Whiplash

Well, it's been a little while since my last entry, and I have a lot on my mind. I want to be coherent, but it may not happen. So buckle your reading seatbelt, it may be a bumpy ride.

Not a day goes by that I don't check the news. I am looking, half hopeful, half fearful, for what shenanigans our government is up to now. It seems like they are trying to change everything that I am familiar with. Now, I am not always mature, but I try to be. For instance, I am mature enough to recognize that some things upset me because they are morally reprehensible. But other things upset me because I fear change, and how that change will affect me and my family.

On the other hand, I am not mature enough to not have an occasional rant, reserved only for my loving husband.

I have made it a point to never bash or disrespect our president. I am charged to respect my leaders. I believe that the Bible is true. I believe it applies to me. And I believe that it is from God. I also believe God when He says that He places men (or women) in power over me. Good or evil. That's God's plan and prerogative. He is, after all, God. He doesn't have to explain Himself or give me a reason. Because I believe all this, then I have no other choice to obey. The Bible does say that to obey is better than sacrifice. Emphasis on the obedience part. SO, that means I must respect my leaders, BUT, I can respectfully disagree. Have you ever heard the saying "agree to disagree"? Sometimes there is not other outcome but to agree with one another that you will disagree.

But what does that mean for you and me and our country? What does that mean for your civic responsibility?

Well, let me explain it this way. Should we just stand by while we watch someone marching towards a cliff, with people marching behind, with a big band, and banners? I mean, if they have a band and banners, they must know what they are doing, right?

It's like that with citizens sometimes. We believe, naively, that the government has only our best interest in mind, and they know what they are doing. They MUST know what they are doing, how else would they have gotten to where they are, right?

Wrong. They are our leaders. But we are the ones that made them leaders. I don't mean we take God out of the equation. I mean we voted (or didn't) for them. If we don't like what they're selling, we vote them out. Now, you may feel like your one little vote won't count for much, after all we have that genius idea of an electoral college (I won't start on this one, we'll save that for another day), so one vote can't make a difference. Well, you may or may not be right. But your voice, inspiring other voices, your feet, walking a tour of your neighborhood to talk with your neighbors, your money, supporting local men and women who have their heads on right and are running for office, now THAT'S where you can make a difference.

So I guess my points are:

1) Know your issues!

-there is a lot going on, but don't spread yourself thin. Get behind what you are really passionate about. Educate yourself, and don't be a jerk about it when someone disagrees with you.

2) Know your candidates and politicians.

-educate yourself on what they stand for, what they have voted for, and last but not least... CONTACT THEM! Email them, call them, write them, set up a meeting! They are listening, and we are being heard! See above point again for pointers on how to be most effective.

3) This one is really a no-brainer. PRAY!!!!!! God hears the prayers of a righteous people.