Passing a flaming torch

I’ve been asked to share something political. Except I don’t do politics. I don’t discuss them with anyone aside from my husband. And even that’s pretty rare. But that’s so un-American. And this is my response. Politics and religion are some pretty hard core topics that will always spark controversy. They tend to bring out the worst in people. Even when they’re trying to be the best. I don’t have time to create anguish in my relationships. Or stir up debate with strangers. I’m confident in my beliefs and my voice can make a difference without making a dispute. 

There are people who thrive in their political stance. And I actually really admire the ones who can hold their own without letting the pulse of dispute knock them off their pedestal. Unfortunately, I don’t don the appropriate armor to face the piercing world of these kinds of affairs. I admit this is a weakness. But it doesn’t make me un-American. And it doesn’t make me less prideful in my country. I vote. I exercise that right but I don’t believe that I need to justify my stance by participating in overzealous conversations, heated discussions or even intolerable ignorance. I make my choice and I let the rest of the American people offer up theirs.

I can hardly even imagine how difficult it is to be the President of the United States. The pressures. The decisions. The grief. The leader of over 320 million people?! No, thank you. I struggle to lead my family {of four} some days. Deciding what to make for dinner or how to juggle everyone’s schedules without losing my mind. Monitoring immigration, improving the economy and managing overseas relations? Yeah, I’d be a brilliant leader for the American people.  So my judgement and any adverse opinions of an elected official like the President, comes with very few words. Because that is a job that you really don’t want.

But, this year’s presidential election is sure to be a doozy. With the existing candidates for both the republican and democratic parties…it’s not much more than a circus. There. That’s the only opinion I’m going to confess. Because no matter what happens, this country is going to be led by someone that many are disappointed with. {Although, that could very well be a huge understatement}. But this is what a democracy is all about. It’s tricky. And the freedoms we have come with pains and gains. But let’s face it. Politicians aren’t the ones who change the world. We do. You. And me. Everyday Joe Schmoe’s who wake up with privileges to be who we want to be. And do what we want to do. Are there boundaries? Yes. But they’re not limitations unless you choose to believe they are. Your movement might not be on a grand scale, nationally recognized or even locally discussed. But start small. And then watch it grow. Your political stance won’t even matter.