(Daily Signal)—Last week, Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, questioned former Baltimore law enforcement veteran Maj. Neill Franklin about the safety of Baltimore City. This was part of the House Judiciary Committee’s investigation into sanctuary jurisdictions. In his line of questioning, the freshman representative asked Franklin outright if Baltimore was a “safe city.”
Any person with common sense would have replied to that question with a resounding “No,” but not Franklin—he said, “Yes.” The Texas Republican then laid out the crime statistics of Baltimore to Franklin.
The homicide rate in Baltimore is about five times the national average. The robbery rate is 8.4 times the national average. The assault rate is 3.4 times the national average.
Gill then asked again and again if Baltimore was a safe city. Eventually, the witness added that safety is “perception” of whether or not you feel safe—implying that even if you aren’t safe, you are if you simply believe it.
Unfortunately for people who live in Baltimore, feeling safe isn’t enough. Crime doesn’t magically go away because you feel it isn’t there.
When wild prey like deer or rabbits are grazing in an open field, surely, they feel safe enough to do so—but as they are silently stalked by natural predators like lions, hawks, or snakes, they really aren’t.
As someone who grew up in and around Baltimore, I rarely felt safe—nor did my parents. They knew the “bad parts” of town, and even then, I was taught to keep my head on a swivel when I went out downtown, regardless the time of day or the area I was in.
My family’s experience isn’t unique, it is the everyday reality of citizens in each of the cities that rank in the top 25 for violent crime. All of those cities coincidentally happen to be run by Democrats (even though the mayor of Las Vegas (at No. 23) is a “nonpartisan role”).
Americans know this—as I’d wager that most can name 10 or more of our nation’s top crime-ridden cities off the top of their heads. This leads me to then ask, what was the congressional witness trying to pull?
This is an age-old trick of politicians, snake oil salesmen, and common scammers—convincing people that if they personally feel better, everything must be working. People not believing these lies is one of the major reasons Donald Trump won in 2024.
While Democrat politicians and their surrogates tried to tell Americans—particularly minorities—that if they felt safe, they must be safe, real-world experiences immediately disproved their claims.
When you live in a major city in America, you don’t feel safe. I knew this growing up: On three separate occasions, criminals tried to break into our home. And I knew this before and after I was robbed at gunpoint in Washington, D.C., just a few short years ago.
When there are quiet nights, the quiet around your house is interrupted by police sirens ringing through the air—a constant reminder that even if you aren’t personally affected, something bad has happened to someone in your neighborhood.
It should be insulting to everyone’s intelligence that a law enforcement veteran from Baltimore would claim that safety is all in one’s perception. Gill’s tone and facial expression reflected this as he replied, “If you’re murdered, I don’t think it matters what you feel.”
The time for the gaslighting of crime statistics is over. Facts will always supersede feelings here. Americans know which cities are riddled with crime, and Americans who live in those cities either have been personally affected by crime or know someone who has.
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
