When I rose this morning, the sun was up. The ground was damp from early rain, the birds were singing and the ducks are squawking on the lake. The puppy was clambering to go outside, hopping and jumping around me. There is coffee to be made, bills to pay, calls to make and clothes to wash. Today is inauguration day in America and as happens every election, some are not happy about this day. I totally get you and I truly sympathize. I felt the same way eight years ago as we elected a man to the presidency who had just over two years experience in the Senate. That day, I was not happy. My discontent had ~not one single thing~ to do with the color of his skin or his character, as I knew nothing of this man. It was rather his lack of experience that bothered me. Mind you, I'm not a fan of career politicians either. My hope was for someone fresh and inspiring, bringing dignity back to the office. Someone full of great humility. Someone to stem the tide of utter chaos that is becoming a daily occurrence in this country. A person who could bring this fractured nation together. I respect the Obama's for the loving, family unit we see. I'm as sure as I can be, they are genuine. Their beautiful girls grew up right in front of us, reminiscent of the Kennedy, Carter and Reagan children I watched grow up during my adult life.
If you want to blame anyone that our choices were slim to none..look in the mirror. We have a generation of people that cannot function if the power goes out. They do not talk to each other.[Look around any restaurant when you are out] Oh yes, they text and snapchat but they have little use for the english language. They speak in emojis. The average american watches more than 5 hours of television each day. 2-11 yr olds watch 24 hours a week. Most adults in America can't tell you the three branches of government but they know the name and age of every Kardashian. Masses of people take their daily news from social media and are offended by everything. Remember watching SNL? Did you laugh at people?
I was not pleased with my choices this election. My choice of candidate was out in the early rounds. He is smart, soft-spoken, well educated, grew up working hard to achieve his goals. Thoughtful about the words that come from his mouth and looks to God for guidance. I really was encouraged but he wasn't shiny, flashy enough, his ego wasn't big enough. You see, I believe babies are babies at the moment they are conceived and are infinitely more important than protection of the tufted titmouse or the spotted owl. I think we have way too much government spending and elected officials who set one standard for the people they represent and quite another for themselves. Did you know, there isn't a single congress(person) using Obamacare? Are you shocked? You should be.
As we've watched this election progress and watched the entire system lose it's collective mind over Donald J. Trump throwing his hat into the ring, it begs the question why? Is it possible for the first time in a long times someone was tampering with the good thing they had going? Democrats and Republicans alike went "insane" at the thought of this man in office. Personally, I thought it was a joke or a ploy to place a candidate Trump preferred forward. Late in the game he would withdraw placing "his" candidate in the correct spot for the win. As this soap opera progressed it became apparent, it was not a joke. It's January 19th, 2017 and our president-elect will take his oath of office in a short time. Mr Trump was not my choice, not by a long shot. However, I am an adult and will accept and respect the process used in our country, as I did eight years ago. Something important too, I will give him a chance.
My God says I cannot be double-minded. As a believer & follower of Christ, I have a constant, compelling desire to live fully for Him. I can't condemn a man and pray for a man at the same time. I must put aside my feelings(it's not about me) and pray. I did it for eight years for another president, I can do it now. I do not know what the future holds but I know the same god that parted the sea, feed thousands with leftovers and healed the blind, can take care of this country.
There's a song that really touches my heart co-written (Michael Farren) and sung by Lauren Daigle. It's called Come Alive (Dry Bones). Its the story of Ezekiel [Chapter 37:1-14] and the valley of dry bones. God brought Ezekiel to walk among the dry bones. God shows Ezekiel a dry and dusty place where death reigned and all hope was gone, except, He is God. What it must have been like for Ezekiel being led back and forth across that place with the hand of God upon him. "Can these bones live?" poses the living God. Ezekiel knows only God has the answer.. God told Ezekiel to prophesy into the dry bones,
4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath[a] enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”
God called up an army that day, His people.
It's been an awkward, uncomfortable feeling of taking sides and constant protests and malcontent for more than a year. The hate and fear is palpable. Fear of what's to come and safety for people who feel they aren't seen as equal in the eyes of the law. Change is required.
There are a few things I will not do. I will not allow social media to manipulate me. I will not read all the fake news stories forwarded to me. I will temper my time on social media, because it isn't productive or important for my life. Even if we suspect the stories are fake, it is salacious and intriguing. Before you know it, you forgot the details but it's taken up residence in your head (and mine) and wrecked our thoughts.
That is the intended purpose, to incite you. Recognize the difference in "incite" and "insight."
Lauren Daigle's commentary on this song is spot on. We are called not to judge (it's not our job) but stand in the gap for those in need and most of all, to tell others our God is bigger. I have peace knowing the battle has already been won, the ending has been written and God is on His throne. I hope and pray God's people will respond.
Today, I will pray because that's all I can do. Pray for this nation and it's new leadership, for us to lay down our verbal and emotional weapons and take up the cross.
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