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Cal Thomas: Should America have a red line for terrorist attacks?

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Cal Thomas

President Trump has acted as no other president has by unleashing a war on Iran whose objective is not only preventing the ayatollahs from ever building a nuclear weapon but ideally (though unmentioned) replacing the fanatics with leaders more friendly to Israel and the West and delivering freedom and prosperity to the Iranian people.

With two more terrorist attacks last week – one at Old Dominion University in Virginia and the other at a synagogue and Jewish school in Dearborn, Michigan, is it time to talk of terrorists crossing a red line in this country?

How many more terrorist attacks must we endure before more is done to lessen the threat?

The Florida legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis have taken a bold and useful step in banning Sharia Law in the state and giving DeSantis the ability to designate the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization.

The U.S. has seen numerous Muslim organizations established within its borders before and especially after 9/11. They advocate policies counter to U.S interests. Some defend attacks on Israel and support terrorists and Iran.

These include The Muslim Brotherhood. Designated by Texas and now Florida as a foreign terrorist organization. U.S. officials and reports have accused the group of acting as a “militant Islamist organization” that aims to undermine U.S. national security and support groups like Hamas.

Another active Muslim organization is CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Designated as a “foreign terrorist organization” by Texas and Florida in late 2025 due to alleged links to the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas. CAIR was named an unindicted co-conspirator in the 2007 Holy Land Foundation trial. CAIR denies these links and has sued to contest these designations.

Others include:

– American Muslims for Palestine (AMP): Identified in reports as an Islamist organization promoting pro-Hamas advocacy, BDS (Boycott, Divestment Sanctions against Israel), and acting as part of a “network” of threat actors.

– Islamic Society of North America (ISNA): Described in studies as an Islamist organization that operates as a sister organization to CAIR and shares board members, with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood’s U.S. network.

– Muslim American Society (MAS): Described in reports as an Islamist organization with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, focusing on “direct action” and anti-Israel advocacy.

– Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP): Identified in reports as an Islamist organization focused on campus activism, pro-Hamas advocacy, and BDS promotion.

– The Muslim Students Association (MSA National): Described in reports as focused on campus activism and affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood’s network.

– Revolution Muslim (RM): Described by the West Point Counterterrorism Center (CTC) as a radical group linked to terrorism cases, which appeared in 2010 to act as a recruiter for foreign militant groups.

The U.S. government has, in past cases like the Holy Land Foundation, shut down charities, including Benevolence International Foundation and Global Relief Foundation, accusing them of directing funds toward terrorism.

Federal investigations have also identified domestic Islamic extremist groups in prisons, such as Jam’iyyat Ul-Islam Is-Saheeh (JIS), which they say pose a threat.

If further attacks continue on U.S. soil, at a minimum these groups should be closed and disbanded. While some liberal judges might not allow it, voters in November could do something about it by electing people who put America ahead of its enemies, foreign and especially domestic.

Look for Cal Thomas’ latest book “A Watchman in the Night: What I’ve Seen Over 50 Years Reporting on America” (HumanixBooks).

No do-overs for Starnes in last shot at state cheer title

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JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elritomedia.com

For Jase Starnes, this season comes with no do-overs.

The Artesia senior and head captain of the cheer team knows this is her final chance — and her team’s last opportunity — to bring home a state championship before she graduates.

That reality hit hard last year in Albuquerque.

Starnes watched Artesia finish second at the 2025 state competition, scoring 90.7 in Total Performance 1 and 80.3 in Total Performance 2 for a combined score of 171. It was close, but not close enough to catch eventual champion Taos, which finished with 179.35. The 8.35-point gap denied Artesia its first state title since 2009.

Now a senior, Starnes is determined not to let that moment define the end of her high school career.

“For me, this year is different,” Starnes said. “Last year I was a co-captain and a junior. Now the pressure is on, and everybody is looking at me. When things get tough, I have to push through it and make the team believe they can, too.”

There is reason for optimism.

For the first time in five years, Artesia enters the postseason with continuity at head coach. Sabrina Roybal returns for a second straight season after Starnes had three different coaches in four years. Starnes said she believes that stability alone could be the difference.

Starnes, a tumbler and main base, said the physical and mental demands of cheer can be taxing, but the payoff is worth it.

“Being on the team — being the powerhouse for the stunts — is 100% worth it,” she said.

Starnes and six other seniors know what is at stake. This is the last time they will compete together. The last time they will wear Artesia colors. The last chance to call themselves state champions.

“We want to be able to say, ‘We were the 2026 state champions,’” Starnes said. “We want to make a name for ourselves.”

Artesia will compete Friday and Saturday, March 20-21, at The Pit in Albuquerque.

Starnes said the team cannot afford to wait until the final moment to lock in. With three performances remaining and nine days of practice left, urgency has set in.

“All season there have been ups and downs,” she said. “Now it gets real.”

Starnes said she believes Artesia has something no other team in the state can match — a move known as the Double Baja Blast — and said execution will determine whether that advantage pays off.

Her favorite memory so far came from last season, even in defeat.

Walking away with a second-place trophy, she said, showed that the seniors were changing the culture and rebuilding the program.

Still, one feeling remains.

“I want to know what it feels like to win state,” Starnes said. “It feels like a dream, and I want to chase it. We can do things that no one else can.”

JT Keith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or on X @JTKEITH1.

Guns stolen from Carlsbad gun shop

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Adrian Hedden
Carlsbad Current-Argus
achedden@currentargus.com

At least three people broke into a mail service business in Carlsbad that doubles as a gun store, making off with several firearms, police said.

Carlsbad police responded to a reported burglary in progress at Pac N Mail, 910 W. Pierce Street, at about 4 a.m. March 5 but found no suspects at the location upon arriving.

Officers did note damage to the front of the building where it appeared a car or truck was driven into the storefront, smashing the windows to allow the alleged burglars to enter the business, according to a news release from Crimestoppers of Eddy County.

Pac N Mail offers packaging and mail services at the Pierce Street location along with firearms for sale. The guns allegedly stolen in the robbery were for sale at the store, not included in any mail or packages being prepared for delivery.

When police arrived they found firearms strewn about the business, and store staff reported a number of guns missing, the release read.

Among the stolen weapons, the release read, were several AR-style rifles, an AR-style handgun, multiple shotguns and other pistols.

Police did not initially provide any suspect descriptions or report any injuries in the incident. Aggravated burglary charges were being sought against anyone involved in the alleged theft, according to the release.

Video footage provided by Pac N Mail showed a white or silver Jeep Wrangler backing into the front of the store, read the release, breaking the two glass entry doors.

Three people were seen climbing out of the Jeep and entering the store, then exiting carrying guns.

Pac N Mail shared video footage from inside the store via Facebook on March 9, asking anyone with information on the alleged burglary to contact police.

“We are asking for anyone who may have seen this or driven by at the time of the robbery and may have seen something to report to CPD (Carlsbad Police Department,” read the post. “We as a community need to come together to help CPD hold these individuals accountable and take our community back to stop them from damaging any more small businesses.”

Managing Editor Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, or @AdrianHedden on the social media platform X.

Street projects, subdivision updates part of Artesia City Council meeting

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Rebecca Hauschild
For the Artesia Daily Press

A project to repair one of Artesia’s busiest roadways on 26th Street is in its final stages as another begins on 8th Street.

Community Development/Infrastructure Director Byron Landfair said at the March 10 Artesia City Council meeting that the 26th Street project was in its last 90-day phase, which will be followed by 10 days for striping.

That means the project will be completed this summer, Landfair said.

He said the 26th Street project has encompassed five phases lasting about 18 months and noted the city eliminated 45 days of work by combining two phases. The repairs involved a combination of upgrades to the street surface, sidewalks and signage.

“It’s important to remember it wasn’t just a road,” said Mayor Jon Henry. “There so much underneath that to help propel us in the future and because of the planning that so many wise leaders did way before us.”

Landfair also reported the 8th Street project is getting underway this month with street work on the following intersections: North Roselawn Avenue and West Chisum Avenue; North Roselawn Avenue and West Mahone Drive; and North 12th Street and West Mahone Drive.

Subdivision moves forward

Land for The Legends Subdivision – Unit One Project was purchased in February, Landfair said, and all information was provided to Eddy County in connection with the city’s application for a $4 million reimbursement.

The reimbursement was made available through a $15.6 million fund created by Eddy County last fall to aid municipal housing projects.

Officials said Artesia is planning to hold a “golden shovel” event within the next two or three weeks.

When complete, the first phase will include 72 lots for homes to be built near the intersection of South 26th Street and Hermosa Drive. In total, the city plans for the subdivision to accommodate 240 lots when fully built out.

The Legends Subdivision will be further buoyed by a $10,000-per-rooftop housing incentive offered by the city of Artesia and funded by a separate county commission vote allocating $500,000 to the program.

The reimbursement is limited to $100,000 per development.

Other business

Councilors approved a contract with Tyler Technologies for a software bundle including Content Manager Core which will store human resources files and job applicant tracking software. The system will cost $13,000 per year and will replace current unsupported software that costs $28,000 per year.

Vote now for Athlete of the Week

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The Artesia Daily Press is letting you decide on the best local sports star each week. Go to ArtesiaNews.com to cast your ballot. You can also access the polling using the QR code.

Girls

This week’s Athlete of the Week choices include three girls basketball players:

Lady ’Dogs guard Brooklyn Fuentes dominated her position this season with her passing and hustle plays.

Guard Jade Hammond’s rebounding and defense helped the team to a 14-13 season.

Joining them is Ashton Craft, who played her best basketball toward the end of the season and kept Artesia in tournament contention.

Boys

Bulldogs center Clay Kincaid played his best basketball of the season when he scored 24 points against Hope Christian and 18 points against Highland.

Teammate Corbyn Dominguez played well during the Bulldogs’ state tournament run.

Jace Dean is known for his unselfish attitude and being a good teammate.

Results will be released in the March 26 print edition and online.

Column: Culture and love define a special Bulldogs basketball class

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JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elritomedia.com

Even though the Artesia Bulldogs lost in the 2026 Nusenda Credit Union Class 4A boys championship game 71-62 against the Highland Hornets on Saturday, the Class of 2026 has already secured its place in school history.

They’ve stacked titles in multiple sports. And once more, they came within reach of another championship.

But championships aren’t what separate this team.

What makes this group different is simpler — and stronger. They play for each other. They care about each other. They love each other.

Every player on the team, from Charlie Campbell IV to Clay Kincaid, said the same thing: They love each other.

This team has lost games along the way, like they did on Saturday. That happens in sports, of course. But rarely have the stakes been this high, and the response been so consistent.

These kids have been playing together since they were little, working their way through youth sports in Artesia, growing up on the same fields and in the same gyms. They watched older Bulldogs win state titles and learned what was possible. Now a younger group is watching them, dreaming of doing the same one day.

Bulldogs coach Michael Mondragon says success breeds success, especially at Artesia High School, where athletes are encouraged to compete across multiple sports.

“When you are winning in other sports,” Mondragon said, “you gain experience that carries over. One thing that is unique about these guys is that Jack Byers is going to Arizona for baseball. It would have been really easy for him to say, ‘Coach, I don’t want to play basketball. I want to get ready for baseball and my scholarship.’

“Tootie McNeil could have said the same thing. He’s going to New Mexico Highlands on a football scholarship.”

But they didn’t. Campbell didn’t. Kincaid didn’t. Braylon Vega didn’t.

They stayed. They played. They committed.

“These guys love each other,” Mondragon said. “That’s the culture we have.”

Mondragon credits that culture to cooperation across the athletic department. Athletic director Jeremy Maupin, who also serves as head football coach, works closely with baseball coach Jackson Bickel and the rest of the staff. They text. They call. They support each other.

And it shows.

Mondragon said what Artesia builds — and how it builds it — starts at the top of the administration and carries all the way down.

“These guys are a special group,” he said. “It’s something we start when they’re really young, and we encourage them to do all they can do.”

No one knows what the future holds for each of them. Life has a way of scattering even the closest teammates.

But this group will live on in Bulldog lore.

Their Class of 2026 football helmet will hang on Bulldog Stadium wall. The trophy case will hold their basketball and baseball hardware.

And when they return someday to be honored, they’ll share stories only they can truly understand.

They’ll remember the championships.

But more than anything, they’ll remember the love they shared growing up together in Artesia, New Mexico.

JT Keith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or on X @JTKEITH1.

Popular spring car show and cruise returns to Artesia

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The community hosts the 27th annual Main Event Car Show and Cruise comes back to the Heritage Plaza

Photos by Mike Smith, Artesia Daily Press

Jessica Bollema and Kamili Burnett of the Artesia Chamber of Commerce spent Thursday preparing for the 27th Annual Main Event Car Show and Cruise March 27-28.

Bollema said the Chamber and the Artesia Car Enthusiasts are looking for 300 entries this year.

Jessica Bollema (left) and Kamili Burnett of the Artesia Chamber of Commerce pose inside a classic car owned by John Metts on Thursday.

More details on the Car Show are coming next week to artesianews.com and in the March 26 newspaper.

GOP candidates rally for support in Artesia

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Adrian Hedden
Artesia Daily Press
achedden@elritomedia.com

Arguments for reforming New Mexico policies to cut down on crime and cultivate a “business friendly” economy are what Doug Turner hopes will get him elected governor.

Turner is one of two candidates seeking the Republican Party’s gubernatorial nomination in the June 2 primary. The GOP nominee will take on the Democratic candidate in the Nov. 3 general election.

The winner in November will replace Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, who is term-limited after winning four-year terms in 2018 and 2022.

Turner, a Taos resident and owner of Albuquerque-based public relations firm Agenda Global, joined multiple other GOP candidates in Artesia this week to shore up support ahead of the primary.

At a Wednesday, March 18, gathering of about 30 residents and local and state political leaders at Kith and Kin in downtown Artesia, Turner discussed his campaign and why he thinks he should be elected to helm New Mexico’s state government.

The event was hosted by New Mexico Sen. Jim Townsend (R-34) of Artesia and the PY Foundation.

Turner and Rio Rancho Mayor Greg Hull emerged as the Republican frontrunners for governor at the party’s preprimary convention held March 7 in Ruidoso. Turner earned support from 167 delegates, about 24%, while Hull was preferred by 430 delegates, or 55% of those available.

To qualify for the ballot, candidates must receive at least 20% of available delegates at the preprimary or submit petitions with total signatures equal to 2% of voters registered for the last election.

Regardless of who is picked, the GOP candidate for governor will face stiff opposition from across the aisle as two highly visible candidates for the Democratic nomination emerged at their party’s preprimary convention in Mescalero, also held March 7.

Former Congresswoman Deb Haaland, who served as secretary of the interior under former President Joe Biden, was chosen by delegates along with Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman.

Turner, who has never served in statewide public office, said during his speech in Artesia that his lack of political experience gives him a level of optimism lost by career politicians.

“I think what we need in this state is someone who does not have those experiences. I don’t think we want someone who knows the limits of government,” Turner said. “I believe there are no limits. We don’t have the grit to make those hard decisions that will benefit our kids in New Mexico.”

He also blamed Democrats for increased crime throughout New Mexico, pointing to policies that prevent criminal offenders from being held ahead of trial – particularly bail reforms enacted via a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2016 that ended cash bail and required courts to hold separate hearings to incarcerate defendants in pre-trial detention.

“This is a real problem. It’s a problem in every part of the state, more in some places than others,” Turner said. “We have this revolving door in the judicial system. It’s not that police officers are not doing their jobs.”

‘Tired of losing’

Also present at Wednesday’s event was Gregory Cunningham of Las Cruces, GOP candidate for U.S. Representative in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District. He received 90% of the available delegates at the preprimary convention and said he was confident he would be nominated to challenge Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) in November.

The 2nd District encompasses most of southern New Mexico, including its highly conservative southeast corner. Cunningham said conservative voters throughout southern New Mexico were “frustrated” by state leadership and the state’s all-Democratic congressional delegation.

Cunningham retired from the Albuquerque Police Department in 2011 and said his experience both as a law enforcement officer and later as owner of charter flight service Bode Aviation would help solve problems in Washington and build confidence in New Mexico’s conservative voters.

“People are so frustrated. They’re tired of losing. That’s my biggest challenge right now, letting people know who I am and getting that confidence going again,” Cunningham said. “Now it’s just a matter of getting out, meeting people. My skill set is I’m a problem solver; I’m a police officer. It’s just giving people a common goal.”

New Mexico Sen. David Gallegos (R-41) of Eunice, who is running for lieutenant governor, said voters must elect a Republican to succeed Lujan Grisham, who he said is “killing” the state’s oil and gas industry. Oil and gas production accounts for about half of New Mexico’s budget each year and is centered in the southeast Permian Basin region around small cities such as Artesia and Carlsbad.

Lujan Grisham was known throughout her two terms as governor for aggressive environmental policies, such as setting statewide benchmarks for greenhouse gas emissions via a 2019 executive order that required the state to adopt 100% carbon-free energy by 2045.

“New Mexico cannot afford another governor of the quality we have right now,” Gallegos said. “The state will not survive.”

Townsend said Turner and Gallegos would support business and boost New Mexico’s economy.

“I think businesses deserve a chance,” Townsend said. “We have someone running who has inherent life experience to bring this state to where it needs to be, a prosperous state where business is growing.”

Jeremy Kern, project manager at Artesia General Hospital, said low voter turnout in rural areas was a barrier to Republican victories in New Mexico’s congressional and gubernatorial elections.

He pointed to Artesia’s March 3 municipal election, which saw just 1,500 voters cast ballots out of about 8,000 who were registered.

“Our challenge is on the conservative side of voter turnout. We’ve seen that with our local elections,” Kern said. “It could have made a huge difference in the last governor’s race. This time, I think it’s going to be a big challenge. It’s about building that faith back up for registered voters to turn out.”

Managing Editor Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, or @AdrianHedden on X.

Northern New Mexico ski resorts offer activities as season winds down

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Mike Smith
El Rito Media
msmith@elrtiomedia.com

Gliding across a frozen pond, fireworks and reduced prices are some of the offerings at three New Mexico ski resorts as the season wraps up this weekend.

Christy Germscheid, executive director of the Ski New Mexico trade group, said the ski season officially ends Sunday at Angel Fire Resort, Red River Ski and Summer Area, and Ski Santa Fe.

“It’s a very celebratory environment,” she said of the closing activities at the three northern resorts.

At 1 p.m. Sunday at Angel Fire, skiers and snowboarders will participate in the annual Pond Skimming contest. The event challenges competitors to cross a pool of icy water on skis or a snowboard, according to the Angel Fire website.

“Some make it all the way across. Many do not. Either way, everyone has a blast,” reads the website.

Red River Ski and Summer offers a torchlight and fireworks parade on Saturday and pond skimming on Sunday.

Also on Sunday, skiers and snowboarders can hit the slopes with reduced prices on lift tickets.

Adult tickets for visitors 13 to 69 years of age are $39. Juniors aged 6 to 12 are $29. Tickets for children ages 5 and under are free with a paying adult and $24 without a paying adult. Seniors 70 and over get in free at Red River, per the resort’s website.

Closing weekend at Ski Santa Fe features Roland’s Rail Jam with live music and prize giveaways on Saturday. DJ Saint John ends the season Sunday with live music.

A projected closing date of April 5 was set for Taos Ski Valley and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort, said Germscheid who skied Saturday morning at Taos Ski Valley, enjoying ideal late winter-early spring conditions.

“Coverage on the runs was fantastic. It’s a super fun experience,” Germscheid said.

Latest ski conditions as of Monday, March 16

(Information provided by Ski New Mexico)

Angel Fire Resort had a base depth of 15 inches with 14 of 95 trails open.

Red River Ski and Summer Area had 20 inches of base depth with 30 of 64 trails open.

Ski Santa Fe had a 28-inch base depth with 58 of 89 trails open.

Taos Ski Valley had 27 inches at the base with 70 of 120 trails open.

Note – snow conditions can change after this report is compiled.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 extension-2361.

David Grousnick: Christ’s resurrection is timeless

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David Grousnick

First Christian Church, Artesia

Three friends were discussing death and one of them asked: “What would you like people to say about you at your funeral?”

The first of the friends said: I would like them to say he was a great humanitarian, who cared about his community.

The second said: He was a great husband and father who was an example for many to follow.”

The third friend said, “I would like them to say, ‘Look, he’s moving!!’”

Ecclesiastes reminds us, “There is a time to be born and …”

November 2019, the virus “COVID-19” appeared in Wuhan, China.

That event, next to Sept 11, 2001, may be the most devastating world event of the 21st century to date and has been compared to two monumental events of the 20th century: the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic that infected 500 million people around the globe, killing about 50 million, and the October 1929 US stock market crash and the following great depression that reverberated around the world through the 1930s.

The Spanish flu was a three-year epidemic. The great depression lasted a good 10 years through the 1930s. These kinds of devastating events don’t just impact our wallets and our health. They severely impact our emotional, mental, and spiritual health.

1918 ended the bloodiest war (WWI) in history with huge losses of life but was followed by even more loss with the Spanish Flu, both devastated the young, killing primarily those from 18-40.

In 1929, the suicide rate jumped to 18.9% after stocks plummeted 13% on Black Monday (October 28) and another 12% on Black Tuesday (October 29). The economy would take years to recover.

And yet the human spirit, aided by the Holy Spirit, continues to strive, to hope, and to love.

Every time we face death, destruction, despair or devastation, we can call upon the Holy Spirit to renew us, refresh us, and set us on our feet again.

Just as faith surged in the past after global changes and difficulties such as the industrial revolution, the revolutionary, civil, and world wars, the Spanish flu, and the great depression, we live in a time when faith is needed now more than ever.

I believe we could all use good news right now and there is Good News for you: God has a resurrection for you! He wants to bring you out into the light again. He wants to bring you out of any tomb of oppression and give you a new start.

And listen! He has the power to do it. He can bring you back to life.

The powerful story in John 11 speaks directly to this. Remember it with me.

Mary and Martha who live in Bethany are some of Jesus’ closest friends. They send word to Jesus that their brother, Lazarus, is desperately ill. “Please come. We need your help. Hurry. He is sinking fast.”

However, by the time Jesus gets there, Lazarus has died and has been in his grave for four days. Mary and Martha come out to meet Jesus and they express their grief: “He’s gone. We’ve lost him. O Lord, if only you have been here, our brother would not have died.”

Family and friends have gathered and in their deep sorrow, they begin to weep over the loss Lazarus. The heart of Jesus goes out to them, and Jesus weeps with them. He loved Lazarus, too… and he loves them… and he shares their pain.

Jesus goes out to the cave-like tomb and he says to them: “Roll back the stone!” Martha, always the realist, protests: “We can’t do that. By now there will be a terrible odor.”

Jesus says to her: “Martha, only believe and you will see the power of God.”

So, they roll the stone away and Jesus cries out in a loud voice: “Lazarus, come forth!” And incredibly, miraculously, amazingly, before their very eyes, Lazarus is resurrected!

He comes out of the tomb. He still has on his grave clothes. His head and feet are still wrapped with mummy-like bandages. Jesus says to the friends and family, “Unbind him and let him go. Unwrap him and set him free.”

In this graphic and dramatic story, three awesome lessons jump out at us. Three great truths emerge which can be so very helpful for us today, if we will let them.

Jesus wept with those he loved and he still does!

Jesus raised people up and he still does!

Jesus included others in the healing process and he still does!

Know Jesus and know life!