Wringing of Hands No More Part 1

I'm sorry for the length of this blog, but I'm compelled to write it all out. I hope many read it and then stick with me for Part 2 tomorrow. God is doing a work in me!

I'm sure that both political parties are guilty of doing things they shouldn't do. But one particular party is pulling out all the stops. They are even signing up prisoners to vote! They intend to win this election, in whatever way they can. Also, I'm sure there are many well-meaning people, good moral people, who have been deceived. If they could only see the truth and reality - they would not vote the way they plan. ONLY the Holy Spirit can open their eyes.

I recently received the following response to an email I sent out from a dear childhood friend whom I've remained in contact with over the years. After I read this email I literally felt sick to my stomach because I wondered "how many more of my well-meaning friends have been deceived, Lord?" Thus the beginning of "wringing of hands".

October 7, 2008 (From a friend who hit "reply to all" in a response to a political email I sent out)

"Michelle, I LOVE you and I love the fact that we live in a country where we can vote for whom ever we choose to for President. I have been working in the political arena since April running a local superior court judge race (as campaign manager) and politics is a crazy thing. I have learned that there is so much spin on each side that it would amaze you. After much prayer and studying the issues for months I will be voting for Obama to lead us out this mess we are in. I have always voted for the person and not the party and the same holds true here. I respect your love for McCain and love the fact that you are so passionate for him....I wish more people were this excited and involved in this election, and especially local elections. Just thought I'd let you know where I stand...and I promise I will not send you any Obama/Biden information."

How did I respond? Kindly - that's it! I didn't reveal my horror, my disappointment. I didn't say alot of things I wanted to say or should have said. I didn't let another friend send a response back to her that had alot of very good arguments in it. Why? Was it for the reason I stated "I don't want our friendship hurt. Then I would have no influence over her." Or was it lack of courage? This is the response that should have gone to this "well-meaning" friend:

"Friend", I've done ALOT of praying and studying the issues myself! I've even worked in the political arena on the local level many years ago and I know there is spin on both sides. That's why I love God's Word - there is NO SPIN there!

You speak of God. He’s the giver of life. Do you support abortion, even the Partial Birth procedure? Obama does. Would you advocate letting a suffering newborn baby lie alone in dirty linen until he dies? Obama does.

God says He abhors homosexuality. Do you realize that it’s an “in your face” denial of and rebellion against the union of Jesus Christ and His Bride? Obama supports homosexuality and same-sex marriage.

God says those who work should receive their pay and if you refuse to work, you shouldn’t be fed by those who do. Do you believe in “redistribution”? This is Obama’s stated goal.

(Side note: The above arguments are God's - not mine. As awful as the above 3 things are, and as much as God abhors them, He loves the sinner and wants nothing more for the sinner to be reconciled to Him, in a right relationship. God's grace is sufficient to cover a multitude of sins and He calls each Christian to lovingly speak the truth about such matters.)

"Friend", Through your studies of Obama, have you also:
* revealed the unanswered questions of where this man - who was deserted by his Muslim father, raised by non-wealthy grandparents, had no scholarships, and will not tell the answer – got the money for his private education and his Harvard tuition?
* explained his continuing contacts with people who hate America, desire to destroy it, & employ strong-arm tactics to intimidate people and businesses to put money where they demand?
* found why he has used different names through the years?
* explained why he “has no responsibility” for the economic crisis while he has been protecting Fannie & Freddie and collecting $126,349 from them in political donations as a Congressman for 4 years?

Oh dear friend, History shows a lot of nice people who fell for the socialist / Marxist line only to regret it later. Let’s pray for America, our children, and their children that you don’t end up being one of these. "

I received this email the next day:

October 8, 2008 (From the American Family Association)
"The upcoming election is the most critical election in the history of our nation. The very future of our nation’s foundation is at stake. Every person will be affected. If the liberals win, then our foundation will no longer be based on the traditional Judeo-Christian morality. It will gradually but assuredly be based on an ever shifting, ever moving foundation. If the liberals win, the damage can’t be stopped with elections two, four or forty years from now. America will forever be changed. We will keep seeing a gradual and growing hostility toward people of faith, especially Christians. The morals of our nation will continue to decline. Our children and grandchildren will pay the price."

FRIENDS - THIS ELECTION IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE. WHAT CAN WE DO? Well - stop wringing our hands and PRAY!! and then VOTE our values and convictions!!!

This is one verse we can pray. ONLY the Holy Spirit can open the eyes of individuals to see that they are being deceived, etc.

Acts 26:18 ".....open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me(Jesus)."