I don't really like political posts

Disclaimer: So, even though I don't like them, this is kind of a political post. So if you don't want to hear anything more about it, stop reading now. But it's not only about politics, it's also about people, their actions and words, and God. 

I'm a passionate person. I'm passionate about a lot of things.

Politics isn't one of them.

It's not that i don't think it's important, because it is. It is important to get informed, do your own research and get out to the polls and vote. It is a right we have as Americans that is denied to many around the world. Especially women. I was a first time voter this election and I loved it. I loved having a voice and having a say, because many women worldwide don't have that and never will. 

But I'm not a fan of how people treat each other. I don't like the name-calling, hate, and anger. It's awful. And it makes me so sad. And I honestly wonder, do people think that the candidates can hear them? Do people think Obama can hear you call him an idiot, or Romney can hear you call him a moron? News flash: they can't. They are surrounded by family, friends and advisers that are supportive of them. So instead of poisoning your own mind with excessive negativity towards another person, why not take a higher road?

Try praying for them. Lift the person up, instead of tearing them down. Pray for our leaders. 
  
Governor Romney had a very classy concession speech last night. While Gov. Romney and I disagree on many, many things, I had to give him credit on how he handled conceding the election. This is from parts of his speech that stuck with me:
"The nation, as you know, is at a critical point. At a time like this, we can’t risk partisan bickering and political posturing. Our leaders have to reach across the aisle to do the people’s work...And we look to Democrats and Republicans in government at all levels to put the people before the politics...I believe in America. I believe in the people of America...And so Ann and I join with you to earnestly pray for him (Obama) and for this great nation." 

I'm not sure if I could have said it better myself. Stop the partisan bickering. Stop the political posturing. Put people before the politics. PRAY. 
Not name call, insult, mope around in a slump. PRAY. 

I don't really understand the people who supported Romney and say now - well, I guess all we can do now is pray. And at least Obama can't get re-elected next time. 
Really?
So if Romney won, you wouldn't have prayed for him? You thought he had it all handled on his own?
Because praying is the last resort?
Praying should be our first resort. Regardless of the candidate. I keep getting the impression that if Romney had won, I wouldn't continue to hear that this country needs prayer. 
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
-1 Timothy 2:1-2 
I know I'm guilty of not always praying for my leaders. But they're human. They need prayer just as much as everyone else. And Lord knows I know I need a lot of prayer, and that's just me. So I'm tired of hearing people say - I guess all we can do now is pray. That should have been the first option all along, all through the election, and now for the next four years. Whether it was Obama or Romney. 

This verse has also been a real comfort to me over the past few days leading up to the election.
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." Romans 13:1
It just reminded me that God is in control no matter what. He has a plan. And nothing that I say or do can change that. And the same for what everyone else says or does.  

I find comfort in that fact that I had a say in this election. I voted for the candidate that was the best choice for me, in my opinion. And that's the beautiful thing about opinions, people have all different ones! I don't understand why some people get upset or threatened by the fact that someone else thinks differently than them. It's a wonderful thing, not a scary thing. You just have to be open to new ideas and ways of thinking. Usually, the only way to learn about new ideas is to close your mouth and listen, which I think some people need to master first. Baby steps. 

I haven't posted on any social networking sites who I voted for. I don't like conflict, confrontation or arguing, which I thought it would only start. Sad, isn't it? But I don't mind saying it here, because this blog is much more personal. I voted for President Barack Obama. And I'm so glad I picked the candidate that was the best choice for me and in my opinion, for this country. I had my own reasons for voting for him, but I'm not going to go into detail here. I will continue to pray for him, his family and the leaders of our country. I can only hope that others will do the same. Congratulations President Obama on four more years.

~God, please give me patience and understanding when others talk about the election. Help me to be positive throughout the negativity. Help me to give others the same grace that You give me every day. You are in control, even when everything seems out of control. Even when people speak with hate instead of love. Help me to turn to You. You have this all under control, I know it. Amen~

Side note: my heart is so happy for the LGBT community. Marriage equality has been legalized in Maine and Maryland now. And this is the first time this has happened via ballot. Makes me very happy, indeed. 

And at least the political campaign ads are over for now. That makes me very happy too.