A Difficult Choice

Nov2

(Pexels)

Many people have characterized this time in our country as one of the most “polarized” ever recorded. Political, religious, even family relationships are good examples of the division occurring frequently. Social media seems to stoke this division, providing a forum where people feel they can say anything within the perceived safety of their device, and fear no repercussions.

The midterm election has brought about the unending negative commercials on television, radio, and social media. Why anyone thinks these ads encourage voters to show up at the polls is beyond me. If viewing them just makes me want to change the channel, am I really encouraged to show up to mark the ballot for either side? The millions upon millions of dollars spent during the election cycle could be much better used in funding programs to help people … just a thought.

In my opinion, religious division is just sad. We are to worship the God of the Bible according to what His word says: Love God first, then others as ourself. The key word there is love. In this country alone there are so many church denominations and not enough unity. I’ll admit that seeing the worship of false gods and the message that’s often promoted concerns me, but prayer for others always outweighs hatred and exclusion. That’s the difficult choice mentioned in the title. It’s so easy to do the wrong thing that many choose ugly battles against people and cultures they don’t even know. It’s not wrong to be aware of these cultures and their corresponding beliefs, especially if they could cause danger and harm, but hateful negativity helps no one.

Family divisions occur often. How much are you looking forward to that Thanksgiving get-together? Bloodlines can beget quarrelsome behavior that lasts for years. Long-held hurtful feeling over situations that occurred a long time ago can get in the way of the enjoyment of family. Time waits for no one – is that relative going to still be alive next year? Is it worth it to rehash an argument from years ago, or is it time that people choose to just let it go? There’s that word again – choice.

We make many choices each day. Some are much more important than others. It’s not always easy to make the right choice, one that harms no one and doesn’t promote division. For that we need wisdom. Where does that wisdom come from? For me, as a Christian, I find it in the Bible. Here are a few verses about wisdom:

“I (God) instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.” Prov. 4:11

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” Proverbs 11:14

I’m going to take my own advice and choose the positive outcome. I hope you do too. Will it be easy? Probably not, that’s why I chose the title of this post. Will it be worth it? I think so, because following God’s way always is.

God bless – Sue

It’s October …

Oct12

Sometime in the rush to start school, celebrate Labor Day and the end of summer, September’s heat went up and down and the calendar’s page turned to October. The Halloween decorations are appearing in our neighborhood and not surprisingly, Christmas supplies and decorations are appearing in the stores. This year is quickly winding down, but not before the endless commercials remind us that it’s also a midterm election year. Both parties have raised and are spending a lot of money to inundate us to that fact. It’s unending every evening, and I am concerned that the irritation caused by these unending ads will have a negative effect. Instead of voting, people may stay away from the polls.

Let me encourage you to take your right to vote seriously. Is your U.S. House of Representative Congressman or woman doing their job to represent you and your interests well? Don’t listen to those negative ads, try to find out how they have voted. The entire House – all 435 of them – are up for reelection. Does your rep deserve to go back to DC and represent you? How about your Senator? The candidate elected to the Senate will serve for six years – an important position. How has the incumbant served you? Should they return or is it time to choose someone else? Your values and concerns matter and are at stake. Elections have consequences, as citizens of my state of Virginia found out over the last two years. The advertised promises quickly changed once the newly-elected governor took office. Those who didn’t vote, probably regretted that choice.

Many states have early voting so you don’t have to stand in a long line on the actual election day. My husband and I took advantage of that last week. I guess the bottom line is that if you don’t vote, you leave the future of your state and country up to others. You have a right to choose someone who most closely mirrors your intentions for our future. Congress makes our laws and we have to live under their influence – for good or bad. I hope you decide to become a part of this year’s result.

God bless – Sue

I Can Hope …

Sep16

(Photo by Nick Fewings)

My husband came back in from the early morning dog walk today and remarked, “It’s really cool outside.” Cool? That’s a word I haven’t heard in a while. Our area, like many areas this summer, has been unusually hot and humid. Cooler morning temperatures gives me hope that we just might make it to Fall and a permanent relief from this heat.

What else is on my “hope” list? Currently, that people who call themselves Christian will decide to vote their values in the upcoming mid-term elections. Separation of Church and State is not what we have been led to believe since the 1960s. You don’t have to stay home from the polling place and leave the choice of those who run our city, state, and federal governments to those who may have little to no moral compass? Look at what that has given us.

Judges and law makers have been removing all references to God, Jesus, and the Bible from the public square for years. I guess some businesses have decided to join in too because just recently the WNBA store filtered out and blocked “Jesus Christ” from being printed on an Indiana Fever shirt, but allowed “Praise Allah.” Over the last decade or longer, florists, bakers, football coaches, teachers, parents, real estate brokers – the list goes on – have lost their jobs, businesses, or even custody of their children due to lawsuits or government interventions. Praying in public, offering women an alternative choice at Planned Parenthood, placing a Bible on a bookshelf in your classroom, standing by Biblical principles in regard to school or city council decisions, or just trying to raise children in a godly way has been punished by those in authority, and elected or appointed officials.

As we approach another election cycle, I urge you to avoid the constant TV commercials and do your own research. What does the party platform say? What does this person or party stand for or against. Will they represent your wishes and values? Finally, go vote – either early voting or on election day. Don’t let other people choose for you because every vote counts, even in this time of questionable voting integrity. That little flag sticker they give you at the voting location that says “I voted” should make you proud. Go do it!

God bless – Sue

What Will Your Legacy Be?

Aug27

I’ve been thinking a lot about life ever since hearing about the passing of Dolly Parton. Lots of people die every day, but some deaths hit you harder than others. Of course family comes under that category, but also the passing of children or young people who really never got a chance to live. It seems so tragic and unfair. It causes you to question your longevity – why are you still here?

Each day is God’s gift to you to use as you will. What you leave behind – your legacy – is based on what you choose to do with that day. The accumulation of those days equals your life. So what will your legacy be?

As more and more tributes come in for Dolly, many people are being made aware of how she chose to use her status, notoriety, and wealth to help others. She was known for her flashy clothes, ample cleavage, big hair, bright, bubbly personality and talents in the music and movie industry. But she was so much more, as she chose to share books with children, help her hometown area recover from a fiery tragedy, and donate to many worthwhile causes. Her life made a difference to so many people.

We may never have world-wide fame, but what we choose to do, who we help, and how we use our time can contribute to making our little area of the world a better place. There’s so much to do because there’s so many needs. I encourage you to find a way to be a part of the solution in your area because it could make such a difference. Not only will you bless others, but you will be blessed as well, and one day you will leave behind something of value.

God bless – Sue

Who Do I Resemble?

Aug4

Recently my morning devotion reminded me of two incidents in my life that revealed a real need for change. I was using my background and upbringing to excuse angry responses to frustrating circumstances.

The first unfortunate memory involved my negative reaction to volunteers at my church’s Bible school helping themselves to supplies without gaining permission. I had ordered just enough for everyone to have what they needed, and this situation would leave some classes without materials. Wasn’t I justified in being upset? When asked why I was reacting in an angry manner, I flippantly replied, “Oh, I’m Scotch-Irish – we’re kind of fiesty.”

Another time I allowed the example my parents sometimes set to excuse an angry response to a driver following too closely behind me, honking at me to get out of their way. I angrily gestured back in my rearview mirror (no fingers involved!) before realizing that the “fish” insignia on my rear bumper wasn’t being effectively followed at that moment.

I could cite a few more examples – we all could. Why do we lean on unreliable excuses for poor behavior? Those of us who call ourselves Christians are held to a higher standard. We are to portray the teachings of Christ in every situation. It’s always difficult; sometimes almost impossible. I have to remind myself that my European heritage doesn’t count as an excuse for any challenging things going on around me. Also, the human failures of family experiences don’t give me the correct pathway I should follow. Only Jesus’ teachings from the Bible do. Anything else ruins my Christian witness. As a child of God, I must do my best to follow and resemble Him. I hope this encourages you to do the same, because our world so needs this example.

God bless – Sue

(Adobe stock)