If they could be like him, then I’d be feeling better about casting my vote in a couple of weeks. If President Obama and Governor Romney would spend a day with him, they would learn a lot about life, about truth, and about how to walk humbly through this world with their God. If they knew him—really took the time to stop, look, and listen to this man—then they would better understand the human condition.
They would know that governing the United States is a privilege, not a right. They would understand that no one person deserves to hold so much power.
They would humbly and gently make their declarations, realizing that no one person has all the answers.
They would find their knees every day, knowing their limitations and reaching out in prayer to the One and Only God whose boundaries are limitless.
They wouldn’t be afraid to touch the unlovely. Instead they would reach their arms into the mangled mess called humanity to offer hope, to extend courage, to present faith, and to bestow love.
They would worry less about their clothing and, instead, relinquish their threads to the naked, the exposed, and to those who cry out for the covering of mercy.
They would stop taking our money and, instead, buy us dinner on occasion.
They would value life instead of taking it. They would give up their own lives so that the one entombed in the womb might have the chance to live and breathe and make his/her own pilgrimage of grace.
They would stop lying and start confessing, knowing that what has been done in the dark has not been done in secret.
They would stop patting themselves on the back. Instead, they would lend their backs to the broken road and carry the bricks and mortar of restoration.
They would easily forgive, because they have been forgiven much.
They would speak less and listen more.
They would laugh more and smirk less.
They would sit on the porch swing instead of sitting at fundraisers.
They would create make-believe stories with good endings instead of creating real stories with bad endings.
They would ask deeper questions and be content to live with some mystery.
They would make each day count, each encounter significant, instead of planning for the next four years.
They wouldn’t hide behind the Oval Office. They would run to the front lines to protect my freedom.
They would give, give, and then give some more, because they would realize that all they’ve ever had was never really theirs to begin with.
They would work late, play less, pray more, and God-bless.
Yes, if they could be like him, then I would feel better about casting my vote in a couple of weeks. If his name were on the ballot, then I would feel safe and secure when pulling the lever. Instead, I feel sad, disabled, and removed from the process. I’m no longer confident that my voice will be heard and that my vote will be tabulated. The corrosive nature of what we’ve become . . . what we’ve allowed, saddens my spirit and has me longing for a season from my yesterdays.
A time when the greatest fears I held were based on the imaginary, mysterious creatures lurking underneath my bed. A time when the greatest peace I felt was when my daddy came through the door, checked under the bed, and prayed my fears away.
No, I don’t suppose Mitt and Barack will ever have an occasion to spend some time with my dad, but if they could, I have no doubt they’d walk away from that encounter wanting to be more like him. I know I do.
Chuck Killian for President! Now there’s a man deserving of my vote. Somehow, just thinking about him today brings peace to my soul.
I love you, Daddy, and for the record, I’ll take a ride on the porch swing with you any day over a state dinner at the White House. You’re the real deal. I trust your heart, and no matter the results of the upcoming election, I will always feel safe with you in my life.
Well said, Elaine. And I def. know how you feel!
Your Dad has my vote, too, Elaine! He is a magnificent human being, who I have and always will look up to & admire~ I love you, Dear Cousin!!<3
Can you imagine the mess we’d make of the White House, Carol? Remember Grandma’s funeral? Drama queens for sure! Love you too.
Amen!
I have already voted….wanted to make sure I cast my ballot early in case I died before election day. Sounds like your daddy would make a wonderful president…or even an advisor to the President. Wonderful, thought provoking post Elaine. Thank you.
Didn’t think about dying before the election, Leah. LOL. We may just need to head over there tomorrow, although I’m prone to waiting.
FYI . . . daddy was posing in the first picture, but he really does act like a goof most days!
Awesome Daddy you have…. I’m with you.
{My consolation is God (our big Daddy) is always in control…the light shines brightest in the dark, and we win!}
Just keep shining. He is keeping you. 🙂
How this will bless your dad’s heart! He has my vote too…
I did go and vote the first day. The line was long and I was glad to get it done.
Enough said. I hope and pray for God’s choice.
How about a write-in campaign? 🙂 Seriously, will not ever be able to understand those who advance the killing of babies in the womb. I’m just praying that God will place in power the man who will be best for our nation.
A great prayer to pray Cheryl. LOVE your new picture!
You made me cry, Elaine. Thank you. Thank you for a few minutes of goodness and warmth in this hard and cruel election season. Love and blessings to you.
He definitely has my vote.
Elaine, I love it! Beautiful sharing about your Dad too!!!
And I understand….if I wrote this it would be my Grandpa who is with the Lord.
Casting my vote early which for my area is this coming Saturday. As I like to say, I vote with my Bible in my hand and Jesus in my heart! Standing for what He stands for just as my Grandparents influenced me to do as well not just in spiritual matters but in all areas.
Hugs!
I have to admit you had me Elaine! What a wonderful privilege to have a dad like yours. A godly man who serves as an example for others is all too rare these days. If he were on the ballot, I’d vote for him too.
I just hope people will go out and vote. And then may we pray for our country.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
I have tended to just skim over most posts and status updates about politics…it tends to be too much at times…
When I saw your post title in my inbox, I KNEW it would be different and something I needed to read…and as always, you did not disappoint…
Daddy and daughter…Father and His child…blessings shared for all!
What a moving and powerful tribute to your father! Men like him need to be revered and praised more!
God bless you Elaine!
Marilyn
Can’t we just add him in on the ballot?!?!? I’m for it!!
Love ya!! Pamela
Hi Elaine,
Daddies and godly men are a wonderful, safe thing.
Have a great week.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Hi Elaine, this is my third attempt to leave a comment for this post. I was here at about 4 a.m. today, then at 9 a.m. and then now. Wonder why my comments don’t get published. Didn’t use to have any problems. What I really wanted to say is that your dad is an excellent man, and he also reminds me of my own father.Both men have left eternal legacies to the next generation… I also wanted to tell you that your elegant flamingo post on FB this morning really confirmed a word God has been speaking to me. Elegance… a heart of excellence… I updated my FB status and tagged you, but then, I decided to remove it. Wasn’t sure if you welcomed unsolicited inputs to your FB wall… Anyway, thanks for this great post, dear friend! (In case multiple comments show up later, please delete the rest and leave only one… I don’t understand what’s happening here.)
Love
Lidia
“But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands.” Isaiah 32:8 It seems to me your dad has this one bagged, while the other contenders need further education on the subject.
What a rich heritage your father has already bequeathed you.