Beware, Be Informed, But Vote
So much has been written, said, posted and plastered on billboards, bumpers or staked into yards. Tomorrow is Voting Day, although millions have already voted. But every vote counts, no matter the lies about voter fraud. So why add more words to the pile?
Well, for me, it's because of a football game. Yesterday, I watched the Patriots lose another game. But even worse were the political ads. And the one that triggered this post concerned abortion. It came with viewer warnings, as the graphic nature demanded. And reminded me how, for some, this issues drives their overall choice for president. But no political platform can heal our deep wounds to ourselves and others. It's a heart issue. "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Proverbs 4:23)
And Christian Nationalism is not the answer. Jesus makes clear that his kingdom is not of this world. It's tempting to think all will be well if we all huddle under one big tent. G.K. Chesterton wrote, "While a coziness between church and state may be good for the state, it is bad for the church." And Philip Yancey added, "The church works best as a force of resistance, a counterbalance to the consuming power of the state. The cozier it gets with a government, the more watered-down its message becomes."
So why the concern? We're vulnerable. Power is addictive. With that in mind, consider the lure of this pledge in yesterday's NYTimes, "Trump Promises to Bring About a New Era of Christian Power." If we fall for this, we are trusting a lesser god. To me, as a follower of Jesus, it's troubling, when Trump refers to us as "my beautiful Christians." Trump promised a group of pastors in Georgia that Christian leaders would have direct access to him. Then added, "We have to save religion in this country." What is meant by "save religion"? True Christianity saves us.
Well, by now, some of you have probably stopped reading or subscribing. I hope not. You matter to me. And come Thanksgiving or sooner, family and friends, who made different choices from each other on Election Day, will still be welcomed in my home. Just don't all show up at once! We may disagree with each other's choices but hatred for each other has no seat at the table. And there's no room for retaliation, violence or encouraging division. Or demanding one's way, no matter the cost.
But in case you're wondering, tomorrow I'll vote for Kamala Harris. I'm an Independent, not wedded to one party. But I will not waste my vote by abstaining as some form of protest. After listening to some Republicans, military people, economists and former staff who are supporting Harris, I am confident our country, democracy and the world will fare better with Harris. And if Congress can work together.
And it's my hope and prayer that the poor, immigrants, the economy and people who differ from me, will do better under Harris. No party is perfect, nor are candidates, nor are we, the people. But, like many of you, I'm praying and taking a leap of faith. And I pray that God, who sees and knows all, will guide and protect us and election officials tomorrow. As well as all who are running for office.
For sure, we'll all be thankful when this election is over, no matter the results. But my favorite billboard is one I saw heading out of Boston last week. It simply states: This is not a political ad. And after a lot of blank space added: You're welcome.
But once we learn the results, the harder work begins, not in the Oval Office, but in our hearts. We, the people, who call ourselves Christians have a sacred calling. Where can we be light? Salt? Build bridges? How can the Church serve in times like these? And how can we best love our neighbors? Our enemies?
We are to be salt and light, one flavors and preserves, the other repels the darkness. And we follow the one who is the Prince of Peace. So lets do more than pass the mashed potatoes and gravy at Thanksgiving. And lets do more than say grace. Lets be gracious, then pass some peace with a side of hope. And focus on what we have, not what we've lost. Like today the car ahead of me had an odd license plate. It had no numbers, just these letters, G L S FULL. I think it was a nudge from God for me to stop lamenting and start paying attention to how full my glass really is. And then, to follow up gratitude with generosity.
So fear not.
Love always.
And vote.
It matters.
And so do you
28 Comments
God bless you, Jan.
Thank you, dear Jane. One of God's blessings in my life was having you for my neighbor when we lived on Martel Road. And the friendship between Heather and Niffy. Now that you're living in one of the battleground states, I'm sure you're weary of all the political drama and pressure. But take heart, God's not fretting. As for me, I could use a cup of calming tea. Hope to see you the next time I'm in North Carolina.
Jan, I very much appreciate you writing your convictions, especially in our divisive society (at large and in the faith). I particularly paused at the reminder that Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world. Thank you.
Oh, how good to hear from you G-Wendy. I loved our lunch together with Sandy, Bob, Steve and Wendy. And thank you for reading the blog and posting a reponse. You encouraged me. Too much division for the good of our country, families and the church. But we can make changes one person at a time. Love is hard to ignore or vote against.
Amen. Christian nationalism is an oxymoron.
Thank you Jan! So much of what you said resonates with me! Praying for a peaceful outcome no matter what happens.
Me, too, Niffy. Prayer is the biggest battleground, to trust God and keep on trusting no matter the outcome. When I read Hebrews chapter11,I'm always challenged by great women and men of faith. It's an impressive list of people: Noah, Moses, Sarah, Abraham, Rahab, to name a few.We say "seeing is believing" but they believed without seeing. That's faith. It was a treat to see your mama's name show up tonight.on this blog. Sleep peacefully. God's awake.
Thank you Jan!
What a sweet surprise to see your name show up, dear Patty. I always love seeing you and Robert at church. Your creativity in art and gift with words bless my home. And me.
Amen!!!❤️
Thanks for the heart-felt amen, dear Jeri! And I'm sure, Ron, as a political scientist, could write a book or two about this election. Meanwhile we pray and practice being gracious, listening out of respect and when tempted to say what's better left unsaid use "a glue stick instead of Chapstick"!
So good Jan. Thank you,
❤️
Well, today's the day, and soon I'll get in the car and go to a nearby elementary school where I'll cast my vote. It is a privilege and responsibility. Thanks always for your encouragement. No matter the outcome,I know where to place my trust and hope. This morning I read,"But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying," You are my God! My future is in your hands." Psalm31:14-15) Peace to and through you and Steve this day, dear Wendy.
Thank you, thank you! And AMEN! Now let’s pray!!
Yes, let's pray. It is the most powerful weapon, besides love. Oh, and singing is in our holy arsenal to defeat despair and drive out fear and worry. So, I imagine you'll be singing and playing music today, dear Radina. Music can be a melodic form of prayer. So pray on and hug that wonderful Petrocelli family for me.
Dear Jan, I never will stop subscribing, reading or praying as I always have assumed you supported Kammala. or would vote for her. This note of boldness however sounded more like a confession than a declaration which certainly is not required to illuminate or appease me. In eternity I am headed right for you with my Schofield Bible! I did not vote for Trump because he is a Christ follower but because I am and it is Jesus to whom I am accountable. His question will be “who do you (Dale) say that I am?” I love you dear Sister. Dale
And I love you, my dear brother Dale. Do you still have a Scofield Bible? Are you reading it? (Insert a crooked smile.) As for both of us being accountable to Jesus, I agree. And that gives me hope. We both want to do what is best for this country. I voted for Kamala for reasons I already cited. But also from reading other followers of Christ like Tim Alberta in The Kingdom, The Power and The Glory, and Dr. Francis Collins in the Road to Wisdom. (and the Bible, NIV and NLT) And this year we're studying Matthew in Community Bible Study. So that whole section on the Beatitudes, the Sermon on the Mount, informed my voting. Whoa, I'm sounding a lot holier than I am.
Some of it's just a leap of faith and my gut, too. Because you live in Michigan, I'm sure you're exhausted from all the words, ads, etc. It's tough to be in one of the swing states. i have family in North Carolina. But knowing you and Marty for so many years, while we disagree on this, there will always be a seat at my table for you. I may even cook! Oh, as for my final word on this election? May the best woman win! (I'm not just competitive in sports, my dear brother Dale!)
Jan, thank you for speaking out boldly and leading spiritually. While I voted the Republican ticket nearly my entire life, I am now an independent as I no longer recognize the party now that MAGA has seized control. As a seminary graduate and a woman in ministry, I cannot understand the worship of Trump, a convicted felon and sexual predator as well as one who would gladly dismantle democracy as we know it. He refuses to accept election results unless he wins (the mark of a dictator, which we will see again in the days to come), speaks frequently and positively about using violence against his "enemies," and espouses hate towards the very people Jesus loves, which is pretty much anyone who does not support him. As a Christian and a patriot, I have already cast my vote against this man today.
Thanks, dear Maggie, for adding to the blog with your response. His view of women is so anti-Christ's. I just got back from voting. So grateful to do so, knowing my vote will count. As I wrote to one of my dear friends, "May the best woman win!"
Powerful insight. Your words remind me of a quote (more or less) on the radio from recently decreased "super-producer" Quincy Jones: "every day you must choose love or fear - choose love".
Great quote from a remarkable musician and producer. It is a many- tines- a -day choice, isn't it dear Alyssa, to choose fear or love?! I choose love, too.
Thank you, Jan. I wish more Christians would exhibit your courage. Your words gave me hope today. I and everyone in my immediate family voted for Harris because we honor the ideals upon which this country is based. My husband is a veteran who served for 26 years--he is not a loser. And my granddaughters need civil and respectful leaders as role models, not felons.
Well, dear Daphne, I'm not sure how you got connected to this blog, but I'm thankful you did. And I thank you for adding your perspective. Yours is a rare family if they all agreed on Harris. I'm happy for you, them and for Harris. I also thank you for adding the part about veterans, respect and granddaughters to this blog post. It is part of why I voted for Harris as well. We need leaders with whom we can look up to, and who represent our country well to other leaders in this world. But no matter who ends up as President, I plan to pray for them and all those who are elected. May God have mercy. Thanks, again, for reading and responding to this post.
amen and amen!
Well, that's a strong endorsement! Thanks, dear Candy. Keep praying.
Whoa!
That was quite a post ..
Thank you for lifting God’s truth and thank you for a clear message about the dangers of Christian Nationalism
So well said
Peace
Tina H
And I thank you, dear Tina, for your encouragement and the gift of your time. We only have so much time, and you used some to read this blog and respond. I often hear from others how much they learn from the responses to the blog. So thanks for your part. Peace to and through you, as well.