caused by Him; and that creatures are not removed from Him by reason of any defect on His part, but because He superexceeds them all. #RandolphHarris 12 of 19

ImageGod is known by natural knowledge through the images of His effects. As the knowledge of God’s essence is by grace, it belongs only to the good; but the knowledge of Him by natural reason can belong to both good and bad. For it can be answered that many who are not pure can know many truths, id est, by natural reason. “And it came to pass that on the morrow, after we had prepared all things, much fruits and meant from the wilderness, and honey in abundance, and provisions according to that which the Lord had commanded us, we did go down into the ship, with all our loading and our seeds, and whatsoever thing we have brought with us, every one according to one’s age; wherefore, we did all go down into the ship, with our wives and children. And now, my father had begat two sons in the wilderness; the elder was called Jacob and the younger Joseph. And it came to pass after we had all gone down into the ship, and had take with us our provisions and things which had been commanded us, we did put forth into the sea and were driven forth before the wind towards the promised land. And after we had been driven forth before the wind for the space of many days, behold, my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and also their wives began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness, yea, even that they did forget by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness. #RandolphHarris 13 of 19

Image“And I, Nephi, began to fear exceedingly lest the Lord should be angry with us, and smite us because of our iniquity, that we should be swallowed up in the depths of the sea; wherefore, I, Nephi, began to speak to them with much soberness; but behold they were angry with me, saying: We will not that our younger brother shall be a rule over us. And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel did take me and bind with cords, and they did treat me with much harshness; nevertheless, the Lord did suffer it that he might show forth his power, unto the fulfilling of his word which he had spoken concerning the wicked. And it came to pass that after they had bound me insomuch that I could not move, the compass which had been prepared of the Lord, did cease to work. Wherefore, they knew not whither they should steer the ship, insomuch that there arose a great storm, yes, a great and terrible tempest, and we were driven back upon the waters for the space of three days; and they began to be frightened exceedingly lest they should be drowned in the sea; nevertheless they did not loose me. And on the fourth day, which we had been driving back, the tempest began to be exceedingly sore. #RandolphHarris 14 of 19

Image“And it came to pass that we were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea. And after we had been driven back upon the waters for the space of four days, my brethren began to see that the judgments of God were upon them, and they should repent of their iniquities; wherefore, they came unto me, and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and behold they had swollen exceedingly; and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof. Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions. Now my father, Lehi, had said many things unto them, and also unto the sons of Ishmael; but, behold, they did breathe out much threatenings against anyone that should speak for me; and my parents being stricken in years, and having suffered much grief because of their children, they were brought down, yea, even upon their sick-beds. Because of their grief and much sorrow, and the iniquity of my brethren, they were brought near even to be carried out of this time to meet their God; yea, their gray hairs were about to be brought down to lie low in the dust; yea, even they were near to be cast with sorrow into a watery grave. And Jacob and Joseph also, being young, having need of much nourishment, were grieved because of the afflictions of their mother; and also my wife with her tears and prayers, and also my children, did not soften the hearts of my brethren that they would loose me. #RandolphHarris 15 of 19

Image“And there was nothing save it were the power of God, which threatened them with destruction, could soften their hearts; wherefore, when they saw that they were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea they repented of the things which they had done, insomuch that they loosed me. And it came to pass after they had loosed me, behold, I took the compass, and I did work whither I desired it. And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord; and after I had prayed the winds did cease, and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did guide the ship, that we sailed again towards the promised land. And it came to pass that after we has sailed for the space of many days we did arrive at the promised land; and we went forth upon the land, and did pitch our tents; and we did call it the promised land. And it came to pass that we did begin to till the Earth, and we began to plant seeds; yea, we did put all our seeds into the Earth, which we had brought from the land of Jerusalem. And it came to pass that they did grow exceedingly; wherefore, we were blessed in abundance. And it came to pass that we did find upon the land of promise, as we journeyed in the wilderness, that there were beasts in the forests of every kind, both the cow and the ox, and the mule and the horse, and the goat, and the wild goat, and all manner of wild animals, which were for the use of humans. #RandolphHarris 16 of 19

Image“And we did find all manner of ore, both of gold, and silver, and of copper,” reports 1 Nephi 18.6-25. As God works miracles in corporeal things, so also He does supernatural wonders above the common order, raising the minds of some living in the flesh beyond the use of sense, even up to the vision of is own essence. He continues to work in our lives to conform us more and more to the likeness of Hid Son. As Paul said, “He who began a good work in your will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christs,” as reported in Philippians 1.6. This continuing work of God is called “progressive sanctification.” It differs from initial sanctification in two respects. Initial sanctification occurs instantly at the moment of salvation when we are delivered from the kingdom of darkness and brought into the Kingdom of Christ (see Colossians 1.13). Progressive sanctification continues over time until we go to be the with Lord. Initial sanctification is entirely the work of God the Holy Spirit who imparts to us the very life of Christ. Progressive sanctification is also the work of the Holy Spirit, but it involves a response on our part so that we as believers are actively involved in the process. O God, of infinite mercy and boundless majesty, Whom no distance of place nor length of time can part from those for whom Thou carest; please be present to Thy servants who everywhere confide in Thee. #RandolphHarris 17 of 19

ImageAnd God, through all the way in which they are to go be pleased to be their Guide and their Companion. May no adversity harm them, no difficulty oppose them; may all things turn out happily and prosperously for them; that by the assistance of Thy right hand, whatsoever they have asked for with a reasonable desire, they may speedily find brought to good effect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. O Thou Most High, in the way of Thy appointment I am waiting for Thee, my desire is to Thy name, my mind to remembrance of Thee. I am a sinner, but not insensible of my state. My iniquities are great and numberless, but Thou art adequate to my relief, for Thou art rich in mercy; the blood of Thy Son can cleanse from all sin; the agency of Thy Spirit can subdue my most powerful lusts. Give me a teacher, wakeful conscience that can smite and torment me when I sin. May I be consistent in conversation and conduct, the same alone as in company, in prosperity and adversity, accepting all Thy commandments as right, and hating every false way. May I never be satisfied with my present spiritual progress, but to faith add virtue, knowledge, temperance, Godliness, brotherly kindness, charity. May I never neglect what is necessary to constitute Christian character, and needful to complete it. #RandolphHarris 18 of 19

ImageMay I cultivate the expedient, develop the lovely, adorn the gospel, recommend the religion of Jesus, accommodate myself to Thy providence. Keep me from sinking or sinning in the evil day; help me to carry into ordinary life portions of divine truth and use them on suitable occasions, so that its doctrines may inform, its warnings caution, its rules guide, its promises comfort me. With this in mind, we must always keep on praying. Exodus 17 describes aged Moses standing atop a hill, arms lifted up to Heaven interceding for Israel, which was engaged in a pitched battle with the Amalekites below. As long as his arms were extended upward, Israel prevailed, but when in weariness they began to fall, the Amalekites dominated. Poor Moses was in agony as gravity drew his hands toward destruction. However, then cam Arron and Hur, who placed a stone under Moses and, standing on either side, held his hands up to God until Sunset and Victory came (vv. 10-13). That story graphically emphasizes that there is a mysterious efficacy to persistent prayer. This is not to suggest that God regards prayer as a meritorious work—so that when there are enough prayers, Her answers. Rather, He sovereignly chooses to encourage persistence in prayer and to answer it to His everlasting glory. I believe it to be the duty of everyone to unite in the restoration of the country and the reestablishment of peace and harmony. #RandolphHarris 19 of 19Image

BRIGHTON STATION AT CRESLEIGH RANCH

Rancho Cordova, CA |

Now Selling!

ImageNOW SELLING! Brighton Station at Cresleigh Ranch is Rancho Cordova’s newest home community! This charming neighborhood offers an array of home types with eye catching architecture styles such as Mid-Century Modern, California Modern, Prairie, and Contemporary Farmhouse.

ImageLocated off Douglas Road and Rancho Cordova Parkway, the residents of Cresleigh Ranch will enjoy, being just minutes from shopping, dining, and entertainment, and quick access to Highway 50 and Grant Line Road providing a direct route into Folsom. Residents here also benefit from no HOA fees, two community parks and the benefits of being a part of the highly-rated Elk Grove Unified School District.

ImageFully finished single-story home located in the growing Cresleigh Ranch community! This contemporary farmhouse features an open floor plan with spacious kitchen including white painted cabinetry, warm granite counters, tiled backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. The home is full of natural light and durable LVP flooring throughout with the Great Room opening to the included covered patio! The Master Suite is tucked away at the rear of the home. The Home Hub is a bonus room found at the front of the home. It’s ideal for a home office, play room, or even a crafting studio. https://cresleigh.com/mills-station/move-in-ready-home-site-63/