That title sounds all down and depressing, doesn't it? In many ways, this past week's Congressional debacle was depressing and had some huge "debbie downer" moments. For those like me, who take politics quite seriously and who can see that this does affect us all, then you know what I'm talking about and can relate. It's tough to see such posturing and hatefulness coming from our Representatives, especially when they have your kids financial future in their hands; a future that is more and more burdened by money our kids haven't even made yet. That's a tough one to swallow...at least for me. It's kinda tough to teach your kids to be good stewards of money they haven't made yet, right?
And so, I've been praying. A lot. Often, my first reaction with politics is pure anger. I hate the way that both sides have agendas and in the last 25 years, it's rare for that agenda to actually include the American people. There's relevance to both sides of the aisle and if they won't see that, then might I implore us to? Perhaps we could stop allowing them to provoke us to such extremes and let's work this out among US...the people ourselves.
Through nothing more than the grace of God Himself, I have learned that anger does not accomplish anything. I've learned that anger only makes you more angry...and bitter...and angry. These are emotions that actually accomplish very little, except to make me angry and bitter, and I don't want to be either of those. So, I'll make a different choice that will accomplish things.
To understand what I want to accomplish, this must first be understood: Our government is not designed to handle the role they are currently trying to take. It is impossible to do all they are trying to do in the broad strokes that the federal government must take. However, I can only change that with my vote, and that's not enough when people are losing their jobs, their homes, their entire life savings and are unable to purchase the necessities of living. This should not be happening, and even more appropriate, it should never be happening here. In a country that has been blessed with more than any other in the history of the world. We have lost our way and it's time to stop looking to politicians to fix it. There is only ONE who can fix this and He has promised that He will, in His due time.
In the meantime, He has given us a directive and my life's goal is to follow it. We are to make disciples of all nations. We are to feed the hungry and care for the orphan and widow. We are to love the unlovable and show kindness to the unkind. We are to turn the other cheek and pray for our enemies. We are to reach out to those who are lost and afraid. We are to pray without ceasing. We are to fast and be on our knees before the Most High God. And then....we are to listen to what He has to say and DO IT. These are not suggestions, nor or they "callings". We have a directive. We are the children of God...and it's time we started acting like it.
Look around you and SEE. There are hungry people in your area. There are homeless people in your area. There are orphans and young pregnant women where ever you are. There are lost and angry people everywhere you turn. There are people who simply need the smallest of kindnesses...perhaps a bag of groceries or a visit to the nursing home? Perhaps a teen center that desperately needs volunteers? Perhaps an elderly man or woman who has no way to the store to get their prescriptions or even no money to buy them? Look around you and see. And then pray. Pray fervently and with hearts that are turned toward the only One who can change us and who loves us enough to do just that.
We must stop depending upon the system to "fix" things when God Himself is the only One capable of that. We must trust and rely on Him and we must believe that He is on His throne and perfectly in control. The world is going crazy, but God is not.
An added bonus is that no matter what side of this showdown you are on, we all get to vote in 2012. Pray and then vote. Don't sit home thinking your vote doesn't matter. It most definitely does...
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