Riley's been pondering this question... 
What do we do now?
You know, now that the election is over? Who will be buying airtime now that commercial space is available? And who will be on the other end of the phone when it comes up "unknown caller" now that no one is calling to tell me about their Presidential candidates?
More importantly, are we all going to set down our swords now and be united for a common purpose?
Because to me, it doesn't matter if my candidate won or not.
*shock* *gasp* *horror*
I know, hard to believe, but I'm not going to say who I voted for or if I'm happy about the result. In all honesty, I'm writing this post before I know the election results. What I will say is that I'm going to support the President. Pray for the President. And pray for those who have his ear.
Because to me, people, what's done is done. Messes that have been made are made. Successes that have been achieved are achieved. I was just talking to a loved one recently about the fact that others in our lives make decisions that affect us, but all we can do is decide how we will react and carry on from there.
And the only way I know how to react is to live by example. If the government drops the ball on an issue, then we should pick up the ball if it's possible. If your neighbor needs help, help them. If someone feels they are being treated unfairly, listen to them and help if you can... help them understand their worth. Donate. Speak truth. Volunteer.
We have elected a new President, but that doesn't mean we're done. That just means the commercials are done. Now is the time to start. New mistakes will be made and new accomplishments will be written in the history books. But our decisions, our reactions are still in our hands. It has to start with us. And the possibilities are endless.
I had a talk with my children about this very thing. I told them that the Presidency is an office, but he alone does not determine whether God blesses our land or not. I talked to them about 2 Chronicles 7:14 where it says, "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
ReplyDeleteI love what you had to say. So much, in fact, that it will be required reading for my 8th grader this week. You have such a way with words, my friend!
Oh that Riley is one smart dog I tell ya! I heard an interview given by lady "O" (Oprah) and while we know which side she clearly endorses her words had a similar ring to them regardless of sides. She was "encouraged" by how people were coming together in a way that she hadn't seen since 9-11.
ReplyDeleteCome together. "Donate. Speak truth. Volunteer." Begin today! Wise words. And I say, Riley for president, 2012!
I was thinking the same things earlier this week, Sara. Volunteer ranks have been shrinking for several years now. Our society has such a "What's in it for me?" attitude right now.
ReplyDeleteI hope these troubled times have been an eye opener for the "got to have it now at any future cost" crowd.
The president-elect would have had many major tasks on his plate immediately no matter which candidate won. I am hopeful everyone will get together and support him...something for all of us to pray for.
Thank you for saying this so eloquently! I agree full heartedly. It does not matter who is president, but how we react to it and how we will support him/her. To quote JFK:
ReplyDelete"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.
My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man. "
Amen! Last night as I watched the election results come in, for the first time I found myself praying for the candidates instead of watching the numbers. My hope is that all of the enthusiasm surrounding the election won't end because it's over. Rather, I hope that all of the new registered voters, all of the people "believing" in government for the first time will ask themselves what they can do today now that the elections are over. I keep reminding myself that God knew the results way before the exit polls were released.
ReplyDeleteOh Sara, if only we could all have your spirit and faith. Today I'm feeling a sense of loss and fear. But I will pray for our leaders - Pray that our Heavenly Father will touch their hearts and whisper in their ears AND that their hearts will be receptive and their hears open to receive the promptings of the Lord. -
ReplyDeleteBless you Sara - Bless us all.
Amen!! Well said!
ReplyDeleteAmen Sara.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this.
ReplyDeleteAmen! Well said. If only we all could have the spirit you have.
ReplyDelete~Sheryl
Home run Gitz!!! I woke up this morning and thought: that's it, it's over and today I start to pray for President Elect Obama and his family. Simple. I love the way you put my feelings into words.
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point (I don't know what you are going to say to my father though if you voted for Obama!!!). I think it should be very interesting to see how things play out. I'll e-mail you my views:)
ReplyDelete