Well, here we are.
November 5.
All the long months years of campaigning came to a close last night as we all watched and waited to find out the results of the election. Some of us were glued to the television, radio or news site until the bitter end. Others of us chose to go to bed on time and just find out in the morning, knowing our lack of sleep wouldn’t affect the outcome.
Me? I was on my couch, laptop in front of me, tuned in to the news channels, going from news site to news site and checking Twitter obsessively.
We all know I tend toward the extreme.
John and I were getting the boys in bed when we heard the news that the California polls would be closing in less than one minute and that, if Obama won the state, he’d be our next president. We paused our efforts and held our breath…
…and the rest, as they say, is history.
MAJOR history.
I held Troy on my lap and told him, “Watch this, Little Man. You won’t remember it, but you’ll read about this in your high school history books and be able to say you saw it with your own eyes.”
He looked at the television screen and said, “Whoa, whoa, whoa!! Wha’s dat?!”
Hey, I tried.
But once that less-than-a-minute was up, Obama was declared the president-elect, the concession speech was given and the acceptance speech spoken, John and I sat on the couch in silence. We commented on each speech and the hilarity of the newscasters’ attempts at sounding philosophical.
Then I looked over at John and sighed. “So, here we go.”
The fact is, Obama was not the candidate either of us had cast our vote for. And though we more than half expected him to win in the end, we’d both been hoping and praying for a different outcome. The moment I saw “OBAMA WINS” flash across the screen, I felt my heart drop.
What’s ahead for those of us committed to Biblical values? What will it be like, raising children in the America to come?
In that moment, God brought to mind a verse I’d read when I was, oh, probably junior-high-aged or so.
The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. Prov. 21:1
And even as I thought of the verse, I pictured the little margin note I’d made back then. It said, “Remember with Pres. Clinton—>.”
My mom reminded me last night that our nation has been through times in the past when the future looked bleak when it comes to the things we stand for. She said she remembers her own sinking feeling in 1992.
But no matter the similarities, no matter the differences, no matter which issues are most important to you, no matter whether or not your candidate won last night, we can all rest, truly rest, in knowing that not a bit of it takes our God by surprise. He knows. He ordains. He has it all in His powerful hands. He even controls the decisions made in the next four years by everyone, on every side of every issue.
With that, my uneasy heart is resting today. Because, as always, God is just plain bigger than this.
Don’t miss the Best For Clickin’ page today! I know we’re all probably inundated with election posts, but I’ve rounded up a few of the best ones I’ve read thus far. And if you found a must-read, let me know–I’m eating it all up.
Sara says:
Great post. We have exercise our duty as citizens to do all we can to affect our political system for good. When things don’t go the way we hoped, we have to rest our trust in Him, knowing that ultimately it is He who appoints those who govern over us. We will pray for him.
November 5th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Especially Heather says:
Totally agree. Obama’s presidency did not throw the Lord off his throne.
I join you in prayer for Our next President… that he would heed the Lords voice, and follow Him.
Thanks for the great post,
-H
November 5th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Darcy says:
Great Post Ashleigh, Great Post.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Mishel says:
Great thoughts, Baby girl…and I’m enjoying the links too.
Love you!
November 5th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
nicole viola says:
Hi! I found your blog from… oh, I don’t remember. :) But I’m a north county girl too (well, I’m moving back in 2 weeks!). Anyways, great post, I agree with you wholeheartedly.
Nicole aka Gidget :)
November 5th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Cindy says:
This is exactly how I felt. He is in control and has the plan. I am just holding on to that. Thank you for putting into words what I was feeling.
Blessings,
Cindy
November 5th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
The Wade's says:
This was a great post. I too had that sinking feeling in my stomach as the results came down. I am proud to say that I voted for McCain, but I am willing to humbly support President-Elect Obama even though it makes me want to throw-up right now.
God was, is, and will be in control of everything. This didn’t shake him, nor should it shake our faith.
November 6th, 2008 at 6:52 am
Lara says:
Here's a really great one from Faith & Family:
http://www.faithandfamilylive.com/blog/an_almost_perfect_moment#When:03:00:00Z
November 6th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Robin says:
So much truth. Thanks for sharing your perspective – I have to admit I have been really discouraged. But it helps to hear such wisdom coming from “young folks” like you!
November 6th, 2008 at 8:41 am
lady jane says:
Excellent post as always, but especially this topic for such a time as this, Ashleigh. My heart continues to grieve, intermittent with shocking realization of fear, then seeking our Lord and experiencing the comfort and blessing of His tender heart and able grasp of things. I have to admit I’m concerned (very) for our freedoms and the continuation of our Constitution for which our Founding Fathers fought so valiantly. I’m concerned for my daughter who will most likely marry w/in the year and begin a family of her own. I’m concerned for a number of things and with good reason. But…the Lord reigns and in Him we can keep on keeping on. I believe that we’ll see a separation of sheep from goats. I believe that truly devoted followers of Christ will be strengthened and have a clearer vision of our Lord and His ultimate Biblical plan. We’re definitely in the ‘last days’. I believe this. He’s coming soon.
Rapture ready…
Jane
November 8th, 2008 at 8:02 am