Are you frustrated with your government? Feel like those in charge have no idea what it’s like for the rest of us?
Congratulations, you now know first-hand what the founders of this country realized: the only way to make change is to do it yourself.
Fifty-six men knew the truth: they would hang as traitors and bring ruin to their wives and children unless they risked everything to win. They also understood that complacency would bring suffering for their descendants.
Thankfully, their sacrifice, and the sacrifice of countless soldiers since, means you don’t need to shed blood or face personal financial ruin to demand change.
This amazing representative republic that we were gifted means you can do one of three things:
- Run for office.
- Support someone running for office with your time and money.
- Vote.
That’s it. Really. That’s all it takes.
So why are we drowning in debt? Fighting wars we don’t win? Sending insane amounts of money to foreigners who hate us? Killing unborn babies by the millions? Still having to explain to people that there are only two genders?
Apathy and cynicism. And as a pastor recently reminded me, those are not Christian virtues.
Some of you need to read that again.
Apathy and cynicism are not Christian virtues.
We are a people with hope. It’s written in our Constitution and our Bible. We have been granted freedom by both, but it is up to us to defend it for ourselves and secure it for our children.
So if you are unable to run for office or unwilling to support someone else to take your place, at least vote with the hope that the blood in our soil and the blood upon the cross bought for you.
November elections are not where you get to “pick your man.” That’s what primary elections are for. General elections are where you vote for the platform that supports the policies you can live with.
Those party platforms exist so we can use them to hold elected officials accountable. That is also up to you.
This republic that grants you freedom comes with a cost. You must stay alert, educated, engaged, and take action at least twice a year to keep it.
It is a small price to pay for a voice that will echo through history.
So this November, defend your seat at the table and vote. If you don’t, someone who wants to destroy everything you hold dear will certainly take your place.
Defend your seat with hope, with gratitude for the sacrifices of those before you, and with a fire that will light the way for those still to come.
