This election breaks my heart. Everyone is being ripped apart by political views. I also can't help but be sick of overhearing all of these ignorant political conversations. I don't butt in and try to correct either side, or attempt to sway anyone in any particular direction.. all I can do is simply overhear and shake my head.. mainly because I don't want to contribute to any further dispute over these manners, but also because I honestly wouldn't feel confident enough to bring up an issue to try and defend.
The first election I am registered to vote for, and I say this with immense hesitation.. but I am not voting this year.
Before you jump down my throat, hear me out.
This is the first election in my time that I have done any research, what-so-ever, to try and figure out who my candidate of choice should be. I have yet to be satisfied. I realize that not even close to every single person going out to vote stands strong behind who they're voting for. A lot of people have described it as "choosing between the lesser of two evils".. and even though that's somewhat dramatic, I feel like I would be doing the same thing, but that doesn't feel right to me. I don't have a strong enough opinion for any candidate in this election, and I believe that I shouldn't vote for anyone but myself. The media and everyone I know is constantly telling me to "VOTE VOTE VOTE".. and I completely appreciate the compassion behind the idea, but I also think that this repeated demand forces some people to vote without much of an opinion.
I have only been eligible to vote one other time in my life, and I honestly didn't even think twice about it. I have unfortunately always been very UNinterested when it comes to politics.. and now that I'm learning and actually doing my research, that is why I have chosen not to vote. Not because I've maintained an ignorant point of view, but because I wouldn't feel right in my heart making such an important decision for my country that didn't even stand true.
I'm also not going to be one of those who complains once the election is complete. I feel that both Obama or McCain can contribute very positive efforts to the many problems we're facing right now. I've just found it too difficult to decide which issues were more important, or seemed to have a more realistic approach.
I've prayed and prayed and prayed about it, and I feel like this is what I'm most comfortable doing. The last thing I want to do is walk into that voting booth tomorrow and officially make my opinion count for something that even I, myself, don't support 100%.
So before I get ridiculed and beat up, I just wanted to be honest with everyone. I'm not sitting here lazy, un-informed or ignorant, just.. undecided. I want my vote to have passion behind it, and true support. Since it won't have either of those, I'm voting not to vote.

Renewal

Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.
Matthew 3:15
Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to be baptized to fulfill all righteousness."

The one time I was baptized was when I was 5 or 6 and got "saved" because it seemed appropriate, and my best friend decided to do so. Why not? My dad was a preacher. He was way proud of me.
I had no idea what I was doing. Not even the slightest clue. I remember believing in Jesus, but I couldn't have even have begun to imagine what it would be like to truly live for Christ. Since then I have most definitely been through many phases of ups and downs, in my faith and just life in general. It wasn't until about a year ago that I have been seriously attempting to live my life for God and genuinely believe in Him heart and soul. I've experienced so much inconsistency with my love for Him and I'm ready to make this for real. This life is more than I deserve. I'm excited to get baptized Sunday at the Riv's one year celebration to symbolize my commitment to Jesus and the life I'm meant to live for him- in an afflux of authenticity with my incredible community at the River. That church has been the best thing that could happen to me and I'm overwhelmed and more than grateful for their support and love for me and each other. I'm anxious to continue through my journey and experience genuine authenticity through the love of my God.