A Whirlwind Week

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Well, we voted but there is no new President!

There's been a lot of developments over the past week. Even though there is no new President until the state election boards certify the voting results, there are important discussions occurring in our culture. As one who hails from Northern Illinois, I am way too familiar with voter suppression and election fraud that regularly occurs as a result of the Chicago Political Machine. I think it is common knowledge Chicago votes dead people and the Cook County motto brazenly proclaims: Vote early and vote often! So, I am not opposed to following the leads and investigating the claims that are alleged in several lawsuits, which will most likely be brought before the U.S. Supreme Court. Will it make a difference in the outcome of the election? Maybe, maybe not. But, the most critical cornerstone of democracy is the premise that elections are free and fair. Therefore, it seems of utmost importance and value to every American that we feel confident in the process of electing our political leaders. Whenever close elections occur, it is not uncommon to call for recounts. It took 37 days, in 2020, to recount Florida votes before there was a certified result and a designated new President.

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We are a nation of laws.

I believe it is a good thing we follow laws and observe the process of determining legitimate outcomes. Whoever is deemed the next Presidential successor, there will be satisfaction that the result is valid when a conclusion has been lawfully derived. The free world looks to America as the standard bearer of liberty, so we have the responsibility to fulfill our duty, regardless of preference or emotion in these impassioned situations. Faithful individuals on both sides of the aisle can take comfort in the knowledge that God is in charge of our world and his purposes always prevail in the end. Bible passages and precepts provide me with comfort during challenging times.

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I grew up in the sixties.

In my world, growing up in the late 50's, early '60's, there was a general acceptance of God. I had a Jewish teacher in third grade, I was Christian (many friends, also), and some in our class were not raised in any particular religion. Still, when the Bible was discussed in school, we learned of its many universal teachings, such as, Do Unto Others as You Would Have Them Do Unto You (The Golden Rule) and Love Your Neighbor, Thou Shalt Not Lie, Steal, or Kill, (The Ten Commandments.) These values elevate individuals and solidify society, so regardless of religious affiliation (or not), we were all the beneficiaries of civil discourse and common appreciation of American ideals, such as freedom, respect, community, service, justice, and opportunity. Our nation was maturing in its application of idyllic Constitutional core values, and social consciences were experiencing an awakening, which was necessary for progress and enlargement of our American dream and promise for all.

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Love your enemies.

This has always seemed to be one of the greatest biblical challenges. “But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matt. 5:43-44.) Such a revolutionary teaching of Jesus! But, his teachings were always kind, compassionate, patient, and forgiving. His "revolutionary" ways were never dangerous, destructive, violent, or deadly; they were just visionary convictions for the time in which he lived. His message is still the same today and, in spite of heated arguments and political disagreements, we are instructed with the same charge: Love your enemies. Ooh, and such a tough one, but it is important for our own peace of mind that we try to be kind, understanding, patient, and forgiving with those who may hate or persecute us. This doesn't mean we forego decisive advocacy of our positions and policies. But, we can still try to calm ourselves and pray for God's assistance as we look to find some quality we may see that is good in them, maybe something we admire or respect. This can give us a softening of heart to find common ground or (at least) one unifying similarity among all our differences.

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We have a great U.S. history.

No individual or country is perfect but we have an exceptional Constitution that provides freedom, rights, and opportunities for all of its citizens. Knowing that God loves everyone helps me determine to do better at attempting to follow in his footsteps because his steps are those that truly lead to the hope, happiness, and healing for which we all seek. It will not be easy but He tells us it will be worth it. And it certainly is what America needs, as we journey through uncharted territories in the coming days ahead.

Many blessings to you!

November is the month of thanksgiving so, as the holiday rapidly approaches, I pray you feel monumental gratitude for all the blessings you've receive from our American abundance. And I wish you all the best along your happy trails of joy and success in the pursuit of your own American Dream.

#bringthebibleback #bringbackthebible