What are the two most controversial topics today, and most likely ever? Politics and Religion. Since I'm not a religious person, rather I'm in a relationship with God, I'll talk politics (with a touch of relationship). But on a side note, people can argue religion until they are blue in the face, but they can never argue with my personal relationship with God. It's something I experience every day and know to be true, so there is no need for me to argue the point. Anyway......
I've followed this campaign closely for a couple of years now. Let's say, I wasn't too pleased with John McCain as the pick, nor was I pleased with Barack Obama. Throw in another party or non-affiliate and you just draw votes from one of the two major parties. This is always problematic seeing how one candidate may be more qualified than all but since they are not one of the 2 major parties, they don't have a chance.
One thing I've noticed as of late, Barack Obama has really been aggressive in getting HIS agenda ahead of all else. People continue to blindly follow his lead without doing any type of research. Obviously the most recent is the Health Care debate. I have seen so many arguments against it with various interpretations and points of views, while the talking points of those who are for it are all the same. Does this mean people are blindly following President Obama? I would think so.
The man who ran for the Presidency is not the same man people are seeing today. The campaigner, ran on Hope and Change. Getting rid of the old and sprucing it up with the new. Fresh ideas, fresh faces and lots of love for everyone. I understand why people followed him so easily. Obama was one who not only encouraged you to believe in him, but for you to believe in yourself. Legalism in religion will kill anything that God wants to do. Legalism says, you can do this, you cannot do that. Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence. This is the most important, the first of any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: Love others as well as you love yourself. These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them." (Matthew 22:37-38 The Message). As a believer, I am to love God, and in the same manner, love people (AS I LOVE MYSELF).
Barack Obama ran on the most important principles of God. No, he didn't advocate loving God, but he did show the appearance of a love for people and encouraged people to do the same as well as believe in themselves. This is why he was so successful. He was using a biblical principle that Jesus walked in daily. This is why CROWDS always gathered around Jesus.
What do we have today, months after the election? We have a man who wants us to simply believe in him, regardless of facts. We have someone who would have us trust his judgment over our own. This is why so many are turning away from supporting President Obama. He has done a complete 180 of what his campaigning was about. It is no longer, "Hey, I believe in you", but these people are plants of the right wing party. The true colors are showing as someone who HAD good words, but the actions spoke much differently.
After thinking out loud (in writing), I must reiterate, this is not about a man in office. It's not about who we voted for. It's not about, someone saving us from ourselves. This is about who we are and how we all fit together. It's about us believing in ourselves once again and not relying on other people to substantiate who we are. It's about loving people and treating each other with respect and not contempt. It's about simply being compassionate for our beliefs but to not tread on others in the process. It's about having civil debates and not having debates and being ignored.
The best teaching method that has ever been used is the one where the teacher demonstrates in action. Where one can honestly say, do as I do. Even Jesus looked at the Pharisees then told His followers to "do as they say, not as they do". That is real hypocrisy, and unfortunately it's coming from the highest office in our land.
The ending of this story is to be determined. Will I follow my own advice and love God, love people and love myself? I intend to, hopefully I can leave a legacy of love for my children.
This is the "Change" we can believe in, one that is internalized and reflects True Love....
