NationBuilder

Welcome to the Friday Five! Every Friday we share our top five articles, stories, and quotes for you to read and share with your friends and church families.

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1. NCVC: 🏀 The NBA's latest double-dribbling hypocrisy.

In an age where companies like the NBA have emphasized their social justice "wokeness" by going as far as boycotting Charlotte over HB2, the NBA double dribbles in grave hypocrisy.

In contrast to their treatment of Charlotte, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver came out denouncing the tweet, calling it "regrettable" and stating that it "deeply offended many of our friends and fans in China." ESPN—which has also voiced commitments to social justice ideals—released an internal memo forbidding discussion of Chinese Politics when reporting on Daryl Morey's tweet. In 2016, the NBA boycotted the State of North Carolina by pulling its NBA Allstar Game from Charlotte just weeks before the game, because it objected to our HB2 that kept transgender men from invading bathrooms, showers, and locker rooms of women.

2. NCVC: Reports of a new gender identity gingerbread “person” survey at Apex Middle School

We've gotten reports from a group of parents at Apex Middle School about another survey being conducted in class, and about a non-profit group coming in to teach 8th graders a lesson about gender identities.

We're currently looking into it. Do you think it's appropriate and a good usage of precious and limited academic class time to teach this lesson?

Also of note: Lady Liberty 1885 has reported on the WCPSS Office of Equity Affairs "Call to Action" training that includes more white privilege training, SPLC Social Justice Standards, and quotes from prominent marxist socialist educators. Click here to read more.

3. FOX NEWS VIDEO: Watch Abby Johnson's interview on Planned Parenthood's pledge of $45M to flip Senate in 2020

"Planned Parenthood announces they will be giving $45 million to candidates in 2020 races. Former Planned Parenthood director turned pro-life advocate Abby Johnson reacts."

Did you know you could hear Abby Johnson's story in person at this year's NC Values Celebration of Carolina Values event on November 18th? Click here to RSVP and buy your tickets or sponsor a table.

4. CAROLINA JOURNAL: Mecklenburg residents will vote on controversial sales tax hike

"Twelve years ago, the General Assembly gave counties the option to ask residents if they wanted more government spending.

The county commissioners’ response this year in Mecklenburg? Spend an extra $50 million on the arts and parks.

. . .

The proposal passed the commission 7-2, with some praising the tax as a step toward increased “equity” across Mecklenburg County. Others criticize the science council for poor spending and fundraising choices, saying it shouldn’t be the steward of a multimillion-dollar tax."

Among the grantees of the ASC are Charlotte Pride Inc, The Lesbian and Gay Community Center, and other organizations who active oppose your values in the public square.

5. WSJ: Bill Barr ‘Gets’ Religion; The attorney general gives a speech on secularism and the left goes bananas.

“The secular project has itself become a religion, pursued with religious fervor,” he said. “It is taking on all the trappings of religion, including inquisitions and excommunication. Those who defy the creed risk a figurative burning at the stake—social, educational and professional ostracism and exclusion waged through lawsuits and savage social media campaigns.”

WEEKLY PRAYER: LIBERTY

LORD, you are the giver of life and liberty. You are the One in whom we find true freedom. We pray with the deepest of gratitude, because you've broken our chains of depravity, and have gifted us a freedom born in love and service.

LORD, may we not take our liberties lightly. Even today, our brothers and sisters all across the globe experience physical, emotional, and social torture because they rightly cry out: "JESUS IS LORD!" Every day, our brethren across the globe experience persecution, and this has been a shared story of the church since its inception. Be with our brothers and sisters all across the world who suffer for crying out alongside us, "Jesus is LORD!" Grant them the fullness and power of your Spirit.

Finally, LORD we ask you to give babies—born and unborn—the freedom to live! To be cared for and treated with dignity and respect, so that they may live the lives You created them for.

“For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2)

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)