My family's presidential preferences remind me of a Civil War family's divisions -- with some choosing to wear blue and the others gray.
The red and blue distinctions among my family members are indelible and unwavering -- not to mention stubborn and obstinate.
War has been declared with some anxious to vote early so they can "kill" the rest of our votes before we go to the polls.
Victory will be decided on "Super Tuesday.
" But will our family and this country survive the outcome? Sound too melodramatic? I've never voted in an election that mattered this much to me.
While I've always had my favorite candidates, I've also been able to respectfully accept the results and resolve to support my new President even when he wasn't my first choice.
But I admit that this election feels different.
And yet in the end, I must still do the same.
If my choice isn't the winner, I will have a new President whether I like him or not.
With the election nearing, I'm trying to get some fresh inspiration to prepare myself for the results.
My daughter says she's counting on me.
She says I've always been the one member in our family she can depend on to be moderate.
She likes to call me an "extreme moderate" because I'm probably the only relative she has who refuses to claim red or blue for my political viewpoints.
Throughout my life, I've demanded that people in my presence (and in front of my child) express respect toward the President regardless of the President's political party affiliation and despite whether or not I voted for him.
This time around I admit I've probably allowed myself to be influenced and inflamed by campaign rhetoric, which we all know has been filled with much negativity.
And I do have a firm opinion about who I think has the best policy plans and abilities.
With all the uncertainty and fears that abound regarding our national security and our current economic instability, emotions and opinions are intense about how to move forward.
The truth is I don't believe any one person or President can really know all the best solutions.
The success of America in the future will be determined as it always has been in the past -- by "we the people.
" This, of course, includes Congress and our President, but in a free society and capitalist market, the actions of its people are paramount.
So when the dust settles from the final battle on November 4th, I better get focused on what I'm going to do next that best supports and helps my country.
No doubt I should consider more wisely how my environmental and financial decisions and actions impact the rest of us as well as how my attitude and prayers support my leaders -- all of them.
There are many Biblical examples of how peace and unity were achieved in the midst of disagreements and tensions.
One that comes to mind was between Abram (later called Abraham) and his nephew, Lot.
Abram and Lot, along with each of their servants, shepherds, herdsmen and families, were traveling to find a new land where a great nation was going to be formed according to God's word.
Once they reached this land, it became clear that Abram and Lot needed to separate for there to be sufficient room for the two of them.
Their herdsmen and shepherds argued about which section of land should belong to whom.
Because Abram was certain that God would take care of them both, he told Lot to choose the land he wanted.
He said, "Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen; for we be brethren.
" (Genesis 13:8) It seems to me that the time is approaching for us to all remember that we too are "brethren" -- fellow Americans who share the same dreams, hopes and vision for our country.
We may all have varying opinions on how we reach these dreams, but that is okay.
That is the beauty of this great democracy of ours.
We debate, argue and discuss.
We agree to disagree when necessary and compromise for the greater good.
Then we unite and have a peaceful transfer of power.
And we continue on our course to build an even greater America.
It is how it has always been.
And the time is upon us to do the same.
The red and blue distinctions among my family members are indelible and unwavering -- not to mention stubborn and obstinate.
War has been declared with some anxious to vote early so they can "kill" the rest of our votes before we go to the polls.
Victory will be decided on "Super Tuesday.
" But will our family and this country survive the outcome? Sound too melodramatic? I've never voted in an election that mattered this much to me.
While I've always had my favorite candidates, I've also been able to respectfully accept the results and resolve to support my new President even when he wasn't my first choice.
But I admit that this election feels different.
And yet in the end, I must still do the same.
If my choice isn't the winner, I will have a new President whether I like him or not.
With the election nearing, I'm trying to get some fresh inspiration to prepare myself for the results.
My daughter says she's counting on me.
She says I've always been the one member in our family she can depend on to be moderate.
She likes to call me an "extreme moderate" because I'm probably the only relative she has who refuses to claim red or blue for my political viewpoints.
Throughout my life, I've demanded that people in my presence (and in front of my child) express respect toward the President regardless of the President's political party affiliation and despite whether or not I voted for him.
This time around I admit I've probably allowed myself to be influenced and inflamed by campaign rhetoric, which we all know has been filled with much negativity.
And I do have a firm opinion about who I think has the best policy plans and abilities.
With all the uncertainty and fears that abound regarding our national security and our current economic instability, emotions and opinions are intense about how to move forward.
The truth is I don't believe any one person or President can really know all the best solutions.
The success of America in the future will be determined as it always has been in the past -- by "we the people.
" This, of course, includes Congress and our President, but in a free society and capitalist market, the actions of its people are paramount.
So when the dust settles from the final battle on November 4th, I better get focused on what I'm going to do next that best supports and helps my country.
No doubt I should consider more wisely how my environmental and financial decisions and actions impact the rest of us as well as how my attitude and prayers support my leaders -- all of them.
There are many Biblical examples of how peace and unity were achieved in the midst of disagreements and tensions.
One that comes to mind was between Abram (later called Abraham) and his nephew, Lot.
Abram and Lot, along with each of their servants, shepherds, herdsmen and families, were traveling to find a new land where a great nation was going to be formed according to God's word.
Once they reached this land, it became clear that Abram and Lot needed to separate for there to be sufficient room for the two of them.
Their herdsmen and shepherds argued about which section of land should belong to whom.
Because Abram was certain that God would take care of them both, he told Lot to choose the land he wanted.
He said, "Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen; for we be brethren.
" (Genesis 13:8) It seems to me that the time is approaching for us to all remember that we too are "brethren" -- fellow Americans who share the same dreams, hopes and vision for our country.
We may all have varying opinions on how we reach these dreams, but that is okay.
That is the beauty of this great democracy of ours.
We debate, argue and discuss.
We agree to disagree when necessary and compromise for the greater good.
Then we unite and have a peaceful transfer of power.
And we continue on our course to build an even greater America.
It is how it has always been.
And the time is upon us to do the same.
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