A Glimpse of Politics

I try my best to keep this blog a politics free zone. I do believe it is important to stay informed and to exercise our responsibility as citizens and vote. However, I try to stay out of the political arena as much as possible on this site. That being said, I am going to wade in a little ways today. I will not be discussing the ends and outs of my personal political leanings. I am going to discuss the importance of maintaining our integrity and witness throughout the political process. This was amplified to me through a FaceBook posting from my 15 year old niece. She called the way the campaigns are being run "dirty games". With the political landscape heating up both here in small town USA and in the national arena, I am seeing mudslinging and disrespect being stirred up everywhere.
We are blessed to live in a small town. I love the fact that although the grocery store is less than a mile form my house and I'm only picking up milk, I know it will be at least a thirty minute trip simply because I will invariably run into at least two people who will know me and want to chat. I love that people know us, our kids and even our cats;) I love being part of a community where most of the town still turns out for Christmas parades and Fourth of July fireworks. Community is often so lost in today's transient, hustle and bustle society. It is important to me that my boys understand and participate in community.
Another part of small town USA is that the political shenanigans are amplified even more simply because you are bound to personally know most of the players in one way or another. It really is no different that what happens nationally and honestly that is what concerns me most. It seems to me we have lost the ability to have civil political discourse in this country as a whole. Instead of sincere and honest political discussion and debate we have resorted to adolescent name calling and finger pointing. In doing this, I think often we lose sight of one important fact. The more you participate, the more others will judge your character and more importantly your witness. As the old saying goes "You can't fling mud without getting muddy yourself." This is especially true for those of us who claim to be Christians. The world isn't just judging us personally by our actions but they are also judging the One whom we represent. Believe it or not Jesus is not a Republican or a Democrat. His message was not about lowering or raising taxes. He died on a cross for us no matter where we stand on immigration, gas prices or the economy. I truly believe my actions and witness are way more important than what party line I adhere to. For this reason, I believe it is imperative that we examine our actions and words and how they reflect on the One whose reflection we are meant to be. I am not saying that we should not care about the important political issues that face our world today. In fact, I care very deeply about them. I vote in every election whether for City Council or for the position of President of the United States of America. I simply want to be able to walk up to the voting booth without stepping in muck.