Let’s be honest. This election has been brutal.
If you pay attention to politics, like I do, these last ten months have been excruciating. As a mom who finds herself predisposed to anxiety (Thanks Mom.), election day couldn’t come soon enough.
If there was a way to close my eyes and wake up thirty-six hours from now I would.
But, from what I’ve heard, it still may not be over.
The media says this election is crazy close, which means we’re all holding our breath until we know that we know that we know that the true winner is in office.
There are lots of reasons I’m voting the way I’m voting in this election. Years ago, it was a lot easier, the candidate who stood for the life of unborn babies got my vote. Even before that, I was pro-abortion. Yep, I sure was. Then I had a four hour conversation with someone –and this someone wasn’t even a Christian. I fought hard for those four hours, but by the end of our debate I’d changed my view for good.
When I did become a Christian a few years later it was Psalm 139:13-16 that sealed the deal. Personally, I can’t shake those words from God. I’ve always loved talking to people who hold different views than mine. I find it fascinating to learn about why other people believe what they do. I’ve found they’ve either taught me something, like my prior views on abortion, or they’ve reinforced what I believe.
How We Raised Our Four Kids to Discuss Current Affairs
I know there’s lots of different people with lots of different reasons to vote the way they do, but as a mom here’s a few things that helped our family maneuver conversations about current affairs and sensitive topics.
- We raised our kids not to debate until they knew what they were talking about. I remember when Paul and I were dating and he held up a Bible and asked, “Why do you believe this book is true?” I realized then that I didn’t have a clue, at least not one that made any sense at all. It caused me to dig deep and research what I believed. I can answer that question very well now–and so can he.
- We raised our kids that it was honest to say, “I can’t really add to this conversation –I don’t know much at all about that.” before taking a side.
- Which means, we raised our children to be open to discussing both sides, and especially offer the courtesy to listen to both sides because the whole point of discussion is to broaden our understanding–to learn from one another and possibly be persuaded with valid, truthful facts.
Politics Are Man-Made — Peace Is From Jesus
The level of my frustration and fear about this election is the level of trust and faith I have in the One true God.
Here’s the best news of all.
- No matter who is President, Jesus is King.
- No matter who holds the power in this country, they don’t hold a candle to the One who holds YOU.
- We’ve been created by God and for Him. Which means no matter what happens today, He is the one I live for.
- Maybe these next four years will be what gets me to spend less time talking and more time praying.
Watching the news this week will be tough. But, His words are the peace that bring my racing heart back to normal. And, Facebook? Um, yeah, I’m not even putting my face in that political-pig-trough today.
I. Just. Can’t.
Here’s what I want you to know—The Prince of Peace reigns. He has reigned from the beginning. He reigns today, and He will reign for an eternity of tomorrows.
Let’s rest in that.
If you’re a mom who knows too much about this election –no matter who you’re voting for — you’re going to need to wash your mind in God’s Word after you leave the voting booth. Here’s 7 Bible Verses to calm your racing heart:
Bible Verses to Calm Your Racing Heart This Election Week
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper.” Psalm 118:6-7
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:39-40
“Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.” Deuteronomy 3:22
“But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1
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