don’t rely on obama
November 5th, 2008 @ 10:30 am
i am not a political person. i don’t enjoy discussing politics much because, to me, it seems almost as fruitless as discussing the grey areas of theology. just lots of opinions going ’round and ’round and ’round. i don’t like things that go ’round and ’round and ’round. but hey, that’s just me.
america is full of mixed emotions now. some are angry that the perceived anti-christ and his liege of evil, democratic minions are calling the shots. some are elated that the party tables have turned around a little bit and are looking forward to the change that could bring. some are disappointed, but hopeful.
this post has nothing to do with obama winning last night. this post has to do with us, the american people. if anything, this election has shown us that change is possible. that hope is present. and that there is a new generation of leaders that are excited and optimistic about the future - regardless of who is hanging out in the whitehouse.
by the time i woke up this morning, my inbox was already inundated with “sure, everyone is hopeful, but once they see obama can’t deliver, they’ll be let down.” and i think that is an immature and ridiculous way of looking at the current state of our country.
why?
we shouldn’t rely on obama. or congress. or the house. we should rely on each other. on the american people. in the last year, we have united like never before. we have celebrated and challenged the status quo and passionately supported people we believe in.
at this pivotal time in our nation, i ask that you do a few things:
1) if you’re whining, stop.
2) look around your own neighborhood. what needs to change? get to know your neighbors and make those changes!
3) what’s going on in your city? more importantly, who is leading your city? get involved and share your voice. and get to work!
4) what’s a cause you believe in? for me, it’s healthcare. there are local and regional organizations for just about anything under the sun. find them. join them. get to know your state representatives and congresspeople. let them know how they can best serve you.
5) pray. obama can’t change the world. but he sure could use your support and prayers, whether you agree with his position on issues or not.
don’t rely on obama to guide this country into the future.
you have responsibility beyond voting.
so ask yourself, as an american, what are you going to do with that?
Related posts:
Current Events
Fred F. McKinnon said,
November 5, 2008 at 10:34 am
Thanks, Anne, a thousand “amens”
Archie Mck said,
November 5, 2008 at 10:36 am
Yes, a thousand times, change starts here (I’m pointing at myself)
Mark Thomas said,
November 5, 2008 at 10:38 am
Also a very good and applicable post for people who bash “the church” all the time. If you want the church to change, you have to get involved with the church and change yourself. Stop whining. Great post, Ann.
Jayma said,
November 5, 2008 at 10:38 am
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Josh Shea said,
November 5, 2008 at 10:39 am
Thanks Anne. I’m so glad someone said it.
Faye said,
November 5, 2008 at 10:42 am
Well, I’m still mad that I didn’t win the random drawing… (heh)
I just got through posting on Shawn Wood’s blog the conclusion I came to earlier — and haven’t taken the time to blog it yet — we have to realize that in reality, nothing has changed.
God is STILL God.
There are still TONS of people out there who need to know Jesus
Our commission has NOT changed.
Time to get to work.
(not so mad that I’m not buying the book, though … love it!)
Tom Pollard said,
November 5, 2008 at 10:42 am
We the church now more than ever need to be Jesus with skin on. Had a great conversation with a neighbor after walking our kids to school and we voted for different candidates (his won, mine lost). We need to have grace, mercy and love because that what our Savior gave to us.
Milan Ford said,
November 5, 2008 at 10:42 am
Well said Anne. Well said.
lindy said,
November 5, 2008 at 10:42 am
I’m so with you–these days I’m asking what I can do to be an agent of change in issues or injustices I feel passionately about.
Josie said,
November 5, 2008 at 10:42 am
Well said! Great blog.
I also enjoyed this article from John Fischer - which you might like: http://www.fischtank.com/ft/inthetankcomments.cfm?reference=489#comments
btw - I’m a friend of Mike and Jina’s ;)
Melissa in Mel's World said,
November 5, 2008 at 10:44 am
very well said…I agree 100%…this whole thing has truly opened my eyes to see that we CAN come together as a country and we CAN make a difference. God is still on the throne and whoever won as “President” still needs our prayers and we CAN do that (we are called to do that!).
thanks for your insightful (always) words!
Melissa
Margarete Beiser said,
November 5, 2008 at 10:46 am
Anne, I could not agree with you more!!! Very well put. Thanks for sharing!
Margarete
Cindy Beall said,
November 5, 2008 at 10:50 am
Amen.
Jan Owen said,
November 5, 2008 at 10:55 am
good post for us as the church…….thanks for the reminder.
crystal Garcia said,
November 5, 2008 at 10:57 am
Are you reading my mind? Weird.
tony said,
November 5, 2008 at 11:01 am
yep and amen - we nall need toi keep pushing the boundaries - even the ‘new’ and ‘relevant’ church is gettng old already -
Joni said,
November 5, 2008 at 11:10 am
Obama eluded to this in his victory speech last night that we have a responsibility to take care of each other. Its JFK-esque. Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.
gillie said,
November 5, 2008 at 11:11 am
Awesome post.
Shawn said,
November 5, 2008 at 11:16 am
Anne, great post! Thanks for sharing. I’m glad you put this out there. I posted some thoughts earlier on my blog about American’s coming together for each other too. Stop by and take a “Peek” sometime.
Brad Ruggles said,
November 5, 2008 at 11:19 am
You’re right on Anne. I wrote some thoughts about last night on my post this morning. Incidentally, I voted for the other guy, but I’m still excited and hopeful about the future of our country. Regardless of what does or doesn’t happen it’s reassuring to know God is still in control.
And, most importantly, as the church we should be focusing on the things WE can change ourselves rather than waiting on Washington to do it.
Great post.
Jade =) said,
November 5, 2008 at 11:20 am
How come you can take everything I’m thinking…or even said…and make it sound so much better? I guess it’s ’cause you’re the writer. I posted something a lot like this on my blog last nite: http://www.xanga.com/yourheadispunk
connormcc said,
November 5, 2008 at 11:24 am
great post…and very true…
Terri said,
November 5, 2008 at 11:28 am
Anne, I was upset last night because I disagree with Obama, BUT your post is true and thanks for posting this!
Ryan said,
November 5, 2008 at 11:32 am
Anne,
Good thoughts. I’m not one for self-promotion, but I spent the morning fleshing out similar ideas about personal responsibility in the wake of all that went on last night. I’d love to hear some others’ thoughts http://ryanbrymer.com
Crystal Renaud said,
November 5, 2008 at 11:33 am
there’s the post i was waiting for. thank you.
jill said,
November 5, 2008 at 11:38 am
Hope it’s ok - I linked this post in my post today. You just did a better job than I did :)
Tiffany said,
November 5, 2008 at 11:41 am
Fabulous post. This is a great reminder that God is still sovereign and that we still have a responsibility to care and love those around us and be apart of something around our own communities. I am taking on your challenge Anne to continue to pray for our leaders of this nation. And to pray for our new President Elect Barack Obama. Thank you , thank you, thank you for reminding all of us!
anonymous said,
November 5, 2008 at 11:49 am
http://girltalk.blogs.com/girltalk/2008/11/we-dont-live–1.html
yeidy said,
November 5, 2008 at 11:50 am
I am going to do what God’s word says
However, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, search for me, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear [their prayer] from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their country.
2 chronicles 7:14 - He spells it out CLEAR - If we humble ourselves, pray and turn for our evil ways he will HEAL our land….
Great post Anne, thank you
andy said,
November 5, 2008 at 11:52 am
One thing I thought is neat from reading these comments is that you are all posting similar things and in agreement in how to move forward. That shows me how God is moving, having His say in us as His children and moving us in an active, united manner. I’m excited to see what unfolds. Great blog and comments guys!!
jina said,
November 5, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I really believe if we all starting talking less and doing more… we would be a different kind of people in this place of abundance we call America. I pray for that, once the confetti settles for some and the disappointment clears for the others. Let’s be a group of people of walking the talk and loving each other and the world in a way that is glorifying to the One who created us.
Mike Olbinski said,
November 5, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Great post, good to hear it this morning.
And hi Josie and Jina! :)
Janie said,
November 5, 2008 at 12:52 pm
This is my favorite “take” of all the gazillion post-election blog posts. Thanks for cleary challenging us to be bold.
The Stuff Christians Like guy was funny, though. :)
West said,
November 5, 2008 at 1:27 pm
yeah….don’t rely on One man….rely on God….Pray for this country and its leaders……I wish I had started trying to do something a while ago
Vince said,
November 5, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Simple. True.
amy said,
November 5, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I don’t have a blog to post on but I put a note up on facebook similiar in writing but exact in intent of message. Thank you for your posting. It is exciting to see how God is moving among His people. To God be the glory!!!!
Fran said,
November 5, 2008 at 2:21 pm
“you have responsibility beyond voting.”
The best part! :)
Charlotte said,
November 5, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Thank you, I couldn’t agree more. I have blogged about this in my blogs. “Christian Nation” and “Citizen”.
It’s totally up to us to take care of each other.
Lanna said,
November 5, 2008 at 3:05 pm
I agree! I have been spreading the same message.
Bill Gallagher said,
November 5, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Anne Jackson in 2012!
Faith said,
November 5, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Anne, thank God. This is also the message I’ve been spreading. Obama is a breath of fresh air, but he’s not the Messiah.
The good news is, the Messiah already came, and He’s still at work in our country.
Prayer is our most powerful tool, now.
AMH said,
November 5, 2008 at 3:48 pm
I am so elated that Obama is President-Elect. I actually have an inspiration hangover today. I’m glad you are rallying the disappointed troops to rise above. Had McCain/Palin won, I would expect nothing less of myself. It’s the ebb and flow of history, and as you so eloquently said, when the close up view feels undesirable it’s best to take a birds eye view. It’s all radically okay.
And meanwhile, history is being made!! (Sorry, can’t help myself - I’m just so excited for the change in guards, energy and synergy coming from the top!)
Brice Bohrer said,
November 5, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Flowerdust is fitting here. That sounded like flower dust. Very sweet and nice.
When did disagreeing become whining?
My responsibility as an American also means, working so that last night doesn’t happen again, it means praying for Obama so he doesn’t sign the FOCA as his first order of business as he claims he will.
United? Nearly half the country voted the other way? How am I going to rely on the American people for anything?
I know I am cynical, hopefully God turns it to discernment. But does anyone else have an opinion our there? or just sheep?
I figured you’d be happy, I am sure you voted for Obama . . .
Anne Jackson said,
November 5, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I really could care less who won, but I did vote for the candidate who landed most closely on my stances on issues.
I did NOT vote in any other presidential election but one, because I prefer to get involved with local government and those around me because that is the only way change can happen. People are eluded by what we call democracy…misguided…
Find people who think like you, work with them to make the difference you want to see and remember this country is about choice and freedom. Not your opinion, although you are certainly entitled to it (as is everyone else). :)
Brice Bohrer said,
November 5, 2008 at 4:52 pm
All right then. Too much to get into there.
Glad to see though, that you voted for only the second time in your life (for prez) for an outcome that you didn’t even care about?
insert smiley emoticon now, cause I don’t know what else to say.
Tim said,
November 5, 2008 at 5:43 pm
it’s amazing that you started with “don’t rely on Obama…rely on us”. How about God? Why is prayer and God #5 on your list. Sorry, I’m sure you had good intentions and I agree, Obama can’t single handedly fix or destroy America but God CAN…only God can. The American people can only do as much as god wills.
tabitha said,
November 5, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Well said.
I had decided that I was going to get more involved with our local politics and things happening around here. Then I read your post and it just confirmed what I had been thinking.
Thanks.
Phil Thompson said,
November 5, 2008 at 6:29 pm
I think it’s amazing how Obama came out of almost nowhere and is now our prez-elect. Just goes to show that we live in a country where change is possible. Having said that, I’m trusting in God to help us and i think his people should play a very important role.
Darren Chapman said,
November 5, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Hi Anne, Thanks for being so real about it! I’m an Aussie and I just loved what has just happened in your nation. But you’re so right. Everyone needs to go beyond the vote and make the change together.
Thanks for being so committed to putting it real and saying it how it is.
Love it.
Tina Harkey said,
November 5, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Obama said the first thing he’d do as president is pass the freedom of choice act, which means our tax dollars will fund abortions, are you cool with that? Are you willing to not pay taxes and go to jail or will you agree to pay taxes and just hope your portion doesn’t go towards funding abortion.
As a baby born right before Roe Vs. Wade to a mom who locked her in a bar backroom while she made a little cash and who finally came to herself one night as she was shaking her to get her to quit crying, I am so thankful she couldn’t chose abortion but chose to then give me up for adoption. Today, I would have been thrown to the wind.
The people asked for a King in the Bible and they got Saul…
April Roland said,
November 5, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Yes! I agree!!! We have to do something, too!!!
Kristine said,
November 5, 2008 at 8:26 pm
I appreciate your outlook… and think many people in our nation would do well to adopt it for themselves.
Erica said,
November 5, 2008 at 9:25 pm
It is hard to read the comments and not have an emotionally reaction to them all. Anne you obviously wanted to inspire people with your blog post to be filled with hope for the future. I agree.
It was all just a bit bitter sweet. A first African American prez (which I don’t like to say african america, they are not from Africa…they are American, they are black or brown or carmel frappaccino..lol) anyway, I am white, my husband is hispanic, my daughter is obviously bi-racial…I always wanted to have a president that was black or hispanic, it is about time!….but I don’t think that I wanted such a far left one. Abortion, partial birth abortion, homosexual marriage, and not wanting to fight unpopular wars for our safety are what we get with Obama… it just saddens me, that we can get so excited for change…but is it the change we need????
I am praying for Obama and I will submit to the authorities that God has allowed to govern this land. But I am afraid that the demise of this country is going to be candy coated. As for me, I am still on the watch for my savior to come back and I hope you are too.
God bless!
hmmmm said,
November 5, 2008 at 11:33 pm
I’m sorry I thought this country was about freedom….not pushing a specific agenda on everybody
Jeff Goins said,
November 6, 2008 at 12:47 am
what’s a grey area of theology?
tony said,
November 6, 2008 at 7:50 am
it’s defined in the Bible of the ‘emergent / relevant’ church on page 568
Doug said,
November 6, 2008 at 9:23 am
I thought this was just brilliant (and desperately waiting to be said):
“you have responsibility beyond voting.”
tony g said,
November 6, 2008 at 9:56 am
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself…”
I am busy enough trying to handle those two tasks (and I’m doing a poor job on both fronts). I don’t care what Obama thinks about abortion, gay marriage, etc.
melinda said,
November 6, 2008 at 10:05 am
This is one of my favorite posts yet (and you have written many of my favorites)!
I wrote a similarly themed post last week about taking the burden of responsibility upon our own shoulders, pertaining to being pro-life, instead of expecting government to do it.
http://melindalgroth.blogspot.com/2008/11/more-than-one-way-to-be-pro-life.html
Brett said,
November 6, 2008 at 11:04 am
I totally agree with your post Anne. It touches on many of the things that I have been thinking myself. Sadly, since Tuesday I’ve been hearing lots of hate from my brothers and sisters in Christ. Hate aimed at Obama and hate aimed at those who elected him.
His stance on abortion seems to be where the hate comes from, but what I have never understood is why abortion is seen as the only “life” issue in our culture. What about poverty, disease, war, the health-care crisis, human trafficking, the death penalty, nuclear weapons, and the worldwide deaths of 30,000 children every day from preventable causes? Are these not “life” issues as well?
My two cents.
Thanks again Anne.
Tom becker said,
November 6, 2008 at 11:17 am
We need to remember that God raises up leaders for His purposes and He also brings them down or removes them. He is still in control. God will use whoever is in office.
tony said,
November 6, 2008 at 11:24 am
Brett - you’re right on that. Where a lot of people are frustrated is the fact that we can open up our pocketbook and feed hungry kids, help prevent disease, provide for the needy, etc. Or, we can volunteer in these areas, too. That’s all real, ral easy and convenient for the Christian left and right.
What we can’t seem to find a way to do is stop the government support of the big A issue - it’s a govt. machine, not just a social issue. The only way we can get it stopped is to have Supreme Court Judges appointed that support our view and the prez does that - not the people. We know that we have lost our window of opportunity four at least the next 25 years. Those guys don’t die off easily.
I agree with most on here that inaction is not a choice. As Anne said, find those that think like you and go do something on the local level. My friends and I have - we sponsor a nonprofit pregnancy center. There are four Christian adoption lawyers available, three OB/GYN doctors, two certified counselors, and even a nutrionist. All free - no religiosh bashing, no gel haired rock n roll relevant preachers, no Christian music on the radio, nothing but free care and help.
We have been threatened, our cars painted, packages left on our doorstep with abortion photos in them labeled ’sorry, you missed one!” ,and the tax assessor/collector and three city councilman go after us every year to revoke our non-profit status. One of then is a pastor at a local church that is growing leaps and bounds and they spend a tremendous effort on marketing.
When the office was opened this morning the employes were greeted with signs in the front with pictures of our new prez and hand-written posters saying ‘give it up -they ain’t humans. just ask the prez’.
so, yes we are doing something and long before this election ever happened - and before Bush i might add. So yea, go find a group and do something you believe in - i dare you.
Anne Jackson said,
November 6, 2008 at 11:29 am
The reason prayer is #5 on my list is because obviously I don’t put God first in my life. ::wipes her sarcasm off her keyboard::
Sorry…seriously?
If we are the church then by relying on each other, we are relying on the Holy Spirit that embodies us. My bad. I should have spelled that out more specifically but I was under the impression most of my blog readers knew that already.
Joel said,
November 6, 2008 at 12:12 pm
As a outsider (Canadian) I found it very shocking and scary that you guys have put your HOPE in a one man to bring you out of your self made problems. To see people crying and the emotion shown for a leader is very scary to say the least.
He is just a man. The problems that plague your country and mine will not be fixed by one man, or a political party. Wake up and make Jesus your hope.
p.s Did anyone else hear Oprah quoting scripture when talking about Obama?
Josie said,
November 6, 2008 at 12:32 pm
I think what a lot of people were emotional about was the historic significance of an African American being President. To prove that ANYONE can truly be President… That is amazing and chokes me up as a white person - I can’t imagine the joy the African American community is feeling right now. What an amazing thing to show your children.
I don’t think anyone in their right mind believes one person is the answer. We just hope for the right leader for our times.
Dawn said,
November 6, 2008 at 12:42 pm
for me it all boils down to God is on the throne. i don’t agree with all the barack stands for, but it’s not his sole responsibility to change the world, it’s all of our responsibility. what if abortion was legal, but we were doing our job and reaching out to those in the position to have one…and because we were Jesus to them and they embraced Jesus and chose not to have the abortion. so then what matter is it that it’s legal? there’d be fewer because of changes in peoples hearts not because of our countries laws. and in the long run isn’t that what matters most…that peoples lives are changed from the inside out. this is just one small part of the argument i know..but it’s the one everyone seems to fall back on.
Tina Harkey said,
November 6, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I was going to just let this go, but I can’t. Not just anyone can be president. Let’s be real about it. For one God gave each of us a purpose. My goal is to help my child find that purpose. Not give them some false sense of what they “could be”. We have given this generation of children such a sense of entitlement that you can’t hardly hire anyone for an entry level position. They think they should be hired as the boss making more money than the person hiring them is making.
Another reason not just anyone can be president is you have to have money. The party you represent has to believe you can and will get their agenda (they both have agendas) passed. In North Carolina a no name politician (Kay Hagan) was given money by the national Democratic party to defeat her Republican opponent - there is no other way anyone without a name could have raised in such a small amount of time that money.
I was at a politicial function one time (because my husband’s boss is elected) and heard someone say I hope the economy doesn’t turn around before the election so we can get all of our party elected. I’m sorry, but I don’t want people who make $10 an hour as grocery cashiers trying to figure out whether to buy gas or food - because they can’t afford both. I want the economy to turn around no matter who is in charge. And I’m not nieve enough to think that if I had been at the other party’s event I might not have heard something very similar.
Rod said,
November 6, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Are you all so clueless ? Does no one see the handwritting on the wall ? Can no see the greater agenda ? Does anyone understand that this election was the most manipulated media controlled biased, devious and nefarious agenda driven and socially destructive event in human history? Do you really believe that the power elete that masterfully manipulated the masses are going to now aqueise to the better good of mankind - America has given itself over to total depravity - and we have certainly recieved what we deserve - only a virtuous people can govern themselves - we deserve the harsh masters that have succsessfully convinced the American people to freely give themselves over to them - And now we have “made our bed” unfortunately the rest of us have to sleep in it too. -
tony g said,
November 6, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Hyperbole much?
Is the sky falling, too?
I can share the love of Christ in my community regardless of any sinister government plot or media manipulation.
Why the church spends so much time and energy on politics is completely beyond me. Render to Ceasar what is Ceasars and go about your business. Culture change will come as a result of Christians loving others, not as a result of Christians electing the “right” candidate.
Anne - trust your instincts - these political discussions often have litttle real value…
Anne Jackson said,
November 7, 2008 at 12:39 am
Yep. I’m clueless.
Natasha said,
November 8, 2008 at 12:59 am
Okay, I had to jump in on this one…First of all, Anne, girlfriend, you are far from clueless. It is very apparent by the content of your posts that you have a solid relationship with the Lord.(the trusting kind) I get what you are saying and it makes sense….Let’s use this as an opportunity to stand up! How about… little unity maybe…starting with our wonderfully homogenous American churches. This is what we should be afraid of…
This election has brought out the best and the worst in so many, especially Christians. I prefer to hang out on the “best” bench. Some people are inspired and excited about CHANGE. I am one of them. God does raise up leaders for His purposes and we as believers are charged to pray them. President-Elect Obama is not the anti-christ. He is a human being. I am so sick of believers whining about the elections and the state of America. All talk and no action. If you want abortions to decrease, get out and minister to the broken-hearted and misdirected. If you are afraid of homosexuals, learn to love them instead, because last I remember perfect love casts out all fear. That’s too hard though, because that requires the mounting of a cross on your back. It is so much easier to point fingers and to be on the hunt for evil. When the evil is our apathy, self-righteousness and lack of witness. We’re supposed to come in and fill the gaps in with God’s grace and His love, but instead we’re whining, tearing down and being cynical…Give me a break! Get a relationship with the KING, people. Stop being a “good” Christian, and get in line with Jesus.
tony said,
November 9, 2008 at 8:51 am
we will be holding a seance tonight at 11 pm to figure all of this out, but you must be on the big givers list to get an invite, and have lost 20 lbs. in the last 3 months - so no lazy staffers are invited. only these will be allowed to sit on the ‘best christian bench near the front’, btw - we need a couple more of them weezi boards for tonight, anyone have any spares?