Courtesy of noh8campaign

Another volley in America’s great culture war was launched on Tuesday.

In California, Judge Vaughn Walker overturned the controversial proposition 8 deeming it unconstitutional.

To refresh your memory  (or if your hearing about this for the first time .. ), Proposition 8 was a referendum passed in California that would make the phrase:“Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California” become a part of the state constitution.

Judge Walker goes on to state that

“proposition 8 serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples.”

What does this mean exactly?

The court’s ruling is narrow, and it doesn’t assert gay marriage as a right under the U.S. Constitution.

In a nutshell, a right to marry that citizens already enjoy under state law cannot be taken away by a referendum.  Is this issue now over in California ?  Stay Tuned for updates!

Luke 12:1-7 (NIV 2011)

¹ Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. ² There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. ³ What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

⁴ “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. ⁵ But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. ⁶ Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. ⁷ Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Reflection:

Similarly to how in Chapter 20 Jesus warned his disciples to not be like the scribes, who love to be seen and honored by men, Jesus warned his disciples to not be like the Pharisees, who put on a show of religion.

The phrases “beware” (in Luke 20:46) and “be on your guard” are strong ones.

Verses 6-7 speaks of God’s care for those who are seen and noticed by Him. As we fear God instead of fearing or wanting to impress those around us, He sees us and knows us. Every hair on our head is known to Him.

Response:

Let’s thank the God who knows us inside and out. He knows all of our thoughts; He has numbered all the hairs on our heads. It is this God who sees us. May we turn away from fearing the world or wanting to impress others, and instead turn our hearts to worship the One who knows us so well. As we do this, may we experience His freedom from the fears and worries of this world.

Hey everyone. 
The winner of the new PSA T-shirt design contest was chosen and its now time to order your shirts. Thanks to all who voted on the designs. I have created a Google docs spreadsheet for those of you who are interested in getting a t-shirt. The spreadsheet has the image that was chosen and a brief explanation of the shirt layout. Please click on this link and leave your info on the spreadsheet. If you have any questions please send me an email and I will get back to you ASAP.https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AlUrFAbV77kFdGtSSFAyVTM5SWJaR0NqOGJLRUZOTWc

Thanks 

Mark Williams

The three PAID leadership intern programs below are taking place this summer and have deadlines coming up soon.  These programs are open to all majors.  I encourage you to review the program details and consider applying to one or more of these great opportunities.

GOVERNOR'S SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (http://shrivercenter.umbc.edu/students/the-scholars-programs/gsip/), Deadline:  March 12th
The Governor’s Summer Internship Program introduces college students to the unique challenges and rewards of working within MD State Government while earning a $3,000 stipend.  For 10 weeks (June 4 – August 10), interns:- Work in state government agencies on substantive projects, including drafting speeches and correspondence, tracking legislation, attending hearings, assisting with constituent case work, and researching policy options.  - Participate in seminars with top Maryland officials and make site visits to State facilities.  - Develop policy papers on a significant issue facing Maryland (e.g. the Chesapeake Bay, crime, care for the elderly) and present their findings in person to the Governor.

WALTER SONDHEIM JR. NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (http://shrivercenter.umbc.edu/students/the-scholars-programs/maryland-nonprofit-leadership-program/), Deadline: March 16th  The Maryland Nonprofit Leadership Program offers paid summer internship opportunities in the nonprofit sector to college juniors, seniors, and graduate students attending Maryland institutions.  Participating interns work for ten weeks full-time from June4th to August 10h while participating in bi-weekly seminars in nonprofit management.  Each participating student receives a $3,000 stipend.

MDOT FELLOWS INTERNSHIP PROFRAM (http://shrivercenter.umbc.edu/students/the-scholars-programs/mdot/), Deadline: March 9th  The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Fellows Internship Program is designed to introduce Maryland’s most promising college students to the rewards and challenges of working within Maryland’s integrated transportation system.  Interns can gain experience in policy development, marketing, international relations, computer networking, engineering, planning and financing, public relations, and neighborhood conservation.  Placement opportunities are available at the MD Aviation Administration, MD Port Administration, MD Transit Administration, Motor Vehicle Administration, MD State Highway Administration, MD Transportation Authority, or The Secretary’s Office. Participating student earn $3,500 during 8 weeks this summer (June 4to July 27).

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