You Matter AND Your Vote Matters

When someone came into my space on Facebook and challenged my morals, my faith, and my confidence in my president, I think a new fervor for speaking up for what I believe-is-right went to a whole new level. That’s why, today, I am urging all my friends to register by the February 3rd deadline in Texas to be able to cast a ballot in March primaries and in the November election for president. (Check your state's registration deadlines!) If we want our voices heard, taking the steps to register to vote is critical.

I had already written this blog when I received an anonymous text message today asking me to complete a voter registration they supplied, to be sure I'm registered to vote. I typed in STOP because I am registered already. Then I received an email as seen below. Clearly it says it is not affiliated with any party but I checked out their sponsors and Planned Parenthood is one of them. So, clearly, this is not a bipartisan effort. BEWARE! I'm not prone to worry or concern because I know God is in control, but I am prone to knowing the tactics of the enemy of our souls.

I saw Dr. James Dobson's newsletter. He said: "Socialism could replace freedom and free enterprise. God help us if you and I fail to fulfill our moral responsibility.” He made it clear there will be dire consequences if Christians sit out our elections -- stressing that it carries much more weight than any other election in United States history. “Everything is on the line, and a wholly new interpretation of the Constitution looms before us."

Having advised five presidents and received his Ph.D. in Child Development from the University of Southern California (USC) – where he served as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics for 14 years – Dobson’s counsel has been held in high esteem throughout America for many decades, and his latest piece of advice focuses on one topic that he said “rises to the top” over all others. “Powerful social movements and passions are ‘blowing in the wind,’ and most of them have dangerous implications for the institution of the family, religious liberty, our children and unborn babies – and the country at large.

"Christians must go to the polls and let their voices be heard” said the host of the Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk radio program – speaking with the authority of his 17 honorary degrees, 17 years’ experience on the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles’ attending staff, and as a member of the National Radio Hall of Fame – asked his supporters if they will take action-steps in order to continue living out their faith in America. “What will you do about it?” Will you sit out the elections? God help us if you and I fail to fulfill our moral responsibility. Everything is on the line.” We – the voters – have it within our power to protect our Constitution, preserve our democratic system of government, and secure the blessings of liberty for us and our posterity.” He implores Christians to do their duty by taking time to register and vote in the upcoming elections.

Now, back to Donna’s thoughts. I sincerely sense an urgency to rally the sleeping Christian giants who slept through the election of 2016. This year’s presidential election is even more serious. I vote because my morals and values are so closely tied to my Christian faith and what God’s Word says. How can we not vote when there are such critical issues of life and death and of God’s Word taken seriously or not? Voting confirms my commitment to stand-up for those morals and values and in so doing I get to choose who aligns or comes the closest with those beliefs. It is a privilege to live in a democracy-led country which enables us to vote in or vote out candidates that align or don’t align with our principles. If I don’t vote I shouldn't complain or whine about anything that's going on in our country. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

We WIN!

You and I are VIPs today -- that's because we are voters.. Some of you have already cast your ballot. Good for you! Franklin Roosevelt was right: "Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting."

Remember that every election is decided by the people who show up. So let's pray, seek God's wisdom, and vote.

Chances are that tomorrow, November 9th, half of the country will be happy and half will be sad. So regardless of our political affiliation and no matter which candidate wins today, we don't have to know how the story of our country ends. We don’t even need to know how tomorrow will end. We only need to do the next right thing.

Regardless of today's outcome, our calling as Christ-followers is to lead with a humble heart and point men and women, boys and girls to the One who lives and reigns forever.

Consider William Wilberforce, the man who saw slavery abolished in England mere months before his death in 1833. He had been fighting toward this end for nearly five decades, one of the few in Parliament who lived out the Christian faith in all areas of his life. Oh that his spirit of perseverance be demonstrated in our current culture. We could all benefit from his example of relentless tenacity

Sometimes it feels easier to retreat and hide at home, school, or church than to be a Christian. Wilberforce told us to follow the words of John Newton who said, “It is hoped and believed the Lord has raised you up for the good of His church and for the good of the nation.” Whether your candidate wins or loses today, our work as Christ-followers continues. We must press on and be a light in the darkness as we share the promise of the Good News with others.

No matter what we face personally or nationally, nothing comes as a surprise to God. He is still sovereign over all. He is good, loving, and faithful through the best and the worst of times.

Because of that, we will continue on our journeys of faith -- knowing that it's not by chance that we are here, during this time, to be difference makers in the world around us. We do that best when we let the Light of Christ shine brightly through us. We believe God directs our paths. So today and everyday, we pray for our country, our leaders and our world. No matter what -- God is the real Winner and with knowing that....we will live this day with the joy of knowing WE WIN!