Personal & Art/Business | God & Country (8.22.20)

Not a secret that I’m an Uber-conservative follower of Christ. I love art and people. First, I love the Lord. For years, I’ve shared my beliefs with others… more often was face to face.

Since I came out publicly (as conservative Christian) in 2007, the Lord has worked on me… especially since 2014. At my core, I haven’t changed. Still a sinner. Ironically, I’m a better person today… living for God. (Still fall woefully short. Two of my favorite sources for preaching the Bible are Sovereign Grace Presbyterian Church — our church in Charlotte, NC — and John MacArthur of Grace to You.)

Been a Patriot since I was young enough to understand. Of course, like most youth, I was a flaming liberal the first half of my life. Even with hippie parents, my grandparents had a profound impact on me.

Sam Jarvi (Dad’s father) was a Marine and Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Officer. Youngest child of Finnish immigrants, his mom died when he was a baby. Sam gave so much more to his country than he received… or asked for.

I digress. (Will share more another time.)

So, what’s different now? The world is VERY different.

Therefore, as much as I love making my art, transforming spaces with my glass and public art, I have to speak out for God’s law, truth, and morality.

I’ve always voted… and, have always loved this country, loved our freedoms, and been a proud American who knew that freedom of speech means we’re going to disagree. 

Though I understand and appreciate — even more now — the US Constitution (especially first two amendments), I’ve always leaned towards gratitude for those who’ve served and gave so much for these freedoms! 

We’ve had COVID-19 pandemic, ensuing [still happening] gross government overreach… on the back of non-stop hate/attacks of POTUS Donald Trump, VP Mike Pence, and their cabinet/policies/personal lives for years.

Now, add the Defund the Police movement happening all over the United States, and, here in Charlotte, NC.

This is why recently the last straw broke for me.

I’m almost 52. In 1980, I was 12. Both of these are mine from 1980. I’ve been a patriot as long as I remember!

I WILL NOT STAY SILENT.

NOT BECAUSE OLD FRIENDS ASK ME TO…

OR BECAUSE IT HAS LOST ME REAL LIFE FAMILY AND FRIENDS…

OR EVEN BECAUSE I FEAR FOR MY LIFE CALLING OUT THUGS WHO ARE ACTUALLY CRIMINALS (NOT PEACEFUL PROTESTORS)…

I WILL NOT STAY QUIET ANY MORE ABOUT PEOPLE REFUSING TO SEE THEIR HATRED OF GOD, ANGER, SELFISH HYPOCRISY… MANY WHO SCREAM/SPEW HATE UNTIL THEY FORCE WHOEVER DISAGREES WITH THEM TO SHUT UP.

I will keep sharing and celebrating the good in the world, art and glass… and Christ’s Kingdom. However, I won’t keep silent about the rest of these things that really matter.

This election in November 2020 is a tipping point for our beloved, and imperfect, country. If the Democrats take over the Whitehouse, none of us will recognize the United States of America. And, it will be too late to turn back.

Regardless, we have an uphill battle that will take the God of Creation to save us.

I’m heartbroken over the wickedness and hate in all of us… as well as hopeful because this is NOT the end. And, we can choose to be with Christ for eternity.

If you want to follow what I’m up to…

I'll keep blogging about creative, and some personal, things here on my website.

Instagram is mostly art with some God and Country.

Facebook is more God and Country, with some art.

FYI both Instagram and Facebook have the same posts/video shorts about August’s #BackTheBlue rally in Charlotte, NC that was overrun by angry protestors ripping flags out of our hands and scaring the children.

My experience that day, and how not ONE media/social media coverage was accurate in their depiction, has made it crystal clear the denial of truth by far too many including those in power/leadership… and the real threat of lawlessness in this country!

May God Bless America.