ELECTIONS - Why Evangelicals Voted for Trump

Hello my sisters and brothers in Christ!

I pray you and yours are doing well. I am doing well, to God be the glory. I stumbled upon a Wall Street Journal article titled Evangelicals Back Donald Trump in Record Numbers, Despite Earlier Doubts.  The article states that “It isn’t that folks liked him more than previous candidates...They were mobilized by what’s at stake & the clear contrast w/ Hillary on life.” If someone has a relationship with God and reads the Word, an evangelical or born-again Christian voting for Trump should not be a shock. We must be reminded of the leader Saul who murdered Christians, who would become Apostle Paul and went on to write 2/3 of the New Testament. 

Sometimes God chooses the unqualified for the job. So many examples of this in the Word. Sometimes I sit in awe of how God sent His only Son Jesus to die for my sins but I have lived most of my life in sin yet I was redeemed and given grace when I received salvation. God uses the unqualified and unfit so He can be glorified. Evangelicals who know the Word are aware of this. Additionally, let us be reminded that there is only one perfect man and that's King Jesus, so we must constantly pray for our leaders just as we pray for our loved ones. Heck, there will be times my future husband will do things that upset me or make silly mistakes but I will still go on my face everyday and pray for that man. As Apostle Paul says I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior…”1 Timothy 2:1-3.

God bless you.

Jesus loves you.

Restored woman living for God's Glory,

Ruby B. Johnson.

Have you given your heart to God? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal savior? If you die today, will you make it to Heaven? If no or you are unsure, do not waste any more time and receive salvation now.

ELECTION 2016 - Put Action to Your Voice

Hello my sisters and brothers in Christ!

I pray you and yours are doing well. I am doing good, thanks be to God. On Washington Post, I read an article titled "Hillary Clinton’s campaign was crippled by voters who stayed home." It detailed the poor turnout of voters in this year's election in contrast to past elections. When President Obama said "Don't boo, vote!" he was on to something. During this election season, I have seen so many folks become political commentators, activists, and sharing personal opinions... on social media. Folks, I am aware of the power of social media. However, Facebook statii and Instagram memes do not count as votes. Everyone is welcome to be active and vocal on social media but it's important to actually put action to the voice. I have observed that most of these social media political commentators were not or have never been part of political campaigns.

When I was in College Republicans at Virginia Tech, I watched fellow members volunteer in campaigns, knock on doors, make phone calls, attend conventions, etc.; the "old school" electioneering way still works. By the end of the election season, VTCR may be saddened by the result if a GOP candidate loses but at peace that they did their best to lobby folks to going to the polls. One of the reasons why I attend and/or volunteer for political events is because I want our political officials to be out of my television screen and social media pages and get to observe them in different environments. I can also better advocate for them when I have interacted with them in some way or another not just what they say in a speech or at a debate. I believe one of the teachable moments from this election season is: get involved, understand the difference between popular votes and our nation's electoral college process, and actually go out and vote! Folks need to start being proactive rather than reactive.

In a video I watched on Independent Journal Review, it shows ESPN Anchor Stephen A. Smith speaking out on 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision to not vote in this election. I am sure most of us are aware of the recent acts of Kaepernick choosing to kneel during the national anthem at his games as a way of protest. There was one time I opted out from voting because I thought my vote did not matter and would not count - I was wrong. In the 2014 gubernatorial elections, I chose not to request/mail my absentee ballot for my selection for Maryland's governor; rarely was I ever in Maryland during election time so absentee or early voting have been my option for years. Since the republican candidate was my clear choice for governor and Maryland is a deep blue state, I thought my vote won't count for that candidate (Larry Hogan). Guess what?! Hogan won - giving Maryland its 2nd republican governor in nearly 50 years. That was the moment I realized that voting matters, even if you see the chances of your candidate winning as very slim. On the other end, it showed how entitled to the votes of Marylanders the Democratic Party is that most of theirs chose not to vote for their candidate but Hogan supporters showed up in great numbers and determined for change in the blue crab state. Like I said earlier, folks need to not only be activists by mouth but also by their actions. I am sure there are many "Kaepernicks" out there who make lots of noise but did not register to vote or even know their current senators or mayor.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22-25

God bless you.

Jesus loves you.

Restored woman living for God's Glory,

Ruby B. Johnson.

Have you given your heart to God? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal savior? If you die today, will you make it to Heaven? If no or you are unsure, do not waste any more time and receive salvation now.

ELECTION 2016 - Black, Latino Americans Also Voted for Trump

Hello my sisters and brothers in Christ!

I pray you and yours are doing well. I am doing great, thanks to my Father in Heaven. As I previously mentioned in a post, I will be sharing my thoughts on some things regarding this Election season. They are in response to recent articles as well as social commentaries. In an article titled "Trump did better with Black and Hispanic voters than Romney in 2012" I read on NBC News, it states that "Donald Trump performed stronger among black and Hispanic voters than Mitt Romney did as the Republican nominee in 2012....Blacks and Latinos were supposed to be the Democratic nominee's [Hillary's] firewall in the general election." My response to this article and society's general assumption is that Clinton, Democratic Party rather, is not entitled to the votes of non-Whites (as well as women). Votes must be earned, not expected. Enough with the pandering. I am amazed at how some folks stay loyal to parties and individuals but personal struggles have remained the same. I believe that one of the many teachable moments in this election is evaluating where and to whom we put our loyalties publicly and search the realities and priority of our daily life and country.

Additionally, I came across an article on Washington Post titled Trump got more votes from people of color than Romney did. Here’s the data. that lays out the numbers from exit polls on the choices of Black, Latino, White, and Asian Americans. I saw these two articles as fit for those who believe that Donald Trump won this election because only White "bigots and racists" voted for him. I believe it's important to know that there is a good amount of American people of color (POC) who voted for President-Elect Trump; it is impossible to win an election in the United States lacking the votes of POC and women. Maybe the reason POC/women were so silent is because they would get persecuted for their choice with name-calling because they chose to not be stuffed in a box. There are many POC who are tired of the same rhetoric from the Democratic Party yet no changes and they are seeking for something different to improve the lives of their families and communities. The concerns and values of POC are diverse and must not be limited, just as a woman's. Is it wise to vote on access to birth control pills when you are unemployed, concerned about national security, and dwelling in thousands of dollars student loans? Folks, I believe that everyone has a compassionate heart and marginalization of peoples is a reality but we must search within ourselves and communities and take action on why this vicious cycle continues. If one isn't competent to provide for or protect themselves and their loved ones, how productive can they be to society?

Oh and by the way, how about folks stop relying on polls. Trump won because there were a lot of unsurveyed and silent voting Americans (non-Whites and Whites) that voted for him. Heck, I did not do any exit poll after voting unless they tracked my race through my voter registration information, and they sure do not know the issues that rank high to my concerns as a: Christian, 18-26, Black, Naturalized American (born in formerly war-torn Sierra Leone), Woman, Young Professional and Mining Engineer, and Unmarried. Translation: I cannot be put in a box just because of my race and sex. Stay tuned for more of my thoughts regarding this Election season.

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” Matthew 16:23:28.

God bless you.

Jesus loves you.

Restored woman living for God's Glory,

Ruby B. Johnson.

Have you given your heart to God? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal savior? If you die today, will you make it to Heaven? If no or you are unsure, do not waste any more time and receive salvation now.

Election Day 2016

Hello my sisters and brothers in Christ!

I pray you and yours are doing well. I have been busy, hence the reason I haven't blogged in a month. However, I thank God for all He's been doing in my life and give Him all the glory. As we all know, this past week was Election Day. I'm a firm believer in doing my civic duty and exercising my right to vote; and if the results don't sway my way, I have no reason for regret and have any "if only I would have" moments. This was my first time voting on Election Day, usually I would do absentee or early voting in Maryland; hence the reason I was determined to register on time in Nevada since it's home now. On Election Day, I rocked my "GUNS COAL FREEDOM" and my U.S. flag scarf. Being a mining engineer who loves America, I saw it fit to dress festive. 

Prior to voting, my prayer was that when the results are revealed, our nation would return back to love and respecting each other. My prayer was that our nation is unified and that God blesses our current and future leaders with wisdom. I was aware that regardless of who won the presidential elections or local council offices, Jesus will always be my King and that gave me peace and joy to look forward to my future and my children's future. As Christ says in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Voting on a candidate and the status of our country after the elections was something I was very prayerful about and after voting, I was at peace with my picks. In upcoming posts, I will share my thoughts on some things regarding this Election season. They are in response to recent articles as well as social commentaries, so stay tuned.

America's Present and Future

Congratulations to our new President-Elect and Vice-President Elect, Donald Trump and Mike Pence, respectively. May God give them and the entire cabinet wisdom and guidance. I pray that love and unity will be restored in our nation among all, regardless of political affiliations, race, class, sex, or whatever differences we have. May this time in our country be a season that we draw closer to God and seek salvation in the midst of the chaos created by the enemy. As our Lord and Savior says in John 10:10, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Let us all keep our country in our personal prayers and spread love as Christ did. We will be united as Americans and move forward. PEACE. LOVE. AMERICA.

God bless you.

Jesus loves you.

Restored woman living for God's Glory,

Ruby B. Johnson.

Have you given your heart to God? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal savior? If you die today, will you make it to Heaven? If no or you are unsure, do not waste any more time and receive salvation now.

International Day of the Girl Child 2016

Hello my sisters and brothers in Christ!

I pray you and yours are doing well. I am doing awesome, thanks to my Father in Heaven. This afternoon, I returned from eating lunch with co-workers and returned to my job as a mining engineer. When I get off work, I can drive myself home. I've had formal education. My passion for STEM was nurtured in high school and I was encouraged to study engineering in college, so I received my mining engineering degree from Virginia Tech. As of today, I have had the choice to stay unmarried until God's appointed time for me to do life with the man He's created for me. I was not captured or assaulted before fleeing from Sierra Leone when the civil war broke out in the 90s. I grew up, lived/worked, and still live/work in safe neighborhoods. I have the choice to move to a state (having no family member close by) and live by myself. If I get sick, I have access to healthcare. I can vote in the upcoming elections and have the choice to run for office in the future. I can publicly be a Christian and dress whichever way I choose as long it honors God.

Having shared all of the above, a day like today makes me realize more that there are millions of girls/women who don't have the privileges I've had in life all because they're born a girl. Declared by the UN, today is observed as International Day of the Girl Child. The observation supports more opportunity for girls and increases awareness of gender inequality faced by girls worldwide based upon their sex. This year's theme is “Girls’ Progress = Goals’ Progress: A Global Girl Data Movement”, is a call for action for increased investment in collecting and analyzing girl-focused, girl-relevant and sex-disaggregated data. One year into the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, improving data on girls and addressing the issues that are holding them back is critical for fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals. Gender inequality includes areas such as right to education/access to education, nutrition, legal rights, medical care, and protection from discrimination, violence against women and unfree child marriage.

I may not be able to change all of these inequalities girls and women face in the United States, Sierra Leone, and worldwide but I'll keep trying through When You Believe Foundation, mentoring young girls, advocating for the recruitment and retention of girls/women in STEM, encouraging my younger sisters/nieces/cousins to strive for excellence, being there for the women in my life, and other ways that God leads me to. Besides my engineering degree, I'm happy to have received my minor in women's studies leadership in college. So today I encourage you to do your part and make this world a better place for all girls and women. You can start with your family and community. Together we can make a difference!

...But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. Genesis 2:20-22.

God bless you.

Jesus loves you.

Restored woman living for God's Glory,

Ruby B. Johnson.

Have you given your heart to God? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal savior? If you die today, will you make it to Heaven? If no or you are unsure, do not waste any more time and receive salvation now.

Embarking On New Journeys

Hello my sisters and brothers in Christ!

I pray you and yours are doing well. I am doing great, thanks to my Father in Heaven. As I mentioned in my previous post, a lot of changes have taken place in my life lately, and that is why I haven't been blogging as frequently as I used to. But I count it all joy for all God has been doing in my life - in and through me. In addition to recently moving to Nevada and starting my new job, I recently got into a courtship with an amazing man of God and we're prayerfully looking towards marriage and trusting God to lead us in this new journey together. In this season of courting, we're using it to really get to know each other, talking about our past as well as what a possible future with each other would/should look like, family and career goals, talking about our expectations for each other as a spouse, seeking godly counsel, and more importantly: finding out if marriage and doing life together is part of God's will for our lives. As much as some of the conversations we have may be dry or result to disagreement, we have been successful in moving forward because he was my friend first before we decided to get into a courtship and we acknowledge our differences and find this as the appropriate time to discuss and work on these issues. As it says in one of the scriptures that keep me disciplined in life, ...Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19.

Idaho Potato French Fries

One of the things I love and look forward to doing more of with my new job is traveling. Last week, I was in Boise for a minerals administration training; this was my first time in Idaho. For someone who's very new to the western side of the country, I believe I will visit all the states within the next 4 months because of work. I thank God for this opportunity and give Him all the glory. Being that the training was a whole week and required a full day of work, I didn't have the opportunity to really explore Boise but I'm sure this won't be my last time going there. The hotel was hospitable and Idaho is a beautiful place but I missed good ol' Nevada, especially being in pacific time zone and getting my extra hour of sleep. Also, I will like to share my disappointment of not getting to see any potatoes being grown while I was in Idaho, but ate a lot of it throughout the week; seeing and eating potatoes just seems like the right thing to do when in a state that's popularly known for that!

Beautiful Idaho Mountains

Upon returning back to Nevada this past weekend, I finally got to attend church yesterday for the first time in my new home state. I am blessed to be in a small town with many churches and I attended one that is about a 2-minute walk from my apartment. Service was great - the worship and message was spirit-filled, and I could feel God's presence in the place. The body of Christ was very warm and welcoming and I plan to attend again. My prayer now is that God plants me in a church whereby I can be used for His glory and do Kingdom work. My dear sisters and brothers in Christ, my prayer for you is that you bear good fruit throughout the week. May you be a blessing to many, because you may be the only Jesus someone encounters this week. Make it a priority to love others and that you glorify God in your words and thoughts. Be light of the world and salt of the earth. "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:13-16

God bless you.

Jesus loves you.

Restored woman living for God's Glory,

Ruby B. Johnson.

Have you given your heart to God? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal savior? If you die today, will you make it to Heaven? If no or you are unsure, do not waste any more time and receive salvation now.

Ruby Mountain Balloon Festival 2016

Hello my sisters and brothers in Christ!

I pray you and yours are doing well. I am doing well, thanks be to God. A couple weeks ago, I attended the 15th annual Ruby Mountain Balloon Festival in Spring Creek! It was so much fun seeing a hot air balloon up close for the first time, watching the setup! Unfortunately they did not launch the balloons as they have in past years that day due to weather conditions, but I had a great time regardless. It was definitely worth waking up very early on that Saturday morning for this! Upon leaving the festival, I went to eat lunch with a co-worker and then to see the snow on the Ruby Mountains by the Lamoille Canyon. Later in the evening, I attended my supervisor's 60s/Woodstock-themed shrimp broil housewarming party. Below are a some photos I took from the festival and my adventures afterwards.

60s Party - Peace and Love

God bless you.

Jesus loves you.

Restored woman living for God's Glory,

Ruby B. Johnson.

Have you given your heart to God? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal savior? If you die today, will you make it to Heaven? If no or you are unsure, do not waste any more time and receive salvation now.

Sierra Leonean Elegance - African Excellence

Hello my sisters and brothers in Christ!

I pray you and yours are doing well. I am doing fantastic, thanks to the Almighty. This past August, I had the honor of serving as a bridesmaid at the wedding of a great man whom I consider as a father along with a very amazing woman who happens to be his bride. This was my first time serving as a bridesmaid. The weekend was full of wedding festivities and I had a lot of fun. It may sound biased because the couple has a special place in my heart and I was part of the bridal party BUT this wedding was truly the wedding of the year and one of the best I've ever attended. Beautiful couple, wonderful ceremonies, great crowd, delicious food, and elegant outfits - everything was great! It was a great weekend to celebrate love, Sierra Leonean elegance, and African excellence. I was proud to be a Sierra Leonean woman. Friday was the wedding ceremony and reception, Saturday was the wedding picnic, and the bridal party attended Church together on Sunday. On the wedding day, the bridal party had 3 outfit changes: one for the Church ceremony and 2 during the reception (African wear from Senegal and cocktail dress); all outfits were custom-made. Below are some photo highlights from the wedding weekend. Fun fact: I caught the bride's bouquet at the reception. He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. Proverbs 18:22.

1st outfit

The Bridesmaids

Flower Girls

Little Groom

Sleeping Beauty - Flower Girl during car ride

2nd outfit

Caught the bride's bouquet!

3rd outfit

Wedding picnic

OUR BEAUTIFUL BRIDE!

THE GROOM!

God bless you.

Jesus loves you.

Restored woman living for God's Glory,

Ruby B. Johnson.

Have you given your heart to God? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal savior? If you die today, will you make it to Heaven? If no or you are unsure, do not waste any more time and receive salvation now.