I question the transparency of government a bunch. Questioning the government isn’t always the healthiest thing for a career in tribal government.

Let’s look at Luke 14:16-23: “Then He said to him, ‘A certain man gave a great supper and invited many and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’

For centuries, the Cherokee people were united not by a single central government but by kinship, clans, and shared values. Our ancestors built their lives on responsibility to one another, not bureaucracy. Towns governed themselves. What held us together was culture, language, and family bonds. Governments came later.

Following the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) primary, I wrote a commentary about the women candidates showing up, showing out, and providing a new hope for the general election.

We are called to be courageous Christians. Yes, meek and humble are traits we should aspire to, but forthright, faithful, righteous, and brave as soldiers for Christ are also what Christians should be in the face of evil.

Jesus tells us who to fear and the only one we need to fear. Luke 12:4-5 “Jesus says, And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, who after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.”

The power of the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) goes well beyond any town, county, or state government. The authority given to the Dinilawigi by the Charter and Governing Document of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is far-reaching. Its power is not limited to legislating.

Men of the present age have two problems within our churches. Men often interpret the messages of meekness and humility as weakness, or they are already too weak to become effective church and family leaders. God inspires men to be men.