Citizen Soldiers

Capitol gaze

Politics are distasteful. And nasty.

Make a grand motion like running for office, or a quieter foray like taking a stand on an issue, and you feel it.

When you become involved, you expose yourself to attack. You lay your values on the line and offer yourself as a sacrifice for your convictions.

I suppose if you’re a fighter, nothing’s more exciting than the battle. The mudslinging, name calling, and scandal are all part of the game.

But at times, watching it bothers me. I think it bothers a lot of us. It’s scary. Hurtful. Unsettling and dangerous.

So we shy away from stating a position. Tread water in the middle, hoping no one will ask our opinion. Justify ourselves by thinking our views are personal and no one’s business. The personal is the political, after all.

We shield ourselves with tolerance. And we NEVER ever run for public office.

A friend of mine boldly stepped out and got involved on a local level. She took a stand and instantly made enemies in her own community. In her own party. From across the miles, I watch as she and her family are maligned.

Another friend of mine needs to run for office. He has the background, reasoning, patience, and wisdom to lead well. His life’s work demonstrates a love for his community. He would serve it selflessly.

But he hesitates. Is running for public office worth the beating that comes with it when real change seems next to impossible?

It’s tempting in this heated political climate to spew at the other side. Easy to take shots at politicians. I know because I’m ashamed to admit I’ve done it.

Those who run for office or take a stand on an issue are a brave lot, even if—especially if we disagree with them. They hold the frontline of our republic.

Capitol Rotunda
Capitol Rotunda

As Americans, we are all citizen soldiers in the fight to preserve our country. We can serve with our lives like people in the military. We can serve with our work like civil servants. Or we can serve with our votes, our taxes, and our abiding by the laws of the land.

It’s an election year. Prime time for us citizen soldiers to live out our heritage. Stand brave in the face of conflict.

We disagree because we can. Thank God for that privilege. With civility and respect, with the steady voice of our convictions and the sure voice of our votes, let’s keep it that way.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with My victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NLT

The United States Marine Corps Band plays Halls of Montezuma like nobody’s business. Check your pulse if this doesn’t make you march a little prouder into the weekend. Semper Fi. God Bless America.

as seen at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.;
Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr. (December 18, 1912 – July 4, 2002) was a United States Air Force general and commander of the World War II Tuskegee Airmen.
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5 thoughts on “Citizen Soldiers

  1. Isn’t it refreshing when the right person finally DOES step up and run? Not gonna do it. Wouldn’t be prudent. (I don’t want my family, my business, or my Sunday school class to get less of my divided time. I tend to get a little OCD when I get involved, “Colossians 3:23-style”, with all of my heart.) Plus I would need an energetic campaign manager!

    1. Wouldn’t be prudent? I think I’ve heard that before… And I wouldn’t worry a minute about finding a campaign manager. Keep mulling it over, Coach. This year won’t be the last election year in this country (I hope).

  2. I’ve come to similar contemplations on politics and entering politics. In my case, certainly for now and the foreseable future I don’t see it as possible. My personal life is too busy, and other than on a local level, regionally I wouldn’t have a shot as I lack the background… and the political views (a conservative in liberal/Democrat North St. Louis County?!)

    I’ve also wondered what skeletons I have in my closet that’d come out and be used against me. In politics, even rather mundane and distant things can be discovered, dredged up and slung around.

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