Thursday, November 13, 2008

My Country 'tis of Thee

I received an email from my mother-in-law today about praying for Obama, regardless of our personal feelings for him. I agree with this wholeheartedly. I have always prayed for the leaders of my country. I prayed through the Clinton administration, the Bush administration and I will continue to pray through Obama's administration. It is simply the right thing to do.

Perhaps, if the world would adhere to this advice of praying for our President, no matter who that is, we could feel pride in being a true "United" States. Just because I don't agree with the man or his policies or issues in his past, does not mean I hate him. Good heavens, I don't agree with the people that live in my own house half the time! And guess what, I don't hate them, either. I, in fact, hope that Obama accomplishes amazing things while in office. BELIEVE ME, I hope for that!

Am I disappointed in the outcome of the election? Yes. And as an American, I have that right. But that does not mean that, as an American, I am not unbelievably proud to see us go

from this


to this


to this.

Incredible.

We have come so far in so many ways. But there is still so far to go. After a record voter turnout, where people were encouraged to get out and use their voice in the constitutional way, by checking that little box that best matches their morals and beliefs, those voters are now being attacked for using that voice in the very way they were encouraged to do so. I feel bombarded with so much talk, talk, talk about tolerance and acceptance, and yet the people promoting this the loudest, end up promoting just the opposite with their actions. And their actions definitely speak louder than their words.

When will we learn?


It is about respecting the sacred office. Whoever holds that office is due, at the least, a certain modicum of respect. That was what was so disappointing about the Clinton years. He, himself, disrespected the office. If only our current president had been given the respect he deserved as holder of that office.

So yes, I will do my part. I will pray that this new president will lead this country boldly, nobly, and righteously, as I have done and will do for anyone who has been elected by the voice of the people, because, in God, I trust.





7 comments:

e. said...

This is the strength of our democracy- that when we lose we don't kill the winner and take over the government, or change the Constitution in order to stay in power. No matter what anyone says about our country, no one transitions like us, and that is something everyone else can learn from.

(ps temple picketers - we've seen way worse than you.)

Jenn said...

Well put! I agree we need to pray for our nation's leaders, whoever they may be. Let's hope the next 4 years goes smoothly for our beloved country!

heidi said...

I agree too.
We need to be United if our country is to continue being strong. We should pray often for our leaders.

Prestwich Family said...

I have read 3 books in the last two weeks. One about a girl from Sudan forced into slavery after her family was brutally murdered, one about a girl who survived the Rwanda holocaust and the last about a girl from Cambodia who was sold into prostitution as a little girl. I wish people would just realize the blessings they have of just simply living in this free country and having the privileges we have. Instead of always complaining about what is wrong with it. We are not always going to get the president we vote for, but how about the opportunity we are given to vote in the first place! We have come a long way in this country and I am sure we will continue to.

MOMD! said...

AMEN!!! Well said! Can't add a single word to it! - you said it perfectly!

Now as for us being related! I think we should be too! ... we certainly have a long history together and hope we share a longer future together. Love you and you adorable family!!

Have you heard Sheri Dew's talk on being able to distinguish the evil ones in our society? She tell us, "They are the mean ones, the vicious ones." Great lady! Great advise!

Joanie said...

THANK YOU for that post. There was so much negativity during the election, it is wonderful to hear that, even if you aren't thrilled with the outcome, you can disagree without being disrespectful. I wish the debate would sound like this more often!

As far as the fire pit goes, we highly recommend it! I thought we would use it more when the weather was warmer, but it has turned out, we use it MUCH more in the cold.

shannon p. said...

I will add my "Amen" to that as well. I agree completely. I have been so saddened by the complete disrespect surrounding George W. for all of these years, and can't imagine seeing all of the talent and ability that it takes to come into the position of the most powerful leader in the world and then to have your whole country seemingly turn against you - blows my mind! And so yes, I will support, respect and pray for Obama - because I love our country and our leaders need our prayers.