Every Friday I join a community of bloggers for Five Minute Friday. One word prompt, five minutes. The prompt this week is … Vote.
I remember well my very first presidential election and entering the booth, casting my vote, and waiting till late in the night for the results. Taking the bus to my early morning college class, I sat reading the headlines of the newspaper I had purchased on my walk to the bus stop. The disappointment I felt was deep as the candidate of my choice had not won the election.
It’s been called “the right to vote” but over the years in watching the process, I have come to more fully understand it is more than a right, it is a privilege. It is a privilege to listen to the debates, weigh the words, and think about the policies which would be put in place. It is a privilege to have a choice and to cast a vote.
But it’s a weighty one that has only become weightier as the years have passed.
While it is a right to vote, and a privilege, we all are impacted by the final outcome. Not only this generation, but every generation moving forward, will be affected by the votes we cast now.
May we each vote prayerfully, wisely, and respectfully accept the outcome. Even if our candidate of choice is not elected. For we still have a responsibility before God, and so I remember the words of Paul:
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4, NLT)
Cast your vote and pray.
Both are our privilege.
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
Oh, this is excellent, thank you. I needed to be reminded that both prayer and voting are privileges, to be honored and appreciated and used. Karen (FMF #6)
Joann, great insights and reminders. Thank you for sharing. Visit from FMF #11
yes 100%…praying and voting are privileges we are not to take lightly!
My vote will leave an echo
down the passing years,
depending on how things may go
of laughter or of tears.
The choice we’re facing now is startk,
and must be made with care
to divine the light from dark,
hell’s sulphur from clean air.
What thought must now move me?
How shall I decide?
Who deserves the victory,
and who should stay outside?
But prayer tells in full vote’s worth
for those not allowed their birth.
A huge privilege. A huge responsibility.
Amen. Voting is a privilege not everyone in history or even now in other countries has had. What a weighty responsibility.
Disregard my e-mail. I kept trying, and finally was able to connect and read your post through the FMF link. Good words. Glad I got to read them.
I love it… so perfect and to the point. Thank you.. God bless and great to stop by and read your words again!
I have been saying this for many years. People don’t want to pray for their leaders when they don’t like them, and thus the mess we are in.
coming for Grace and Truth