However, politics would frequently cross my mind.
Doing dishes, crossed my mind
Praying with my children, crossed my mind
Watching a comedy, crossed my mind
Reading, crossed my mind
Talking to friends, crossed my mind
Running on the trail, crossed my mind
Sweeping, crossed
Folding laundry....
As a person who likes to write; I have a voice, and I wanted to share my thoughts.
But then, not just the topics, but the questions WHAT do I write and HOW do I write this post kept popping in my head.
Do I talk/write to Christians?
Do I talk/write (and apologize) to non-Christians?
Do I talk/write to the topics?
Do I talk/write not wanting to crush toes?
Do I talk/write with every force of nature I can muster?
I decided, it would be best (for me) to write from my heart.
A few statements before we dive into this post:
I am writing this to all parties, all beliefs, all people.
I am writing this out of a place of love.
I am writing this from my knowledge, experiences and insight (which can be small at times).
I am writing this hoping to not stir up debates or upset people but to share my voice.
I am writing this with the idea that maybe something I say can spark your own curiosity to do your own research.
I am writing this knowing that I am not perfect at anything.
I am writing this knowing that someone challenged me a long time ago and set my intellect into motion.
I am writing this knowing that I have lots to learn, from others.
I am writing this for me, so my head can stop swirling around politics and I can refocus on what truly matters.
Where to begin.
**** Heavy sigh ***
I have been reading several blogs, articles, commentaries, and even my peers own personal thoughts the last several weeks. There are times that I agree, smile and share. There are times that I post questions hoping to shine light on both sides of the story. There are times that I read my Christian friends comments and cringe. There are times that I read my non-Christian friends comments and sing praise.
Let me get one thing out there. I am not voting. What a relief to share that.
I. Am. Not. Voting.
Honestly, I have never voted in my life. Before, when I was younger, I didn't vote because I did not care. I didn't vote because I was lazy. I didn't vote because I saw no purpose in it. As I got older, some of those excuses transformed into supported reasons.
Now, here's the condition to me not voting. I also don't complain. I tend to be of the nature that can see the glass as just half. That's it. It's half. Why does it have to be half full or half empty. Why can't we be content with just half. I like to see multiple points of views on topics. I like to have my mind challenged to ignite growth. I like to hear people discuss ideas, not each other. So, even though I don't vote, I don't complain - for no matter who is in office, there is no perfect world. There will always be positives and negatives to every thing. EVERY. THING. The government is just half. Just like I see good in both main candidates; I also see some room for growth.
Some people reading this might be thinking "You are the problem. Megan, you are part of the problem. You my dear, are non-american. How disrespectful are you?!?" Whatever you may be thinking, if you truly have a question about why I don't vote, please ask, I am not afraid to share.
Am I not American? No, I am. I was born here. I work here. I pay taxes here. Do I say the pledge - nope, I use that brief moment to pray for my day, my students, and my country. I pledge allegiance to my God, HIS kingdom. For this world is not my home.
Am I really that disrespectful? How do I not support such a great country, How DARE me? Nothing I do is hurting anyone. Well, some feelings might be hurt by my boldness in my statements. But I can only pray that the hurt people feel can be reflected and mediated on, allowing for God to present Himself. I still respect my authorities. I pay my taxes, abide by the law of the lands, and love people.
Am I really part of the problem? Do we even know what the PROBLEM really is? If I am the biggest problem that anyone has, I would honestly say, that is probably a success.
To me, the problem is not in the government.
The problem starts from the church.
It's you.
It's me.
That's right. WE the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect.........perfect what....we live in a broken world, and WE are the problem.
I catch myself occasionally asking my 4.5 year old "are you part of the problem or part of the solution?" And here we are, a young country, that has lots to learn. We had some major growth spurts and some obvious set backs in maturity. But compared to the world, America, we are still babies - we must walk before we can run, if not, stumbling will occur.
When you post on social media, are you part of the problem or are you part of the solution?
Problem: Abortion. Solution: Love people.
Problem: Foster Care. Solution: Love people.
Problem: Death penalty. Solution: Love people.
Problem: Drugs. Solution: Love people.
Problem: Marriage license. Solution: Love people
Problem: Boarder, extremist groups, terror. Solution: Love people.
Problem: Violence towards cops. Solution: Love people.
Problem: Violence towards blacks. Solution: Love people.
Problem: Education funds. Solution: Love people.
Problem: Healthcare cost. Solution: Love people.
Problem: Unemployment. Solution: Love people.
I challenge you to read Romans 13. You can find it here, and even change it to a translation that best suites you. This chapter has helped my husband develop his own personal thoughts and opinions on the election, but also have been a pivotal piece in my own mindset.
We, the church, to form a more perfect union, his kingdom on earth, his will be done.....
We are to love Hillary Clinton, for she is the daughter of the king.
We are to love Donald Trump, for he is a son of a king.
We are to love the unborn babies.
We are to love the murders.
We are to love the multi-cultures
We are to love the drug addicts
We are to love the gays
We are to love the blacks
We are to love the whites
We are to love the cops
We are to love the teachers
We are to love the students
We are to love each other.
If you are not a Christian, you don't have to full-fill the law by loving people.
But I sure hope, if you are not a Christian, you have been filled by a Christian's love.
How are you loving people? I challenge your mind set, your heart, your belief. Dig into His word, ask tough questions. What truly matters?
***
So, I tried not getting involved with politics; I will do my best for this to be the last post, comment, or even rhetoric response. If you want to talk to me; please let's get coffee, or e-mail/message me.
For now - the next two weeks - I will pray.
And in case you don't know. You are loved.
No comments:
Post a Comment