Love and Prayer

May 6, 2022

In December of 2001, I began my employment with Hawaii Family Forum. One of the things that attracted me to the job, was the way that then executive director Kelly Rosati, handled issues.

In spite of the constant attacks against us regarding such high-profile issues as same-sex marriage, physician-assisted suicide, raising the age of consent, abortion expansion and adoption promotion, Kelly remained gracious but firm. People commented that she was sweet but tough.

In the years since 2001, I have watched our faith-based community threatened, intimidated, laughed at, ridiculed and sometimes just plain dismissed. But do you know what else I witnessed? Steadfast prayer, commitment, generosity and support – even to those on the other side of the issue.

That is why I stayed.

Recently I have noticed that more and more people are becoming angered at the rules some government officials have established, or are working on establishing. Interaction at some meetings across the state have led people to act more forcibly when testifying.

My board president, Pastor Allen Cardines reminds us that one day we will be remembered for how we respond to stressful situations. He gently steers angry congregants to John 16:33. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Other board members like Pastor Daryl Yamada encourages parents to stand up for their rights but also cautions that we don’t “weaken the authority of God” (as he heard at a recent conference he attended.) [More about my board in another article to come out soon!]

At Hawaii Family Forum we remain determined to bring light into the public square. We will never do anything outside of love and prayer and we will never ask anyone who walks with us to treat anyone they disagree with anything but the same respect and dignity they deserve as children of God.

Protest is our right as Christians, but we must also remember that being a living witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ is our even higher responsibility.

 Speaking the truth in love requires a heart full of love. Unconditional love for our legislators without any hidden motive or agenda must be the foundation on which we build. Then, as it says in 1 Peter 4:1, as we arm ourselves with the same attributes as Christ, we will be clear-minded and self-controlled, able to pray and act to positively structure civil debate around correct acts and issues.

In this arena of affecting public policy, we must be especially careful to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves. In our desire to share our view and persuade our legislators, it is good to remember that it is not our job to convict men of sin. It is our job to be faithful and leave the results to God. Oswald Chambers wrote, “we are not sent to battle for God, but to be used by God in HIS battle.” Proverbs 25:15 reads, “through patience a ruler can be perusaded and a gentle tongue can break a bone.”

As people like you, the faces and voices of the community, become involved for the sake of our families, “ua ma ke ‘ea o ka āina i ka pono” will reign throughout our islands. For we are pono (full of righteousness.) This means that we do the right thing, at the right time and in the right way.

With love on the journey,

Eva Andrade
President
Hawaii Family Forum