Not the Kolkhorst I Know
To the Editor:
The Record published a Texas Monthly appraisal of Senator Lois Kolkhorst’s recent legislative term. There is a stark difference of what I know about her personally and her work and the scurrilous tripe written by this widely- read magazine. I recalled parallels, where the assessment of a known person by some individual was outstandlingly wrong and rightly put, considered plainly evil.
People often dismiss Bible stories, but even if truly fiction, they cannot be discounted as having no wisdom. The review of Lois Kolkhorst reminded me of a similar “people assessment” from the book of Job; here is an abridged version of Job 1:1-11: In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil …. He was the greatest man among all the people of the East ….. One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them. The Lord said to Satan, ‘Where have you come from?’ Satan answered the Lord, ‘From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.’
Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil’. ‘Does Job fear God for nothing?’, Satan replied. Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? ….. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.’
God knew the heart of Job; He knew a test would prove that value. I know Kolkhorst to be a “blameless and upright woman;” I believe she has the capacity to take on any leadership position in this state she might choose. As the character Satan twisted the truth and blamed God for Job’s success, Texas Monthly has reviewed the recent efforts by Senator Lois Kolkhorst and twisted reality to such an extent that a reader will not perceive at all what was at hand or what was accomplished. Job’s long travail ended in success and Satan was right to fear this man and how he proved of Gods plan. The editorial staff of the Texas Monthly apparently has a similar fear.