This week we witnessed the first presidential debate of the 2020 election year. For many, it produced anxiety because of the contentious nature of the exchange or disgust at the lack of civility between the two candidates. It may have left some feeling as though they just want to tune out of the debate and commercials or even the election itself.
Looking at the issue from a spiritual perspective, God gave humans dominion (Genesis 1:26-2). God who is Love entrusted us as stewards of all that is created. That Divine Love which cares for neighbor has given us not only this gift, but also the responsibility for its care. Likewise, we are not only blessed to live in a country characterized by freedom and plenty, but we are responsible for ensuring that ALL may partake of those gifts. We are responsible for participating in elections by exercising our right to vote.
The US fought in the Revolutionary War to gain autonomy over our lives. It took years for some classes of people to receive the right to participate by voting with women finally able to participate in 1920 and black people in 1965. Even though the Voting Rights Act of 1965 sought to enable Native Americans to vote, there have been a number of efforts to suppress that vote through unjust requirements like literacy tests. In most states felons lose the right to vote while incarcerated. In NH that vote returns once they are released. Some teens wait excitedly to turn 18 so that they might participate in elections and yet some of us fail to exercise that precious right.
Recently deceased United States Representative John Lewis of Georgia said,
The US fought in the Revolutionary War to gain autonomy over our lives. It took years for some classes of people to receive the right to participate by voting with women finally able to participate in 1920 and black people in 1965. Even though the Voting Rights Act of 1965 sought to enable Native Americans to vote, there have been a number of efforts to suppress that vote through unjust requirements like literacy tests. In most states felons lose the right to vote while incarcerated. In NH that vote returns once they are released. Some teens wait excitedly to turn 18 so that they might participate in elections and yet some of us fail to exercise that precious right.
Recently deceased United States Representative John Lewis of Georgia said,
"The right to vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democracy."
In the Bible, figures like Joseph, Esther, Mordecai and Paul used their influence for “the good of their people and for the welfare of all their descendants” (Esther 10:3).
We at Wesley encourage you to vote, to exercise this precious, sacred tool for the good of yourself and your neighbors.
If you have questions about how to register or vote, please contact the church office at 224-7413 so that we can help you.
God bless you.
Rev. Cheryl L. Meachen, Pastor
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord NH
Join us for worship Sundays at 10:30
on YouTube at this link
Rev. Cheryl L. Meachen, Pastor
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord NH
Join us for worship Sundays at 10:30
on YouTube at this link
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