Show Up
“Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country, and this world.” ~ Sharon Salzberg
If you believe in democracy, you need to do your part and vote. That is a very simple tenet of the whole process. This whole campaign has been a hate-filled process that has soured many toward politics. I have always been of the opinion that our country is not great because of our elected leaders, though. No. Our country is great because of “We the people.”
Yes. We are the ones who determine who leads us. We are the ones who support them in their leadership. We are the ones who call them when they fail to do so. I believe that elected officials often forget that very basic point. When some get into office, they begin to lead for themselves rather than represent those who chose them. Our republic will only be as strong as each of us who participate.
It is the same way in our faith. We cannot talk about the importance of being loving, kind, merciful, and forgiving if we expect others to do that but do not lift a finger to live the virtues of the faith ourselves. Jesus reminded us many times that we were all one family. There may be discord in the family from time to time — that is to be expected — but that discord should quickly be healed by forgiveness and a willingness to work together once again.
I ask you to join me in praying for our country today as people turn out one last day to the polls to exercise their civic duty. Pray that the day be peaceful and that our elected officials will be willing to set aside angers and hurts and frustrations and try, once again, to work together for we the people.
FAITH ACTION: Pray for a peaceful election day and for cooperation among those who will be chosen to lead at various levels of the government.