On this day, we honor those who fought and died for our freedom. Of course, we honor all of our veterans. Today, however, I want to focus on our part in the process.
As a child, I was taught the value of citizenship. It was a privilege to vote and participate in the process. Where I grew up, the schools were used as polling places. My parents and I would walk there, and they'd each take a turn voting. A big deal? You bet it was.
It's still a big deal. It horrifies me when I hear people say they won't vote for whatever reason. By not voting, people are making a choice whether they like it or not. They're giving one candidate an advantage over another.
I also see what I call, "personality wars." Instead of addressing issues, people are looking at which candidate wows them with their rhetoric or destroys the other people in the race with their tongues.
How do I decide who to vote for? Here are the main things:
1. I pray God will help me sort through the noise and get to the heart of what each candidate truly believes.
2. I educate myself on the records of those running for office. Do they respect the Constitution and our freedoms? Do they pledge to uphold the Constitution or do they seek to destroy or ignore it?
3. History teaches us many lessons. Winston Churchill kept a positive attitude during the dark days of World War II. I've read about many who prayed and saw the tide turn in favor of freedom.
Fear is one of our greatest enemies. It's time for believers to get on their knees and pray for our country like they never have before. God is greater than any circumstance. If we first turn our hearts back to Him and then seek His intervention in our nation, we'll see the situation turn around.
The one thing that's not a viable option - doing nothing.
Writers and readers: Freedom of speech, religion, etc. have a direct impact on our ability to write and express our views. Please keep the comments civil and share your thoughts.
Photo Credit: Mark Alan
4 comments:
Hi Susan - good post ... we too have our Referendum coming up - do we leave Europe, or do we stay ... it is a very serious time for the British ... some just don't seem to realise how important the decision will be. It's complicated and as you mention - we need to do our homework before we vote, but we need to vote ...
We cannot be apathetic in life - as you so rightly say ... with thoughts - Hilary
Good post Susan, balanced and honest. It seems we do not learn from history, but maybe that is because we have a new generation all the time :)
Susan, this is a much needed post. Our nation seems lost. We can pray.
Hi Hilary - I've heard about Britain considering withdrawal from the EU. Many countries are facing serious issues. We live in dangerous times.
Hi Marja - Thank you. Yes, each generation must learn from history. Unfortunately, our true history is being re-written. When I was researching for a project, I was horrified at how much information was left out.
Hi Linda - I agree that prayer is essential. As my pastor always says, though, we must put action to our faith. If people throw their hands in the air and refuse to participate in the election, evil will triumph.
I hope all of you had a relaxing weekend. Like many other significant holidays, Memorial Day is one that should be at the forefront of our minds all the time.
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