Norris Burkes commentary: Resolved to be authentic

As I work through the 23rd year of this column, I will confess column writing isn't always an easy gig. It sometimes requires walking a fine line between expressing what I really think or simply spouting what entertains my reader. As every columnist can testify, strong opinions can either sell papers or lose subscriptions. If I play it too safe, I bore you. If I venture too far into religious or political topics, or share personal vulnerabilities and temptations, I run the risk of offending you. That's why I've made this 2025 New Year's resolution. I resolve that I will work harder this year to write with more authenticity. I won't focus on the popular or how I might improve the ups and downs of my readership, but on writing authentically. To that end, today's column will preview upcoming topics of 2025 and how I see where God fits into politics, religion, family and personal struggles. In politics, I will support voices of reason and grace. I don't subscribe to the argumentative style of liberal commentators like Rachel Maddow or conservative ones like Ann Coulter. Instead of focusing on the noise level, I look for the truth and tone. As a chaplain, I promise I won't spout politics UNLESS politicians start spouting religion. Our social welfare system needs drastic reform. But from my end, I will promote faith groups that assume their responsibility to help the poor. When it comes to gun control, I have no use for handguns, nor will I ever own a gun. However, if I felt the need to "protect" my home, I'd use the shotgun my pastor/dad used. He always said a shotgun blast would either scare the intruder or stop him dead — all without killing a "friendly." Of course, I obviously have opinions about religion. For instance, if there's a hell, Hitler is surely in it and Gandhi is certainly not. Heaven isn't an exclusive country club. I won't use my faith as a way to eternally divide people. I love the Christian Bible, and I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to reveal the entire truth about God. However, the Bible is not a final authority for history or science, and it's certainly not an addendum to the Trinity. Meaning, I use the Bible in worship services, but I don't "worship" the Bible. I see abortion as a heartrending response to tragic problems. I will portray it in my columns as a decision between a woman and her doctor. BUT, while there are reasons for abortion, it ain't birth control. I support adoption, and those who know my story know I live that belief. Finally, in my personal life, I can be selfish sometimes. I've lost my temper with my children, and I've known temptation and depression. I've told some off-color jokes and have even known inebriation. I'm not proud of everything I do, but my shortcomings help me write this column — a column about meeting God in everyday life. But, at the end of the day when I put the final touches on this column, I leave the most authentic word to my friend Popeye who said: "I am what I yam what I yam … And I'll never hurt nobodys and I'll never tell a lie / Top to me bottom and me bottom to me top / That's the way it is 'til the day that I drop. What am I? / I yam what I yam." Sign up to receive this weekly column in your email box at https://thechaplain.net/newsletter/ or send me your email address to comment@thechaplain.net. All of Norris Burkes books can be ordered on Amazon. Autographed copies can be obtained on my website www.thechaplain.net or by sending a check for $15 each plus $10 shipping to 10566 Combie Road, Suite 6643, Auburn, CA 95602.