Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Freedom Isn't Free

I know I haven't posted a blog in forever, but I felt like today would be the opportune time to do so since it is ELECTION DAY!  Now, honestly I have been avoiding posting anything regarding this subject because I do not feel that everyone needs to know my view on politics.  However, there are some things regarding this issue that cannot be ignored.  Before you read any further, I promise you right now that I will not tell you who I voted for, I will note tell you who to vote for, and I will not make you feel bad for who you voted for.  These are just my honest opinions and feelings based on today's VERY historical and important events.

Today, for me, marks the first time that I am voting in a major election.  Growing up, it was always taught to me that when you turn 18, you vote.  Period.  End of story.  I never really understood why may family always emphasized how important it was to vote because it seemed like a no-brainer to me.  Why wouldn't you vote?!  But honestly, since I turned 18 (I'm now 20) I have found that it is way too easy NOT to vote.  I cannot tell you how many people I have seen just handing over their right to vote for many different reasons.  Here are some of the reasons that I have seen:
  1. "I don't care about the candidate."
  2. "I don't have time."
  3. "Both candidates are horrible and I don't agree with either."
  4. Etc, etc, etc....blah, blah, blah....
Let me ask you this.  Do soldiers on the front line who fight for your freedoms, who fight for your right to vote say, "I don't feel like fighting today,"  "I don't have time to fight for my country's freedoms today,"  "There are some Americans that I just don't like so I'm just not going to fight for them today."  NO THEY DON'T.  

To be honest people, I really couldn't care less which candidate you choose and I really didn't want to vote myself because I personally don't like either of the candidates.  However, it is my duty as an American citizen to exercise this RIGHT, this FREEDOM.  My family hasn't fought for this country for me to sit in my house watching Boy Meets World or TLC instead of standing in line for a tiny amount of time or even mailing in an absentee ballot.  They fought and still fight every day and put their lives on the line for me and my freedoms and rights.  Friends, family, and readers....don't let these men and women die in vain.  We are blessed to live in a nation where we DO have the choice over who leads us.  Why waste it?  Why?  EVERY vote counts!

Enough of that....

In other thoughts, why do I not care who you vote for?  It's simple!
  1.  It's none of my business.  That is your personal decision.  You have your reasons and I have mine.
  2. MY GOD STILL REIGNS.
 I used to be one of those people who used to say "If so and so wins this election, I'm moving to *insert foreign country here*"  But you know what?  What does it matter if our God is still in control?  Our country may go to ruin regardless of who gets elected, but our Heavenly Father has the whole world in His hands, and YES THAT INCLUDES THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!  He tells us many times in scripture that we are to trust in Him and NOT in man!  Should we be concerned over who is leading this country?  ABSOLUTELY!  Should we be depressed or worry ourselves to death if our idea of the "right" candidate does not get elected or reelected?  NO.  

"I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted."
                     Job 42:2

God has it all in control and His purpose remains regardless of our own.  God has His plans and no matter what we do or who we vote fore, He will reign.  

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose."
                    Romans 8;28

"What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?"
                    Romans 8:31

He is going to take care of us people.  Vote for your candidate because you have that right.  Freedom isn't free.  And after you vote, let it go.  Stop worrying.  Run to Him because He will take care of us no matter who lives in the White House.  "He's got the whole world in His hands."