Election Day is almost here! Some people are excited about what the future holds while others are ready for advertisements and random text messages to cease. Soon enough it will all be over and we will move forward with those we have chosen to represent us. 

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I see voting as a civic duty.  Its sharing your opinion on who you think can attack the relevant issues taking place both locally and nationally.  Voting has become a mechanism for people to make change.  It is where the collective voice is heard not just mine individually.  Sometimes my voice will be with the majority while others it may not. Despite the outcomes it is in the act of voting that is important because it deliberately declares I have a voice and it will be counted.

How does this all relate to Christianity?  Jesus wanted everyones voice to be heard. He overthrew the systems in place to turn everything upside down. He understood the discrimination and injustice and wanted to end it. Jesus healed the unclean, worked on the Sabbath, and spoke with woman and those outcast. He did this because he loved them, wanted them to be in relationship with God, and for them to have basic rights. Their voice mattered to him and he wanted the best for them. Today when so much matters on the resources available, economy, etc. voting matters.  It gives people a voice and is a mechanism for change in this world. To me it seems like something Jesus would have advocated for.  


Let's look closer at few things regarding voting. ​

Voter Suppression 

Preventing individuals from voting has been happening since the beginning of the country.  It was originally only white males that could vote unless you lived in New Jersey.  New Jersey allowed single woman to vote up until 1807 when the state restricted their right to match the rest of the country. African Americans were unable to vote until 1870.  And women who had campaigned for 70 years finally were given the right in 1920. You can read more about this in Erin Geiger Smith's new book "Thank You for Voting" which talks about the history and current dynamics of voting in America. One interesting fact is that voting is on Tuesday because of farmers schedule back in the 1700's.  

​Today allowing individuals to vote has become a political game. This comes with closing down polling stations so people have to stand in long line for hours at a time. Creating additional registration requirements or deadlines for people to access their right to vote. Moving polling stations outside of town so those without transportation are unable to vote. This strategy impacts the poor and impoverished by creating more difficulty for them to vote. Dodge City did this in 2018 which received national news. My point is Jesus fought for the poor and when we continue to create divisions to prevent people from acting on a constitutional right then I think we are not living up to our ideals.

Early Voting/ Mail In

Early voting or mail in ballots have been done state wide in Oregon since 1996 for all elections. They saw an increase in voting percentage meaning more people get to have a voice in what is happening.  Washington moved to do this in 2011. Utah and Colorado started using mail in voting in 2013.  The accessibility also saw an increase in voter percentage. In today's busy world and election day being on a working Tuesday, it only makes sense to give people additional options to fulfill their constitutional right.  


For those worried about voter fraud with mail in ballots check out this New York City of Law report. You can also check out heritage.org and look at the numbers. It's not saying it doesn't happen its saying the number is so insignificant that it has no impact.  Most voter fraud comes from clerical errors.  Kansas, Kris Kobach only prosecuted 4 cases of voter fraud after indicating it was a major problem.  Obviously we all want safe elections.  We have been having elections for some time and I believe we do this well. In the middle of a pandemic we need to look at all options to keep people safe but we should be doing this anyways just to increase peoples rights.  

VOTE!

The whole point of all this is for you to go out and vote and advocate for others to vote! If you really believe in the constitution and that everyone should have a right as equal people to have a say then get out and vote.  Get your friends, neighbors, and anyone you can to fulfill their civic duty either by mail or in person. 

This week advocate for others to vote!

I love the continued language used declaring that all have worth. No matter what we think of ourselves or others, this message states there is worth in every one of us.  Its a powerful message carrying wholeness and hope. This isn't about valuing the actions of people or ourselves its about the inherent worth in each of us.  It's not about measuring ourselves to others its about our intrinsic value; the unique characteristics and qualities of who we are as a person that makes us, us. 


​We all have imperfections and we all suffer to some degree. Through this we must continue to have a caring response to our own and others mess ups and difficult moments. You have worth. You are unique. You are valued. If you don't feel this way please consider adding meaning to your life by taking part in activities that make you feel important and loved.  Consider joining a Community of Christ online group.  

None of the words above mean anything if our actions do not match them. The scripture pushes each of us in this faith community to find the commonalities within the people we come in contact with.  This world has too much division for us to add to it.  Whether it be our family, church, employment, or elsewhere, we need to find ways to bridge our relationships with mutual respect and understanding.


​Making someone have the same opinion of you is not understanding or respectful. Its about listening, valuing the worth of a person, engaging in real dialogue that deepens relationships so that divisions can be torn down and replaced by bridges of love. Sometimes we get to the point where we cannot fathom the beliefs of others. This is when we need to work tirelessly to tear down the walls of separation. We must remember it is in our differences including opinions and beliefs that make us better as a whole.  

We are no stronger than the weakest among us.  Who is the weakest in your community?  Jesus went to the marginalized and rejected to bring hope and healing. He touched the lepers when told not too, he spoke to woman who didn't have the same rights, he loved on the Sabbath when he was to rest. Jesus didn't come for the strong, he came for those on the edges of society who didn't have a voice. So I ask you who is hurting in your community?


If we are to bear the name of Jesus so too must we reach out to show the love of God to others. To help strengthen those who are weak, to shelter those who are homeless, to clothe those who are naked, to empower those who feel voiceless. This is what it means to be a disciple that bears the name the Christ.  This is what it means to be a prophetic people, a faith community that upholds the worth of all people. It's not about sitting quietly in our churches but living with the weakest in our community; tearing down the walls between us and embracing the bridges that bring love and understanding. I see this and wonder about my own ability to live this out. This is no easy task, but I know if I am too follow Jesus, these are the stakes. We hold precious lives in our hands.  What will you do?

I appreciate all those willing to carry the name of Jesus on their hearts each day.  

This week identify who is rejected and marginalized in your community and take action to create just systems and relationships where all have worth.  

June 25, 2020 was World Pride Day! It was a day to celebrate LBGTQIA+ individuals and the movement for acceptance.  I was able to watch Toronto Community of Christ online worship ton June 28th which was focused on LBGTQIA+ awareness and radical hospitality. It was an awesome worship led by ministers who are LBGTQIA+ in the Community of Christ in conjunction with Harmony (non-profit organization focused on LBGTQIA+ advocacy and education to congregations in Community of Christ).  You can check it out on the YouTube video below.

LBGTQIA+ individuals have historically been rejected and ostracized by faith groups for centuries causing deep pain and great harm to people. The inner conflict between beliefs which have been instilled in individuals and their own sexual orientation has caused significant turmoil to navigate.  Some have found refuge in family while others have been rejected by those closest to them. Faith communities have often turned their back. Though the world today is slowly becoming a better and more safer place for those who are LBGTQia+ religious organizations tend to still be a place of division and pain for such individuals. Especially for those who grew up in one of the largest religious institutions who continue to not uphold same sex marriage and equal rights for those who are LBGTQia+.  

This is one of many reasons why Topeka Community of Christ felt compelled to have a booth at the September 2019 Topeka Pride Picnic. They wanted to show support and give another perspective on religion and faith. To provide an open door for those who may want to talk about faith.  Community of Christ was one of three faith groups who had a booth at the event. The community of Topeka has over 40 different religious denominations. 

Thank you to all those who are out there supporting and advocating for LBGTQIA+ in your communities.  Keep it up!

This week connect with someone different than you. Listen to their story and learn something about who they are that you didn't know.