Reminding Ric Who Already Knows Which Is Why I Will Always Endorse Him

Kopp Disclosure

(John 3:19-21)

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Dear Ric,

With congratulations to Mayor Mike and a reiterated pledge that we will pray our Lord's best for his continuing service and work with him for the best of Belvidere and Boone County Illinois, I am copying this to your many and growing supporters as well as those across the aisle.

My eternal friend and conscience Don Norek would probably scold me, "Bob, you didn't do enough; but he will be O.K. because his heart is good and God will turn this defeat into an astounding victory!"

Moretheless, I remind you of what you already know which is why I will always endorse you as a disciple, friend, family member, and public servant.

As we see so sadly in Springfield and D.C., these are terribly divided times in America and Belvidere and Boone County are not immune; catching the virus of gloating vindictively in triumph and whining pathetically in defeat.

Fortunately, I know you will model Someone better for all of us in this nano-second of disappointment.

You will model Someone better who is not vindictive, curt with folks who are not on the same page, inviting, welcoming, including, forgiving, and, in short, loving Jesus by loving like Jesus.

Unlike the boorish obstructionists and log-impaired in Springfield and D.C., you will not look for specks in folks who do not share the same values, character, and priorities and will listen respectfully and encourage enthusiastically in those areas that help our community, county, state, and country with Jesus as the only filter who counts in the end for all that is said and done.

When you began this journey, I warned you of the inevitable meanness and miscreance of others in a fallen world; and especially cautioned you about folks who talk behind your back, backstab, and even lie if the truth isn't convincing.  I prayed with you to model Someone better and you did as you always have and will.

When your dad told me that he would not seek a fifth term and I held that confidence for a few years, I told him, "Mayor, though you have been the most respected, fair, honest, decent, and popular mayor in the history of Belvidere, I believe our Lord is going to use you as His in ways that will astound everyone in the future."  He has!!!

While it sounds cliche among believers, it's true: "God closes one door because He has another even better one to open for those who wake up, look up, stand up, speak up, and act up for Him."

In other words, I am praising God and thanking Him for how you will be serving us as serving Him in the days ahead.

Blessings and Love!

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Salt! Shine! Leavenate!

Look up! Stand up! Speak up! Act up for Jesus!

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