While I’ve been continually battling a barrage of illnesses, much continues to transpire in my life and I’ve been without the energy necessary to really post a lot (though I know today’s earlier post was quite a long tome). God continues to refine me in the fire of His love and grace and I am ever thankful that He doesn’t see fit to leave me in the bed I tend to make for myself every day… each day, He drags me out of it and makes me see the road He is taking me on and each day, I’m amazed He puts up with it.

I was just appointed the Secretary/Treasurer for my HOA (Home Owner’s Association) and I’m excited to see how God is going to use me and the others on the board to build a community here in this small neighborhood in which we live. We all have some great ideas on how to get people connected and aware of each other. My goal? Figure out what the real needs are in this community and how I can bring Christ’s love to bear on the lives of the people I share this community with.

Tomorrow I take place in the political process. I almost hesitate to post about it because what I’m doing is a bit controversial to many of my Christian brothers and I do not wish to cause any of them any concern about where my heart is or what my intentions are. Tomorrow, I’m a delegate to the Travis County Democratic Convention representing Precinct 423. The fact that I’m a delegate to a Democratic convention will likely be alarming to a number of people who have known me through the years. While I’ve always said that I’m not partisan (and I’m not), history has had me voting Republican almost exclusively due to the abortion debate (I believe abortion to be one of the saddest testaments to the state of our nation - that we as a nation can stand by and not only allow, but condone the death of the unborn as a gender right is unbelievable). But as I mention in an earlier post, I’m concerned that the Christian view on politics has become too narrowly focused on certain issues (such as abortion or gay marriage) without considering other very important issues with the same weight.

I consider myself, in this order, a disciple of Jesus Christ, a husband, a father, and an American. I do not ally myself with any political party - but this country uses a two-party system and in order to take part in the process, you have to select a candidate and then participate in that party’s machinations in order to have a voice. Thankfully, Texas has a very loose party system and you don’t have to declare a party affiliation when you register to vote. This leaves you completely open to decide which party you will take part in when election season comes around.

This year, I chose Democrat… not without a lot of consternation and thought, believe me. I will not defend my decision in this space nor explain which candidate I’m supporting. I have moral qualms with every candidate and I chose as my conscience (and I believe the Spirit) led me.

Whether you agree with my decision or hate it - there is one thing that I think we can all agree on. Christians should be involved in the political process. We should voice our support and outrage through our involvement - not just in protest, but in actual involvement at the precinct level. Whichever political party you decide to involve yourself with, you should involve yourself. Honestly, it does not take that much time.