Political Thoughts

I am not a Republican.
I am not a Democrat.
I agree and disagree with both parties.

I am a follower of Christ.
As such, I do not believe in name-calling or mud slinging.

I recognize that there are Christians who are Republicans, and Christians who are Democrats.
I also recognize that God is not in favor of one political party over another.

I do not believe that Donald Trump is the "answer to our prayers."

I question how we can believe the above while not believing God appointed Barack Obama as president.

I think praying for "our" candidate to win is much like praying for our sports team to win. It is presumptuous to assume God likes one side over the other. I am sure there were just as many people praying for another candidate. Therefore I do not agree with this theology.
I do believe God cares very much about our heart attitudes in the midst of sporting events or elections.

I do not hate President Obama. I did not agree with all of his politics. This does not justify calling him names or posting angry degrading comments on social media directed at him.

I do not hate Donald Trump. I do hate some of his actions. A lot. And because of those actions and also because of his rhetoric, I am not a fan. I will give him a chance while I watch, and wait, and see what actually happens in the next 4 years.

I do not believe that those in the entertainment industry speak for me.
I do not believe most of the posts on social media are unbiased or true.
I am frustrated with the "news" media in general.
I have become quite frustrated with big government, and a government which does not listen to the people it governs.

There are folks who are rejoicing over the new President, and those who are mourning or angry.
I would love to see us all growing in respect for our differences.

I think rioting in the streets needs to stop. I don't believe that those who are peacefully protesting are at fault for the violence. I believe it is a few angry people who have no business calling themselves political protesters. I pray that things will calm down, and we will all feel safe once again.

I do not believe all Muslims are terrorists, I believe most are not. I do hope for a day when those who are not radicals will rise up with a louder voice against those who are. This Muslim anti-terrorist voice needs to be heard...in the same way that the Christian voice should rise up against the actions and beliefs of the Westboro Baptist church and other bigoted so-called Christians.

My heart hurts for the women, minorities, LGBT and all other people who feel unsafe right now because of the things our new President has said and done. I want you to know that I do not condone his words or actions. I pray that things will calm down and you will feel safe once again. I apologize to you for being called names such as "snowflake" and "crybabies" because of your concerns. I apologize that we followers of Christ are not representing Him very well. I apologize that we have not loved you well. I apologize for the mixed message we're sending with every angry, prideful and insensitive post. Mostly, I apologize for our hypocrisy.

I do not agree with the "us vs. them" mentality of many Christian peers who have been caught up in the angry fray of political "sides". I believe Jesus came to break down the "us vs. them" religious mentality once and for all. I believe Jesus came to open our eyes to the truth of our connection with God, and with each other. We are either "us" or no one.

I believe that just as in most of life's bigger issues, the pendulum usually swings really far one way, and then the other...and eventually settles in the middle.
I believe it is our job to continue to walk in love, grace, compassion and respect during these extremes.
I am committed in my desire to do so...because I am not a Republican or a Democrat. 
I am a Christian.

Come To The Table

Look at this picture. 

Now think about our Daddy, God. Now look again. This picture, as precious as it is, says so much. It is so beautiful that it melts my heart.

This is it, guys. This is a picture of us...and the Kingdom...and everything!! Notice how the children are so intensely "helping" Dad. Does he need their help? Of course not! He can build the table. But, because he loves them so much...and because he wants to spend time with them...and teach them...he lets them "help" him build it.

That's what God does for us. Does God need our help building His Kingdom? Heck no! We muck it up most of the time! Still, because He loves us so much, and because He wants to spend time with us, and teach us, He lets us "help".

Isn't it so beautiful? Look at the Daddy. He's right there with them...watching them, but allowing them to do the building. He's there if they need his help. He's guiding. Closely guiding them. He wants them to succeed! But if they mess up, or get frustrated, He's there to comfort...encourage...and envelop them in his love.

This is the Kingdom!! This is life! God doesn't need our help, but He lets us help because He knows it is so wonderful to be a part of building something. It is rewarding. Doing it together strengthens bonds and relationships...with each other and with Him.

Can you imagine if you were to enter the picture in a few minutes? You would hear the delighted squeals of these two children, "Look what we made!!" Isn't that how we feel when we get to help God build His Kingdom? It is so much better than just sitting back watching.

That banquet table He invites us to come share with him means so much more when we understand the part we had in building it. And how gracious of our Daddy to allow us to feel needed! Beautiful indeed!!!