Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 5, 1995 TAG: 9507060096
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Go to the Virginia Employment Commission office.
Look in the want ads.
Hit the bricks and personally approach business.
The result of just those three methods will, more than likely, solve her dilemma. The job she finds may not be as a vice president of XYZ Corp., and it may not be exactly what she wants. But it's a job, and it may even become enjoyable. Then, after the first day of employment, she may remember the last time she worked!
GERRY K. KOEHLER
BASSETT
Prayer is not a public address
SOMETHING very disturbing is happening to prayer in this country. It isn't so much where prayers are or are not being said as the way some Christians are using prayer.
I have heard a number of public prayers recently in which the tone of voice suddenly became very loud and forceful in invoking the name of Jesus Christ. There have been newspaper reports of audiences breaking into applause at the conclusion of Christian prayers, particularly if they are delivered at public-school functions.
I'm not ashamed of Jesus Christ. I pray privately and publicly in the name of Christ. This practice is biblical, and is for me a natural part of prayer. But when Christ's name is invoked in such a militant tone as I have heard lately, I wonder about the motivation. Is it a prayer to God, or is it a way of saying, "Take that, you unbelievers"?
As for the applause, it's an appropriate response to entertainment, sports or a well-made point in a speech. But a prayer is none of these. Prayer is communion with God, and should be delivered humbly, reverently, with God as its audience.
To fellow Christians, I say: Pray often; do not be ashamed to pray in public; pray in the name of Jesus Christ; and be sure your prayer is directed to God.
To those listening to a public prayer: Keep a genuine, humble attitude of prayer. Add your amen to a prayer that moves you, but save your applause for another occasion. To turn prayer into a speech or a political weapon is to profane one of the most sacred elements of the Christian life.
REV. REED HOPKINS
HOT SPRINGS
Flood control is still not in sight
WITH THE continual rain and flooding in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas, it is the right time to ask about the flood-control project of the Roanoke River.
The regulatory laws, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and ranks of environmentalists have expanded and expanded like flood waters - breaking over banks and drowning the people they swore to protect.
Warning to Roanoke city and county officials: Get real before we the people all drown and there's nobody left to save you.
JOHN JOFKO
ROANOKE
Bell is not on justice's side
THE VIRGINIA Trial Lawyers Association was founded to improve the administration of justice in Virginia, and to promote legal-education programs to inspire excellence in advocacy for Virginia lawyers who represent you and your family, when needed, in our courts.
Our mission is to preserve your constitutional right to trial by jury as cherished by our forefathers and the authors of our state and federal Constitutions.
We have promoted legislation designed to grant equal rights for average citizens in litigation with insurance companies and big business organizations. We promote the public good through concerted efforts to secure safe products, a safe work place, and a clean and safe environment.
Sen. Brandon Bell, who has been almost invisible in Richmond for the past four years, has now made two appearances to make it completely clear that he's opposed to everything that trial lawyers stand for (June 29 article, ``Lawyers' donation haunts Bell'').
Now the electorate is fully advised that Bell is opposed to any improvement in the laws to promote your safety or to protect your equal rights in the courts. He would abolish trial by jury, and supports the efforts of the insurance industry to deny fair and just compensation to injured victims in our society.
If you own an insurance company, Bell is your kind of senator. If you believe in equal justice for all, you will have to find another man.
RODNEY FITZPATRICK
Past President
Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
ROANOKE
by CNB