Yes, I'm Going There

Okay, let's just go ahead and discuss the elephant in the middle of the room -- the upcoming elections. I'm going to take a break from the comedy that is my life and voice my opinion on why I believe the things I believe and why I support the candidate I support. I will state right now that I am a Christian and a Republican, so if you think that anything that I am going to "say" will anger or offend you, please click out now and I promise to return to my regularly scheduled hilarities next time! I am not out to change anyone's views - I am just stating my own. Since I created this blog and it does have my name on it, I feel that I am entitled to voice my opinions here. Should you disagree, please do not blast me on my comments - let's just respectfully agree to disagree. Feel free to go to www.blogspot.com and create your own blog! I would love to read it.

First, I am thrilled with Sarah Palin's boldness on her beliefs and views of Christianity. The following is an excerpt taken from an interview she had with James Dobson (Focus On the Family). Christa -- I copied this from your blog -- I hope you don't mind!

"The Alaska governor talked by phone with Dobson for about 20 minutes Monday while she was in Colorado campaigning. Dobson's Focus on the Family radio program aired the interview Wednesday. Dobson asked whether Palin was discouraged by polls showing the GOP ticket behind. "To me, it motivates us, makes us work that much harder," Palin said. "And it also strengthens my faith, because I'm going to know, at the end of the day, putting this in God's hands, that the right thing for America will be done at the end of the day on Nov. 4. So I'm not discouraged at all."

Palin thanked Dobson and supporters for their prayers and — when Dobson inquired about the importance of faith in her life — said: "It is my foundation, yes, my Christian faith is." She also used terms like "prayer warrior" and "intercession" — words that might be unknown to the average listener but are common vocabulary in Pentecostal Christianity. Palin spent 20 years in a Pentecostal Assemblies of God Church, but she usually refers to her faith generically as Christian, not even evangelical. "It is that intercession that is so needed and so greatly appreciated," Palin told Dobson. "And I can feel it too, Dr. Dobson. I can feel the power of prayer, and that strength that is provided through our prayer warriors across this nation." She continued: "When we hear along the rope lines that people are interceding for us and praying for us, it's our reminder to do the same, to put this all in God's hands, to seek his perfect will for this nation, and to of course seek his wisdom and guidance in putting this nation back on the right track."

Describing herself as a "hard-core pro-lifer," Palin said the birth of a son with Down syndrome was "this opportunity for me to really be walking the walk and not just talking the talk. There's purpose in this also and for a greater good to be met there." Palin said the campaign had to have faith that its message will be heard "minus the filter of the mainstream media." "That filter has to be erased," she said. "So we have to have faith in the wisdom of the people that they'll understand what our message is. But even bigger that then, I have to have that faith that God is going to help us get that message out there."

I just loved what she had to say. This is only a portion of the interview, but you can't deny the strength of her convictions. It is also obvious just by watching her that she has a peace about her. She knows that win or lose, this election is in God's hands and until that time, she will continue to be His vessel. The liberal media does not phase her - it is almost as if she has a "bring it on" attitude. Now, I'm not totally stupid -- McCain knew what he was doing when he picked her --- reaching the audience he would otherwise never reach had he picked just another guy in a suit. McCain has pushed Palin into the limelight and sort of taken a step back. I'll admit -- my vote for McCain is actually a vote for Palin. I'm not "wowed" by McCain - but I'm not going to vote for Obama either. (As a side note - I think this whole SNL thing with Sarah Palin has been hilarious, and she has been a gracious sport!)

There are a plethera of issues surrounding the presidential election - the war, the present financial crisis of the country, social security, etc. I'm not writing a book or hosting a nationally syndicated radio show, so I am not going to comment on all of these - just one. Every election - be it local, state or national level - has the abortion issue tagged to it. I am very much pro-life. I have a really hard time with this whole "it's my body and you can't tell me what to do with it" attitude. Seriously? That's your excuse? As soon as you become pregnant it is not about you anymore....it becomes all about the life you are carrying inside you. And yes -- it IS a life - regardless of how it began. I've seen and heard the heartbeat at just a few weeks. People use the argument, "Well, it isn't viable outside the womb." Okay -- well, (not trying to sound insensitive) the person up in ICU who is having to be fed thru a NG tube - breathing only with the help of a machine - heart pumping only with the help of a machine - isn't "viable" either, but at least is given a chance. You don't see people picketing outside the hospital to turn off the switch. It's all about making a choice....a choice to put someone else's life above your own. A choice to save a life - not end it. If you don't want this life, then give it up for adoption. I probably sound like a mushy mom who loves to cuddle a newborn (and I do!), but I have done my research -- I know the "how" and "why" and what happens after an abortion (no - I haven't had one, but I know many who have). People bring in the issue of rape. Yes - that is a horrible crime on so many levels, but I don't believe an abortion is the answer there either. I remember MANY years ago a woman came to our church to speak who was the product of a rape....wow! She was amazing! She was a prime example of God turning something tragic into something beautiful. I guess that is the difference...the "God" factor. Not everyone has it - but that is all the difference in the world. He influences your choices - He gives you comfort in the most painful of times and provides you with a support system like no other. I don't judge you if you chose to have one - actually my heart aches for you b/c I cannot imagine how painful an experience it had to be for you. I hope you know that God can help you thru the healing process.

Okay -- I have written enough to last a month. Maybe I gave you something to think about - maybe you think I'm a rambling idiot! It's not easy to put yourself out there -- these are sensitive issues. Like I said, I am not trying to force myself on anyone. I gave you the opportunity to bail out at the very beginning, so if you read this all the way thru, it was YOUR choice! :-) I hope that whatever your views are you feel strongly about them (don't ride the fence!) and that you will pray before casting your vote. It isn't important that you agree with me....I'll still like you! :-) These are just opinions! Whoever wins this election has a long and trying road ahead of them. The state of our nation did not happen overnight - it will take years for us to see any improvement (if any!) We ALL have a long road ahead of us!