Election Day

Well, folks... Election Day is upon us, and I for one am ready for it to be OVER! That's right... I want it to be over. And at this point, I don't really care what happens, who wins, etc. I am just ready for us to know who our next leader will be.

It's funny, I have lots of opinions right now... all of which I want to share with you. But I have no idea where to begin.

How about this? I voted today. I chose to vote today, because I feel like I can, in good conscience, vote for one of the candidates. I have always heard people say that we have to vote, to not vote is the wrong choice. My opinion may have been swayed today. Read this article by Derek Webb. Interesting. But like I said, I, in good conscience, voted today.

Who did I vote for? I am debating on whether I should share this information on a public forum... but I feel like I should. Why? Well, first of all, if you know me at all you can probably guess who I voted for. But also because why should I keep it a secret?

I am proud to say that I voted for Barack Obama.

I think he is a good choice to lead this country for the next four years. I like his policies, how he has presented himself, and personally I think that we do need change in this country (ok, ok... it has become a cliche, but I do think we need it). How is that for vague? Not much substance... just know I have thought about it and done my research. I feel like Obama is the choice that I can in good conscience vote for. Here is a blog I read from time to time and the 14 reasons he voted for Obama... Part I. Part II. Overall I agree with what he said about Obama and am in line with him as to why I voted the way I did.

So what is next? I guess my final opinion (for today). I happened upon this guy's blog from the Burnside Writer's Collective Blog. Love the Burnside Writer's Collective and all the thoughtful opinions there. Bryan posted his thoughts about the election yesterday and I have to say I right there with him. Especially the part about how he hates what politics have done to America. Don't I know it.

Folks, I have been raised a Democrat. My parents are both Democrats so it is fair to say that was the way I was raised. However, I consider myself an Independent, a moderate, middle of the road voter.

Want to know something else? I have always, always been the "liberal" in the conservative circles. I grew up in Virginia (which has not always been a swing state... up until a couple of years ago it was always Republican). I went to a school with a heavy military base population. Needless to say I was a minority.

Then I went to the University of Michigan... which is very, very liberal. But not the people I hung out with.

I am a conservative, evangelical Christian.

So, needless to say my friend groups (both in college and now) tend to be on the right side of the political spectrum. And again, I am in the minority.

And normally, I don't think this is a bad thing. Unless it is an election year. And then I just am floored with how divisive and ugly and hateful politics make people, especially Christians.

Do you know that I once had a person I consider a friend tell me to my face "I don't know how you can call yourself a Christian and vote Democrat. Makes me think you aren't a Christian."

Yep, you read it right people... someone called into question my faith because I vote Democrat.

Correct me if I am wrong, but where in the Bible does it say that Republican=Christian and Democrat=unbeliever? Last time I checked the definition of a Christian is someone who has made a genuine decision to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. But, again, correct me if I am wrong.

Neither party is perfect. And both have policies that are blatantly against what Christians believe. But is our affiliation with one political party expressing to nonbelievers an incorrect view of what Christianity is? Christ came to this earth to reconcile us sinners with God. No matter what else is going on, I believe that nonbelievers need to know what we as Christians stand FOR, and not for what we stand against.

I stand for Christ first.

Then everything else. Let's spread His word. And by the way... politics isn't the best way to do so. I am finishing up Philip Yancey's "The Jesus I Never Knew," and in it Yancey points out that the church has failed the most to spread the Gospel when it has depended upon the government to do so. Forcing our beliefs on others isn't the answer.

Ok... so I feel like I have spent a lot of time ranting and raving today... just a lot on my mind. I lift up this country in prayer today... because we are all fallen and need help. Good thing God is in control.

PS, Go out and vote, if you can do so in good conscience. And if you do, make sure to get your free Starbucks, free Krispie Kream donut, and free Ben and Jerry's ice cream scoop!

PPS. Thanks for sticking with me to the end... I know it wasn't very linear in thought today.