The Importance of Your 2014 Midterm Vote

What is a campaign? It if anything is a vigorous
effort at promoting a cause,a person,an idea or candidate who is more than worthy of the drive and energy required to achieve the purposed outcome or result. It is also a period of intensive education and outreach to needy constituents longing for fair and comprehensive representation by qualified and capable candidates.

Whether securing votes can be best accomplished through phone banking,half minute television or two-five minute You Tube videos,in person meet and greets,book promotions,town hall meetings, time tested sterling political track records or door to door canvassing, voter turn out is key. Without question this midterm election needs an infusion of voter  capital, citizens exercising  their unfettered right to vote.  The social,economic and political soul of our country is at stake. We are down to the wire. The mid-term election is exactly one week away.

While it is usually an election that does not get as much voter turn out as the Presidential elections held every four years, this year it is crucial and should not be downplayed. With Obama having only two years left to his term in office, the outcome of this mid-term could determine important court appointments,the future of affordable health care, immigration reform, voting rights,jobs programs,urban blight and infrastructure rebuilding and so many other matters that will shape the political landscape of our country for years to come.

In short, it is a political race in which democratic  values, mores, American ideals and overall societal well-being depends upon. Of course, God first and Gods will be done is the constant prayer for those who seek guidance of a higher nature. And, I pray daily for our local,national and global leaders.

Past Republican  tactics and strategems will not get my vote. Unfortunately, obstruct,distort,finneagle and anything promoting separatism and digression  are underlying themes of Republican stumping, guiding principles of their campaign or anti-campaign. Anything or way contrary or opposite Obama  irrespective of its rationality or plausibility.

Despite all the media blitz,  campaign ads which make Democrats and those sympathetic to their policies appear ineffective or obtuse, a thoughtful review of history and current events will reveal  Democrats led by President have made progress despite spending a great deal of energy battling Republican obstruction and recalcitrance.

Thus, now the smart money has to be on those who honor equality,economic growth, enriching jobs programs,affordable quality healthcare,  sound infrastructure, careful and well thought out foreign policy,effective-- not polarizing immigration reform,etc...

We need the senate and the house working and running like the well oiled machine intended by our countrys forefathers. We need competent and compassionate  governors,senators and congresspeople working productively,if not always together on issues to keep this country at the forefront,not trailing behind.

So, vote early or on the official day.But vote smart. After all what is a campaign without an informed and enthusiastic electorate's participation in the voting booth or via absentee ballot?

I assessed the situation, local area specific issues, national and international outlooks, weighed  candidates qualifications and track records,social and community values. All proposals and referendums. Voted smart and early so excited to have the cherished opportunity to cast my ballot.

How about you? What are you going to do for campaign,community and ultimate social progress? The election booth needs you.

Colorado Weather Disastrous Shift

         Photo Credit: Denver Post-

The situation in Colorado is just unbelivable. Billions of dollars in damages and mortalities. That and other recent natural disasters is cause to take pause for prayer and deep reflection. What are human beings doing to cause such turbulent shifts in  earth’s geographic weather patterns? Global warming I can't help but wonder what can I do to really help? Raise money for rebuilding or travel to the area to minister and comfort?

 Right now, my thoughts and prayers go out to all affected as I dedicate an art print and a song especially for the area. That page should have been up...yeah I know. Pain is a complex thing. It takes effort to ”go through” and come out victorious on the other side. Sometimes the shock and deep grief of great loss through disaster causes an indescribable inertia which can weigh you down more than you care to admit to yourself or share with others. That's why prayer is so important. Pray for all those who are too burdened or afflicted to pray for themselves. That is my offering today at this hour. and moment...prayer of intercession. ”The prayers of the righteous availeth much”-James 5:16

Ask Humbly...

Photo-Cynthia Wilson

 

"Ask Humbly in Jesus' Name" was the title of my sermon yesterday for the Hour of Power midweek service. Touched on the name's origin and history(Christology), its meaning in Christian life, how it's referenced in Gospel tunes in addition to how Jesus' power and authority manifests spiritually and experientially in real life through prayer sealed in the name of Jesus. In Hebrew translations it is Yeshua and means he, God saves.Video of sermon forthcoming from video archives.

"Cheering Obama On" -An Upcoming Book Excerpt

This post begins a series of brief excerpts from a book I have,for all intents and purposes,written about the President as viewed through the lens of a staunch supporter and pastoral cheerleader of sorts. I consider it tremendously fortuitous to have witnessed the inauguration of this country's first African American President in my lifetime. I even served as a volunteer on the Presidential Inaugural Committee when as fate would have it,I wound up once again living in our nation's capital just around the time of the historic election.

 So, even though some may be expecting a great intellectual,political and theological treatise on such a monumental topic, I just kept it simple and have compiled all of my retorts to news stories,spins and what some have characterized as minor or major scandals, reducing  them to writing in the form of this humble book.

This is a chapter entitled " Morehouse Men"

I was listening to President Obama's commencement address to Morehouse college given last Sunday,May 19, 2013. It was so real, so inspiring. I like the fact that he talked to them and not over them like numerous public officials do to the point of  projecting stodginess and prioritizing decorum over truth that keeps it real. With all the stresses and chaos involved in being President, particularly in light of recent events, it became clearer during that speech what he is truly made of, a quality which exudes from the Obama core. His quality of being 'present', down to earth and in the moment. And, he was the perfect one to give the address whether as a brother who made extraordinarily good or as first African American Commander in Chief.

With all the stonewalling, dilatory tactics and filibusters he has experienced in office since the inception of  politics in Washington, he still has time to talk to youth, our future.

The Lost Art of Letter Writing

Word has it the art of letter writing has gone somewhat missing in the wake of the text and email boom.



In our society it is important to write. You need to write lists,notes to yourself, thank you notes to people who've done you a good service,term papers for school,books to sell,your inner most feelings to loved ones and so on and so forth. So many of us,myself included,get so used to the ease and communication of digital and electronic formats, we often don't take the time to sit down,reflect and write a needed letter. Go ahead take the time out. Write!