“In My Opinion” we are blessed to live in the greatest county and certainly the best state in the country.

I have always been one to try and count my blessings, but a tragedy struck my life a couple weeks ago that I will never forget.  

I was enjoying a perfect day on Lake Cumberland with a friend on jet skis. We spent time together making sure she felt comfortable driving the ski and then off we went.

She was doing extremely well and I felt confident that she would be fine, but near the end of Greasy Creek, an accident happened that is still beyond belief!  

We both came up behind a boat and I chose to go left while she went right.  I went on ahead around Fox Pointe and waited. Seeing that she wasn’t behind me, I quickly went back. I soon drove upon a boat that had her lying face down on their swim platform, her leg wrapped in a towel.

The man on the boat said that they had cut off her leg! Somehow she had lost control of the jet ski and ran into the back of their boat.

911 was called and everyone jumped into action. The boat carrying her rushed to Jamestown Marina. I spent approximately 30 minutes looking for her leg which was later determined to be her right foot.  Another boat relieved me from my search and I headed for the marina. I arrived just as the helicopter was landing and our Paramedics, Firefighters, Rescue Squad and Water Patrol were already there. Many were friends and familiar faces doing their very best to see that my friend received the best possible care, but I also was given attention by all that approached me.

Seeing her on the gurney was devastating, but I knew she was being cared for by truly outstanding people that I have the privilege to call my friends.

She was immediately flown to UK Hospital where it was determined that she had lost her right foot and her left ankle and lower leg were broken. She also suffered several broken ribs.

She went through three surgeries since the accident and it looks like she is going to be fine.  I know that she could not have received better care anywhere.

The fantastic care and professionalism continued at UK Hospital where every physician and care giver in that facility were knowledgeable, extremely courteous and delivered only the best of care.

At the lake, divers and sonar were brought in to search for her severed limb.

They had been advised that there was a six hour window for possible re-attachment, but nothing was found and the search was stopped at 5:30 pm. I have since found out that the severed foot would not have been re-attached due to the accident happening in the water. The possibility of infection would have been too great of a risk.

I am so thankful for the dedicated professionals and volunteers that helped save my friends life. We also thank the community for all of your prayers. I feel in my heart that God has a special place in heaven for all of you.  

In my usual tradition, I want to share an e-mail with you that I received from a friend. It will be self explanatory to everyone except my critics.

This is a statement that was read over the PA system at the football game at Roane County High School , Kingston , Tennessee , by school Principal, Jody McLeod

“It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games, to say a prayer and play the National Anthem, to honor God and Country.”

Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a Prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law.

As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it “an alternate life style,” and if someone is offended, that’s OK. I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity, by dispensing condoms and calling it, “safe sex..” If someone is offended, that’s OK.

I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a “viable! means of birth control.” If someone is offended, no problem...

I can designate a school day as “Earth Day” and involve students in activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess “Mother Earth” and call it “ecology..”

I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depicts people with strong, traditional Christian convictions as “simple minded” and “ignorant” and call it “enlightenment..”

However, if anyone uses this facility to honor GOD and to ask HIM to Bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law is violated..

This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical. 

Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except GOD and HIS Commandments.

Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical... I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression.

For this reason, I shall “Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s,” and refrain from praying at this time.

“However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank GOD and ask HIM, in the name of JESUS, to Bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that’s not against the law——yet.”

One by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with one another and began to pray..

They prayed in the stands.. They prayed in the team huddles. They prayed at the concession stand and they prayed in the Announcer’s Box!

The only place they didn’t pray was in the Supreme Court of the United States of America- the Seat of “Justice” in the “one nation, under GOD.”

Somehow, Kingston, Tennessee remembered what so many have forgotten. We are given the Freedom OF Religion, not the Freedom FROM Religion. Praise GOD that HIS remnant remains!

 JESUS said, “If you are ashamed of ME before men, then I will be ashamed of you before MY FATHER.”  

May God bless you all…

Ron Phillips