Friday, October 31, 2008

Friday Round-Up - #21

I received an email with information on how women won the right to vote. Many of these details are in the HBO movie, "Iron Jawed Angels."

You may know that women were granted the right to vote in 1920. However, did you know what it cost our grandmothers and great-grandmothers? On November 15, 1917, thirty-three women peacefully picketed the White House, asking for the vote. Instead, they were almost beaten to death.

Lucy Burns was beaten, her hands chained to the cell bars above her head, and left hanging all night. One woman thinking a friend had died, suffered a heart attack. This treatment did not last for one night, but continued for weeks. Finally, the press got wind of what was occurring.

So, my friends, when you're tempted to sit out an election, please think of these courageous women. When you're too tired, too wrapped up in your own life, or don't believe you can make a difference, think of your children's future.

Exercise your right to vote.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Since we're on the subject of voting, we all know Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4th. How do I make my decision on who gets my vote?

The process I go through involves finding out as much as I can about each candidate's character, voting record, and position on various issues. I don't vote based on liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican, race, or what other people tell me. Neither do I allow rhetoric, charisma, or slogans to sway my thinking.

I gather the facts from many sources, and then compare the two candidates. Since I am accountable to God for my actions (yes, even voting), I ask him who he wants me to select. How would I know the answer? By going to his Word, I can see what God considers good and what he considers evil. His Word reveals his will. It's up to me to come into line with his way of thinking and acting.

God does not come down and pull that lever. I have a responsibility to first of all participate in the process. My next responsibility is to vote in a way that is consistent with his precepts.

Yes, I will be voting on November 4th for the person I think will most closely reflect the values God cherishes. No candidate will perfectly match up to God's standards. Only Jesus accomplished that feat. However, he will be someone trustworthy, honorable, transparent about his life and associations, as well as someone who upholds the foundational document of our country - The Constitution.

I hope every Christian reading this message will take this election seriously and vote first and foremost as Christians.

6 comments:

Jessica Nelson said...

I'm with you on this, Susan. It will be interesting to see which direction this country chooses to take.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jessica -

Actually, I'm concerned about the direction Christians are choosing. I'm doing a short post today with a link to Randy Alcorn's blog.

Hope you'll check it out later.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Sarah said...

Amen sister! I saw Iron Jawed Angels and was blown away by what women went through to be able to vote. We have come so far in this country and I would never want to take my vote for granted.

Thanks for this incredible post. I couldn't agree with you more.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sarah -

I'm doing everything I can to spread the word. Voting is a responsibility and a privilege, which too many of us don't fully appreciate.

Pass it on.

Blessings,
Susan :)

quietspirit said...

Susan:
Our church had an evening worship service tonight. This is not a usual occurence. The theme was "God Bless America."
The pastor and his assoc. had scriptures they read and interpreted.
This is a very difficult election. I have heard more people discussing it than one I ever remember.
The first scripture was 2 Chronicles 7:14. There is a lot of meat in that passage.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Quiet Spirit -

I know many people are confused/fearful/worried about the economy and other issues. When we get our eyes on circumstances instead of on the Lord, it's easy to make unwise decisions.

If you'd like to discuss issues privately, feel free to email me. (We're friends on Facebook. If you can't find my email address, leave me your email on there.)

Blessings,
Susan :)