Defending my faith

I find it very interesting that a person’s character, beliefs, and faith are questioned by simply being on the opposite side of a political spectrum. We’ve encountered friends and family who can’t fathom not supporting a conservative candidate with a conservative agenda. From the shock and awe facial expressions, to the spam email chains and the doom and gloom speeches, we have seen and heard it all. If you haven’t guessed, Leslie and I both support Barack Obama for President. This wasn’t blind support of a candidate or let’s hop on the bandwagon support. Leslie and I both are pro-life and believe that marriage is ordained by God between a man and a woman so how could we support a candidate that is pro-choice and supports civil unions.

It is actually a simple thought process based on Jesus teachings. “Love one another as I have loved you.” We live in a society with poverty, prejudice, hatred, sickness, apathy, crime, violence, illiteracy, global warming, war, religious intolerance, and broken homes. There are many issues facing our cities, country, and our world. Yes there are some moral issues that face us but we should not shoulder our support in the political process for a few moral issues because there are many life issues that are just as important. My faith is not defined by a moral issue it is defined by believing in Jesus as the Son of God and his life, death, and resurrection as atonement for my sins.

I believe in the authority and holiness of the Bible and found the following post interesting: James Dobson Doesn’t Speak for Me

• What does speak for me is David's psalm celebrating how good and pleasant it is when we come together in unity;
• Micah speaks for me in reminding us that the Lord requires us to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with Him;
• The prophet Isaiah speaks for me in his call for all to come and reason together and also to seek justice, encourage the oppressed and to defend the cause of the vulnerable;
• The book of Nehemiah speaks for me in its example to work with our neighbors, not against them, to restore what was broken in our communities
• The book of Matthew speaks for me in saying to bless those that curse you and pray for those who persecute you;
• The words of the apostle Paul speak for me in saying that words spoken and deeds done without love amount to nothing.
• The apostle John speaks for me in reminding us of Jesus' command to love one another. The world will know His disciples by that love.

This is just my two cents. I will gladly respect view points that differ from mine.

An Obama Moment

This past week we had the opportunity to get involved with the campaign activities here in Pennsylvania. On Sunday, I went canvassing in our neighborhood. It was interesting to see the dynamics and passion of various people. Some voters were adamant that they would not support Obama and others were on the fence. We did not knock on every door only those that were uncommitted (i.e. did not have a sign in their window).

Most people were very civilized but others were not as nice. The funny thing is that we were only reminding people about the upcoming election and whether or not Senator Obama could expect their support. If it was no, we thanked them for their time and went to the next door. It was very respectful. It was also funny to see people try to avoid answering the door. This was another first time experience.

On Tuesday we were invited to stand outside a rally, wave signs, and cheer for Obama. As the event was ending we had the pleasure of being where his motorcade was going to pass by. As he drove by us he rolled down his window and waved. I think I was star struck but Zane was just as excited. The rest of the evening Zane said, “Obama waved at me”.

Eli has also joined in the Obama movement. He has added his name to his vocabulary, well sort of. When he sees an Obama sign he says “Mama”.

I Approve this Message

After seeing many, many Barack ads while we were in Texas, Zane now does quite the Barack impersonation...Enjoy!

Got Hope?

Today, together as a family we attended the Barack Obama rally in Wilmington, DE. I’ve always been interested in politics but I believe this election year is going to require more than mere curiosity. I feel like I must provide some background. I am a Christian, I have voted as Republican for the last ten years, I consider myself to be conservative and I am a native Texan. However, I strongly believe that what our country needs is change.

I look at my two little boys and wonder what the future will look like for them. Will they have teachers that care about them as individuals and help them reach their God given potential? Will we be able to afford to send them to college? Will they have to grow up in a world of fear and hate? I look at where Leslie and I are in our life and wonder “What If”. Will we be able to afford to buy a home again? What would happen if I lost my job? What would happen if one of us becomes sick? I look at life going on around us and wonder “Why”. Why can’t our economy keep up with inflation? Why does the homeless man on the corner not have help? Why do my in-laws not have health care coverage to get their basic needs taken care of? Will the effects of Global Warming continue? Will we be able to continue to enjoy the earth as God intended it?

As a Christian, I know that I don’t have to fear or worry about what the future holds but I also know that my God is not a passive God. He gives us desires and passions but most importantly he commands us to love our neighbor. Our neighbor is the homeless man on the corner, the young man that is headed down a road of violence, the mother that is sick, the father that has lost his job, the solider who fights for his country, the child that can’t read, the immigrant that is looking for something better, the celebrity who has everything and the family that needs a little help. I believe that sometimes as Christians we get caught up focusing on “Our Value” system and shying away from being labeled as liberal that we forget to look at what actually is going on around us. Can we change things? Yes We Can!

Will Barack solve all our country’s problems -- probably not. But what I believe he has that no other candidate has is a sense of hope and vision for what this country can be. I support Barack Obama and encourage you to do the same.