Reasons I abstained from voting in the 2012 elections:
My voter registration --I didn't know where I was last register in the midst of moving to Florida and then Georgia while maintaining a Florida license and vehicle registration since I was in seminary. I didn't take the time to track it all down.
My family-I felt a lot of pressure for choosing their candidate and that I would have to 'answer' to them about my choice to not go with their candidate or platform (the one I was raised in). I know how much pride they take in the country and even in their political party and how strongly they feel about the other candidate.
I thought it didn't matter- Someone would be chosen no matter what and the state would be one way or another with or without my vote. So why stress out about making sure I either worked on my absentee application or went through the hassle of registering somewhere else. I thought my silence was a statement. And it was---to myself, to my own disappointment. And to know that will no longer be my narrative.
There is something special about voting. It gives encouragement, it starts a dialogue, it ramps up issues and gets people really thinking (or at least that should happen for everyone). Voting gives me hope. It shows the importance of process. I learned in my time in seminary the importance as a pastor to be aware, be informed, and vocalize your opinion. Not to sway anyone to one side or another 1) not my job, or calling 2) that is a corruption of my power and position. But to not be afraid of others opinions, to speak truth, and to know that my political position is my right as much as it is someone else's right to think different than I do.
I think election season is a very long and drawn out process that seems to get longer each year. I think that when we focus on the issues and are able to come together on the big stuff then Great things can happen.
I met with several ladies of the church last night by the river to eat, fellowship, and then pray. Pray for our country, pray for our leaders, pray for the voters, and pray for whatever outcome to remember that a President is a part of a larger system and that we can be at peace with one another. That hope is still possible. That truth still exists. That friends and neighbors can reconcile after arguing over party position and what has been posted on social media.
We have become judge and jury for so many things and have turned to guilty until proven innocent rhetoric through social media. But I have found my role is to observe, pray, and be there for both sides of the political ticket. Because my calling is to people. My calling is to serve the Democrat, Republican, Independent, undecided, or other. My calling is to serve Jesus and to strive to see all people as beautiful images of God. I have to meet people where they are in their political leanings and know that the ballots only determine a particular position of power for 4 years and we do it all again.
Four years ago I just started seminary and I was learning so much about my call to ministry. Now I am serving a church as Associate Pastor and learning so much about my call to listen and be present.
I know that it is a process and as a Presbyterian Church (USA) Pastor a vote was cast for me between so many committees, sessions, and a congregation to get me where I am today. People had to vote for me to be their Pastor just as I voted for someone to be my next President, as I voted for people to serve in State and Local Elections. As I voted for amendments.
Voting is important because of a few things.
1. Many people fought hard for the right to vote
2. This country has a system where the people can vote to elect their leaders
3. So many people can't vote and their voice is heard through those that have the ability
May God's light shine through the darkness. May God's glory be shown in all that we do. May we see candidates and those who support our opposing party as children of God. May we find peace, reconciliation, and resurrection no matter what the outcome.
