Raising Expectations with Pastor Joe Schofield, Stefanie and Dr Craig Thayer, Dr Paul Hall, and Ron Greer

Faith, Freedom, and America’s Heritage: The Star-Spangled Banner, Biblical Values, and Civic Action

Guest, Denice Gary-Pandol, Faith Former United States Senatorial Candidate

Friends,

If you love America and believe Americans must turn to God with faith (Matthew 19:26) to become responsible, knowledgeable citizens… you must read below the words of our dear friend, former U.S. Senatorial candidate Denice Gary-Pandol!

“Across America, primaries are underway. The challenge before Republicans is not merely to energize the faithful, but to awaken the millions of Americans who have stopped voting because they no longer believe their voice matters.

The winning message is clear: America can still be restored — but only if ordinary citizens rise before decline becomes irreversible.

America's blessings and prosperity cannot be separated from the practice of God's principles, which are found in our Judeo-Christian beliefs. Benjamin Franklin wrote: Without His concurring aid . . . we ourselves shall become a reproach and a byword down to future ages." Our Founders understood that America must embrace and honor God.

As our nation approaches its 250th Anniversary, we should remember that America was forged by men and women who risked not only their lives, but everything for liberty, self-government, limited government, opportunity, and the God-given rights of free people.

People follow movements that believe in their country.

Americans have some good leaders who speak with moral confidence about faith, family, freedom, national strength, secure borders, economic opportunity, and the dignity of productive work — not as relics of the past, but as the foundations of the greatest republic in human history.

America must remain a nation of liberty and self-government — or continue down the path of economic decline, bureaucratic control, and national weakness.

The voters who stopped participating must be reminded that their vote still matters, their country is still worth fighting for, and America’s best days can still lie ahead.”

My best regards,

Denice Gary-Pandol

Former United States Senatorial Candidate

661.747.1829

Raising Expectations Through Christian Faith and National Reflection

In this episode of Raising Expectations, host Joe Schofield is joined by his wife and co-host Melba, along with co-host Dr. Paul Hall. Joe opens by identifying the program as a Christian show focused on what God is doing in people’s lives and in the world. He emphasizes belief in Jesus Christ, gratitude for the United States, and anticipation of America’s 250th anniversary. Joe then welcomes returning guest Denice Gary-Pandol, introducing her as a popular guest prepared to discuss national events, faith, public policy, and developments affecting the country and the Middle East.

Francis Scott Key and the Faith Behind the National Anthem

Denice begins by discussing remarks she recently delivered at a One Nation Under God event in California’s Central Valley. Her subject was The Star-Spangled Banner and the Christian faith of its writer, Francis Scott Key. She describes Key as a deeply religious man, husband, father of eleven children, lawyer, hymn lyricist, and supporter of Sunday school education. Denice emphasizes that the national anthem contains four verses, focusing especially on the fourth verse and its references to God’s power, national preservation, justice, and the phrase “In God is our trust.” She presents Key’s words as evidence that faith in God was central to his understanding of America’s survival and freedom.

Fort McHenry, the War of 1812, and Divine Protection

Denice retells the circumstances surrounding Key’s writing of the anthem during the War of 1812. She explains that President James Madison sent Key to help negotiate the release of American prisoners, including Dr. William Beanes, and that Key remained aboard a British vessel during the attack on Fort McHenry. She describes the British bombardment, the presence of civilians within the fort, and the survival of the American flag through the night. Denice interprets the fort’s endurance, including accounts of rain extinguishing bomb fuses, as possible evidence of God’s protection over the country. For her, Key’s response at dawn reflected gratitude that America had endured the attack.

Founding Principles, Scripture, and the Ten Commandments

The conversation broadens into Denice’s view of America’s religious foundation. Referring to quotations she attributes to early American leaders, including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Samuel Adams, James Wilson, and Benjamin Franklin, she argues that the founders regarded biblical principles as essential to a moral and free society. She calls for the Ten Commandments to be restored in American schools, saying they teach children the moral foundations needed for civilized conduct. Denice also speaks at length about the Jewish people, describing them as central to biblical history and strongly supporting Israel, while criticizing antisemitism, Islamic extremism, and what she sees as failures within modern education and politics.

Calling Listeners to Political Action

Denice urges listeners to contact elected officials and the president’s comment line about specific issues. She promotes passage of H.R. 22, which she identifies as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act, describing it as requiring proof of citizenship and photo identification for voting in federal elections. She encourages listeners to call their senators, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and to press California senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff to support the legislation. Denice also promotes the Unlock American Energy Jobs Act of 2026, which she says would increase American oil, gas, liquefied natural gas, and nuclear energy production and strengthen United States influence abroad.

California Holidays, Prayer, and Returning the Nation to God

In the final portion, Denice criticizes a California bill she identifies as AB 2017, which she says would establish two Muslim observances as state holidays. She contrasts this proposal with the absence of comparable recognition for Jewish holidays and argues that California and the nation should honor Judeo-Christian history and values. Joe and Paul affirm her broader appeal for moral clarity, civic engagement, and prayer. The episode closes with Paul praying for Denice, the nation, and the show’s audience, while Joe encourages listeners to make calls, pray for leaders and families, support the program, and remember that God loves them.