Opinion

MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron

We wrote last week how the anointed one, Jesus, was baptized by John the Baptist. In that act, He as a sinless person submitted to a ritual of purification, in order to identify with sinners, with each of us. Baptism began for Jesus a journey to the cross, to provide redemption for all who believe.

The accounts of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River flowed immediately into the story of His temptation. Each of us will face times of trial, sometimes circumstances or loss, and sometimes temptations arise. The fact that Jesus underwent these same challenges can help us overcome - which can prevent our hurting a spouse, disappointing our children, and so many other heartaches. The issue for Jesus, and therefore for us all, is obedience to God.

GUEST COLUMN, Shannon Francis, 125th District Representative

It was a busy week at the Capitol but made much better by the number of people from home who were representing our community.

Tanya Colvin, Cory Barnett, and Tessy Barnett met with me about the best ways to lower property taxes without creating unintended consequences. I appreciate their thoughtfulness, and the real life experience they brought to the discussion.

Rozelle Webb and Angie Toscano with the Liberal Chamber of Commerce met to discuss concerns for Liberal and Seward County and the Chamber’s goals. Angie is this year’s Chamber President. Senator Ryckman and I will have a Legislative Forum sponsored by the Chamber at 10 am, Saturday, February 15 at the Liberal Chamber of Commerce at 4 Rock Island Road. This is just one of the many services the Chamber provides to our community.

SAINTS PERSPECTIVE, SCCC President Brad Bennett

This Friday, Seward County Community College will host a 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting for our on-campus Student Health Center. I think it is fitting that we scheduled this event on what the rest of the world celebrates as Valentine’s Day.

Don’t worry, I’m not presenting the overlap as some type of “either/or” choice. I am sure my wife will not interpret the ribbon-cutting as something I value more than our marriage. Like me, she knows that love is not just about words and gesture. It’s about how we show up in everyday life.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR, Reita Isaacs, Liberal

The strangest thing happened this morning before I could settle down and share some new happenings: even though I hadn’t started writing the date on my articles, I remembered there was one that covered much of what’s happening today, so if it’s okay with Earl, I’d like to copy the first part.

‘How did we get to this breakdown in our country? It started many years ago and took a plan and strategy.