Good morning, friends,

Hey there!  I hope you had an amazing day of worship with your church family! If not, what happened?  I just snagged some awesome T-shirts from a Texas-based company called Patriot Crew! Founded in 2020, they’re all about creating fantastic tees while supporting veterans' mental health! Their motto? "Founded on the principles of traditional American values and a deep respect for those who serve, Patriot Crew is more than just a brand; it’s a commitment to quality, community, and country!" How cool is that? 

I wish to share with you an email I received from the company yesterday. I believe I inadvertently opted to receive emails, and I found this particular message to be both a challenge and a source of encouragement; I hope you will find it similarly beneficial. The email is aptly titled "Sunday Sermon," and for good reason. Although they do not reference scripture, I am confident that you can identify passages that align well with their message.

“Hey Gene,

The world wants to blur the lines.

Right and wrong. Masculine and feminine. Duty and distraction.

They say, “Live your truth.”

We say, Live with honor.

Because here’s the deal:

Your life sets the standard—for someone.
Your wife is watching. Your kids are watching. God is watching.

So ask yourself:

    •    Do I lead with strength or follow with fear?
• Do I speak truth or stay silent to stay liked?
   •    Do I hold the line or let it slide, just this once?

Weak men blame the world.

Strong men build a better one.

We don’t lower the bar to make others comfortable.

We raise it—and invite them to step up.

Start with yourself.

Then your home.

Then, your community.

That’s how a nation is built.
That’s how a legacy is written.

Raise the standard.”