GALATIANS 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
ident Donald Trump and his family was arguably unique and unprece- dented in modern history. The former president withstood the political attacks boldly, displaying courage, tact, and intrepidity. But that occur- rence is a reminder that fidelity to the most profound beliefs and convic- tions comes with a high price.
the idea of “Italy First.” “Our govern- ment makes choices, puts its face into it, and doesn’t get scared,” Meloni stated during a recent speech. Meloni has grounded this strong sense of responsibility in her deep Christian faith, proudly declaring her identity as a “mother, Italian, and Christian.” Unlike most Western leaders, who run from an association with religion, Meloni has promised to make religion and traditional family values the foundation of public policy once again. 2022 saw many moments when indi- viduals and whole populations strived to pursue Christian virtue — genuinely inspiring moments in a world that often seems dark and devoid of such glimmers of hope. By looking to such examples, Christians and non-Chris- tians alike can turn the calendar to 2023 with hope of a brighter future and a great restoration of faith and virtue, rather than the much-proph- esied decline that we hear about all too much today.
valiance and perseverance in their fight against tyranny. In Iran, protes- tors took to the streets for weeks to protest the death of a young woman at the hands of the Iranian morality police. Again, these protestors speak out against government tyranny at the risk of their own freedom and their very lives. Likewise, tireless Cuban freedom fighters have continued large-scale demonstrations against the regime in Havana. Thousands have been impris- oned and tortured, even as Western governments — chief among them the Biden administration — have ignored their plight. Although it is not always Christians leading these movements, the protes- tors nonetheless show Christlike virtue in their commitment to secur- ing basic human freedoms outlined in the Bible. Whether they know it or not, they have donned the Apostle Paul’s proverbial “belt of truth” and “breast- plate of righteousness” to combat the manifestations of evil on earth.
Valiance
In China this year, thousands of ordi- nary people took to the streets to demand an end to COVID restrictions and justice for victims of draconian lockdown policies. Amid the Chinese Communist Party’s increasingly tyrannical actions, the Chinese people are defending their basic God-given rights and freedoms from govern- ment oppression. The internet age transformed these protests into a global phenomenon, showing the world that even in the age of tracking apps, ever-present surveillance cameras, and Orwel- lian government control of seem- ingly every aspect of society, people cannot be deprived of their desire to be free.
Responsibility
Ben Solis Ben Solis is the pen name of an international affairs journalist, historian, and researcher.
In September, Giorgia Meloni won the contest for prime minister in Italy, ushering in a new era for the Euro- pean country — a decidedly more conservative one centered around
Perseverance
In other authoritarian regimes, protestors have shown similar
10 • AMAC Magazine
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