We are living in a critical season in so many ways— economy, cost of food and fuel and other life essentials. There are no easy solutions. Democracy is fragile. Our freedoms are fragile. So I can throw up my hands in despair that my one vote won’t change anything. Or we can raise our hands together, make ourselves visible and claim our rights if they are threatened. It’s as simple as that, or it is as hard as any critical struggle can be.
So I plan to hold on tightly to every freedom in hopes of sharing it with you. I remember a phrase used much during my seminary days. It is “soul freedom.” That’s the way I think of freedom, to do, and to be who I am.
Believe me, I am holding tightly to freedom. I have it in my clutched hands and I protect it from every threat /with all my strength. It’s important, my freedom, important enough to fight for! So, again, I say, “We can throw our hands up in despair.” Or we can raise our hands together in solidarity and with resolve.
The midterm elections cry out for solidarity. I’m not just referring to one vote. It’s about the importance inside of the vote. What freedom might that single vote hold!
Follow after freedom! Be watchful at the polling place to ensure everyone is able to vote. Offer rides to those who don’t have transportation. Remind everyone you know to vote. Remind yourself about your responsibility and mine to strive for “a more perfect union. Lift your hands in resolve, in faith, in prayer, in celebration, in peace, in freedom, in the cherished liberty granted to all the people!
All of that — faith, resolve, prayer, freedom — is buried deep inside one vote.
