About This Election
An Open Letter to my Adult Sons
Dear Boys, (regardless of your ages, you will always be my boys)
Lately I have had discussions with each one of you concerning this year’s presidential election, and I am honestly very encouraged that you are having inner struggles regarding for whom you will cast your vote. The fact that it weighs heavily on your hearts shows me that you take seriously your voting responsibility. Hopefully, each of you have taken time to look into the positions that each candidate holds on issues that mean the most to you, and above all have taken time to pray for God’s direction.
Your Dad and I are not perfect parents by any means. Parenting is a “learn as you go” journey and we have made mistakes along the way. But there are things that I hope we’ve instilled in you for the short eighteen years that you were in our care. Things that will serve you well as you decide who you will cast your vote for in the upcoming election.
We have tried our best to help you understand that it is important to show love and respect to those around you. That includes people of all races, genders and nationalities. We have tried to teach you that life is sacred from conception to our last breath. That we all share responsibility for helping one another without taking advantage of one another. That solving conflict without violence is always best, but unfortunately not always possible.
We have also attempted to show you that there really are absolutes. Contrary to current culture, we believe that there are things that are “right” and things that are “wrong.” There are correct ways to treat one another and there are laws that need to be followed. There are times that we need to follow authority even if we would rather choose not to.
We have also shown you by example that your privilege to vote is not to be taken lightly. We have voted in every election since our 18th birthdays and have encouraged you to do the same. As David Platt so aptly put it, “political neutrality” is wrong.* Try to realize that you are voting for policies and people that will be put into place. For me personally, neither of the candidates this time around stand for exactly the same things that I do. I cannot honestly say that I support either of them with 100% enthusiasm.
What I can say is that I will exercise my right to vote again this year. I will first seek God for direction. I will be well educated on all of the positions that the candidates take in each major area. I will take time to find out who each candidate will likely surround himself/herself with. I will vote my conscience. And the day after the election, I will learn to accept the outcome and remember that God is in control.
I hope that you will do the same.
Love you always,
Mom
- Counter Culture: Following Christ in an Anti-Christian Age By David Platt