Getting Serious On Election Day Eve

Divided we fail, y'all.

Most of the time, I try to keep things light and fun with this blog.  But today, on the eve of the election, I feel the need to step up on my soap box.  To speak my mind.  To say my piece.  To share my thoughts about something I've been struggling with during this contentious campaign season.  So here goes.  My thoughts on faith and politics.

So many times during this election, I have been told things like, "You can't be a Christian and a Democrat," "Christians don't vote for Obama," or "How can you reconcile your faith with your political views?"  And here's my answer:  I don't have to reconcile my faith with my politics.  Vice President Joe Biden said it best in his most recent debate, "My religion defines who I am."  So for me, it informs every decision I make.  Biden went on to say, "I just refuse to impose that upon others..."*  And I agree.  I'm not saying that I am against evangelism or missions, but I am saying that I don't think that the federal government has the right to privilege one religion over another.  That's the bedrock of our country's existence.  That's why we exist as a nation.  Believing this doesn't make me any less of a Christian.  It doesn't mean that I think there is more than one way to Heaven.  It just makes me tolerant.  And if tolerance is my only crime, I will gladly plead guilty. 

I believe in loving all people...no matter what.  I believe in helping others and in putting them before myself.  I believe in forgiveness and mercy.  These are things I learned as kid in Sunday School.  And these are the things that make me who I am.  And inform my beliefs when it comes to government.  I make an attempt to support candidates who believe these things as well.

That's how my faith informs my politics.  I appreciate that my family has let me form my own opinions and that they respect them.  I like to think that I have made informed decisions and thought enough about the issues to do so.  I just wish other people could respect that.

So here's my call to you -- respect other people's opinions.  Don't tell them who they should vote for.  Let them make their own decisions.  Let them form their own opinions.  Do your homework.  Research all the candidates, regardless of party.  Attempt to find unbiased media sources.  Vote tomorrow.  And be kind to one another.  Divided we fail.

Okay, now that I've got that off my chest, it's time to prepare some awesome Election Day cookies!**

*Quotes from Biden's remarks are from Reuters.
** Clearly, I can't be serious for very long!