A few days ago I threw a very strongly worded post on my Facebook wall about a political candidate I was opposed to. It was a moment where I felt something needed to be said, and it would be against my moral fiber to be silent. Ironically, it only took a few days for me to completely change my vote.
Choosing the Right Measure
There have been a lot of things this election season that have really grabbed hold of everyone. No matter what your position, it seems like there is something that really stands out and makes us point to a particular candidate with disdain.
I want my life to be focused on helping people, blessing people, and love and compassion. I believe more than any political power or laws, it’s the way we interact with other people that makes a difference in the world. In watching this race, I saw things that made me feel we were heading in the wrong direction, to the point I felt nearly immoral for staying silent. So I spoke out.
Big, Bold, and Brash
I spoke out, and I spoke out big and loud. I was frustrated. I was angry. I was worried about how decency could be alive and well in the midst of things that seemed to me so indecent. I posted boldly about how this was enough, it was too far, and it had to stop. Then I dropped the mic and went on my merry way.
The Aftermath
There were a few bold posters that responded. I responded kindly and with consideration, but quickly became frustrated with the lack of change. People were for, people were against, but no one really cared. The issues I had were non-issues to others. It seemed breaking my silence was worthless.
But after a couple days passed, my view started to change. I started to see holes in my position. I started to see where I was wrong. I started to see how I had taken a position that was completely contrary to my beliefs. That’s when I realized that I needed to change my vote.
A Revelation
Here I was, so frustrated and angry over a candidate, that I shamed those that supported that person. That was not my intention, but it was an unfortunate side effect.
Since my post, I have seen a few other posts that were much more compassionate than mine. Those posts made me realize that what I should have done is love people. In my anger, my frustration, and my fear for what might be, I forgot what I’m all about. Instead of loving, I started preaching. Instead of understanding, I wanted to be understood. Instead of making a difference, I became part of the problem.
The Change
And so I’m changing my vote. Instead of focusing on changing someone else’s mind, I’m voting for love. I want to show compassion. I want to be a positive force of good in this world no matter what is happening outside me. Because at the end of the day, if I change who I am to get one person in office or keep another person out, I’ve already lost. That’s a change I’m just not willing to make.
