To Vote or not to Vote
Lydia Rule
Last December, I turned 18 years old, an official “adult”. And, according to the 21rst amendment, I now have the right to vote. I’ve always been told that voting is the cornerstone of democracy. That it is the people’s voice. I’ve also been told that voting is one of the safeguards of liberty.
And yet… this year, I have decided that I will not vote.
What? You’re probably thinking. After all those stirring, patriotic sentences about voting, you are telling me that you have decided NOT to vote?
That’s right. And hopefully, I never will.
O.k, now you are going too far, you are screaming at the computer screen. What in the world are you thinking??
This year, I have decided that my vote belongs to God. I want Him to use me in order to change the godless direction our great nation is heading. So, in a sense, I won’t be voting.
If I vote, my motives won’t be pure. Hey, I’d rather see taxes go down so that I could have a more comfortable life. The “I”, “me”, and “myself” aspects would choose selfishly. I would vote for the best-looking presidential candidate or the candidate that offers me the most benefits. My vote would be up for grabs to the highest bidder. The first candidate that offers to pay for my college education is the one for me!
The fact is, how I would vote and how God would vote is quite different.
For my first-time voting (and hopefully, subsequent votes), God is the one who’ll be doing the voting. Instead of asking myself how the candidate can best serve me, I’ll be looking at their moral stances. Does the candidate agree with God that homosexuality is wrong (Leviticus 20:13 and Hebrews 13:4)? Does he or she believe that abortion should be illegal (Psalm 139: 13-17)? Do they believe that kids can bring Bibles to school (Psalm 119:105)?
Although technically, I will be the one who physically goes to the voting booth, I prefer to think of it as God in incognito.
God has, for the most part, been kicked out of our school systems. His commandments been attacked and questioned by the politicians. People find it “intolerant” if someone speaks of His name (yet ironically, using His name to swear with is perfectly acceptable). The voting stands are the one place that God CAN’T be kicked out of. Why? They won’t be able to see Him. However, He’ll be there nonetheless. He’ll be inside of my heart, showing me who and what to vote for.
Regardless of what you’ve been told, I’m going to tell you something that no one else will: You should not vote. I know that I won’t.
Lydia Rule has been published in several international magazines. She is currently working on her fifth novel. Go to http://www.freewebs.com/aroundthebloc/ to read Lydia’s newsletter for young writers.
Magical Moments
Small
hands reach out and gently touch the thin pine branches. Delicately the
tiny fingers pluck a handful of needles from the branch. Leaning forward, the
little girl breathes deeply of the fresh scent that fills the room. Her gaze
travels upward, examining each detail of this green giant towering above her.
Her body straightens as she takes in the sight of the tree and the
colorful decorations surrounding her. A grin spreads across her pixie
face and sparkles of excitement dance in her bright eyes.
This
young girl seeing the wonder of Christmas for the first time has a heart
warming quality about it. It reminds me to see each thing as though it is
the first time I am experiencing it. That magical feeling is a one moment
in time, the moment when I see things through the eyes of a child.
~Stephanie
Rutlind
A
few weeks ago I was going through a little rough patch in my life. I felt very
distant from God. I went to school early one day, and I had about an hour to
spare before class. I parked my car and just sat in the quiet parking lot. I
opened a book and started studying for an upcoming test. I had my door open to
let some air in. As I was reading, a leaf fell right in the middle of my
open book. I just knew that God had done that just to say "I am thinking
of you." it was quite lovely and totally made my day.
~Hilary
Wyckoff
An
enormous wave crashes against the pink coral rocks, sending a thick spray of
mist into the air. Swirling currents recede from the rocky coastline and flow
back out to sea. Another giant wave leaps up and water rushes into a small cavern
in the rocks. With a roar, water rolls out the mouth of the cave and shoots
high into the sky. The stunning beauty of land meeting the sea is an amazing
moment. At Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park, nature’s display has a
transfixing quality about it, creating a magical moment, frozen it time.
~Stephanie
Rutlind
Darkness
shrowds the land as early morning mist settles in the air. A narrow path
weaves through the towering trees, and I make my way through the woodsy area,
stepping carefully so I do not break the silence. A breeze ruffles my hair,
and I draw my coat around me. Suddenly I emerge from the woods. Climbing
onto a rock at the edge of the clearing, I stare in wonder as a sparkling lake
lies before me. As I watch, rays of light peak over the mountains in the
distance. Glimmers of mist dance on the skyline. I catch my breath
as the beauty of the colors unfold before my eyes. A rustle of leaves draws my
attention from the glorious sight, and I peer into the awakening dawn. A
doe and her fawn stand near me, unafraid. I stand transfixed,
amazed by this magical scene before me.
~Ellie
Martin
A
few years back my grandma passed away, and I went to her apartment to box up
her belongings. I was having a hard time dealing with things in my life
at that time. I had separated from my ex just days before. He was taking all of
the furniture from the house. Not having much money then, I wasn't sure how I
was going to replace any of it. I couldn't talk to my grandma in person
anymore, but I still wanted to be able to turn to her for advice. While going
through her things I started to talk to her about the situation. I told her
that I didn't know what I was going to do, or how I was going to be able to replace
the furniture. While I was boxing up everything, her kids were going through
the house and taking all the items that they wanted. When I was done boxing up
I went outside. On the grass my family placed the remainder of her items that
no one wanted. Without paying attention to what they were, I asked my aunt
where she wanted me to take them. She told me no one wanted them so I could
just take them to good will unless I wanted them. Then I looked at what the
items were. I couldn't believe my eyes. There on the grass was a couch, a
coffee table, end tables, lamps, chairs, and a bedroom set. Everything I had
told her about was right there.
~Jennifer
Swengel
The
scent of peppermint and chocolate wafts through the small living room. I lift a
cup to my lips, savoring the warm, sweet flavor. Drops of rain hit the
window, and I glance toward the damp, outside world. Slowly I turn back,
picking up my favorite book. Curling up in my favorite chair, I am
transported back in time. As a fire crackles in the hearth, I sit,
content to experience the moment and let it warm my heart.
~Rachel
Holbrook
