Wait!  Don’t vote!  
At least, don’t vote yet.  
We are less than one month away from Election Day, and I want to share a few things with you.
If you have the opportunity to go vote in person, please do.  I’m sure there are a few of you who are not capable of voting in person, but if you are capable…this is the year to definitely do so.
When I received my sample ballot in the mail, I searched every candidate and judge, and the meaning of each amendment I am voting on.  My hometown has done a wonderful job sharing non-partisan interviews with the candidates for our area.  (If you are from Plant City or the surrounding areas, I want to encourage you to view the candidate forum on the following link: http://www.plantcity.org/candidate-forum.) Now, for those who are running for congress, State Attorney, senator, state representative, and sheriff, it just so happens that I will be sticking to my party affiliation.  Yet, when I studied more about some others on the ballot, a straight party vote isn’t happening for me.  After doing my research, I sought advice from those who are “in the know” much better than me.  I share this with you because I want to encourage you to become knowledgeable about who you are voting for, what they stand for, and what actions they have taken in the past on issues.

“When you need to make a decision, don’t let your emotions vote.” Joyce Meyer, Christian Author and Speaker

I watched both the 2020 RNC and the DNC on television.  While watching the Republican National Convention, I felt proud and honored to be an American.  Faith, Family, and America was at the forefront of each segment. These three elements are important to me, and help guide me as to who I am voting for.
I wish that President Donald Trump would display his compassionate side that we heard regarding him throughout the RNC. But, then I remember…I am electing a president, not a friend. I am electing someone who isn’t afraid to get the job done and do what is best for America. I am electing someone who will surround them self with folks with great knowledge in their God given area of expertise. I am electing someone who does whatever it takes to serve and protect our freedom. 
President Donald Trump may not tweet his compassionate side so much, but his actions on issues demonstrate true compassion for every race, sex, and economic status.  When I research each candidate for president and vice presidents, I don’t just look at what their policies are stated, but what actions have been taken.  Like the saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words”, and our current president has been a man of action, and for what is right for our country.
In 1 Timothy 2:1-3 we read, 

First of all, I ask that you pray for all people. Ask God to bless them and give them what they need. And give thanks. You should pray for rulers and for all who have authority. Pray for these leaders so that we can live quiet and peaceful lives—lives full of devotion to God and respect for him. This is good and pleases God our Savior.

Before you cast your vote, please pray.  God so wants us to pray, and pray for ALL.  
I know that when I heard the news of President Trump being diagnosed with COVID, I prayed for his opponent, Joe Biden, as well.  I don’t wish ill on anyone.  My heart was so saddened to read and hear of people who were speaking so harshly about our president.  God will take care of those people who made those horrific comments.  We are instructed to pray for others.  May God’s will be done.
When praying for the candidates and how you are to vote, please seek God’s word too.

Be willing to serve the people who have authority in this world. Do this for the Lord. Obey the king, the highest authority. And obey the leaders who are sent by the king. They are sent to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do good. When you do good, you stop ignorant people from saying foolish things about you. This is what God wants. Live like free people, but don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Live as those who are serving God. Show respect for all people. Love your brothers and sisters in God’s family. Respect God, and honor the king.  1 Peter 2:13-17 

When Obama was president, I wasn’t a fan of his and his policies, but I did respect the position he was in.  The majority of the people had elected him, and it was my job, as a godly citizen, to respect the position.  I am going to step out and say, I do believe that our country is so divided, not because of president Trump, but more because those who oppose him haven’t reached the level of wisdom to respect the position he is in. All you hear, from those who are not voting for Trump, is the reason is…they hate Trump.  Again…I plead with you to check the facts on the actions that have been taken for the good of America.
I am grateful that for the past four years, President Trump has not been ashamed to speak of Jesus Christ and get back to the basics of what our country was founded on.  He has surrounded himself with people who have America’s best interest at heart, and serve diligently to do what is right for the United States of America.
2 Chronicles 7:14 says, and if my people who are called by my name become humble and pray, and look for me, and turn away from their evil ways, then I will hear them from heaven. I will forgive their sin and heal their land.  This verse has been many Christians’ desire for our country.  Will you please humble yourself, pray, seek God, and turn from your evil ways?  If you do, the Lord will hear, forgive, and heal our land.  I’m sure we can agree that our land is in need of some healing.  
I want to encourage you also to not focus on the heartaches of our land, yet the beauty that is within it and us.  Change your perspective.  Look to Jesus.  When we seek to view others and our surroundings with our “God Goggles” on, we will smile at the wonderful things, and be moved to respectfully and compassionately help change what is wrong.

“Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote…that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.”  Samuel Adams, Founding Father, United States of America

It is your right to vote.  Pray the vote, vote the way that is supported biblically, and respect the position.
Hey, our future elected officials don’t take God by surprise. He knows.  Yet, do your part.

An estimated 25 million Christians who are registered to vote, fail to vote in presidential elections. My Faith Votes is on a mission to change this statistic by helping Christians act on their faith and vote in every election. When we pray unceasingly for our nation, think biblically about the issues, and vote consistently in every election the impact of Christians taking action from the local to the state and federal level will be unprecedented. https://www.myfaithvotes.org/ 

This 2020 election, I am voting for Trump to be my president, not my bedside mannered doctor or friend. 
Now, go do your homework and pray the vote!
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie 

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