Jessica Robbins

With the election in the U.S. only a week away the question looms, “Who should I vote for?”

The debate is heated.  The country seems divided still.  Most of us Americans appear to loathe the thought of voting for either of the two primary candidates.  Some will decided to not vote at all.

I don’t usually write about politics, even though it’s something that I strongly care about.  There is a great deal that I don’t know or understand.

What I do know is that I’ve never felt so much turmoil inside about previous elections as I have this one.  Watching the presidential debates was excruciating.  This is the first time in my life that I’ve felt sincerely embarrassed for my country.

I do not think that Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump are accurate representations of what the majority of Americans want.  A lot of us feel stuck between a rock and a hard place, with seemingly no way out.  What are we to do?

Like I mentioned earlier some will not vote.

I personally completely disagree with this.  As an American I feel honored and privileged that I have the opportunity to have a voice in my government.  Too many have died for this freedom and the many others that Americans enjoy.  It feels to me that it would be dishonoring to the fallen to cast that costly vote aside.

A friend of mine reminded me once that they also died, giving us the freedom to not cast a vote.  Fair point, so I’ll recognize this as true, but it is my conviction to not be silent when I have the unique opportunity as a middle class woman to be involved in government at its highest level.  I see it as a responsibility to steward well, and I would feel negligent if I chose not to vote.

I think of millions of oppressed people around the world that can only dream of having the freedom to have a choice, to cast a vote, to be a voice in their nation.

It was a 70 year fight for women in the U.S. to be granted the equal right alongside men to vote.  The 19th Amendment to The Constitution was added on August 18th, 1920.  That’s less than 100 years ago, yet its something that we so quickly can take for granted.

So I ask you to please, VOTE.

Decide to vote and then choose as wisely as you can.

Look at the issues.  I don’t like either candidate.  I don’t really respect either of them.  Overall, I don’t think they have good moral character or are the most qualified people for the job.  But one of them will become the next Commander in Chief.

For me, it came down to looking at a few key issues that were primary concerns for me.

I suggest picking a couple of issues that you feel passionate about or at least are the most important to you.  I would also dare to go beyond just what you’re passionate about but actually think and weigh what is holistically vital for our nation in the long run.  There are many things to consider:  immigration, Supreme Court Justices, the economy, abortion, national security, healthcare, energy, international relations, patriotism, leadership abilities as well as many more.

Then consider:  Why are these issues important to you?  Potentially how will these issues affect our country and the world in the next 4 years and beyond?  Why is one issue more important than another?  Which candidate advocates for the primary issues that you feel are important for our country?  Do you think the current system is broken enough to take a risk with your vote?

Even after all of this you might still feel conflicted.  I think a whole lot of Americans can relate!

I believe that we should not despair.  I believe that it is not too late.  I believe that the character of our country goes much deeper than who our next president is.

As a Christian, my ultimate hope is not in a safe and comfortable country led by a righteous leader.  That would be nice, but let’s be real, it’s not an option at this point with this election.  When fear and anxiety threaten to overcome me in regards to the direction that the U.S. has chosen to take over the last several decades, I must go the Rock.  I must remember who He is and that He is if far above all governments and authorities.

No matter what the result of the election, God will still be seated on the throne.  Jesus will still be at His right hand interceding for the saints.  The Holy Spirit will still be dwelling in God’s children and empowering them to change the world.

We will still be among the most privileged and free people in the world.  We should still be proud to be American.

I say we stop complaining and moaning about what’s before us and start being thankful.  Let’s pray for our leaders and speak life over them.  Let’s begin paying more attention and doing our part as citizens to steer our country in a better direction.

After all, the country is not in the place that it is merely because of who the president is.  Let’s look within our own hearts and see where we need to repent.  How do we need to change?  What is God inviting us to do to be an agent of change?  How can we begin to work together, to serve and to love rightly?

Nominal Christianity has become dominant in many of our churches.  Maybe that is one of the core problems.

There are many praying for a third Great Awakening right now. What are you doing?

One week from today will end potentially the most important presidential campaign in history.  It could drastically change the landscape of our nation and the world.

So I encourage you to go vote and continue praying, and don’t be hateful if your candidate doesn’t win.  That’s not going to do anyone any good; and believe me, I’m saying these things to myself just as much as to anyone else.

Let’s move forward together.

We will not lose hope.  We will not be overcome by darkness.  We will believe the impossible.

Let’s stand strong together!

It’s time to shine, Church.  It’s time.

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

I Peter 4:7-11