Faith and Four-Year Planning

I have heard some say that the upcoming election will be the most important vote we will make during our lifetimes–Americans have a serious decision before us regarding our future.  As we make this decision, I hope we will return to our fundamental values as Christians and Americans. 

I recently joined a committee at my church that is creating a vision for our congregation for the next three to five years.  Sitting around the table with our pastor and multiple generations of church members, we talked about our mission statement and our hopes for our church.  We discussed creating a welcoming and worshipful community, increasing outreach, and supporting vital programs for youth and seniors.  Over the next few weeks, we will go on to develop concrete ways to enact this vision.

 In the next four years, our country faces innumerable challenges:  the global financial crisis, the war in Iraq, the fight against terrorism and Al Quaeda, and the rising costs of health care.  I have heard some say that this election will be the most important vote we will make during our lifetimes.   Americans have a serious decision before us regarding our future. As we make this decision, I hope that like the group at my church, we will turn back to our fundamental values and hope for the next four years and for the many years to come.  While the Christian vote has been labeled a Republican vote, the Christian vote belongs to neither party.  Furthermore, our values as American citizens are neither Republican nor Democrat.  Given the past eight years, there is a desperate need for new leadership in Washington—a need for leaders who ensure our safety, but also seek peace and justice; a need for leaders who not only set high standards for our students, but also invest in their success; a need for leaders who not only talk about the needs of working class Americans, but also implement sound policies that will help everyday people through the the economic crisis.    This is why I support Senator Obama and Senator Biden.  I believe not only in their message of hope, but in their vision for America.  I believe in an America of freedom, peace, justice, and equality.  Voting these two men into the White House will be the first step in bringing our country closer to the heart of what it means to be American.