Maddie overheard Sheryl and I talking about some of the really ugly things we've heard people saying about Obama. (Please refer to yesterday's post to know where I stand on this....politics aside, there are ways to react and ways not to react.) After listening...unbeknownst to us...Maddie asked, "Have those people been baptized?" It may seem like a small question to some, but it again brought home a deep fundamental and profound point. Unfortunately, I had to say, "Yes."
I went on to explain that in times like these emotions run high and sometimes people say ugly things because they get so frustrated or emotional about it...and that God has grace on all of us. But, the reality is, the question speaks for itself.
Thanks for your comments yesterday (most of them...I still will not publish hateful or venomous remarks here). They were thoughtful and good fodder for discussion. I agreed with most all of them on some level. I still say we all don't have to agree...I sure don't agree with all of Obama's ideas or plans...but we do have to coexist. It seems to me that of ALL people, we should have something to say abut how to do that and lead by example in living it out. I feel the burden of that challenge.I hope you do too. Let's help each other!
Thursday, November 06, 2008
From The Mouths of Babes...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
Amazing the lessons our kids teach us, isn't it.
I thank you did a wonderful thing in explaining this issue to your children. I know my boys asked "why are they being mean?" I had to explain in the similar way you responded. I wish election and not just during election that people would treat other better. I explain to my three boys that no matter how mad or upset we are that we are never mean and say bad things and call people bad names. Thank you for sharing this with us.
My oldest son was able to go with my wife and see her vote and came home and told me how he couldn't wait until he was 18 years old so he could vote. I told him that I wish that he stayed 7 all the time. I cherish the time with him while he is young. I am glad that he was able to see how the voting process works.
My children have had to endure being called racist because we had a McCain/Palin sign in our yard and bumper sticker on the car. And it was coming from children in so called Christian homes. Amazing the things people will do to feel better about themselves.
Ada
Elizabeth--SO amazing. Wow...amazing and convicting!
Preacherman--thank you so much for your encouragement. One thing I have noticed about you as you've commented on mine and other's blogs...you are the epitome of encouragement and grace. I love that.
Ada--you're right, it is awful...even appalling. Let's strive to not be that way! It does go both directions. Thanks for that awesome reminder.
Wow. I'm teary over sweet Maddie. My children have all three come home the past couple of days with horrifying stories about classmates and TEACHERS spewing the venom. The two younger ones I was able to gently remind about how Jesus followers respond, but to sweet Andrew (12 years old), it has had to go much deeper. He is stunned that a substitute teacher challenged him directly when he said he thought the country should unite behind Obama. I actually ended up having to speak to the school authority because the conversations were so over the top and inappropriate. Ironically, Andrew had chosen about three weeks ago to be baptized this coming Sunday. Maybe he is understanding what it means to walk out a baptized life of grace and honor. I'm very proud of him
I keep hearing that phrase and the heart behind it. Really it is that simple, hey? If we have put on Christ in a way that outwardly witnesses it to the world, why don't our words, behaviors and actions back it up. This clearly is the question to be asked for all of life not just politics.
Amy,
That is completely ridiculous. Better you than me. UGH! Sweet Andrew!
Post a Comment