Subject: Apparently I have an unpopular opinion ...

Volume 5 No. 5 | September 2025

Unpopular Opinion

The truth can get uncomfortable.

King David intentionally, purposefully and by design brought Bathsheba into his palace. Did she really have a choice?

Was he not the king? Didn't he just force himself upon her? Don't we call that rape?

I said it during Friendly Discourse and the comments on YouTube got heated. I said it while speaking at a recent women’s conference and got pushback there too.

“She was lonely because her husband actually was off in war for David,” I heard someone say. “It’s possible that David’s attention of her was filling a need in her.”

No. I don’t accept this.

Someone pointed out that Bible commentary states: "There is no indication that David's messengers took Bathsheba by force. ... Possibly she was flattered by the overtures made to her by the king ..."

No indication? Possibly? That means the opposite conclusions are also valid. Just because someone is not physically coerced, does not mean there was no force taken.

The minute we begin to hold the victim responsible for the perpetrator’s decisions, we’ve got a problem. There is nothing you can say to me that I would even entertain that puts any responsibility on Bathsheba.

But do you do that to yourself?

Do you allow someone else’s actions to speak to who you are, your value? It’s like looking in a dirty mirror and believing the dirt is actually on you.

It’s why I feel God led me to write Check the Mirror.

Use the Bible-anchored study to stop carrying other’s blame and see yourself they way God sees you. You don’t have to figure out the passages alone or look for them. It’s all right here. Check the Mirror is your guide to go deeper and encounter honest faith that isn’t for show.

Then tell me what you think? Do you share this unpopular opinion or do you have other ideas? Email me at info@journey-to-understanding.com.

START THE STUDY TODAY

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This clip of me as a panelist on Faith & Politics received 2,000 views on YouTube.

Parents Said NO! Here’s What Happened Next

When parents across Montgomery County said no to a controversial classroom curriculum, the response was not to listen—it was to remove their right to opt out entirely.

As a former judge, I join Faith & Politics to share my take on the hidden agendas, the bigger implications for people of faith, and why this fight matters beyond one school district. Drawing from my years on the bench and deep grounding in Scripture, I connect today’s policy battles to timeless biblical principles of discernment, courage, and truth.

In this episode:

The political advantage of “checking the right box” on religion.
How forced policies can signal deeper motives.
Why discernment matters when faith and politics intersect.

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE

Faith and Politics is a show dedicated to discussing issues surrounding the intersection of Church, State and politics. It examines whether you are allowing your faith to shape your politics or if your politics are starting to shape your faith. What do you do when God and government come face to face? It is sponsored by the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists.

PARTNERSHIP REPORT

Each day Ellison Koi (top photo, green shirt in upper right corner) and her mom, Eli, work to feed and clothe the more than 20 children they've "adopted" in Papua New Guinea.

A big part of that job is accomplished with her mom's sewing machine. Unfortunately it recently broke (a seen in the picture above). The sewing machine is her mom's livelihood. Their goal is to pay feed, clothe, and educate the children, as well as provide engaging experiences. In the top photo, you see the children holding a flag and dressed to celebrate the country's 50th anniversary.

I met Ellison during my trip to Papua New Guinea earlier this year. She's a Pathfinder at her local church and a delightful, blossoming woman.

Would you join me in continuing to help this mother-daughter team bless the children in their community? A donation of $25 or more will go a long way in helping them fix the sewing machine and providing food for the children.

DONATE TODAY

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

Something bothering you? Let's pray about it together

Did you know I offer a weekly prayer each Monday on Facebook and Youtube?

Listen, share, and be blessed. This particular prayer asks a pointed question: When there is mud on your blessing, are you still grateful? Click on the video to hear the full explanation.

WATCH NOW

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This Simple Salt Trick Could Change the Way You Hydrate Forever

We've been using the acronym SUSTAIN ME to introduce nine health principles. The first was sun. The second focuses on hydration.

Use of water — with Celtic salt in the tongue and half your body weight in ounces per day

Watch the video to see how Barbara O'Neill, the creator of the acronym, describes the importance of water for our health and gives a quick tip on how to improve hydration.

This message is for general information purposes and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise routine, medication, or health practices.