Risking my “comfort zone”

My friend and fellow author (only she’s award winning AND a best seller!) posted a very thought provoking blog yesterday. Feel free to leave a comment here, or pop over to Kim’s blog to leave a comment as well, and let her know you noticed it here.

Writes of Passage….Kim Vogel Sawyer

Warning: I am about to wax political, something I’ve never before done in a public forum. I am not a confrontational person, and I’m well aware that “talking politics” is a good way to stir things up. But I’ve been so burdened recently, and I just want to share my thoughts with you.

The presidential election is just around the corner. Like many of you, I’ve listened to the debates, read the newspaper, and fielded “forwards” (some accurate, some not) in email messages. For the first time in my adult life, I researched the voting records to see where each candidate stood on the issues that are most important to me. All of the information gathered has made me concerned for the kind of change that could come into America if Obama attains the highest level of leadership in our country. Although there are several things that bother me, two take precedence for me personally.

If elected, Obama has vowed to approve the Freedom of Choice Act , which includes making partial-birth abortion legal again and nullifying virtually every state and federal law that limits abortion in any way, including parental notification. America was founded on freedom for all, but–as I used to teach my fifth graders–with “rights” comes “responsibility.” I believe a leader has a responsibility to protect those individuals who are under his leadership. Obama’s past voting record and his support of this Act tell me he will not protect the most vulnerable among us: the unborn. The sanctity of life–of all life–is very important to me. Obama and I do not see eye-to-eye on this issue.

I’ve heard the argument that women should have the choice whether or not to reproduce. I agree, but I think the choice should come prior to pregnancy. After a soul has been conceived, the only moral and biblical choice is to allow the child to develop and come into this world.

On the left is a little boy named Jacob. He is bright-eyed and ornery and has a belly laugh that dares you not to join in. He was conceived out-of-wedlock by two kids who had no intention of becoming parents–in other words, he was a “mistake.” But his mama decided two wrongs couldn’t make a right (meaning she’d already erred in having premarital sex; terminating the pregnancy wouldn’t erase that wrong and would only add to her regrets), so she saw the pregnancy to completion. Would her life be less complicated and with fewer responsibilities if she’d chosen abortion? Maybe. But I can tell you whole-heartedly that this little boy has brought her tremendous joy. She told me recently, “I can’t imagine my life without him.” And neither can I. You see, this little guy calls me Gramma, and I can’t wait to see what he grows up to be.

I believe God has a purpose and plan for every life. When we snuff out a life before he or she is even born, what kind of blessing are we denying that child…as well as ourselves? The Bible is quite clear on God’s opinion of taking a life–He says don’t do it. I can’t waver on this issue.

Secondly, at the presidential debate at the college campus, an observer posed a question concerning whether or not the candidate, if elected, would approve the nation going to the defense of Israel were that country attacked. McCain stated that he would unquestionably defend Israel; Obama skirted the issue. That gave me chills. If America turns its back on Israel, God’s chosen people, then heaven help us. I believe part of the reason America has become such a mighty nation is because of our allegiance to Israel.

While standing in the grocery store line a few days ago, I listened to a conversation between two men who were discussing the candidates. Finally one of the men laughed and said, “Well, since I don’t really want either one of them, I’m just gonna do a write-in for Captain Kangaroo and leave it at that.” I had to bite my tongue not to give him a lecture on civic responsibility. This isn’t a laughing matter. Too much is on the line. Our next leader will most likely place several Supreme Court justices into power. Those individuals will make decisions that will impact us and our children for years to come. We must make informed, responsible decisions.

Psalm 111:10 tells us “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.” I believe every Christian should be standing right now in fear and reverence before God, seeking wisdom, and following His precepts. Sometimes we get swept away by one thought (this election’s premise seems to be “change”) and we neglect seeing the big picture. Of course there are things in America that need to change, but I sincerely hope in our quest to see something different we don’t sacrifice something precious, like our Christian convictions.

You don’t have to agree or disagree with me. I just felt the need to unburden my heart and to encourage each of you to be in prayer for our nation, for our next leader, for our next generations. Please exercise your right to vote, and vote responsibly. The choices we make today will impact us for a thousand tomorrows. Thanks for listening to my heart.

(BTW, I haven’t forgotten last week’s contest in honor of reconnecting with my “little sis” Lisbeth. Hubby drew a name from the hat, and the winner for a Kim Vogel Sawyer book is LASHAUNDA! Please contact me–kim at kimvogelsawyer.com–so we can arrange shipment of your book of choice. Thank you!)