Friday, April 2, 2010

Glenn Beck's American Revival Notebook

After I attended Glenn Beck's American Revival in Orlando, I made a promise to myself to pass along the message that was very hope-filled and inspirational. As a result, I am attempting to copy over the content of the notebook we received on that day. It's a big thick 3 ring binder - something you use to see in all businesses and schools. But not so much anymore with the age of technology. What is to follow is Glenn's opening remarks in the book. I'm only an average typist so please forgive any typos that I didn't see....and the speed at which I add to this...! I would highly encourage you to get yourself one of these 3 ring binders.. Glenn will explain why, below. Once I complete as much of the notebook as possible, I will transcript my personal notes from that day. I pray that God will allow me to finish this project quickly. Please have patience with me. We will revive our country to the glory that our Founders would be proud of. It will just take the average person to get off the sidelines and help make history. Glenn said, "History is no longer a spectators sport."

Friend in Freedom, JB… AAM

AMERICAN REVIVAL

You've been hearing me talk about these conventions for months, so you probably have a good idea of why I'm here today. Basically, I think America is in real trouble and the dopes in Washington that are supposed to be helping us get out of this mess are only making it worse. We've lost touch with the ideals and principles that the Founding Fathers used as the building blocks of this country, and, as a result, she's beginning to crumble. But it's not too late; I believe that, if we can reconnect with three essential values and immerse ourselves in the spirit of Faith, Hope and Charity, we can revive this country and restart the heart of America.

As I'm sure you can guess, this is no small task, but thankfully the biggest part of the solution is already in place - YOU. It's been said that half of life is just showing up, and by choosing to participate in today's event you've already done so much more. Your involvement isn't just one of the things that matters. Ultimately, it's the only thing that maters, and I'm going to do my best not to disappoint you. Plus, I've brought help.

Not only will I be talking, but I've also brought three very special guests with me, each with their own wealth of knowledge and distinct point of view. David Barton is a writer on faith and spirituality that I've long admired, and I'm proud that you'll be able to hear him speak to the issue of faith in America. Benjamin Franklin said that there is a God, and the way that we serve him is by serving our fellow man. We've lost touch with that idea and David will tell us where it went and how we can get it back.

Hope is a word we were forced-fed during the last Presidential election, but today it's obvious that word is nothing more to President Obama than faded letters on an old poster - a hollow word signifying an empty promise. I"ve always felt that hope is truth, and with the truth we can face anything...even this brutal economy. David Buckner is a distinguished economist, and he'll show us the facts behind Washington's fiction, and when and how we can get our economic engine running again.

And then there's charity. Like another old saying goes, Americans don't give 'till it hurts - we give 'till it feels good. These days, Washington has been mandating charity through handouts and bailouts, because they're oblivious to the simple fact that individual Americans have donated far more to charitable causes than any federal or national organization could dream of. We've never been afraid to roll up our sleeves, and Judge Andrew Napolitano will help you understand how the notion of charity fits in to the Constitution, and the best way to strengthen them both. In addition to those who'll be speaking on stage, there's this tome you're holding in your very hands. Before I tell you exactly what's in it, let's talk a bit about the binder itself.

Remember getting out the family photo albums, leafing through the pages and having your parents tell you the stories behind the faded snapshots? Between its pages were birth announcements and Mass cards, photos and special prayers, clippings from the newspaper and maybe a pressed flower from a wedding bouquet. In many ways, those family albums were family histories, and as they grew, so did the story they told. We don't save things the way we used to. With the Internet and digital everything, you can access more information on your phone than most public libraries. And that's a great thing, but it's an example of how progress doesn't always make things better.

Is going through the digital photos on your laptop even close to the same experience? and, while you can find a recipe online for just about anything, wouldn't you rather dig out the trusty old splattered and stained standbys you've inherited through the years? Sometimes the old ways are the best ways, and that's the inspiration behind this binder.

As you've probably already notice, there's a lot of information here, but this is just the beginning! Much like me, this binder has been made to get fatter each and every day. Think of it as a living thing that needs to be fed. Read an article that informs you, inspires or infuriates you? Rip it out, punch some holes and put it in here. The goal is to get you thinking and acting in a hands-on fashion. I want this binder to be a personal as that family photo album and as useful as those old recipes. Make notes in it, doodle and overload the rings. Think of it as a tool, hopefully one that serves you well throughout the years. Let this be the one place place where you can find information, inspiration, and preparation.

Now, with what information have I started you off? Plenty. Strategist Dr. Frank Luntz has written a piece on the restoration of truth and the manipulation of words and symbols. If you're familiar with Dr. Frank's work, you're going to love this. If you're new to his writing, prepare to be blown away. Pastor Stephen Broden warns how Marxism is creeping into religion; Karl Rove writes about how an individual can change government, be it on a local or national level; the NRA's Wayne LaPierre separates the fact from fiction on your gun rights; Dr. Keith Ablow speaks beautifully on the ideas of truth and honor and Ben Sherwood addresses a practical survival plan in the event of an emergency. This is just a sampling, though; there are plenty more articles to check out in this binder.

You start this noble process today, and the beauty is that you're never finished. The American Revival is a work in progress, and I'm thrilled we're taking this first step together. Remember, America wasn't built in a day, and she won't be revived in just one day either.

Have fun and thanks for coming.

Glenn Beck

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