Today, in Virginia and New Jersey, important elections are being held to determine who will occupy the governor's mansion in each state for the next four years.
Many of you know my political proclivities, but I will not seek to sway your vote. I only ask that you vote. The blood of thousands of soldiers has been poured out over the last decade to secure our freedoms, including the freedom to choose your leadership. Now it's your turn.
And if you have children, do what my parents would do with me when I was a lad--take your children with you. Ask them questions along the way about why they think it is important to vote. Explain to them why it is that you are voting for a particular candidate or party. Such an adventure and exercise in civic responsibility trumps the vast majority of school-based field trips. There is no person more important in the intellectual, character, and spiritual formation of a child than his/her parent.
Finally, remember that your identity is never to be found in your politics. Civic engagement is important; It is not ultimate. No party or cause will transform human nature. God will not judge man based upon his voting patterns. The book of life is determined by the blood of Christ.
With that in mind, I just read this wonderful article regarding a Democratic pundit who works for Fox News (and writes very thoughtful columns):
