I’m writing this on November 4, 2024, and predict a dead heat over the next few weeks until all the votes are counted. We’ve been inundated with dire predictions, biased rhetoric, lies passing as news, and news confusing everyone. I’m heartened that the voting turnout has been so vigorous, and the people in the line I stood in for an hour were cordial and friendly. We all are simply and gratefully, Americans.
The Real Threat from Within and Without
Jesus said that a house divided cannot stand. While I don’t see Satan lurking behind every bush, I believe he is the source of evil and the father of lies. And we’ve heard a chorus of them these past months.
Some politicians care more about their political hides than they do this country. Others no longer believe the way democracy functions as it should and needs rehauling. Many believe we should proceed as we always have. And there are nations that would love nothing better than to see America brought to its knees, paralyzed with hate for one another.
What better way to achieve these goals than to use lies and disinformation to divide us into camps so we no longer communicate? If we cannot communicate, we cannot function. If we cannot function, we cannot stand.
If the Executive branch is one party and the Senate and House are another, or if the Senate is one party and the House another, vetoes for their own sake will kill every good idea someone has. We will face national paralysis until we relearn the art of civil communication. Or, to put it in Biblical terms, until we begin once again to love each other.
We Hold the Power
I don’t expect that after the election, we will trade warm fuzzies. But we can show respect and not verbally deride each other, celebrate what we have in common, and care in our own ways for others.
There isn’t an Executive order, Senate or House Bill, or Supreme Court decision that can keep us from communicating civilly, and yes, even lovingly, with each other. Each of us has the power to choose how we will treat our fellow American.
Just imagine what would happen if we united as Americans, rose together to face our challenges, and demanded our president and representatives to do the same (or be voted out of office).
America would rise from the morass we’ve been wallowing in and show enemy nations that you don’t mess with the American people!
At this point I’m fatigued….tired of the political ads, the attacks, the hype. I’m also terrified of losing our democracy. At church last Saturday I stared into the eyes of our risen Jesus and begged Him to inspire voters and save us all from ourselves.
We are all in this together, whether you vote blue or red. All I ask is that everyone review platforms and promises laid out by each candidate. Do this carefully and tamp down emotions. Then fill in the circles and leave with the knowledge that you have correctly completed your duty as a citizen.
Amen to all that!
Let’s remember the Serenity Prayer &
Matthew 7:12
“In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you”
Matthew 22:39
“Love your neighbor as yourself”.
…and all because of those First Vets who gave their lives, and that you barely ever hear mentioned or written about anymore.