God is calling - Slide to Answer

Many are answering the call

I opened my Substack feed to read a post by Jessamyn Rains, a writer I follow.

Her message resonates with me. I was disappointed when I read that this would be her last post.

She explained that her publication “Consolations” began four years ago when sitting in a hairdresser’s chair, “I had a spiritual breakthrough. A miracle. I was overflowing with joy for days and days. And during that time, God called me—clear as these black words on a white page—to share my faith with you through my writing.”

But now, a new season is upon Jessamyn as she focuses “on a new assignment He has given me.”

I believe her calling to write was divinely inspired. Her words comforted and inspired me. Now, she is demonstrating her faith by answering a new call.

Jessamyn’s “farewell essay” closing statement grabbed my heart and my attention.

“I would like to close with a question and an exhortation. Does God have an assignment for you?

There are so many things you could do with your time. But is there something specific He wants you to do? Is there something He wants to bring into the world through you?

God bless you.”

Those are simple yet powerful words.

Jessamyn’s comments align perfectly with our mission here at The Fifty-two Seven Alliance.

We are doing the best we can to answer the call.

My chief ally, Bryan Hyde has been perfecting how to answer his personal calling for decades. 

Compared to Bryan's years of content publishing, I am a laggard. 

But I find personal solace knowing we're each running our own race. Life prepares us with individual, perfect, specialized experiences so we possess the personal superpowers needed at the ideal time. 

Why I Answered the Call

I first heard the metaphorical phone ring a few years ago. Knowing what to do has been confusing and hard—a personal challenge, especially since I am naturally analytical and introverted.

I was Frustrated With All the Noise

I had become very weary of talking heads and marketers willing to do or say anything in exchange for impressions, clicks, and ratings that have no positive bearing on humanity's spiritual or temporal well-being.

There is a lot of light and truth in the world, but goodness does not seem to make for good headlines.

Why is that? You know the answer. If not, give yourself the gift of a little time to think about it.

A Cultural Shift in Reasoning and Values

I also noticed a disturbing general decline in critical thinking and other social skills within the up-and-coming generations. Life is not all Skittles, rainbows, and unicorns. It can be difficult but full of freedom, peace, and light when based on correct doctrines, principles, values, and beliefs.

I grew up in the mountains of northern California, in the company of my dad and a few of his World War II buddies.

Though they did not serve together, they endured unspeakable war experiences in the European and South Pacific theaters that forged a common bond and united them as friends at work and in life after the war.

All of us kids were always included in hunting and fishing expeditions. The families also got together regularly in each other’s homes to enjoy one another’s company.

There was always an abundance of good food.

We kids would play night games outside, return inside, and continue playing together. Finally, often late into the night, we would pass out asleep on the floor or furniture to the sounds of adults laughing and teasing each other in the background.

Those were good, happy times! And I always felt safe.

So, as an observant child, I was blessed to learn about life from these men and women of the “Greatest Generation.” They were smart, tough, and resilient. Their interpersonal respect, patriotism, and sense of duty were unyielding. Even when bruised and bloodied, they were not confused about much and simply got things done. 

They were also imperfect and had challenges, some of which we now recognize were not emotionally healthy. But they did many things differently and better than what I see in the contemporary world. 

I miss that generation’s confident swagger and “can-do” ethic. 

Things are changing quickly now.

The principles and cultures of the old ways worked well for centuries to advance the cause of humanity.

But now, there has been a recent quantum leap from the foundational principles of the past to those based only on man's wisdom and philosophies. 

Today's challenge is to find how to reap the benefits of prior generations while discarding those that diminish morals and suppress the human spirit today.

My Why

In a sentence, I had and still have a burning desire to help younger generations build a bridge of reconciliation between the current culture and the past.

A deep breath and a step into the unknown. 

In March 2022, I stepped way out of my comfort zone and started my first Substack publication, Latter-day Voices.

It is similar to The Fifty-two Seven Alliance, but with a smaller footprint. 

Now, here we are.

My wife’s cousin, Bryan and I first met in the fall of 1976, well before he grew his first now branded beard! 

Last October, Bryan and I decided to join the efforts and resources of our two companies as allies to bring together creators of all kinds who possess a common desire to provide more light than heat in this contentious world.

To report tidings of great joy as opposed to darkness and fear. 

Your voice is the sound of freedom.

Now is the time to find and amplify your voice. Your special power.

Answer your personal clarion call.

Now is the time. You know who is calling.

You are invited to join us in The Fifty-two Seven Alliance. Find your truest allies.

Take a deep breath and step up your game. 

Please Answer the call. You are not alone. 

Remain Fearless. Be courageous, steadfast, and immovable.

To echo Jessamyn’s words,

“God Bless You.”

Thanks for reading!

Russ Anderson:

P.S. Here is a link for answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about The Fifty-two Seven Alliance.