I wrote in May of the tragic death of Christian music artist Steven Curtis Chapman's youngest daughter Maria. Compounding the pain, it was her teenage brother who ran over Maria in the family driveway.

The Chapmans, including brother Will Franklin, spoke publicly of their pain for the first time today on Good Morning America. Larry King will interview Chapman tonight Thursday night on his CNN show as well.

Here's this morning's GMA interview:

[HT: friend Holly Jo]

On Nov. 8, 1994, Pastor Scott Willis and his wife, Janet, started the day by voting in Illinois' general election. One vote they cast was to re-elect Secretary of State George Ryan.

They then commenced a road trip to Milwaukee with the youngest six of their nine children, ranging in age from 6 weeks to 13 years.

On Interstate 94 a truck in front of them suddenly dropped what was later determined to be a 6-by-30 inch metal brace weighing 30 pounds.

Having no time to swerve or stop, Scott ran over the brace, which hit the gas tank.

The van instantly exploded into an inferno. Scott recalled:

It was just roaring flames coming up on both sides. I was yelling to get out of the car. Janet and I had to consciously put our hands into the flames to unbuckle the seat belts and reach for the door handles.

Janet fell out the door while the car was still moving. Benny was in the midst of the burning; his clothes were mostly burned off by the time he got out. The five youngest children, who had been asleep, died instantly.

Only they didn't die instantly....

Continue reading "Cold and calculating - that's Obama" at WorldNetDaily.com.

At times like this my tribe will recite this reminder:

God is good all the time; all the time God is good.

Yesterday Phill Kline lost his primary bid to become the Republican nominee for Johnson County District Attorney.

I was around when Phill was making his decision whether or not to run in an election where it was obvious pro-abort, liberal, and media long-knives would be out to get him.

Phill ultimately decided to run because it was the right thing to do, the right example to set. It was to run the entire course of this race in his life, philosophically speaking.

The Bible clearly teaches God controls world events. God either allows or causes the rise and fall of every kingdom and ruler, large and small, for His purposes. Sometimes we don't understand. But it's all for good.

In one sense I feel relief for Phill. The pressure upon him has been greater than most could bear. Now it is off. Now God has authorized him to move on. One of my favorite verses is John 17:4. In fact, I'd like it on my tombstone should I finish my long race in good standing:

I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.

Phill has done that.

Also read Kathryn Jean Lopez's column today.