The word for this week is….Qualified.
Joel Osteen, Pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, TX
Who will be the next President of the United States? The current presidential race has been a debacle since June 2015 when self-proclaimed billionaire Donald Trump announced he was going to run for the most coveted position of the free world. I believe the saying goes, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” I’ll make sure to keep that in mind throughout this article but I can’t make any promises. Many of you have heard that Donald Trump is a successful business man who has orchestrated a number of lucrative business deals and has become successful doing it. He’s also known for being the host of the popular TV show, “The Apprentice” (2004-2015) where his famous line was, “You’re fired”. Clearly he knows his way around a boardroom and reality television but does that make him qualified to be the President of the United States?
Ironically enough, there are plenty of people across the country who think Trump is qualified. They believe he has what it takes and have backed him throughout his quest. This unrivaled support has catapulted him to possibly be the Republican Party’s front-runner. He’s their guy…the man who will “Make America Great Again” if elected. Trump’s rallies have caught the attention of millions across the country because of unruly protest, the mistreatment of attendees and the disparaging; obnoxious comments he makes about various groups of people. Which is why I found it interesting that Houston native and mega church pastor, Joel Osteen (Lakewood Church), considers Donald Trump a “good man,” “incredible communicator and brander” and “a friend to his ministry”. Has the church detoured from saving souls to being a part of big business?
It was originally reported that Osteen had endorsed Trump during a radio interview last year but it turns out the endorsement rumors were false. However, his personal character description of the 2016 presidential candidate (Trump) are indeed true and questionable. Osteen and his wife Victoria are the headliners of one of the largest churches in the country. Their ministry platform is one of the biggest which allows them to be seen and heard by thousands each week. They also hold the cards when it comes to influencing people outside of the realm of prosperity gospel, spiritual guidance and repentance. Osteen’s positive human-like characteristics of the blonde comb-over go a long way, even without an endorsement. Would you be content or outraged after finding out your pastor, priest, bishop, spiritual leader, etc. said these things about Trump?
Trump has been a non-stop conversation piece the past few months and he’s receiving extensive media coverage by both local and national media outlets but for all the wrong reasons. Politics will forever be political but do we want a president who is relevant only because of the controversy he or she instigates; or a reputable individual who is qualified and willing to work for all people no matter gender, race or religion?
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