Discussing politics with someone or a group of people is probably one of my least favorite things to do and let me tell you a few reasons why:
- I can't stand how much division there is in the United States between the Republicans and Democrats. I seriously am saddened by how much tension and animosity that I witness daily between both groups.
- If you were to ask me whether I am Conservative or Liberal, I would honestly tell you that I am moderate. Now some people may say that an answer like that is just a way to weasel out of a political discussion and yes, they may be correct, but allow me to explain my political background. I was raised in a pretty liberal home. The political point of view that I had always heard was definitely geared toward the Democrat view of things. Since going to college and becoming more aware of the views of other political parties, I have encountered some very different views.
- I find that it is difficult for me to know what my actual political views are because I was raised with a lot of liberal views, but I am also surrounded by many conservative views, many of which that tie into my relationship with God. Now let me stop right here before I am categorized as a "typical Christian Conservative." This is something that really gets under my skin: when people assume which way I vote on every issue based on my religion, or how my parents vote, or even how they think I should vote. I am still figuring out where I stand when it comes to politics, but believe me when I say that it is not an easy decision for me to make.
- There are so many people that I love and respect from each political party. I have to say that it just rips my heart out and sometimes I get quite angry when my liberal friends are making rude comments about those "close-minded conservatives" and my conservative friends are making rude comments about those "radical liberals." Sometimes I even get looks at me like "Kami, why are you not joining in with us?" Even as I type this I am getting heated. If you do not remember anything from what you read in this blog, then remember this, they are people too. They are the people that raised me to be a responsible young women, they are the people who are in my Bible study, they are the people who I spent a month with in Colorado, they are the family friends that always want to know about me and school, they are all people and deserve to be respected and not demeaned just because their political views are different from your political views.
- Now some people may be reading this and wonder how I can even struggle with my political views if I truly have a relationship with God. Let me tell you, I am not about to make politics my religion. I am quite worried about some people who get more heated about which bill should be passed or who should be president or who are more concerned with digging up dirt about the other candidate than they are about growing in their walk with the Lord and remembering that are are called to love one another. Yes, I am still fairly new in my faith and I am sure that my views will change as I grow and mature in my walk with the Lord, but I hope and pray that I will never be more passionate about the current political debate than about my God who continues to love me and give me grace.
- This does not mean that I never want to discuss politics. I do discuss politics with a very few people who I trust will not judge or categorize me, but please don't expect me to jump on either bandwagon...
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