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The rest of my response...

 Let's start with some truths about me:

1. I'm an American.

2. I'm a Christian.

3. Politics upset me. I choose Republican to vote as it more closely mirrors what I believe - usually.

4. I voted for Trump. Both times.

5. I won't apologize for my beliefs.

Sadly, those 5 truths have gotten me into a decent amount of arguments this past year, one just last night. One thing that hit me this morning as I was replaying last night's argument in my head is that I was frustrated with the other person because they only ever see their point and refuse to contemplate mine. Gently, the Lord asked if I do the same. Of course, I argued and said no at first. :) Then I stopped to replay the argument again...with that truth in mind. 

Yeah, I wanted that person to see my way. I want that person to believe as I do. And I argued like I could possibly change their mind.

It hit me that two things I really should avoid arguing about are God and politics. They are two things I'm passionate about as they involve firm beliefs I hold dear. And because I hold dear those beliefs, I end up fighting for them, rather than letting those beliefs hold their own weight.

One thing about the two things I'm passionate about: politics end the day the Lord comes back.

Yep, all of this ends. No more Republicans or Democrats. No more good vs. evil. No more racial tension. No more political unrest. No more starvation. No more injustice. It all ends in the light of His glory and grace.

So my job until then? Love the Lord with everything in me. Share that love. Fight for injustices I can see. Pray for the injustices I don't see, but know are there. Offer grace freely and withhold judgment. Pray that God brings ME closer to Him so I see my insecurities, my biasedness, my judgments and sins clearly and that He helps let them go one by one. 

I'd leave it all there as that is truly my heart on the matter, but I'm going to continue on with just a little bit more explanation of my thoughts on yesterday's debacle in the capital so as to not look like I copped out with a "Jesus answer".

I was asked yesterday and if it wasn't meant sarcastically, it sure felt like it was meant that way, why I hadn't spoken out as of yet once the capital was under seige. I actually wasn't feeling well and was focused on finishing up work, but I also knew that anything said at that moment would be dissected and I wasn't up to that at the moment, either.

So here it is. Though I voted for Donald Trump both times, I in no way supported his words yesterday. Actually, I've been pretty vocal in stating that I can't stand the way he runs his mouth and uses Twitter. I truly believed Mr. Trump was best for the country in 2016. In 2020, I believed Mr. Biden was worse for the country. Largely, I believe that the Democrats are leaning so heavily to removal of religious rights I hold dear, plus some socialist tendencies that I was worried. 

BUT, here is the kicker, I am NOT the reason things went awry yesterday in the capital. I am NOT the reason that Mr. Trump says the things he does. I am NOT the reason protestors breached the line yesterday. Just because I voted one way does NOT vilify me nor make me a party to the violence. 

I am someone who hoped for changes that supported what she believed. That is all. Mr. Trump and all that rioted yesterday have to answer to God for themselves. I will not be held accountable for them. Only me. Please stop heaping others failings on my head. Good leaders, good people, good policies can all go astray, they can all get disillusioned, they can all fall apart. It doesn't mean I was wrong to trust them. As a glass half full, rose-colored glasses person, I'm always looking for the good in others, for the possibility of good, for an inkling of positivity. I won't stop being that person. 

Some final thoughts for ya:

Do I believe some voter fraud happened? Yep. 

Do I believe all voters should have to show ID? Yep. 

Do I hope for some Republicans to rise up and work to bring some change to Washington? Yep. 

Do I support violence? Nope.

Do I think political protests work? They should and they used to. 

Do I think peace will happen in my lifetime? Not unless we all fall to our knees in repentance and pray for His guidance, forgoing our own agendas.

 


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