Shock & Awe in America: In America

By Thomas Bayuk

In this brief, readable time, Bayuk (Coping and Prevailing, 1986, etc.) recounts a lifetime of pulling away from and moving closer to God, before finally setting out to motivate others to do His will.

In the prologue, the author tackles Americas current ambivalence about the churchs role in society. This section contains provocative statements and stories that take aim at the current trend toward political correctness, with its strict separation of God from government. In his points to ponder, Bayuk notes meaningfully that a statue of Moses holding the Ten Commandments stares down from the top of the Supreme Court building. On the whole, however, the author focuses on his vacillating relationship with God. Bayuk, who has written two books about coping with his multiple sclerosis, turns his struggles into warmhearted stories. He recalls in detail his long and happy relationship with his wife, his glory days of welling commercial real state, the ups and downs of owning a deli and a diner and of having learned to live with his disease.

Throughout, the author recounts being torn between following his free will and following what he perceived as Gods instructions. However, his major defiance of Gods will seems to have been his reluctance to attend church. Bayuk recalls that he refused to go to mass for years, feeling frustrated when he spent hours at Pentecostal services and guilty when he did not. Readers may not view these moments as the powerful conflicts of God that Bayuk presents them as. The author later describes miracles that have occurred since he has become more spiritually involved. Here again, the reader may see his helpful daughter, a reconciliation between parents and children and the brother who raises some cash in a time of need, not as miracles but simply as blessings. Also, while the author is an engaging storyteller, hes also a bit repetitious. Nevertheless, Bayuk writes convincingly about the satisfactions of a faith-based life. A handy night stand book for those seeking spiritual affirmation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 13, 2009
• ISBN: 9781450098335

Book preview

SHOCK & AWE

I n A m e r i c a

by Thomas Bayuk

Copyright © 2009 by Thomas Bayuk.

Cover by: J.E.G. Design, Inc. (www.jegdesign.com)

Library of Congress Control Number:                 2009903911

ISBN:           Hardcover                                      978-1-4415-3038-7

                     Softcover                                        978-1-4415-3037-0

                     Ebook                                            978-1-4500-9833-5

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in

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CONTENTS

Prologue

Foreword

Author’s Note

Chapter 1

In The Beginning

Chapter 2

Bumps In The Road

Chapter 3

More Bumps In The Road

Chapter 4

A New Beginning

Chapter 5

Miracles Do Happen

Chapter 6

Resistance Fades

Chapter 7

Divine Guidance

Chapter 8

Hold Fast And Let Go

Epilogue

The Old Cherokee Chief

Appendix

During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.

—George Orwell

They’ll forgive you for being wrong. What they won’t forgive you for is being right.

—Robert L. Bartley

To Joyce,

A perfect wife—who can find her?

She is far beyond the price of pearls (Prov. 31:10).

Many women have done admirable things, but you surpass them all (Prov. 31:29).

PROLOGUE

Shock and awe is a phrase used to describe the beginnings of the Iraq War. A more relevant use of that phrase would be what is currently occurring in our beloved United States of America.

It is interesting to note that on September 10, 2001, it was and still is illegal to say a prayer in any public school in the United States. It is also interesting to note that on September 11, 2001, one could not find a school in the entire country that was not saying prayers.

It is widely acknowledged and accepted that church attendance in this country has been dwindling for years. As usual, church attendance on September 10, 2001, was sparse. However, on September 11, 2001, our churches throughout this country were overflowing with attendance.

So who is it that is legislating God out of our society? It surely is not the American public.

Not long ago I read a joke. It said all the politicians running for president are promising change [italics mine] to the American people. We send them billions and billions of tax dollars and they send us the change [italics mine].

Funny?

Not really. There is too much truth in it to be funny.

That got me to thinking… They all promise change. How about if they run on a promise of restoration rather than change. A restoration that would take us back in time to a place where things ran better, smoother and life was more enjoyable. Change? That, in truth, is what they have been giving us all along.

We used to have a strong dollar… Politicians changed that.

Life used to be sacred… Politicians changed that.

Marriage used to be sacred… Politicians are changing that.

We used to be respected around the world… Politicians changed that.

We used to have a strong manufacturing economy… 

Politician changed that.

We used to have lower tax structures… Politicians changed that.

We used to enjoy more freedoms… Politicians changed that.

We used to be a large exporter of American made goods… Politicians changed that.

We used to be an openly Christian nation… Politicians changed that.

We used to teach patriotism in schools… Politicians changed that.

We used to educate children in schools… Politicians changed that.

We used to enjoy freedom of speech… Politicians changed that.

We used to enforce LEGAL citizenship… Politicians changed that.

We used to have affordable food & gas prices… Politicians changed that, too… and one could go on and on with this list.

What hasn’t been changed, politicians are promising to change that as well if you will elect them.

When, oh when, is America going to sit back with open eyes and look at what we once were and where we have come and say, enough is enough?

The trouble is, America’s youthful voters today don’t know of the great America that existed forty and fifty years ago. They see the world as if it has always existed, as it is now.

When will we wake up? Tomorrow may be too late. When will America realize . . . Politicians are what is wrong with America?

What we need to change is the system that they have set up for themselves; we need to change that. But they won’t; why should they? The original intent was for lawmakers to serve a term of service and then go home and back to work. Most of them now make it a career and a very handsome one at that. They currently enjoy the very best of health coverage at no cost. They do not pay into Social Security. Why not? They hand out Medicaid, food stamps, and social security to illegal aliens like drunken sailors; no wonder Social Security is going broke. After serving just one term, they have a pension plan that pays themselves 100 percent or their salary for life. That is obscene and costs the average citizen a fortune in taxes.

America was founded by persecuted folks fed up with living under the constraints, unfairness, and restrictions of what was basically a corrupt society. We were founded by simple people seeking freedom and justice for all. It was not just for the select and the elite but for all. Those forefathers were definitely not the privileged and influential of British society. Quite the contrary, Australia was founded by the dregs of society. Their founders were outcasts and criminals. Canada was a similar circumstance. All three of these countries were founded on the principles and values of the Ten Commandments, and that has certainly served us well for over two hundred years. These three countries are the youngest, and that is the only reason that they are singled out. Currently, even in Moscow, it is legal to post the Ten Commandments in any school. Here in the United States of America, it is illegal.

Please note that at no time is anyone told that they MUST worship our/your God, but . . .

Alabama 1901, Preamble We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution.

Alaska 1956, Preamble We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God a and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.

Arizona 1911, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution…

Arkansas 1874, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government…

California 1879, Preamble We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom…

Colorado 1876, Preamble We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe…

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.

Delaware 1897, Preamble Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences.

Florida 1885, Preamble We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution…

Georgia 1777, Preamble We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution…

Hawaii< /FONT> 1959, Preamble We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance… Establish this Constitution.

Idaho 1889, Preamble We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.

Illinois 1870, Preamble We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

Indiana 1851, Preamble We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.

Iowa 1857, Preamble We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.

Kansas 1859, Preamble We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.

Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties…

Louisiana 1921, Preamble We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.

Maine 1820, Preamble We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity. And imploring His aid and direction.

Maryland 1776, Preamble We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty…

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble We… the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction.

Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom establish this Constitution.

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:

Mississippi 1890, Preamble We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.

Missouri 1845, Preamble We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness. Establish this Constitution…

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution…

Nebraska 1875, Preamble We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom. Establish this Constitution.

Nevada 1864, Preamble We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution…

New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.

New Jersey 1844, Preamble We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

New Mexico 1911, Preamble We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty.

New York 1846, Preamble We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.

North Carolina 1868, Preamble We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those…

North Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain…

Ohio 1852, Preamble We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common.

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance…

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing…

South Carolina, 1778, Preamble We, the people of the State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

South Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience…

Texas 1845, Preamble We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.

Utah 1896, Preamble Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.

Vermont 1777, Preamble Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other

Washington 1889, Preamble We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution

West Virginia 1872, Preamble Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God…

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility…

Wyoming 1890, Preamble We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution.

After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong!

‘Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants.’

—William Penn

BLESSED IS THE NATION WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD . . .

PSALM 33:12

Here are some incredibly interesting points to ponder regarding our beloved United States of America.

1.    As you walk up the steps to the building that houses the U.S. Supreme Court you can see near the top of the building a row of the world’s law givers and each one is facing one in the middle who is facing forward with a full frontal view. It is Moses and he is holding the Ten Commandments.

2.    As you enter the supreme courtroom, the two huge oak doors have the Ten Commandments engraved on each lower portion of each door.

3.    As you sit inside the courtroom, you can see the wall right above where the Supreme Court judges sit, a display of the Ten Commandments.

4.    There are bible verses etched and chiseled in stone all over the federal buildings and monuments in Washington D. C.

5.    James Madison, the fourth president, known as the father of the constitution made the following statement… we have staked the whole of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves according to the ten commandments of god.

6.    Patrick Henry, that patriot and founding father of our country said; "it cannot be emphasized too strongly or