NationBuilder

1. NC VALUES: Should the NCHSAA let biological boys who identify as girls compete in NC girls sports?

At their Spring 2019 meeting, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) changed their original policy that required an athlete participate in sports based on the gender noted on the student's certificate of birth. They instead voted to now allow students to participate based on their preferred gender identity, which a student identifies by submitting a "Gender Identity Request" form.

Do you agree with this change? Do you believe it is fair for the NCHSAA to allow athletes who were born male and went through puberty as males to compete in girls sports and share bathrooms, locker rooms, and showers with girls?

2. JOHN LOCKE FOUNDATION: School choice thrives because of parents, not the General Assembly

"I’m not surprised that the editors of the News & Observer blame the N.C. General Assembly for the migration of students from districts to charter, home, and private schools. In a recent editorial, they claim, 'What’s happening in North Carolina is that a concerted effort by the Republican-controlled General Assembly is starving public schools of resources and encouraging the expansion of educational options that lack standards and oversight.' Educational options do not 'lack standards and oversight' when parents assume the responsibility of choosing a school for their children. And more than ever are doing so."

3. DAILY SIGNAL: This lawsuit over ‘sex’ and ‘gender identity’ will have sweeping implications

"Anthony Stephens, a biological male employee who had agreed to and followed the funeral home’s sex-specific dress code for more than six years, intended to show up to work—as well as to the homes of grieving families—dressed as a woman.

For years, Tom’s company had required employees to agree to and abide by a sex-specific dress code that aligned with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission requirements. The regulation-consistent policy ensured that family members of a deceased loved one could focus on processing their grief, not on the funeral home or its employees."

4. CHRISTIANITY TODAY: Carol Swain worked to hold politicians accountable. Then she felt God call her to run.

"Carol Swain said she would never run for mayor of Nashville, but then a friend called her on Easter last year and addressed each of her objections.

So the retired Vanderbilt University political science and law professor prayed about entering the race.

'I got down on my knees that night and prayed,' she said in an interview with Christianity Today. 'When I awakened, my mind was flooded with policy ideas for Nashville. So I jumped out of bed and started writing what became my blueprint for Nashville.'"

UPDATE: Carol Swain lost the election last night. While she came in third, and will not be included in the runoff, she remains an inspirational example.

5. ANDREW WALKER: Is polyamory on the horizon in American culture?

"Even before the Supreme Court exercised raw judicial power and wrongly redefined marriage, social conservatives predicted that removing the conjugal (or complementary) basis of marriage would leave marriage open to further redefinition.

Their warnings were met with scorn by progressives, who believed that conservative fears were unfounded.

In yet another episode vindicating the predictions of social conservatives, the American Psychological Association has organized what it is calling a 'Consensual Non-Monogamy Task Force.'"

WEEKLY PRAYER: THE LAND OF LIBERTY

LORD, there is no greater feeling of liberty than to experience freedom from sin and death that you provided for me through Jesus Christ. Today my heart and my soul are free to praise you. For this, I am very thankful.

On Independence Day, I am reminded of all those who have sacrificed for my freedom, following the example of your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me not take my freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May I always remember that a very high price was paid for my freedom. My freedom cost others their very lives.

LORD, today, bless those who have served and continue to give their lives for my freedom. With favor and bounty, meet their needs and watch over their families.

Father, I am so thankful for this nation. For all the sacrifices others have made to build and defend this country, I am grateful. Thank you for the opportunities and freedoms we have in the United States of America. Help me never to take these blessings for granted.

Help me to live my life in a way that glorifies you, LORD. Give me the strength to be a blessing in someone's life today, and grant me the opportunity to lead others into the freedom that can be found in knowing Jesus Christ.