Susandoodles

For months I have struggled with how to manage this election.  I have hesitated to share my opinion because I try to respect others’ personal opinions, but I also have a right to share my thoughts—that is what we are guaranteed by our US Constitution.  

This election year feels precarious.  I feel like I am teetering on a cliff and know a fall is eminent if I am not careful.  Yes, that is in reference to the candidates, but it is also in relation to various state amendments and propositions.  We are tasked with the responsibility to care for our country and its people.  This is not a task to take lightly.

The Church of the Resurrection, where Adam Hamilton is the lead pastor, has focused on this election season by a campaign focusing on the Golden Rule:  “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. (NLT). His theme during this season is “Do Unto Others” (https://resurrection.church/kindness/)

I challenge readers to check the website and watch the key words Hamilton has emphasized through this message series.  These are words we often speak as being important for a quality life.  During this election, I pray that these words will guide voters in their decision process.

As for my personal choices during this election, I want to vote according to my principles, my values.  For years, I have had my personal mantra as “Love, God.  Love life.  Love one another.”  My decisions are based on these principles and those that our founding fathers wrote out in the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution.  

Sadly, this election is creating a divisive environment. It is challenging my values.  It is causing me consternation.  I was reading my morning devotion and was led to Proverbs 22.  Even though the devotion was one verse, I try to read the full chapter for the context.  Today I found four proverbs in the first portion of the chapter that stood out:

• Proverb 22:8:  Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster,

  and their reign of terror will come to an end.

• Proverb 22:10:  Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too.

    Quarrels and insults will disappear.

• Proverbs 22:12:  The Lord preserves those with knowledge,

      but he ruins the plans of the treacherous.

• Provers 22:16:  A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor

   or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty. (NLT)

            As we see the electoral process unfold with thousands of Americans already casting their votes, I am hopeful.  We must continue this process and pour out the votes until the closing of the polls on Tuesday, November 5.  And with each ballot cast, I pray that the morals and the values that are the underlying foundation of our Constitution are preserved.