I have wanted to write this for awhile now, but I have also wanted to do a lot of other things too. But before we get too carried away with ourselves, allow me to give you something to consider.

I think back to when Clinton was elected and how much I loathed him. I don’t need to go into my reasons why, that is not what this is all about. But, when he was in office I certainly did not hold back my feelings about him.

Then Bush was elected and I got to experience the other side of that. I loved and respected our president though I have never expected him to be perfect since I am not perfect. Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am quick to defend those I love. Even today, Bush continues to be not only criticized, but really, verbally attacked. And I have learned to hold my tongue because I have been humbled. I would be a hypocrite to say that I was not just as guilty.

Here is my resolution. I made it in the first year that Bush took office and now I get to put myself through the test. Regardless of how I feel about our new President, he holds the highest office in our nation. It is a seat of honor. Who am I to say whether he is worthy to take this seat. My job now is to pray for him and for our nation. My job is not to slander him. I know that many of us this morning have cried and wondered what does this new “change” really mean. We have experienced fear, regret, anger and defeat. But the only words that can bring hope are words in prayer. I think that if we can really search our hearts, and our Bibles we will see that Jesus never justifies slanderous talk.

Just in case anyone is confused about what I am saying, know that I do not mean that we don’t continue to vote, write political letters and make our “right wing” voices heard. But, simply complaining to our friend who can do nothing to change anything is not going to benefit anyone. Muling over the past, or angry blanket statements are only bringing more heaviness to the atmosphere.

One last thought, it is in times of controversy that the church is strengthened. Maybe this is our time to grow.

PS, I know that not all of my friends agree with me, especially on political things. I hope that we can agree to disagree. And I hope that our friendship is more valuable then these issues. I believe that if the parties could ever learn to trust each other enough to talk openly and candidly without being ruled by anger, we may be able to finally come together for a solution. It’s not about being right or wrong. Many of us have deep personal convictions. We were created different and therefore, we see life through a different set of eyes. Let’s either try to understand one another or let’s just chose to love anyway. That’s my prayer anyway.