I have voted in twelve elections since I was a freshman at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas. It was a November of Nixon vs. McGovern...long straight hair parted down the middle, macramé, bell bottoms and hot pants. I can still smell the pine forest that we walked through every day. We paid $1 to sit on the floor of the gym and listen to John Denver sing his heart out. We held Jesus Rallies and never considered there might be any violence at all. I did not have one black friend. I still thought that Jesus taught that women were limited because of our gender. I am a different person since sporting that long straight brown hair. God has gifted me with friends all over the world that look nothing like me. I am changed because of them. My theology now stands on this: that women are created in the image of God and that he desires that we work together with men in ministry to best reflect him. We are leaders and followers, nursery workers and pastors, bakers of cakes and on elder boards. We serve however he calls us to serve.
Our country has changed, too. Rather than the hope I felt in the '70's I have been feeling a deep sadness. But today is a NEW day. And Hebrews 10:23 reminds us: Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Through each season of transformation in me he has remained faithful. May the hope God gives be never changing in your hearts and minds.
Dear Lord, we call on you in this time of crisis. We ask you to bring justice and mercy and peace to our dear country. Help our nation choose wisely as we elect our leaders. Bring Light to our country as we continue to strive for a more perfect Union. Infuse us with your Holy Spirit and in the midst of so many tragedies, hold us, comfort us, give us courage, and continue to help us always move toward love, respect, and compassion. Keep voters safe on election day and may peace, justice and fairness prevail and systems of government work both lawfully and justly. Amen. @drseger/ Linda Seger