religion

Island of Pure Silence – The Couldn’t Breed It Out

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By Benjamin GroffMedia© | benandsteve.com | ©2025 

3–4 minutes

They called it Eden’s Key — though nothing about what came next resembled paradise.

Five families pooled their fortunes to buy a remote private island. They were unrelated and united only by ideology. The island is miles from any shipping lane. Their goal was singular and chilling. They wanted to build a bloodline so ‘pure’ it would never produce what they considered deviation. This included homosexuality, bisexuality, transgender identity, or anything that threatened their narrow vision of human perfection.

These pilgrims to the island had checked and rechecked each other’s families. There had been no known, reported, or openly known LGBTQI+ members in any of the families. There had also been no mental healthcare admissions involving anyone belonging to the family trees going to the island. There would have been seven families in total but two families didn’t pass the bloodline background. The group was made up of a doctor, chemist, preacher, farmer, carpenter, and a dentist. The plan was for each profession and trade to pass these skills to children. Children who were to be born into families on the island.

They constructed homes of pale stone and imported perfect soil for perfect gardens. Children were raised with strict doctrine. They were taught that love came only in prescribed forms. Anything else was seen as a contamination from a broken world.

And for the first generation, it appeared to work.

The island thrived. Crops grew. Marriages were arranged. Babies were born. And the elders congratulated one another on their success, believing they had outwitted nature itself.

But nature is patient.

Subtle fractures began to surface by the time the third generation came of age. There were lingering glances. Forbidden letters were exchanged. Hands brushed too long in passing. Whispers floated through palm-lined walkways. A daughter cried in secret over feelings she did not understand. A son locked himself in his room for hours. He stared at the ocean, hoping it can answer questions no one else can.

The Council called it sickness.

They tightened rules. Curfews sharpened. Surveillance increased. Shame became the island’s true currency.

Each new generation revealed an undeniable truth. The same percentage of LGBTQI+ identities emerged as existed beyond their shores. The very diversity they sought to erase bloomed organically within their controlled experiment.

The elders gathered in panic, pouring over family trees and blood records, searching for a contaminant that did not exist. The realization crept in slowly and bitterly — they had not escaped the world. They had recreated it.

And worse, they had bred it themselves.

Years later, a young woman named Elia stood on the highest ridge of the island. She held the hand of another girl. Both were trembling. Both were defiant. They were not sick. They were not broken. They were simply human. The ocean wind tangled their hair as the sounds of distant arguments echoed below.

“We were never the disease,” Elia whispered. “Fear was.”

When the first boats began to arrive — outsiders, journalists, doctors, activists — the island’s mythology unraveled. The story of Eden’s Key became a caution whispered across the world. It reminds us that identity can’t be engineered out of humanity.

The families who once prized isolation now faced the same reckoning their ancestors had tried so desperately to avoid.

And from the ruins of control rose a new truth, written not in doctrine but in courage:

You can’t uproot what lives in the soul.

Somewhere on that windswept island, between salt air and forgiveness, a generation finally chose love over fear. In doing so, they found a freedom their founders never imagined possible.

By Benjamin GroffMedia© | benandsteve.com | ©2025 

We Shall Come Rejoicing Marrying Only The He’s And The She’s

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The Baptists Try To Say Who Can And Can’t Enter Into A Civil Contract!

By Benjamin GroffMedia© | benandsteve.com | 2025 Truth Endures©

1–2 minutes

The Baptists are at it again. They are raising a protest over who should be allowed to marry. It is as though they alone have the final word.
Yet, let us be clear: They are opposing who can walk into a county or state office. They do not want everyone to ask for a marriage license or enter into a legally recognized civil contract. That is not a religious rite. It is a legal agreement—filed, signed, and validated by the state. What the Baptists are trying to do is assert control over who can enter into that civil contract. Moreover, that is where their argument starts to fall apart.


One can understand a church’s wish to define marriage for its faith tradition. For example, it only performs holy matrimony for male-female couples. That is their theological prerogative. Furthermore, the LGBTQI+ community is better served by choosing faith institutions that embrace and affirm their unions. Those places do exist. They conduct beautiful, sacred ceremonies filled with love and meaning.


The Baptists alleged to be upset over same-sex couples marrying are not fighting for “Holy Sanctioned” marriage. Their effort is a thinly veiled effort to legislate bias. They aim to stir up fear and rally support for political agendas. When the current battle over trans rights no longer generates the same heat, they will seek another issue. This will be the next fire they try to stoke. It will be another wedge to deepen divisions. They will build up the offering plate and feed the partisan machine.


Trying to impose a ceremony on a church that fundamentally rejects it leads to resentment. Such an action only reinforces division. It is counterproductive. The real problem arises when religious institutions try to dictate who can access civil marriage through the state. That is not about faith. That is about politics, prejudice, and, frankly, power.

THE GOOD OLE DAYS – When Liquor And Smoking Was Looked Down On In The Church!

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A Report By: Benjamin Groff© Groff Media 2024© Truth Endures

Back When It Was Wrong to Drink Alcohol if You Attended Church Regularly**

There was a time in America when attending church wasn’t just a Sunday ritual—it was a statement about your character and standing in the community. The church was not just a place of worship, but a social hub, a moral compass, and a powerful institution that dictated the norms of the society. If you were a regular churchgoer, there were unspoken rules about living outside church walls. Drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes were two vices that could quickly bring judgment upon you, even if they were as commonplace as breathing for others.

In small towns, everyone knew each other, and word traveled fast. It wasn’t uncommon for whispers to start over something as innocent as being seen at a local diner that served alcohol. If you planned to go out on a Saturday night, you’d carefully choose your venue. Establishments that served soft drinks and burgers were safe zones. But heaven forbid you step into a place with a liquor license, even if you ordered only iced tea. The fear of being seen holding a bottle or sitting too close to someone who did would make you check the room every few minutes, scanning for familiar faces.

If someone from the church spotted you and word got back, there would be consequences. Churchgoers who believed themselves to be the guardians of morality would meet in hushed tones after Sunday service. By the following week, it wasn’t just an isolated incident but a full-blown scandal. Being blackballed from the church community was as much a social exile as a spiritual one. It meant being shunned by your friends, ignored by your neighbors, and excluded from community events. It was a scarlet letter that you wore for all to see.

For many, life revolved around the church. From social gatherings to community support, it was the center of life. If you fell out of favor, you might as well have packed your bags and left town. People would stop coming by your house. Your family would feel isolated, and worse yet, your reputation could be tarnished, so you’d be forever known as “the one who didn’t live right.”

What made it even harder was that many people did drink or smoke, just not publicly. Behind closed doors, whiskey bottles would appear, and cigarettes would be lit, but it was all secret. There was a fine line between private indulgence and public condemnation; walking that line required skill. Even the most upstanding churchgoers knew when to bend the rules to avoid exposure, but there was no forgiveness once caught.

This wasn’t just a rule enforced by the church leaders. It was ingrained in the fabric of the town. Even those who didn’t care much for the church often aligned themselves with its standards because the social costs of defying them were too high. Businesses knew to close down on Sundays, and local events were always planned around the church calendar. People were always watching, and it was the judgment of your peers that carried the actual weight.

But it wasn’t all rigid. A seismic shift was underway. The younger generation, starting in the 1960s and into the ’70s, began to question why the church had such control over their personal lives. They saw the church’s influence as oppressive, and they were determined to break free. Some moved away from the towns, hoping to escape the ever-present watchful eyes. Others rebelled quietly, choosing to live their lives in contrast to the expectations but always careful to avoid getting caught. Those who stayed and fought for change were few and far between, and the weight of tradition bore down on them heavily.

As time went on, the grip loosened, but for those who lived through it, the fear of social disgrace for drinking or smoking stayed with them long after the rules faded.

Bishop Basil Harry Losten, a revered figure in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church

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Posted By: Benjamin Groff© Groff Media 2024© Truth Endures

Basil Harry Losten (May 11, 1930 – September 15, 2024)

Bishop Basil Harry Losten, a revered figure in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2024, in Stamford, Connecticut, after a brief illness. He was 94 years old. At the time of his passing, he was Bishop Emeritus of the Ukrainian Catholic Diocese of Stamford, a role he held with grace and devotion until his final days. Bishop Paul Patrick Chomnycky succeeds him.

Born in Chesapeake City, Maryland, on May 11, 1930, Basil Losten embarked on a life of faith and service that began with his early education at St. Basil School in Philadelphia. His journey into the priesthood was marked by years of dedicated study, first at the Ukrainian Catholic Seminary in Stamford and later at St. Basil College, where he earned a bachelor of arts in philosophy. His theological education culminated in a graduate degree from the Catholic University of America in 1957.

Basil Losten was ordained to the priesthood on June 10, 1957, by Bishop Constantine Bohachevsky. His initial assignments saw him serve the Philadelphia Archdiocese as chancery secretary and in various parishes across the city. In 1962, his leadership and loyalty were acknowledged when he was appointed personal secretary to Archbishop-Metropolitan Ambrose Senyshyn.

In 1968, Pope Paul VI recognized his contributions by elevating him to the rank of papal chamberlain. On March 23, 1971, he was nominated to the episcopacy, and on May 25 of that year, he was consecrated as auxiliary bishop of the Ukrainian Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He continued to serve with distinction, later being appointed apostolic administrator of the diocese in 1976 during the declining health of Archbishop-Metropolitan Senyshyn.

Bishop Losten was admired throughout his career for his unwavering dedication to his faith, leadership, and tireless service to the Ukrainian Catholic community. Losten’s impact on clergy and laity alike will be remembered for generations.

Bishop Losten is being mourned by his many parishioners, colleagues, and the communities he served. Funeral services will be held at Stamford’s Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. May his memory be eternal.

The Concept of a ‘Chosen People’ and Modern Political Dominance

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By: Benjamin Groff© Groff Media 2024© Truth Endures

When Did God Decide to Have ‘A Chosen People’?

The concept of a “chosen people” has sparked debates throughout history, especially when tied to moral, societal, and political questions. In modern times, the idea of being “chosen” is often reimagined or repurposed to justify decisions that affect minority groups.

Recently, the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce advanced a controversial bill, H.R. 736, that aims to force schools to out transgender students to their guardians. The bill, titled the “PROTECT Kids Act,” requires schools receiving federal funding to notify guardians if a student wishes to change their gender markers, pronouns, or preferred names. The legislation also seeks to dictate which school facilities these students can use, including bathrooms and locker rooms.

This legislative action raises an important question: who gets to decide the fate of vulnerable groups, and under whose authority do they claim this right? Much like the ancient notion of being “chosen” by God, this modern political move asserts dominance over others, deciding for them what is best based on a rigid set of beliefs.

The bill passed the House in 2023 as part of the “Parents Bill of Rights Act” (H.R. 5) but faced bipartisan solid opposition. Every Democrat and five Republicans voted against it, while most supported it. Despite the potential for this bill to move through the House, it is unlikely to pass the Senate or gain approval from President Joe Biden.

Opponents of the legislation, including the Congressional Equality Caucus, condemned it as an attack on transgender students’ safety. Chair Mark Pocan highlighted how, in the wake of a tragic school shooting, Republicans chose to focus on targeting vulnerable students instead of addressing genuine safety concerns.

The question of who is “chosen” can be expanded beyond ancient religious contexts to current identity, rights, and protection issues. The targeting of trans students under the guise of protecting children raises more profound philosophical questions about power, authority, and the consequences of imposing one’s beliefs on others.

The biblical idea of a “chosen people” once symbolized favor and responsibility, but that label often becomes a tool to exclude and control in modern times. This recent bill serves as a reminder that decisions made in the name of protection or moral righteousness can have far-reaching, often damaging, effects on those they claim to protect.

In the end, it is crucial to ask when the power to choose the fate of others—whether through divine claim or political force—became justified. And who truly benefits from these decisions?

The World Of One

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A Story By Benjamin Groff© Groff Media 2024© Truth Endures

Tom Richardson awoke one ordinary morning with an extraordinary conviction: he was the sole individual of significance. He did not consider himself to be isolated—others still surrounded him. However, in his perception, they were merely silhouettes, existing solely to fulfill his desires, frustrations, and caprices. The needs, emotions, and experiences of all others were simply ambient noise, inconsequential to the grand narrative of his existence. In this self-centered realm, Tom stood as the sole inhabitant, a solitary monarch in a realm of his own creation.

Tom was entitled, cutting to the front of lines, talking over people in meetings, and driving through red lights without hesitation. He believed the world should move at his pace, bulldozing through daily interactions with unchecked arrogance.

At work, Tom’s behavior was incredibly disruptive. His coworkers noticed how he monopolized conversations during meetings, often interrupting others and steering the discussions towards his own agenda. He frequently dismissed ideas he did not like, making it challenging for his colleagues to express their opinions freely. Additionally, Tom had a habit of taking credit for work he had not done, which created a toxic environment of mistrust and resentment among the team. His colleague Melissa, in particular, had spent months pouring her energy and creativity into a project, only to watch Tom take the spotlight during the presentation without acknowledging her contributions. Her face burned with frustration and disappointment, but Tom was already basking in the praise, completely unaware—or uncaring—of the hurt he had caused. As a result of his actions, the morale of the team suffered, productivity decreased, and valuable talent began seeking opportunities elsewhere. The tangible consequences of Tom’s behavior were felt deeply by those around him, and the weight of his actions continued to impact the work environment.

  • Outside the office, Tom’s interactions were just as callous. In a crowded coffee shop, he snapped at the barista for taking too long with his order. When the woman in front of him politely asked if she could move ahead to grab her drink, Tom scoffed and said, “Wait your turn, like the rest of us.” It never occurred to him that her child was crying in the car outside or that her day might unravel.

In relationships, Tom’s selfishness is all-consuming. His girlfriend, Kate, was initially patient, excusing his behavior as stress. However, as time passed, she realized that Tom’s wants and needs dictated every conversation, every plan, and every moment they shared.

“Can we ever do something I want?”

she asked one evening. Tom shrugged, dismissing her words as if they were background noise.

“It is not that important,”

he replied, flipping through the TV channels as she sat beside him, feeling smaller every second.

The world began to push back.

  • At work, Melissa and other colleagues stopped inviting Tom to meetings. His input was more a hindrance than a help. Projects moved more smoothly without his constant interruptions. The team thrived in his absence, but Tom remained blissfully unaware, believing that his exclusion was a sign of jealousy or resentment, never his behavior.
  • On the streets, strangers grew cold. People who once offered pleasantries started to avoid him. The barista, usually polite despite his rudeness, began greeting him with silent, stony indifference. Tom, of course, assumed they were having bad days.
  • “Not my problem,” ––– he muttered each time.

At home, Kate left. Her final words echoed through their now-empty apartment:

“You do not see me, Tom. Tom, never will you see me!.”

Tom stood in the doorway, confused and angry, unable to comprehend why she was so upset. As far as he was concerned, everything had been fine—because everything had always been about him.

However, despite the growing distance between him and the world, Tom did not connect the dots. The problem, as far as he was concerned, was not him. It was everyone else. Why didn’t people understand that he was in charge of his life? Why didn’t they see that his needs were urgent, his time valuable, his presence essential? His self-centeredness was creating a chasm between him and the rest of the world, a gap that was widening with each passing day.

The final straw came one quiet evening. Tom sat in a restaurant, dining alone —–– a common occurrence now. He waved the waiter over impatiently, complaining about the wait for his meal. The waiter, a man in his late fifties with graying hair and tired eyes, looked at Tom and sighed.

“You are not the only person in the world, you know,” the waiter said softly, his voice edged with exhaustion. “You act like we are all here just for you, but we are not.”

Tom bristled at the remark, ready to retort with something biting to remind the man of his place. However, the waiter’s words hung in the air momentarily, their truth unsettled. The weight of his words, heavy with truth, began to sink in, stirring something deep within Tom.

For the first time in a long time, Tom looked around. The restaurant was filled with people—couples sharing meals, families laughing, servers rushing between tables. Each of them had their own stories, struggles, and lives. They were not shadows. They were not here for him. They were living their own lives, just as vivid and real as his.

The weight of it settled on Tom like a cold wave. For years, he had moved through the world as if it were his stage, oblivious to the people around him. He had interrupted their lives, stepped over their feelings, and demanded their attention without a second thought. He had bulldozed his way through, never considering the damage he left behind.

And then, in a moment that would change his life, he saw it. For the first time, Tom indeed saw the world around him, not as a stage for his performance, but as a rich tapestry of lives, each as important as his own.

Tom left the restaurant without finishing his meal, the waiter’s words echoing in his mind. As he walked down the street, past people he had never noticed, a strange feeling stirred in him—something akin to humility, though he would not have called it that. It was a shift in his attitude and his perception of the world.

The world did not revolve around him—it never had. Perhaps, for the first time in his life, Tom realized just how much he had lost because of it.

As just as he did, not expecting for it to happen, Jesus Christ popped in and said he is going to vote for Kamala Harris!

The End

You May Have Heard OF Project 2025 But Have You Heard Of The Rights “Nickle A Prayer Tax?”

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A Fictional Writing By: Benjamin Groff© Groff Media 2024© Truth Endures

In a move that could only be described as a blend of boldness and absurdity, the Rights Political Movement unveiled its most audacious plan yet: the Nickel A Prayer Tax. The idea was simple—or so they claimed. Every time someone bowed their head in prayer within the sacred walls of a tax-exempt church, the government will tally a nickel to get paid at the end of the fiscal year. The plan, the movement argues, was a way to finally have churches “pay their fair share” for the many costs they purportedly impose on the taxpayers.

The proposal, though greeted with a mix of shock and hilarity, was rooted in a series of dubious and imaginative calculations that the movement’s leaders claime are grounded in reality.

The Costs Churches Create for Taxpayers

  1. Lost Revenue from Tax Exemptions: The Rights Political Movement claime that churches, by being tax-exempt, were costing the government billions in lost revenue. “Imagine the potholes that could get filled if every stained-glass window paid its share!” exclaimed Senator Hilda Bottomline, one of the movement’s most fervent advocates.
  2. Emergency Services: According to the proposal, every time a church caught fire, needed police protection during a controversial sermon, or hosted a significant event requiring traffic control, taxpayers were on the hook. “Why should my tax dollars go to escorting a parade of choir members?” asked Roger Stingy, a local businessman and supporter of the tax.
  3. Social Services Duplication: Churches often run soup kitchens, shelters, and charity drives. While these services are undeniably helpful, the movement argued they duplicated what the government was already providing without paying their “service fees.” “We’ve got welfare programs for a reason, no need for double-dipping,” said Ernestina Pennypinch, another movement leader.
  4. Real Estate Value Suppression: The movement claimed that large churches, especially those in prime urban locations, suppressed property values. They took up space that could otherwise be used for lucrative, tax-paying businesses like luxury condos or gourmet dog food stores. “Holy land? More like hole-in-the-budget land,”remarked developer Richie Realestate as he eyed a historic cathedral downtown.
  5. Environmental Impact: Every Sunday, cars are packed into church parking lots, creating traffic jams and pollution. The movement argues that if churches paid a Nickel A Prayer Tax, those funds could go directly into green initiatives to offset this “prayer smog.” “Save the planet, tax the pews” became the rallying cry of eco-activists who quickly latched onto the movement.

The Benefits of the Nickel A Prayer Tax

  1. Filling the Budget Gaps: The movement estimated that the tax could raise billions, plugging holes in state and federal budgets. “Forget about cutting school lunches—we’ll be swimming in nickels!” a high-ranking budget official proclaimed.
  2. Funding Secular Charities: The tax revenue could get redirected to secular charities that, according to the movement, were more inclusive and efficient. “Why should a soup kitchen be connected to a sermon?” asked Kaylee Kindly, founder of the Secular Soup for All initiative.
  3. Incentivizing Smaller Congregations: Large megachurches would finally have to pay their way, while more minor, less extravagant congregations might see a decrease in attendance—and, therefore, their tax burden. “Think of it as a spiritual diet plan,” joked Bottomline. “Less congregation, more salvation!”
  4. Reducing Traffic Congestion: With fewer people flocking to Sunday services, roads would be more precise, reducing traffic accidents and wear and tear on infrastructure. “Sunday mornings will become the new blissful commute hour,” promised Max Gridlock, the city’s transportation chief.

The Backlash

Unsurprisingly, religious groups across the nation oppose the plan fiercely. The National Association of Pastors (NAP) organized a “Prayer-a-Thon” to raise funds to fight the tax. Every prayer during the event was meticulously counted, and the movement’s leaders were sent a bill—penned in gold ink—for the “spiritual services rendered.” It was a bill that could only be paid in prayers, of course.

The Final Word

In a twist of irony, the Nickel A Prayer Tax became a subject of intense debate and endless litigation. Lawyers will make a fortune arguing over what constituted a “prayer”—is a simple “Amen” worth a nickel? What about silent prayers? Could churches claim a rebate for prayers said in service to the community?

The Rights Political Movement continue to push the tax, convinced that it is the key to a balanced budget and a fairer society. While the tax itself is mired in legal challenges, its mere proposal left an indelible mark on the political landscape, forcing everyone to rethink the true cost of faith—or at least, the cost of not charging for it.

The Prayer For Peace Finally Answered!

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A Story By: Benjamin Groff© Groff Media 2024© Truth Endures

An older man, who had prayed for peace since he was a young child, lived a life of selflessness. His mother’s words, that God would answer his prayer if he kept his life clean of sin and did what was best for others, became his guiding principle. He never put himself first, always putting the lives of others before his own needs.

So, the older man went without when he could have lived a comfortable life. He gave to others and kept a solitary life when he could have had a home filled with love and a family. The city he lived in had the highest crime rates in the world, and the country in which the older man lived was worn in battles between battles with other nations and individual groups. He was a victim of crime repeatedly when he could have had protection provided.

The man became wealthy without trying, thanks to inheritances from family and friends and business interactions he had made without intending to see a return. When he turned 80, he prayed one night, asking why God hadn’t answered his prayer.

The older man’s prayer echoed through the quiet of his small, humble home. He sat at the edge of his bed, his hands clasped tightly together, his heart heavy with years of unanswered longing. The world outside his window was no different than it had been decades ago—still filled with strife, suffering, and humankind’s relentless cruelty.

A deep voice resonated as he closed his eyes, seeking the peace he had always desired. It wasn’t a voice he heard with his ears but one that spoke directly to his soul.

“My son,”

The voice began, calm and compassionate.

“My son, you have lived a life of unwavering faith, sacrifice, and selflessness. But true peace is not the absence of conflict in the world around you. It is the serenity within your heart, the understanding that you have done all you can for others, and the acceptance that the world’s burdens do not solely rest upon your shoulders.”

The man’s breath caught as the realization began to dawn on him.

“Peace is not something one gets as a reward for their deeds,”

the voice continued,

“but something that grows within you, cultivated by your actions, thoughts, and love. You have touched countless lives, offered solace to those in need, and lived your life according to the highest ideals. The peace you seek has been with you all along, not in the world outside, but within the purity of your heart and the love you have shown others.”

Tears welled in the older man’s eyes as he understood. He had spent his life searching for peace in the world while nurturing it within himself. The crimes, wars, and suffering were not his to control.

His prayer had been answered most profoundly: by giving him the strength to endure, the compassion to love, and the wisdom to understand that peace is not an external gift but an internal state of grace.


As the older man lay back on his bed, a warm, gentle calm washed over him. He closed his eyes, not in despair but in contentment. For the first time in his life, he felt at peace—not because the world had changed, but because he had finally understood the true nature of his prayer.

And with that peace, he drifted into a restful sleep, his heart light, his soul fulfilled, and his spirit finally at ease.

Tragic Loss: Coping with Grief and Family Support | Campground Incident

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A Story By: Benjamin Groff© Groff Media 2024© Truth Endures

Sammie had just turned fourteen and was riding his bike around the campgrounds his dad patrolled as a ranger. The family lived in a state-owned residence provided as part of his father’s compensation package while he got assigned to the western part of the state. Life in the park was usually quiet, but earlier that year, a tragedy struck a different campground on the state’s eastern side.


Two families had been brutally murdered in their sleep, sending shockwaves across the state. In response, the state implemented new security measures at every campground. Entrance gates were locked, and everyone entering was logged by their driver’s license or other identification. Unsuspected patrols got scheduled, lighting around the parks flickered on and off without notice, and campers got direct communication links to the ranger’s headquarters. Additional officers were stationed along park perimeters at night, keeping a vigilant eye on the fencelines.

It was nearing 5 PM when Sammie pulled up in front of his home and started to get off his bike. A car horn suddenly blared from the gate entrance, catching his attention. Squinting, he saw a familiar figure waving from the vehicle.


“Sammie—it’s your Uncle Ned! Let me in; I need to see your dad and mom!”


Sammie quickly hopped back on his bike, racing to the gate. He pulled out his key ring, unlocked the gate, and swung it open with a grin.

“Wow! This is a pleasant surprise. It’s great to see you, Uncle Ned! I’ll lock the gate and meet you back at the house.”


Ned was accompanied by a man Sammie didn’t recognize, but there was no time to dwell on it. The car pulled through the gate, and Sammie secured it before pedaling back to the house. As he approached, his sister burst through the back door, tears streaming down her face.
Startled, Sammie tried to comfort her, but before he could, Uncle Ned stepped forward to hold her.

Confusion and fear knotted rolled in Sammie’s chest as he asked, –––

“What’s going on? Is it Grandma or Grandpa? Did one of them die?”


Uncle Ned’s voice was heavy. –––

“No, Sammie. It’s your Uncle Richard. He was killed this afternoon.”


Sammie stood frozen, his mind racing, but no words came. The weight of the news pressed down on him like a physical force. He stumbled into the living room, where his parents were. His father held his mother close, her body trembling with sobs. His dad turned to Sammie, his voice raw with grief. –––

“Your Uncle Ricky is dead. He got hit by a train in Oklahoma City. That’s all we know right now.”

The shock numbed Sammie. He recalled watching the afternoon news and seeing a report of a car struck by a train. The paramedics had been performing CPR on one of the occupants, and Sammie had thought the head looked familiar. But he had dismissed the thought—it couldn’t have been someone he knew.


As the reality of the situation sank in, Sammie told his family about the news broadcast. –––

“I think… I think I watched the last moments of Uncle Richard’s life on television. It might be on the ten o’clock news again.”


That night, the family sat together, waiting for the broadcast. Sure enough, the footage replayed, and there was no doubt—it was Uncle Richard. The sight left them in stunned silence, the grief fresh all over again.


Days passed, and soon, it was time for the funeral. The family chose Sammie and five of his cousins to be pallbearers. The day was heavy with sorrow, and Sammie, feeling overwhelmed, approached his father. –––

“Dad, I don’t like going to funerals why do I have to go?”


His father’s response was gentle yet firm. –––

“Well, first, it’s the right thing to do: to show respect for another person’s life. As you age, you’ll realize that funerals are among the few times we come together as a family. They unite people who otherwise never see each other. You go to pay your respects and leave having been paid dearly for your time.”

Some characters in this story have had their names changed. While the story is true, certain information pertaining to the day is changed to protect the identity of those who may wish to keep their identity private. Benjamin Groff August 19th, 2024 Contact Us click here

The Preacher Who Didn’t Believe In God

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A Story By Benjamin Groff© Groff Media2024© Truth Endures

Frank Johnson was not your run-of-the-mill pastor. He delivered sermons each Sunday that never bored his parishioners. Never since being hired by the Shady Grove Baptist Church Governing Body had they been so excited about their evangelical image having such a trophy behind the altar. Pride be damned, they couldn’t take another year of losing members to the metro church in the nearby city.

There was one more thing about Frank Johnson that was not typical: He didn’t believe in God. He felt the bible was dogma, the souls tossing their money in the offering plate fools, and Frank felt that one might have issues if they thought they would join their loved ones in the hereafter. If they said it was because God didn’t think their sin was no longer a big deal, he felt them to be mental. He tried to preach that prayer wasn’t an answer to your needs but to your peace.

Frank’s unconventional sermons attracted even more attention as the weeks passed. Though veiled in traditional language, his messages subtly nudged the congregation towards introspection rather than blind faith. He spoke of personal responsibility, community power, and compassion’s importance. Shady Grove Baptist Church members started to see their faith not as a means to an end but as a guide for living a meaningful life.
One Sunday, Frank decided it was time to reveal his true beliefs. He stood at the pulpit, looking at the faces that had come to trust and respect him. Taking a deep breath, he began.

“My dear friends, I need to share something deeply personal with you today. It’s something that has weighed on my heart for a long time. I do not believe in God. I never have, and I never will. This confession, though it may shock some of you, comes from a place of deep conviction and honesty. I hope you can see the courage it took for me to share this with you.“


A gasp rippled through the congregation, but Frank continued, his voice steady and calm.


“I know this might come as a shock to many of you. You may feel betrayed or confused. But I ask you to hear me out. My disbelief in God does not diminish the value of the lessons we’ve explored together. If anything, it enhances them. For I believe that the true power of our faith lies not in the promise of an afterlife, but in the strength and kindness we show one another in this life.”


He paused, letting his words sink in. The silence was palpable, but no one left their seat.


“Think about the times you’ve felt most connected to your faith. Was it in moments of quiet prayer or in the acts of love and service you performed for others? Was it in the rituals or the genuine care you showed to a needy neighbor? Faith, to me, is not about believing in something unseen. It’s about believing in each other. It’s about creating a community where we support and uplift one another.”


Frank could see the wheels turning in their minds. He pressed on, his conviction growing stronger.


“I challenge you all to consider this: What if we took the principles we hold dear – love, compassion, kindness – and applied them not because we seek divine approval but because we know it makes the world a better place? What if our faith was a commitment to each other rather than an unseen deity? This challenge is not meant to undermine your beliefs, but to encourage you to think critically about the role of faith in our lives.”

Murmurs of agreement began to spread through the congregation. Frank knew he had to drive the point home.


“We don’t need to believe in God to be good people. We don’t need the promise of heaven to motivate us to do what’s right. We can find strength and purpose in each other, in our shared humanity. So, will you join me on this journey? Will you help me build a community based on trust, respect, and love without the need for divine justification?”

One by one, the members of the congregation stood up, some with tears in their eyes, others with resolute expressions. They walked to the front of the church, forming a circle around Frank. In this moment, we were not a group of individuals with differing beliefs, but a united community, bound by our shared values and commitment to each other.


In that moment, Shady Grove Baptist Church transformed. It became a place where faith in humanity, rather than God, was the cornerstone. Frank had not only shared his truth but also inspired his congregation to see the power within themselves and in each other. In doing so, he had created a new kind of faith—one that was grounded in the reality of human connection and the potential for goodness in everyone.

The Unforgettable Story of Ethan: A Three-Legged Hero’s Courage and Sacrifice in Willowbrook

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A Story By Benjamin H Groff© Groff Media Copyright 2024©

A man named Ethan lived in the quaint village of Willowbrook, nestled among rolling hills and serene landscapes. Ethan was unlike any other in the town; he was born with a third leg. Though some initially viewed him with curiosity and even pity, he became an integral part of the community, his unusual limb symbolizing resilience and strength.


The village cherished its traditions, and none was more beloved than the annual Christmas service held in the old stone church at the heart of Willowbrook. On Christmas Eve, every villager would gather for a night of songs, stories, and the sharing of a festive feast.
However, one fateful Christmas Eve, the peaceful village was disrupted by a band of ruthless hoodlums. Known for their brutal raids, they had been terrorizing nearby towns, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The villagers of Willowbrook had heard whispers of their approach but hoped their remoteness would spare them.


As the service commenced, distant hoofbeats grew louder, echoing ominously through the church. Panic spread among the villagers as the doors burst open, revealing the menacing figures of the hoodlums. They forced everyone into the central aisle, threatening violence and demanding valuables.


Ethan, seated near the back, watched the chaos unfold. His heart pounded, not out of fear for himself but for his friends and family. He knew he had to act. As the hoodlums corralled the villagers, Ethan stumbled and fell in the narrow central aisle, his third leg jutting out awkwardly.


Shouts of anger and confusion erupted from the hoodlums as they tripped over Ethan’s leg, one after another. Understanding Ethan’s silent signal, the villagers began to leap over his third leg with practiced ease. The invaders, unfamiliar with the anomaly, continued to fall, rendering themselves unconscious as they hit the stone floor.


Ethan’s bravery gave the villagers the precious moments they needed. The stronger men and women quickly disarmed the stunned hoodlums, binding them with whatever they could find. The church that had been a place of sanctuary became a fortress of courage and quick thinking.
In the aftermath, the village celebrated Ethan as a hero. His act of selflessness and his unique third leg had saved them all. Yet, Ethan, who had always been modest and kind-hearted, succumbed to injuries sustained in the struggle. He passed away that night, surrounded by those he had saved.


Ethan’s story became a legend, and when the townspeople spoke his name, it was done so with reverence and gratitude. A statue was erected in the village square, depicting him with his three legs, a testament to his bravery and the night he saved Willowbrook. Every Christmas Eve, the villagers would gather at the church, now with a plaque dedicated to Ethan, and recount the tale of the man whose unique gift had become their salvation.
The legend of Ethan, the three-legged savior of Willowbrook, lives on, symbolizing how even the most unexpected traits can be the greatest of blessings.

Enlightenment: Unveiling the True Origins of the Bible for a United Future

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In the year 2542, humanity had reached an age of enlightenment, where technology and knowledge had advanced to levels previously unimaginable.

Amidst the bustling metropolis of Neo-Tokyo, two men stood apart from the crowd, their expressions grave and determined. They were Dr. Elias Hartman, a renowned historian, and Kael Renwick, a brilliant physicist.

Their mission was as crucial as it was unprecedented: they had to travel back to the early 21st century to avert a catastrophe, a global war rooted in a millennia-old misunderstanding of religious texts that threatened to wipe out the progress of the enlightened age.
Elias and Kael had spent years researching the origins of religious texts, particularly the Bible.

Their findings were both groundbreaking and alarming. The Bible, revered by billions, was not a divine prophecy but a collection of embellished reports from historians of long ago.

These historians, lacking a comprehensive understanding and accurate recording methods, had chronicled events that occurred tens of thousands of years prior. Over time, their writings got misinterpreted and deified, leading humanity astray.

The duo stepped into the time portal, their hearts heavy with the weight of their mission. They emerged in the year 2024, a time when religious fervor was still potent, and the world was on the brink of environmental and societal collapse. The air was thick with pollution, and the political climate was rife with tension and division.

Their first destination was a conference on religious studies in New York City. With his scholarly demeanor, Elias took the stage amidst curious and skeptical academics.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his voice steady and authoritative, “I come from a future where we have uncovered the true origins of the Bible. It is not a prophecy or a divine mandate but a series of embellished reports from ancient historians who chronicled events inaccurately. These events occurred thousands of years ago and have no bearing on our future.”

The audience was stunned into silence, then erupted into a cacophony of disbelief and anger. Kael stepped forward, his presence commanding and reassuring.

“We understand this is difficult to accept,” Kael said, “but we have irrefutable evidence. The misinterpretations of these texts have led humanity down a dangerous path. If we do not correct our course, we will self-destruct.”

They presented their evidence: ancient manuscripts, carbon-dated artifacts, and advanced simulations showing the actual timeline of historical events. These artifacts and simulations, based on the latest scientific methods and technologies of the 26th century, provided a clear and irrefutable picture of the true origins of the Bible, shifting the room’s atmosphere from hostility to curiosity.

As their journey continued, Elias and Kael faced fierce opposition from religious leaders and institutions that saw their revelations as threatening. They were branded heretics and faced numerous attempts to discredit their work, including public denouncements, smear campaigns, and even physical threats. However, they also found allies in unexpected places—scientists, open-minded theologians, and everyday people who saw the truth in their words.

In a small town in the Midwest, they met Sarah, a young pastor who had long questioned the traditional interpretations of the Bible. She invited them to speak to her congregation, a modest group yearning for answers in an uncertain world.

Elias spoke passionately,

“The Bible’s true value lies in its moral and ethical teachings, not in its historical accuracy. We must embrace its wisdom while understanding that it is not a roadmap for our future.”

Kael added,

“Science and spirituality can coexist. We must use our knowledge to heal our planet and unite as a species, not divide ourselves based on ancient misunderstandings.”

Slowly but surely, their message began to spread. More people started questioning long-held beliefs, seeking knowledge and understanding over blind faith.

Grassroots movements for environmental preservation, social justice, and scientific advancement gained momentum.

Their journey was arduous, filled with moments of despair and hope. But Elias and Kael knew that the future depended on their success. As they stood on the steps of the United Nations, addressing the world for the first time, they felt a sense of destiny.

“Our future was not recorded or written in ancient texts,”

Elias declared.

“It is shaped by our actions today. Let us forge a path of understanding, compassion, and progress.”

Kael concluded,

“We have the power to change our destiny. Let us choose wisely and ensure a future where humanity thrives in sinc with our planet and one another.”

The world watched, listened, and began to change. The seeds of enlightenment they planted grew into a global movement, steering humanity away from the brink of disaster and towards a brighter, more united future. Elias and Kael fulfilled their mission, not by erasing the past but by illuminating the truth and guiding humanity toward a new dawn.