Thursday, November 20, 2008

Twenty Years Ago

Twenty years ago, I put on a pretty dress and walked into church. I met Tony, and a bunch of our friends, in front of the pews, and his grandpa talked to us about commitment and dedication, about love and life.

Twenty years ago, I married my best friend. He knows me best. He is the one I want to talk to, when I have something happy to share, or when I need comfort. He is strong and capable. He has boundless energy. He is a great father to our two great kids. He is my rock, and my rest.

Thanks for twenty great years, darlin'!

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

After Tuesday

As I begin typing this, it is 7:35 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2008. I do not know who won the election yet. But I felt it important to write this. Before I know who won.

I have a favorite in this race, but I have lot of respect for both Presidential candidates in this race. John McCain served our country bravely, and fought bitterly, and persevered most admirably, and inspired fellow captors in a prison camp in Vietnam. Barack Obama overcame a family broken in several different ways. He, too, believes in this country and has fought hard to serve it. He does so with calm, efficient leadership, thanking everyone who ever helped him all the time. He honors his family, and his country. That said...

I was really impressed with the pastor's message at church on Sunday. I go to a non-denominational Bible church, and the pastor there always amazes me. He is a true leader, and explains things very clearly. Using the bible, so his points are valid. Pastor Mark made a good point, right off the bat: No matter who wins the elections tonight, Jesus is still on the throne! It just doesn't matter. It just doesn't matter! It just doesn't matter!! (name the movie) God is in control.

We're studying Ephesians at church. Ephesians talks about respecting our leaders. Whether or not we agree with them, Mark (the pastor) said, we need to respect them. He also said (hang on to your hats!) that it is not as important that we have a Christian President in the White House, as it is to have a Christian presence in our world. And he is right. It isn't.

The pastor said that Leading is not easy. If you think it is, try raising children, or teaching kindergarten for one day. You'll be convinced. Leading is difficult, and, Pastor Mark said, the first thing a leader needs is respect. No, NOT agreement, necessarily. Respect. Willingness to not pick apart and divide. Just respect. That "Hello, Mr. President" kind of thing.

It's perfectly fine to disagree with any leader. That is what makes the United States of America what it is today. I have my beliefs and values, you have yours. We all have opinions, and we are all allowed to express them. That's how we have balance. That is how we communicate, and start to bring change about. That is healthy. That is our right, and our responsibility, as Americans. But we must do it respectfully and constructively.


The pastor went on to say that wouldn't it be great, if the Christians of this country came together and made our presence known? What if, instead of saying "How are you going to help me" "How are you going to fix this mess?" "What are you going to do?", we said "How can I help? What do you need?" How about, "How can I make my country better?" Yes, it is a lot like what John F. Kennedy said, so many years ago.

But isn't that what Jesus preached? Christians are to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this world. If Christians pull together and help people, love people, and care for people, no matter their political party, won't that make the presence of Christ more apparent in the world?

Let's face it, folks...one person, or even the President and 535 congresspeople, can't do it alone. We expect too much of our leaders, without offering our help. Without saying, "what can I do?" Without volunteering. No, I don't have any idea whether you volunteer or offer help or not; I don't know you well enough. And I'm certainly in no position to judge anyone, at all, anywhere, ever. I'm just saying, what if Pastor Mark is right? What if we could make a difference in our world by offering to help instead of complaining? I plan to make that a priority, after this campaign. No matter who wins. I hope you will consider that, as well.


It's getting busy here, as polls close all over the place. I want to get this posted before the final results, and it may be a little ragged, but I wanted to get it our there. Thank you for reading this. As I finish typing, it is 8:13 p.m., and I still don't know who won.