blessed are the...

i am a christian - a follower of jesus christ. i define myself as a child of god and i strive to make my words and actions each and every day be consistent with the words and actions of jesus.

i will vote this tuesday. when i vote, i will proudly and fully give my vote to barack obama. do i agree with every issue that barack obama supports? no. but i believe him to be a superior candidate than the alternative and i believe his leadership will be a much needed salve for a wounded nation.

i do not - in any shape, form, or fashion - see obama's "agenda" as being a direct contradiction to my beliefs. as a matter of irony, obama is the only presidential candidate who has openly discussed his spiritual beliefs and openly revealed the role that his faith has played in his life. as with any candidate in any election, i have taken the time to see where my beliefs align with the presidential candidates' beliefs (including third party candidates) and found that i most closely align with obama. i also found that obama has well organized plans for dealing with issues - dare i say, biblical issues - such as poverty and peacemaking.

this past week, an icon in evangelical circles - james dobson - and his focus on the family organization released a fictitious letter by an american in the year 2012. this letter was meant to depict what an america led by barack obama would look like in four years. i was very grateful to see that a well-thought-out and tempered response was supplied by jim wallis. i am linking it here for two purposes: 1) i find that jim's ability to respond is noteworthy and admirable (as i know that were it my place to respond...i would probably falter or resort to screaming or name calling) and 2) should you have the time to read the comments, i think you will find an excellent example of how we initiate respectful dialogue with those with whom we disagree.

though i've been in prayer about this election, between now and tuesday, i will be praying especially about the outcome of the election. should obama win (and i certainly hope he does), i pray that americans support him...even those who don't agree with him. jesus called his followers to go out into the world and serve others in his name. infighting among christians does nothing to further this command. there are too many people on our tiny, fragile planet who can't put their needs on hold while bickering and back-biting continue. they need our help now! besides, we americans already have enough enemies. we must work together...there is no alternative. and so, my earnest, fervent prayer is that this election will help to serve as a catalyst for christians everywhere to step up and show how peacemaking really works. and then, we can get about the business of serving others.

blessings to you,
dana