ALL THINGS LOCAL

They say, “All politics are local.” I guess I do pay more attention to what’s going on when it affects me personally. But, it seems, most voters pay less attention to what is going on locally than who is running for President.

Tomorrow is election day for local offices. Mayoral candidates will shake as many hands as possible, a legal distance from polling stations. No, this isn’t the “big one.” But as Americans, we have the privilege of deciding for ourselves who will govern us, even in our own neighborhoods. If we give our local vote to others by staying home on what may be a damp, rainy day, we don’t need to shed tears over who wins. If we cannot be trusted with the local vote we could, one day, lose our vote on the national scene.

How is an election relevant to our faith? If you have to ask, you have forgotten who we are and where we came from. In Mark 12:17 we read, “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Give Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.’ And they were amazed at him.” We know from history, our country and its people belonged to God. Therefore, to vote is to honor the gift God gave us. Let us pray:

“Holy Father, giver of every perfect gift, we praise your holy name. May your kingdom come to dwell among your people here on earth, just as surely as it is experienced in Heaven. Give us this day a longing to be your country again. There are those who say that we are not a Christian nation anymore. How very foolish of those who do not know. If we, the people, are Christian people, part of your family, then we live in a Christian nation because the country is its people. Forgive us for being so lazy that we would allow this Holy City on earth, which you inspired, to fall into self-centered greed. We know that this perfect gift was given to imperfect people. May we rise above our weaknesses in spite of our childish ways, and become your blessed people once again. Guide our feet to where citizens are asked to go, to vote for whomever our heart whispers as worthy. We will give all praise and honor to you, Father. If, whoever is elected, was chosen by a true representation of the people, we will be a blessed nation again. In the name of Jesus, the Christ, our Savior we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.