The vice presidential debate this week did not encourage me. Each time Mr Vance opened his mouth and denied the violence from the January 6th 2021 insurrection I was appalled. How is it possible that a seemingly intelligent person in this country can deny the transcripts and news footage that clearly reveal that Mr Trump encouraged and planned the storming of the capital and the violence that injured 174 police officers and killed 6 people trying to protect those inside. Mr Vance also constantly referred to Kamala Harris as being responsible for policies and tax laws over the past 4 years. She has not been the president. I just reread the constitution in regards to the job and responsibilities of the Vice President. The Vice President  does not sign anything into law or make new policies. That is the job of the President. I understand that she is part of the cabinet and has an essential role, and the fact is that in June,2024 the senate passed a bipartisan bill which would have improved personnel and technology at the border making it easier to stop illegal crossings. However the Republicans in Congress refused to pass it.

The followers of Mr Trump remind me so much of James Town. When hundreds of men, women, and children lined up and drank cyanide laced koolaid because their leader told them to, despite the fact that people were falling down dead all around them after doing so. Can they not see the lies and manipulation? Have they not read Project 2025?

If you haven’t, take a look:

https://www.afscme93.org/system/files/project_2025_summary_final.pdf

I’m concerned about Tumps friendship and adoration of Putin. 

I’m concerned about the hatred, false allegations, and lies about immigration. 

I’m concerned about South Korea and the Middle East.

My word of the week is “Conquer” which means to successfully overcome.

When I look at this definition my work this week doesn’t seem so difficult.

I was thinking  of “conquer” as being a great force or battle.

One that would require a lot of strength, stamina, and force. And so I went to my Bible to see what it says about Conquering. 

Romans 8: 37- 39

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This passage is from another letter from Saint Paul. This time written for the Christians in Rome. He reminded them that despite everything against us, with God we will win in the end. This world isn’t forever, and God is always watching over us.

Deuteronomy 20: 4                                                                                                                       

For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”

This is from the old testament. Moses was bringing the Israelites from Egypt where they were slaves. They were traveling through the desert. He reminds them that God is with them and will continue to protect them.

It is so easy for me to let fear take over. To pay attention to negativity and see danger ahead. Perhaps I didn’t really learn my lesson last week.

I have forgotten to concentrate on the promises I have been taught from the time I learned to walk. My Dad would gently smile and say, “This too shall pass.”

I have a very creative imagination which can be a detriment. My brain imagines the worst case scenario in almost every situation. That isn’t to say that we shouldn’t be concerned right now in this country. I think we have every reason to do research, check facts, and question anyone who is not speaking truthfully. 

I am appalled and disgusted that people who spew hatred at people of color, those who love a person of the same sex, choose to dress in clothes of another gender, or worship a different god call themselves Christian. I am a Christian because I believe Jesus is the son of God and died on the cross for all people. I call myself a Christian because I choose every day to behave like he did, loving all people equally and being responsible for my own actions. I have no basis for judgement. I sin every day. I am human. Sin is sin. All sin counts equally.

This can be a great nation if we continue to uphold the principles it was founded on. We have messed up over the years. There is no liberty and justice for all in many areas. We need to constantly and prayerfully research, fact check, and work toward equality for all people. We need to vote into office those with a history of compassion and truthfulness. Every citizen needs to take responsibility for the future of our country.

Each and every vote counts. The integrity of the process is important, so the honesty of every single person we are turning over our power to is essential. They must be intelligent and also worthy of our trust. We don’t let criminals vote, so we should not let them run for office. 

Our children and grandchildren are counting on us to preserve our way of life. This isn’t a time to look the other way and hope everything turns out well. We need to work together and take responsibility for upholding our laws and the constitution of our country. 

I’m working on conquering my fear. I have to put my trust in others to be objective, care enough to check all the statements each candidate is making, and rejecting those who aren’t truthful. We deserve leaders who intend to uphold our laws, bill of rights, and constitution. Leaders who will move this nation forward and help us clean the air, water, and soil. Those who acknowledge the mistakes we’ve made in the past and will work to preserve equal rights for every single citizen.

Use the power of your vote to promote democracy and join me in praying for a peaceful transition in January.