Rumors
I hate rumors. Being a positive
person by default, I am usually pretty quick to dismiss what I think to be a
rumor until I find out for myself. I hate rumors on me individually. Again, I
am the person that if I hear of one that is especially rude, or detrimental to
my family or church, I will show up in person to whomever was spreading it and
ask that it stop (usually nicely). But I also value those that would come to me
and ask if what they heard was true. For example, more than one time I have
been ask if I, as the pastor of the church, ask people for a copy of their W2’s
before they join my church so I can tell them how much they should tithe.
Seriously! This happened more than one time. I have laughed and said that’s ridiculous.
I have never done this! Ever! I don’t have time to this.
As much as I hate rumors in
general, on me specifically, I really hate them on my family and friends. That’s
why I have chosen to write today.
I love the political process in our
country. But I hate the politics in our country. Is that possible? I hope so
because that’s the best explanation that I know to give. I love the fact that
in my country, every citizen has the opportunity given to them to serve their country
and community politically. It’s rather remarkable actually. And my hats off to
those who choose to do so. There is a secret (well, not anymore) part of me
that would love to jump in and run for an office but I’ll save that for my
spare time in my retirement years.
Even locally, the politics are ugly
and that just doesn’t make sense. Sometimes it’s the politicians themselves and
then other times it’s their supporters that run a wheel off and make stupid and
ignorant accusations toward the “other” candidate. But I don’t have to travel
to DC to get answers to my local political questions. And neither do you. Make
an appointment, drive across town, and ask.
There have been some strong
accusations recently regarding our Sheriff and Sheriff’s Office. Accusations of
corruption, stealing money (although no one uses that language), laziness, complacency
and others. I have served the Sheriff’s office as a chaplain for almost 20
years. I have built relationships that range from associates, co-workers,
friends, close friends, best friends, and in some cases, just like family. If I
thought for one minute that James Berrong or his office was corrupt I wouldn’t
be associated with him. And neither would some of those that I know that serve
there.
I have sat in his office (in
non-election years even) and discussed Blount County and listened to the
passion in voice when he speaks of his community. I remember after some particularly
ugly county commission meetings I would stop by his office to check on him and
let him know that those few that chose to attack him regularly didn’t speak for
the rest of the county and he would usually smile and say something to the
effect of, “if they’re focused on me, they’re leaving someone else alone. I can
take it.” And take it he did, rarely responding unless something negative was
said about one of his employees.
I’ve seen him on horrific scenes in
the middle of the day and sometimes middle of the night, usually checking on
those working accidents and/or tragedies. I have sat in rooms full of people
with him and our County Mayor (a good man that I’ll probably talk about soon), along
with other ministers and community leaders, asking for help with the drug epidemic
in our community. And when asked, he has come to my church to speak on the
partnership of law enforcement and churches that make a huge impact in our
county.
I don’t speak for all deputies just
like I don’t speak for all citizens but this is my experience and it’s the
truth. As a chaplain he has not only given me, but encouraged me to, have
access to all areas of his office, building and employees. He has even asked me,
without asking me to break confidentiality, to specifically check on an
employee that he knew to be having a hard time. And he never asked me to report
back. He’s not a perfect man, but I’ve not shook the hand of anyone who is.
Sheriff Berrong is loyal, he’s a leader, and he loves Blount County.
As a pastor and a chaplain, I have
never and will never tell you who to vote for but I can plead with you to not
stay ignorant voluntarily. When we stay ignorant, we make foolish statements,
spread false rumors, and create an alternate reality that isn’t based on facts.
I don’t know near as much as I would like to but I know that facts are our
friends.
For me personally, I won’t hire a
friend just because they’re a friend. They have to have the skills, references,
experience and personality for the job I’m hiring for. I vote the same way.
My name is Brad Bryant and I
approve this message…..
Have a great day,
Pastor Dad
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