Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Higher Calling

As you can tell, I haven't posted to the blog in a while. In fact, most of you have probably stopped checking it (for good reason). I realized that when I created the blog I really needed it. It was a time where so many things were running through my head all the time that I needed a place to put it all down. Recently, the need has been less for me to reflect in this format, which has resulted in less posts. What this will look like in the future I do not know, but if you'll "stay engaged" with me at different times I hope we can make connections that otherwise would not be there.

Ever since I voted yesterday, I have felt at peace about my decision. Yet, one thing is so important to me about the results and about our reaction to politics. I have not been a "post a passive-aggressive, clearly-one-sided-yet-I'm-not-just-going-to-come-out-and-say-Vote-for-______ message on my gchat or Facebook status message" kind of person and I do not believe that gets us anywhere. I want people to know how I voted based on their knowledge of my convictions, not based on their knowledge of my threats of this world going to hell if we don't elect in one certain way. Because I don't believe we would. This time, though, it was time for change...and I strongly believe that. But, I also believe that the fanaticism over Obama has risks. Those are risks I'm willing to take and that is why I voted for him, but it leads me to the purpose for this post.

I sent my brother and dad an email yesterday and it goes like this:

"Fellaz,
I kinda had a cool moment in the booth today when I voted. I had my blank card (paper ballot in good 'ole Harrisonburg) and got ready to mark in the circles for my vote and kinda realized how little control these people on the card really have in the grand scheme. I just ducked my head under the little barriers where I was standing and said a quick prayer. I'm a skeptic of people when they say they're praying for politicians because I'm not sure how much of that is truth and how much of that is a tactic to persuade others to vote a certain way. But, I really was just taken over by this feeling of smallness. Today is a huge day in our history. But is a blink of the eye in comparison to eternity. Many of the conversations I've had with you or other friends during the election season have provided many perspectives on what is right and what is wrong about the different choices for President this year. I only know one thing, though, and that is that there is a plan for our country and for this world that only God knows. I prayed in the voting booth that whoever is selected asks Him for guidance and lives out that plan in the best humanly possible way. I think we have to trust that and I think we have to genuinely pray for the next President because they will undoubtedly be tempted to give in to worldly things. I challenge us as Gibson men to not become tempted by those worldly things in the coming days, whether they be racist, sexist, or ageist. We will have the opportunity, as always, to make decisions about our response. It is now our responsibility to stand by our faith in a higher calling no matter whom is elected."

I pose that same challenge to you. And I hope it will be effective in creating the change we really need.