Tag: Vote

Decency and Character

Today’s a new day! Good morning family, friends and anyone else who decides to read this blog post. This morning I want to discuss two words…Decency and Character. Both mean something to me.

During my career, I had the honor of interviewing many people for positions with the different organizations I worked for. Of course, I always looked at the applicants resume and qualifications for the open job position. But during the interview I looked for someone with character and decency. Not always the easiest thing to do in a short period of time, but I wanted to hire someone who would be a great worker, but more importantly I wanted to hire someone that would bring a positive impact to the team. A person with character and decency.

I believed then and I still believe decency and character matter. When we hire someone don’t we hope they will be a decent person? Someone we can trust. A person of high character.

Decency and Character matter to me as a human being and as a Christian.

I believe decency and character matters to you. We take note of the person who pays their debts. We appreciate the physician who takes time to listen. We appreciate the teacher who takes time for the struggling student, when the employee refuses to gossip about their co-worker, when the losing team congratulates the winning team, we can characterize their behavior with two words… Decency and Character.

We appreciate decency and character. We applaud those who carry themselves with decency and character. Parents teach their children the importance of decency and character. We seek to develop both. Decency and Character matter, right?

Then why isn’t decency and character a factor in the presidential race?

A former President, who is running again for the highest office in the land would not pass my decency or character interview. I would send him packing.

I do not personally know Donald Trump, but shutter at his antics. He ridiculed a war hero and has continuously mocked those in the military. He constantly makes fun of people and loves to pass out nasty nicknames. He has called his political opponents stupid and losers. He has shared a political opponent should have nine guns pointed at her. He has proudly shared these comments online and at his rallies.

Such insensitivities wouldn’t even be acceptable in a middle school student body election. But for the Oval Office? And to do so while brandishing a Bible and boasting of his Christian faith? I’m bewildered, both by his behavior and the public’s support of it.

I believe the explanation for his success is this: he has tapped into the anger of many American people. As one man interviewed stated, “We are voting with our middle finger.” Sounds more like a comment for a middle school fight than a presidential election. We can look back at Cain and Abel and see how anger has brought out the worst in people.

I continue to pray for the return of decency and character to the United States. I pray the American people will vote against hate on Tuesday November 5th. I pray the majority of Americans will remember the key role of the president is to be the face of America. When he/she speaks, he/she speaks for us. Whether we agree or disagree with the policies of the president, we hope that they behave in a way that is consistent with the status of the office of the President.

As far as I can remember, I never regretted turning away a applicant who did not show character or decency. The people I chose to hire were not perfect, but they were decent people. That was all I could ask.

It seems that we should ask the same on November 5th. ~OC

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Character Should Still Matter

Today’s a new day! My name is Todd Shoemaker. I speak as a Christian, husband, son, friend, missionary, abolitionist, author and a broken person who needs God on a daily basis. Probably on an hourly basis.

I do not believe that pastors and churches should endorse political candidates or political parties. I do not believe “voter guides” or any other kind of party-politics should be inside a place of worship. I believe people should be able to walk into a place of worship and feel comfortable, regardless of their political beliefs. Jesus is not a Democrat, Republican or Independent.

I believe Jesus is Lord. The passing of power from one political leader to another does not change that. So why should I be anxious about such things? Second, no political party or politician has ever fully represented my Christian beliefs.

But 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. I believe his election would be dangerous to our country, the world and to the Church.

I do not believe that Mr. Trump has the best interest of our country in mind. Rather, I believe he has shown concern only for himself and his personal advancement. His focus on himself as a “winner” and others as “losers,” his obsession with polls, his demagoguery (“I could kill someone and people would still support me”), and more lead me to this conclusion.

The former president is endlessly treating the election has a reality show. But it’s not. This is real life, with real consequences. And America, the world and the Church have seen this movie before. I do not believe we need to live through a sequel.

I believe that Mr. Trump holds and proclaims racist, sexist, and violent attitudes that are in direct opposition to the Christian message, and to the good of our nation and world. Things he has said about women and minorities (in specific and in general), his mockery of the office of the Presidency, his foul and abusive language directed at opponents, his call for the military to arrest what he calls “Enemies Within America” and more—all of these lead me to this conclusion.

I believe that Mr. Trump has continuously taking the Name of the Lord in vain. He has misused the Faith by claiming to be “a great Christian” while his words and actions—not seeking forgiveness from God and his cynical pandering to evangelicals.

I believe that Mr. Trump has lowered the level of political discourse to that of a school yard bully. I believe that if he succeeds in securing a second term his level of vitriol and obscenity will become stronger than it already is. There will be no guardrails to protect us this time around.

I also happen to disagree with Mr. Trump on several issues, but that isn’t the point. I disagree with all the candidates on certain issues. My opposition to the former president is not about his political party or his political beliefs; this is about his character. This is about democracy and the future of the United States of America.

I believe character should matters to the nation, world and the Church. In the past Presidents have had limited power in domestic issues; they have had to deal with the congress and the courts. But if Mr. Trump wins a second term that may not be the case. I believe he would try and use the Justice Department and the military for his own selfish agenda.

If Mr. Trump is elected he will have the power to separate us from our allies and strengthen our foes. All of this he could do in the name of Christ, a Name he pulls out whenever it suits him. I have no reason to believe he will show anything like godly restraint. He will once again become face of America, and the face of Christianity, to billions of people around the world. That didn’t go well the first time around.

So on November 5th, I will be voting against Mr. Trump. This is my choice, and I am not telling anyone else what to do. Everyone is free to make their own decision, and follow their conscience.

Prayer is the most powerful tool I have, and I’ll be doing that too. I pray for Mr. Trump, Vice-President Harris and all of the candidates running for office.

I believe Jesus is Lord. He will continue to reign no matter what. But at the same time, evil triumphs when good people remain silent. I trust in the Lord, and I must speak out. I must vote. ~OC

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A Trip Back to 2016…Never Again

Today’s a new day! Let’s take a trip back to the election season of 2016. It’s an election season that changed America and the world forever. And I believe personally for the worst. In 2016, I saw so many white pastors, white Christian leaders and many white Christian’s trash their moral compass to gain political power.

There are many issues I could point to, but one area I want to address is loving everyone. There are many scriptures that discuss the importance of “Loving your neighbors.” All of our neighbors! Below are some scriptures I think many Christians, including myself need to review.

“‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Matthew 12:31

“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” Matthew 5:44

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

As a longtime white Christian, I have been heartbroken to see so many white Christians focused not on loving all of their neighbors, but rather having an enemy that must be hated. Fear of these enemies is the ultimate motivator, not love. I have witnessed some white Christians create, fabricate and inflame hate for those they disagree with. Sadly, so many white Christians have chosen fear and hate over the love of a Savior they claim to serve. Here are some examples of how so many “White Christian Nationalists”are choosing to live their hate filled lives…

If they love minorities as themselves they fear the minorities will take over the church and society, and they’ll lose their white way of life. Their white privilege.

If they love African-Americans as themselves, they might have to take a real look at racism, true equality, true police accountability, true legal fairness, true economic justice, and true opportunity.

If they love the LGBTQ+ community as themselves, they’ll have to look past their hate and see a real human being. They will find people who love their families and only want to live a peaceful and better life.

If they love the least-of-these as themselves with economic equality, affordable health care, a real living wage, social security, long-term care, educational fairness and the removal of poverty they will have to come to terms with a thriving economy where everyone has a chance at the “American Dream.”

“Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least among you, you did not do for me.’” -Matthew 25:41-45

“He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and he who gives gifts to the rich–both come to poverty.” -Proverbs 22:16

“Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.” -Ezekiel 16:49

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.” James 2:8-9

In these scriptures, we see where God admonishes that our highest motivation should be the unconditional love and care for all of humanity equally. In contrast, there is truly no other fuel that drives White Christian Nationalism than having enemies to fear, hate, marginalize, fight, and treat unequally.

This is why the former president has the addictive support and allegiance of this UnChristian group of White Christian Nationalist. For the only thing they understand is fear, and the former president speaks their language like no other. He mocks special needs people, bullies his perceived enemies, embraces racism, fosters white supremacy, mistreats women, ignites division, worships greed, and loves himself above all things.

Biblically, this is the ultimate blaspheme of the Spirit.

To see love as the enemy.

To see fear as the friend.

To see enemies as the goal.

To fight at all cost, with lies, violence, duplicity, and sin.

To see a white, conservative, Republican, American Jesus as the way, truth, and life.

To see white, conservative Evangelicalism as the Kingdom.

Sorry, I want a President with whom love is greater than fear. I want a country where to love all people equally is a friend and not an enemy. I want see character in a flawed leader, a great society, a great economy, and a great nation to be defined by its love for all people equally, not fear nor hate. 

I choose this way of life because the Bible commands me to. ~OC

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Vote with Love

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

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Watch More Cartoons

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

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Thoughts on Project 2025

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

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Sometimes You Have to Speak Out

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

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When Christians Disagree About Politics

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

 

 

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