Most believers understand the importance of prayer. It is certainly encouraging when you witness a direct answer related to your concerns. Such is the case with Dr. Ben Carson. He is a breath of spiritual fresh air and speaks with supernatural gentleness and conviction.
His message at the National Prayer Breakfast, which I have attended on numerous occasions, was a direct answer to the prayers of many concerned Americans. I heard Mother Teresa deliver a message years ago in which she unwaveringly addressed the importance of protecting innocent life in the womb. President and Mrs. Clinton were seated to her right, and the room was filled with people who have openly and unapologetically lobbied for what they call “a woman’s right to choose.” The pro-abortion crowd does not recognize the baby’s right to life.
With the same love and concern, Ben Carson addressed many of our nation’s pressing issues in a very gracious and kind way. What a clear demonstration of speaking the truth in love! With the President and First Lady seated only a few feet to his right, along with people from all denominations and faiths and political parties seated in front of him, he shared what I believe every American must not only hear but heed. I don’t think he missed a point that needed to be addressed. As a matter of fact, I’m grateful to say he voiced many of the concerns and principles I have referenced, preached about, and written about for 30 years. Last year, Jay Richards and I together covered in-depth every point he addressed in our book Indivisible.
This time, however, I believe the common people, as well as all who are concerned enough to pray and seek to be involved, heard what he was saying. It was not a partisan message. It was a message based on absolute, rock-solid, unshakable, undeniable principles—the same principles in the Word of God and implemented by our founders. He delivered the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth—and did it with meekness, compassion and love. It was something the downtrodden, the overlooked, the desperate, the mainstream, the upper class, the elite media, and every person on this planet needs to hear, consider, and respond to. It must be presented until all who have not heard such transforming truth finally get the opportunity. I still choose to believe that from the poorest among us to the wealthiest, the majority of Americans will respond to absolute truth and sound principles when presented without distortion and misrepresentation.
When he was challenged because he spoke what was considered controversial by many in front of the President, he responded by asking, “When did we become a monarchy?” In other words, when did we suddenly get a king whose positions and beliefs cannot be challenged? We don’t have one, and we must never have. This must not be the time when we unwittingly accept a dictator or a monarch, a heavy-handed ruler or a shrewd manipulator from any background or party. We should welcome challenges, and we should seek the truth together.
Dr. Carson’s message and subsequent interviews have carried the truth to the masses. Most of the elite mainstream media, as can be expected, still ignores it. They have learned if they can’t distort or misrepresent it, they can ignore it. That’s precisely what happens with many publications, and we’ve experienced that to some degree with the book Indivisible. Carson pointed out the error of placing the whole load and responsibility on a small part of the American population. He exposed the absurdity of perceiving successful, prosperous people as the enemy. They are, in fact, one of the best hopes for helping us get out of the ditch of debt, defeat and despair.
Dr. Carson said God only asked the people for 10% and never implied that some should give three times much. He pointed to the danger and damage done when people are divided into classes because of ethnic, social or economic standing. Of course, if you study the Word of God and understand the teachings in the Old and New Testaments and what Jesus Himself taught, it’s clear God must be first and we worship Him with the first fruit of all of our increase, through tithes and offerings. We’re not limited to 10%, but should be inspired by our love for others to go far beyond and share the blessings and benefits the Lord bestows upon us. That’s the “compassion connection” I have referred to continually. It’s what this incredibly gifted neurosurgeon has offered to the world.
Here is someone who came out of poverty, who is a minority (African-American), whose father left him when he was eight, whose mother could not read and yet inspired him to excel. He didn’t blame anyone around him. He was not considered smart by his teachers, but he became a living miracle illustrating the benefit of determined healthy pursuit. He did not allow bitterness for the fact that his father had had lived an immoral life and left him. He set his sights on higher ground. His mother insisted that he learn to read and read well, and convinced him that he could do anything he set his mind on. She taught his older brother Curtis the same lesson and he is a successful businessman in the aeronautics industry. Dr. Carson is one of the most respected pediatric neurosurgeons in the world. He is so brilliant and so inspirational that people have continually pressed him to run for political office, even for President.
I find myself longing for the day when we will have men and women in office who have the principles, conviction, compassion, love and truth that flow freely from this man’s lips and are so obviously bound up in his heart and his mind. He made it clear that our tax system must be totally overhauled or we will not effectively deal with our pressing economic problems. He says that “everyone must have skin in the game.” In the book Indivisible we said “Everybody’s got to have a dog in the show or a pony in the race.” In other words, you’ve got to have a vested interest in the decisions made by our nation’s leaders. If 80 or 90% of the people think someone else can provide the revenue needed to meet others’ needs and fulfill the necessary functions of the government, they will never assume personal responsibility. Dissension, division, and hostility will increase until the tension becomes unbearable. Such is the situation we are witnessing.
If everyone in America recognizes needs that must be met and we all agree to participate and assume the load together, then we will also assume responsibility for the decisions that are being made. We should not tolerate animosity and hostility toward any class of people, whether they are upper or lower class, minority or majority. If wealthy and successful people have any wisdom at all, they will rightly resist giving any more money to support any program that has proven to fail. Government programs and bureaucracies, by and large, have failed miserably and yet politicians demand more money from the producers and little if any from the majority and succeed in keeping the nation divided.
Ben Carson and I agree that successful and prosperous people must be encouraged and inspired to create and support programs, outreaches, policies, and practices that work. Just as he focused on becoming the very best neurosurgeon he could possibly be in order to benefit and bless others in desperate need, we need to be seeking to inspire the successful people in our country to help find solutions to the serious problems we face.
I thank God from the bottom of my heart for Dr. Ben Carson. This man is an inspiration to everyone who hears him. May God hear our prayers, our heart cry, and increase his number a thousand fold – even a million fold! He is an example of what we must be as American citizens and a clear expression of what works. He made it very clear that no political party should use the plight of the poor to maintain their power by promising them that as national leaders they will take from “the haves” and distribute it to the “have nots”. Dr. Carson also made it clear he never would have come out of his difficult circumstances if he had bought into this lie, and no one will. He also pointed out the fact that it is very foolish for a political party to be characterized as the elite and the rich who are indifferent toward the needs of others when in fact the successful people hold the keys to solving the problems because you will never eliminate poverty without success, prosperity and wealth.
He pointed out something that I’ve been trying to communicate for more than thirty years beginning with President Reagan and all leaders following. If successful people do not learn to speak the language of the common man, those who feel overlooked and downtrodden by showing legitimate interest for their well being, they will never have the ear of the majority of American citizens. Dr. Carson understands that. He knows that partisan politics will not solve the problem. People have got to return to sound principles, and we must learn how to communicate with one another. The concerned must learn how to dialogue, debate and discuss and do it in love. It is absolutely imperative.
I believe Dr. Ben Carson is inspiring the dialogue that will help encourage Americans to take the steps necessary to correct our nation’s course. Praise God for him. Pray for him, and encourage people to listen to the truth that will set us free. Thank You, Lord! Thank you, Dr. Carson, and your mother, Sonya.
Watch Dr. Ben Carson’s message at the National Prayer Breakfast
Pastor Robison,
I have watched and listened to you on the tv many times. I watched today and you and your wife are in inspiration. I love Betty, seems like she is a friend of mine. And I appreciate you serving God like you do and God bless you and Betty and your ministry. You two have encouraged me and filled me with spiritual food many times. I am writing a book about the biggest mistake I made in my life, only to help others and maybe prevent some from making the same mistake I did, the heartache and depression it caused, and guilt and shame, and also learning over the years and accepting that God forgave me, and that I can forgive myself, and I can write about it, even though it is painful and that was the last thing I wanted to do was tell others. God has been so amazing in my life. He saved a wretch like me. And even I, someone who had an abortion years ago, even I, someone who intentionally committed murder to an innocent child of God which he weaved together in my womb, he even forgave me!!! Its took me years to even think about forgiving myself, and I am still receiving more of his forgiveness and unconditional love even now. Please pray for me about writing this book and that God will help me remember and allow him to write it through me. I had some nightmares since I started writing it, even woke up screaming one night, and I may not be able to work on it much at a time, but, God willing, I will keep it going and finish it and give him all the glory and honor. He’s done so much for me, I want to do something for him. He doesnt require that or expect that but because he loves me so much I want so much to do something for him. I love him. And, I love you two. Thanks for all you do. and God continue to bless you two and your ministry. You may not actually read this, but I hope it gets to you. Susan Galloway
Thank you for this insightful article. I too was very impressed with Dr. Carson’s speech several weeks ago and have become quite intrigued with his work. From out of nowhere he came – so needed at this time. Only time will tell what is next but I know God works in mysterious ways and His ways are not our ways. Looking forward to seeing him on your show. His words just seem so pertinent and true. Thanks be to God who gives us the victory, maybe when we least expect it. I agree that opening up a dialogue about these important issues facing us is cause for real thanksgiving. And Dr. Carson sure did start something at that prayer breakfast!
James another excellent inspiring article this time on Dr Ben Carson. Today the same day I read your messageI had a chance to see a movie based on this man’s life. He definitely overcame a lot of things including his poor/coloured background to become an excellent, successful neurosurgeon through Jesus. I myself had to overcome 24 years of battling suicide and homosexuality, but through Christ I have overcame these. My book From Death to Blessing describes my real life stuggle and victory to be successful in everything I have done through Christ who strengthens me. Thank you for writing this article.
L.Agius (Sydney, Australia)
Dr. Carson, that man is an inspitation to me and many others. He dares to speak the truth AND give God the glory. Praise his mother too! If all mothers could raise children as well and with the circumstances she had. May Dr. Carson continue to speak up in truth and love.
My comment is based upon James’ statement in reference to Dr. Carson’s message:
“It was a message based on absolute, rock-solid, unshakable, undeniable principles—the same principles in the Word of God and implemented by our founders.”
This is a very profound statement as well as possibly the primary focal point of political contention in regards to many controversial issues we are facing in this nation. Why? It is emphatically important to understand that the principles implemented by the founders of America had their roots and influence in Judeo-Christian history and its Bible.
We do understand according to Amendment I of the Bill of Rights, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” These Amendments came into effect in 1791. However, 15 years earlier in the unanimous Declaration of the 13 United States of America on July 4, 1776, these notable words were established:
“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.”
I want to note that the “Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God” and the certain unalienable rights “endowed by their Creator” was not written in the context of a governmental religion. The references to ‘God’ and the ‘Creator’ are not designed to initiate a law respecting a specific religious view or tradition, however, the words were specifically articulated to establish the influence by which they were founded and written. The founding fathers were influenced by the supernatural cause of the “Creator” and “Nature’s God” found in the Judeo-Christian Bible. Notice the following Statements by a few of the signers:
John Adams: The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.
John Quincy Adams: In the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior. The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity.
Charles Carroll: The great, vital, and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure doctrines and the divine truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
John Hancock: He called on the entire state to pray “that universal happiness may be established in the world [and] that all may bow to the scepter of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the whole earth be filled with His glory.
Thomas Jefferson: I am a real Christian – that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus Christ.
If one takes the time to study history it will be discovered that the Holy Scriptures and its Creator was the guiding light of the American forefathers. It is true that their understanding and revelation of the scripture had not progressed to the level we understand in the 21st century since they were living in the age of the reformation. However, this does not detract from the infallible and compelling evidence that the “Creator” was the God of the Judeo-Christian Bible. This is why it is under such attack by Satan. He knows that no other book in the world defines Nature’s Laws, Nature’s God, and the Creator like the Bible.
The world is filled with religious books which seek to discover peace, holiness, righteous, and a higher spiritual consciousness, but the mysteries, prophecies, and revelations in the Bible were breathed upon by the Creator himself and Satan despises that reality.
Astounding, courageous, honest, humble, wisdom, empathy, love, and compassion, These are some of the words which came to mind as I listened to his exhortation at the prayer breakfast. Dr. Carson, the Spirit of Jesus Christ dwells in you my friend and bother. His word is like a fire shut up in your bones, Amen.
Dr. Carson kept pointing to the source of his role model and inspiration which was Jesus Christ. God Bless, God Bless, God, Bless you my friend.
Pastor Robison, you have described exactly why Dr. Ben Carson struck such a strong chord with Americans. He is an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your insights.
I watched the speech by Dr. Carson and was greatly inspired. Here is a man who tells it straight and is not worried about being politically correct. He even mentioned how PC was a great blight on our nation. His speech absolutely covered all the bases that could turn this nation around, starting with repentance and turning from our wicked ways so God would hear from Heaven and heal our land. Then he went down a list that would absolutely get this nation back to being the light on the hill. I was surprised that even though the president did not respond much to anything the doctor had to say, his wife Michelle actually applauded on several points with the rest of the audience. I am praying for Dr. Carson to consider running for the greatest office or if not, then that The Lord would raise up another. God can and will bless our nation if and only when we turn back to Him. Lord, let repentance and revival fall upon the people of the United States of America!
I, too, saw Dr. Carson’s speech at the National Prayer Breakfast as well as some interviews he has done since that time. I was so excited and grateful to hear the man speak with such conviction about in particular the use of being “PC” to quieten down people who may not agree with another person. This needed to be said in the way he has stated it. I had found myself and others in terrible turmoil and depression because when we chose to speak out about issues that mattered to us it seemed as if we were attacked with names that had no relation to the issue that we were trying to speak about. I’ve felt angry and depressed about this and Dr. Carson’s words brought some renewed hope that this issue was being addressed well by someone that deserves to be heard and is earning of respect. Thank you for sharing this article. I hope many will take the time to hear this man and find themselves thankful for his voice at this time.
God Bless
Shirlene Rhea
Dear Dr. Robison,
I was at the Prayer Breakfast and heard Dr. Carson’s speech. He was indeed the blessing of the event. His words serve as an inspiration to all of us in these troubled times. It is so hard to look on the bright side when we look to Washington and the leadership of this great country. His speech reminded me of Under God Indivisible this past summer in Dallas. I sit on the board of a ministry here in Florida that provides a home for homeless pregnant young women and I have told your wonderful story so many times when the subject “but what about rape” comes up. You are an inspiration as well. I very much liked what you had to say about Dr. Carson’s speech. Thank you.
God bless you
Holly Wade