Voir Dire #3 –

“Faith without works is dead”. James 2:17

Words are cheap unless they are supported by corresponding conduct that proves you really believe what you are saying. When the opportunity or challenge presents itself and the rubber meets the road, will we cut and run or stand and fight?

Today I find myself faced with such an opportunity. I know for a fact that God has created man and woman and ordained that they marry and produce after their kind. I know for a fact that family is the building block for society and that Jesus Christ is the corner stone of that building. Unless one man and one woman is the only structure for family, all of society descends into depravity and ultimate destruction.

The recent and ungodly Obergefeld decision out of the Supreme Court permits other than one man and one woman to marry. This, in my opinion, is the single most destructive decision of good order in America that has ever been rendered. It adversely affects all of society and elevates man as supreme ruler of the universe. It is contrary to the explicit admonitions of God and as a result we can no longer expect the blessings of God upon this Nation.

So, what opportunity is presented me today to stand for what I believe? About 5 years ago I decided to make my family home into a bed and breakfast and wedding venue, that I call Texas Forest Country Retreat. It is a beautiful place, even if I do say so. My parents bought the place in 1941, the year I was born. They were married for 65 years and produced five children at this home, Pete, Don, Bob, Tom and Judy. We were raised there as a close knit family, obviously blessed of God. That was my home when I married my wife 54 years ago.

So, what is my dilemma? A gay couple has asked to have their wedding there and we have refused. It is my home and my strongly held Christian belief requires us to say no. We cannot participate in an act that we feel is so wrong individually and as a Nation. To do otherwise will defile my home and the honor of my word and God’s word.

The gay community is suing bakers, photographers, venue owners and anybody that refuses to assist them in their alternative life style. I know they intend to come after me but I refuse to be intimidated by their

threats. They can hang me from the tallest tree but I will not give in. Either the Bill of Rights gives me religious liberty or the government takes it away. I am willing to lose everything or die trying to prove that we still have this right to the free exercise of religion and speech.

I don’t want anyone to doubt where I stand, so I have taken out the attached ad in a prominent magazine called The Journey, and put the gay community on notice that they will have to get married somewhere else. They are not going to force me to violate my conscience and long held Christian beliefs. Please check out my website at www.TexasForestCountryWeddings.com

I need you to stand with me and all those Christian business people that have and will face the same assault. Help will only come from the Church of Jesus Christ and its members who are informed and committed Christians. Since the wedding venue is not my livelihood and I am a lawyer, I can stand more resolutely than most. Many, whose passion for the traditional family is the same as mine, desperately need help. Find out who they are and buy their products and services. That is what Christians did for Chick-fil-a when they stood their ground.

A line has been drawn in the sand and we must each decide which side we will choose.