Dear Friends,
I believe this is the most important election of our lifetime. Oh my word, does it ever matter. More than I think some of us realize or will admit. I believe I don't get to stay in my comfort zone and vote for what may be easy for me or less concerning for those who know me. I believe that the hours and hours and hours I've spent studying and reading and truly trying to understand, do make a difference.
And my intention is not to rock the boat or upset people or cause hurt feelings or put anything in anyone's face. Instead it is the stand up strongly for what I believe, because of how much our country and this moment matters. When my children and my grandchildren ask what I did at this pivotal time, for a country I love with every part of my heart, I want to tell them that I stood for what I
knew was right. That I stood with my black brothers and sisters. That they mattered enough to me to go against the party whose conservative values I do relate to in many instances, but not at the expense of unkindness and racism and dishonesty and injustice. Never at that. Never, ever at that. I stand with women who have been brutalized and then cast aside, like it matters so little and should just be considered a part of life. With all people of color who are being abused and hurt and taken advantage of and who feel angry and scared and alone. With those with disabilities, who are being made fun of and then left to suffer. Not on my watch. Not ever on my watch. I stand with science and unselfishness and wearing my mask to protect others. Because I care about them and want to show that in this small, powerful, unselfish way. I stand with those with mental illness and substance abuse addictions and cheer loudly for their struggles when they are overcome, as well as when they are fighting through them, tired and weary and feeling broken and overwhelmed. And oh my word, do I stand with the military. You will never know the depth of my feelings of gratitude for those that have served and continue to serve our country (many of them close family members of mine). But I know my heart and I know that God knows my heart and anyone who criticizes or belittles or turns their back on that kind of sacrifice, will never be for me.
So while I have never put a political sign in my yard in my lifetime, there is one currently there at this moment. And the part of the sign that matters equally as much to me, as the names it advertises, is the bottom portion which reads, "Make America
kind again."
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, first and foremost. And that means that I need to make the proper choices in word and in action. I fall short of that constantly. But I keep trying, because it matters so deeply to me. Because He matters so deeply to me. And in my moments of prayer and fasting and introspection and wanting to do what is right, I know without question that I've been told that no matter what a person professes their policies are, if their actions constantly convey unkindness and hypocrisy and racism and abuse and selfishness and dishonesty, those matter as much, and
even more so in most cases, than their professed policies. Character matters. A lot. If I wouldn't feel comfortable letting a person into my home, to be around my family, to talk to my children and to spend time with those I love, my vote will never be for them. Ever.
My prayers for this country are constant. As I said in a recent post, I know God loves America (as well as every other country). I
know He does. And He has blessed it immensely. And will continue to do so. But He also asks us to stand up and make a choice and to put in the work to make the best choice possible. I know that my choice is the right one for me and for what God has put on my heart. It doesn't mean that I won't love any one of you who choose differently than me. Difference doesn't equal unlikability. But you'd better believe that ignorance and unkindness, instead of proper conversations and an intent to understand, both from others and especially from myself, are required. At least to be in this space and in my life. I have a duty to my family and to myself and especially to my God,
to do all in my power to fill the world with as much light and goodness and kindness and acceptance and love as possible. I'll keep trying to do that, for my family, for my country, for my God. He does that, and much, much more for me, on a daily basis. It seems like the
least I can do for Him.
God has indeed blessed America. And my decision to stand up, as kindly and respectfully, yet
firmly and strongly, as I can at this time, shows Him I'm grateful for that. I'm grateful for Him. For His children, no matter their color or gender or struggles or failings or differences or similarities. I stand with God. And firmly believe He loves every single one of His children. And anyone who consistently says or acts as though this isn’t the case, isn't for me.
But someone who I truly believe loves his country and people in general and who wants to do what is best for those that call this nation home, even if I am not in agreement with every policy that could be made, will go far further in my book than someone who openly and derisively does the opposite. Life-changing, country-altering damage can just as easily be a result of the corrupt and dishonest actions and character of another person, especially in a position of leadership, than by the policies a particular leader may or may not put into action.
Thank you friends. For taking the time to read what I feel strongly about. Whether you agree or not, I do appreciate the time spent. I choose not to go into this election without standing up for something I believe so, so strongly in. Especially at such a crucial time in history.
Take care wonderful people. I'm grateful for you. I'm thankful for every kind encouragement and every respectful disagreement. And mostly I'm grateful for each one of you. Thanks for letting me share my heart. It matters so much to me at this time.
xOxO, Linn
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