Today’s a new day!
Today’s a new day! Sadly, Christian Nationalism will be on every ballot this election season and the consequences for communities of faith — and for the practice of open government — have seldom been graver than this one.
As a white person of faith, I will embrace the opportunity to vote against every candidate who embraces or refuses to speak out against the hate of Christian Nationalism. On November 5th, I will take a stand against this ungodly theology and choose to “Vote with Love.” ~OC
Today’s a new day! We’ve all been there – a newly formed friendship quickly crumbles at the mention of the 2024 election.
So as a white Christian man in America who does not support the former president, when some people in the Christian community find that out about me, I often hear the following “How could I be such a hater?” or “Are you really a Christian?”
This election year has been rough for all of us – and we’ve all failed miserably in some way.
We may disagree about the future of America and think it can’t get any crazier, but our country has been through some tough times.
In 1804 Vice President Aaron Burr fatally shot long-time political opponent Alexander Hamilton in a duel. Of course we got a great musical out of that incident, but I am sure they couldn’t see that back in 1804. Do you now have the music of Hamilton in your head? I do.
Or that the election in 1864 occurred right after 620,000 individuals were killed in the Civil War and an entire half of the country had to put together the pieces of their lives.
I have taken the time and compiled what I think are a few helpful tips on how to survive the 2024 election.
1). Do your best to keep relationships over politics. Your family and friends are worth more than your opinions.
Now if that person is spouting hate filled nonsense, then maybe you just block them during this season or choose to have a heart to heart conversation with them.
2). Be a good listener. Sometimes wisdom is best shown with a closed mouth and open ears.
Everyone loves a good listener, and showing you’re willing to listen builds relationships and you might learn a thing or two.
Even better is being an informed listener. Do your homework so you can be an active listener and give a intelligent, well thought out answer when asked a question.
3). Try to not take attacks personally.
When someone posts a negative video about your candidate, it’s not an attack on you. Don’t be ashamed of your beliefs. And please don’t attack people personally for who they’re voting for. That can be a tough one.
4). Admit when you’re wrong.
There are no better words in the English language – better yet, election season – than, “I’m sorry – please forgive me.” Seriously.
Also, it’s okay if you don’t know the exact bill your candidate supported 20 years ago, and that’s a great chance for further conversation — after the fact.
5). Don’t lose your soul.
Take a step back. Breathe. And ultimately be yourself. Yes, you might get into some heated debates. You might ultimately lose friends. You might even do something you regret this election cycle. But that’s okay. Learn from it and don’t beat yourself up over it.
That’s the beauty of a democratic republic – it’s messy and it requires our participation.
As of today, there aren’t any perfect candidates or political parties, so this one is pretty easy in theory, but can be hard in practice.
Be active, let your voice be heard, and do not be ashamed, but remember there is more to life than politics.
True hope and change are found in the Lion of Judah, not the Democratic donkey or the Republican elephant.
6). Rest up and have fun.
Get away from it all. Turn off the TV. Shut the laptop. Hang up the phone.
Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Share some smiles and laughter:
And watch more cartoons. That makes everything better.
I hope these make you laugh a little and think. This upcoming election is very important and we all need to be informed voters. There are some major issues that need to be addressed. But do not allow this election season to steal your happiness. Go watch some cartoons! ~OC
Today’s a new day! I have always felt blessed to have been born and raised in America. Even with all the challenges our nation faces, I am thankful for all the beautiful opportunities. To enjoy the freedoms granted by our constitution’s amendments.
But as I sit and watch all the political ads, rallies and negative rhetoric, I have been struck by the division between our own sense of what it means to be a U.S. citizen and what we’re experiencing in this current election cycle.
By now most of us have heard of Project 2025, a presidential transition project for the next conservative president.
As I have read through Project 2025, I have seen how this project seeks to infuse the federal government with “Christian values,” but the policies it proposes do not reflect the values proclaimed by Jesus Christ.
Side note, before you share any thoughts negative or positive, make sure you have actually read this document.
Project 2025 outlines the efforts of various conservative organizations working together under the leadership of the Heritage Foundation to deconstruct the current administration by assembling a collection of candidates to be considered for hire in the next administration and providing online training for those individuals.
Project 2025 is a 180-day roadmap for the former president to hit the ground running if elected in November. The plan basically outlines four priorities:
*Restore the American family. There definition of the American family.
*Handcuff the bureaucracy. Once again, there definition of bureaucracy.
*Defend the nation by removing the U.S. from international organizations, sealing its borders, and increasing reliance on fossil fuels.
*And Finally, Project 2025 prioritizes the pursuit of happiness, which is startlingly interpreted as follows: “Our Constitution grants each of us the liberty to do not what we want, but what we ought. This pursuit of the good life is found primarily in family – marriage, children, Thanksgiving dinners, and the like.”
Knowing that Project 2025 and its supporters are hoping to “reshape our republic” in this fashion, I cannot sit around and not speak up and help educate. It breaks my heart to think about what our country and our freedoms will look like should this project be implemented. The recent denial from the former president about not knowing anything about Project 2025, does not change my concern over the project and the future of our country. America will never look the same if Project 2025 is implemented.
My concerns are not just about Project 2025, but I am angered by the attempt to co-opt Christianity in support of such radical policies. The kind of Christianity that is being described and embraced in the pages of this project are no where close to the words and actions of Jesus that we read about in the Bible.
I am saddened that so many Christians are less concerned about upholding the dignity of and providing for the needs of those who are most vulnerable in their society – widows, orphans, the imprisoned, the lgbtq+ community, women, those who are dealing with health issues, those who are disabled and those who are poor.
The earliest Christians banded together to share their resources with one another and give to those who were in need. Moreover, Christians throughout history have transcended national allegiances based on their faith, as their faith draws them toward mutual understanding and peaceful relationship with the whole of the human family.
It is true that Christianity has been co-opted throughout the centuries by various political rulers who have used it as a tool to accomplish their purposes (slavery, Jim Crow and dictatorships come to mind). And although some Christian leaders used their religion to achieve political power and prestige, there has always been a strong Christian community that resisted the co-opting of their faith for political purposes, resisted the temptation to join their faith to greed of all kinds, and resisted the joining of their faith with nationalism.
Today, I urge every Christian and all those interested in history not to allow Christianity to be co-opted by a political manifesto that wants to remove our freedom to be ourselves, with all of our differences; that wants to restrict so many freedoms; that wants to allow white supremacy to continue to poison our country’s citizens and communities; that wants to eliminate policies that grant basic dignities to poor people; and that cares only for economic gain to the detriment of our planet and our people.
I am urging everyone to reject Project 2025. I believe our future depends on it and our faith demands it. ~OC
Hello! My name is Todd OC Shoemaker, I am a Missionary, Traveling Prayer Warrior and Storyteller. I use this blog to share about my health journey and thoughts that God puts on my heart. I write as a Christian, Husband and someone who cares deeply for America.
There is a time in each person’s life where you have to stand up and speak your truth. That can be difficult when you know there will be negative blowback from some family and friends. From a whole community. But I feel it’s time to take that risk. I want to share the following as America prepares for an election in November.
I do not believe that pastors and churches should endorse political candidates or political parties. I do not believe Voter Guides should be handed out by churches. I am happy that I attend a diverse church, full of people from all walks of life and political backgrounds. I believe people are smart enough to make their own decisions.
I am a registered Independent. I was a registered Republican until the party took a drastic turn in 2016. Neither party fully represents my Christian beliefs. Not even close. Both promise a lot, but rarely deliver. I tend to vote based on the issues and not the candidates.
All that to say, there is an issue I have decided I need to say something about. And that issue is former President Donald Trump. I oppose his election as President, and believe that his election could be harmful for America. I realize in the Christian community, I am probably in the minority. But I believe I must share the following.
I do not believe that Donald Trump has the best interest of our country in mind. He has shown on many occasions, that he cares more for himself than he does about America. His actions and language are dangerous. Do you realize that when he made the comment, “I could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and not lose votes”, he was speaking at a Christian College in Iowa? The crowd laughed and clapped, and some in the audience shouted out love for the former president.
I find it hard to believe that people who claim to love Jesus, could support someone who holds and proclaims racist, sexist, and violent views. These are in direct contrast to the words and life of Jesus.
I believe that the former president has taken the name of Jesus in vain on multiple occasions. He continues to misuse the Christian faith by claiming to be “a great Christian” while not feeling the need to seek God’s forgiveness. And the sad part is so many pastors, Christian leaders and some in the Christian community continue to cheer him on and make excuses for him.
I also happen to disagree with the former President on some actual issues, but that isn’t the point. I disagree with all the candidates on various issues. My opposition to Mr. Trump is not about his political party or beliefs; this is about his character. Character should matter. Especially in the Church.
I did not vote for Mr. Trump in 2016 or 2020 and will not vote for him in November. I truly believe a second term under the former President would only cause more harm and division.
This is my choice, and I am not telling anyone who to vote for. This is still America and everyone is free to make their own decisions and follow their conscience.
I will continue to pray for this country and its leaders on both sides of the aisle. Once again, my name is Todd “OC” Shoemaker and I approve this message. ~OC
The past few years, we have seen how politics has divided America. All you have to do is tune into a talk show, watch the news or scroll through social media. Politics have sadly brought out the worst in some people. What is even more heartbreaking is how politics have divided some in the Church. A place where we should be united as become divided by today’s politics. So how can the Church work through this political division and be united? Here are a few thoughts.
Republicans and Democrats can be Christians. I have been amazed how some people question your faith based on your political party. I personally do not belong to any political party. I gave up my party affiliation before the last election. It is okay for Christians to be involved in politics, but their political party cannot be more important than their relationship with God. When Christians become more concerned about who’s in the White House than who their neighbor is, that becomes a dangerous and slippery slope.
Arguing about your political beliefs does not make you a better Christian. That only means they enjoy arguing. We need to look past our political differences and love our neighbors the way God commands us. Even if they have a different political opinion.
Admit when your political party is wrong. Guess what? Republicans and Democrats are not perfect. I know, your favorite political cable news show wants you to think they are, but their not. So do not be afraid to step up and admit when your favorite candidate messes up.
Take time to talk. I encourage everyone to reach out to those with different political beliefs and talk. Not argue. Not debate. Just talk. I promise, you will walk away realizing you have more in common than you think.
Living out our faith. My heart has been broken hearing how the current political landscape has ended friendships. How politics have driven some people from the Church. I am not sure how we got to this point in American politics, but it truly saddens me. I have a lot of friends on both sides of the political aisle and I respect their right to vote for their candidate. Even if I disagree with that candidate. I have had some serious conversations with friends at church who vote and believe differently than I do. I do not pass judgement. We have respectful conversations. Because at the end of the day, I am more concerned about serving God and others, than I am about who wins an election.
As Christians, we should make the choice to rise above partisan politics. We can still have our opinions. We can still vote our conscience. But it is time we work together to unite this country. Our words and actions should model the teachings of God and not mock them. ~OC
The Blessed Overcomer 