As I have been reading the news stories on Facebook, and the comments on those stories, I have often seen the term “guilty by association” applied to us because of who we hang out with. The theory goes, that since there have been some bikers arrested in the past for criminal activities, then everyone is guilty of being part of criminal organization.

But, the truth is that we all associate with each other for very “good” reasons. We all work together for the betterment of our society, encouraging mutual respect, public service, a healthy family and protected children, at a time when these values are crumbling in the world around us.

There are though many people who have taken the time to get to know who we really are, and to understand our heart for helping. The J. W. Rock families, Helping Hands Home come to mind.

Unfortunately, there are those who form their opinions based on rumors and false beliefs.

But, this kind of behavior shouldn’t surprise us, it has been going on for centuries.

Did you know that Jesus was labeled a criminal by the religious elite of His time because he healed people, hung out with tax collectors, befriended prostitutes and ate with sinners. They didn’t understand who Jesus was, and in the same way many people don’t understand who we are.

You see, it is easy for people to label things they don’t understand as bad, but we need to remember that we live in America, the land of the Free and the home of the Brave. We are Free, and we are Brave, and we won’t give up, we will keep fighting for what we know is right, because that is who we are. We are on the side of Right and Truth and Freedom.

Jesus said in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”

And finally, to close, I want to give you one more verse;

Jesus also said this in 1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

So, keep your Faith, Hope in all things, Love God and Love one another and we will overcome because He has overcome.