By Reggie Ecarma • September 20, 2008
Published by the Greenville News
Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin recently blamed supporters of the Democrat presidential ticket for spreading “misinformation and flat-out lies” about her and her family, according to some news reports. What is the truth about Palin.
A few weeks before the national spotlight focused on her, an 11-year member of Wasilla Bible Church, Jeff Disney said in an interview, “We sat in front of Sarah and Todd Palin at church two weeks ago. That day we dedicated their new baby, just the way you would have liked it. They are solid, sold out for the Lord,” and strong believers of the Bible. The Disneys have known the Palins for three years.
Before attending Wasilla Bible Church, Sarah Palin was born a Roman Catholic, then grew up as a member of an Assemblies of God church, a conservative and Pentecostal Christian denomination. While in high school, she led the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes group. Known as a tough player, “Sarah Barracuda,” led her girls’ basketball in prayer and in play to a state championship.
Palin is a faithful churchgoer, but does her faith translate to actions in life and in politics?
Early testing revealed that Palin’s fifth child would be born with Down syndrome. While 90 percent of mothers of Down syndrome babies choose abortion, Palin’s long-term pro-life position and faith pointed to one decision — birth and “blessing.” The Anchorage Daily News reported, “she was sad at first but they now feel blessed that God chose them.”
Palin explained their sentiments in an earlier press statement: “Trig is beautiful and already adored by us. We knew through early testing he would face special challenges, and we feel privileged that God would entrust us with the gift and allow us unspeakable joy as he entered our lives.”
The statement concluded: “We have faith that every baby is created for good purpose and has potential to make this world a better place. We are truly blessed.”
Boston Globe religion writer Michael Paulson summed up Palin’s faith and practice: “Her Christian faith, they say, came from her mother, who took her children to area Bible churches as they were growing up … her faith has been steady since high school … and grew stronger as she sought out believers in her college years. Palin doesn’t brandish her religion on the campaign.”
“Wearing her faith quietly fits more with Palin’s personality,” said longtime Alaska resident Chas St. George.
Three years ago, at the Interact Ministry conference, “nobody introduced her,” said Disney. “She and Todd were just sitting quietly at his table when he (Disney) realized that this is the mayor of Wasilla. They were there to give money to a ministry that cared for the spiritual and physical needs of northern communities around Alaska, Canada and Russia.”
It was here that Disney and his wife became acquainted with the Palins. “We were ask to host a table and we got to know them a bit there.” When ask if she’s really who she portrays herself to be, Disney said, “When you listen to her, you can tell!”
The children are active in church events. Todd and Sarah “are both great parents. I can hardly picture Todd without him having one of his kids hanging on him or in his arms — he is a very involved and loving father.”
Wasilla Bible Church associate pastor Ashley Brown believes in her integrity: “What she says is what she thinks. Her actions back it up and her words match her beliefs.”
Disney agrees that as a professing Christian, Sarah Palin is full of “integrity.” She does “the right thing when no one is looking,” including taking pay cuts instead of the offered raises, said Wasilla church member and longtime Wasilla and Alaskan voter. As one of her first acts as governor, she sold the governor’s jet on eBay. Palin “believes in Jesus Christ and is a born-again believer.”
Senior Pastor Larry Kroon has taught the Palins, Disneys and many other families using an “inductive style” of teaching, meticulously teaching the Bible one of at a time. The church recently finished going through the Gospel of Mark, using Scripture to prove Scripture while scrutinizing various interpretations for biblical accuracy. Her quiet faith and integrity have come through resulting into political reformation.
Sarah Palin’s authenticity has turned presidential politics upside-down. The McCain-Palin ticket promises real reform to the well-known politics of personal destruction and corruption.