Election Day is over.  The results are in.  I feel optimistic and am disgusted all at the same time.  How can one feel such differing of emotions at the same time?  My emotions are not from the outcome of the elections, but as I step back and look at the election process as a whole, my emotions come bubbling up.  When you look at the election you saw two candidates very flawed and yet you saw the people of America very passionate about their candidates.  Almost willing to go to any length necessary to put up a Facebook post, a blog, a Clinton- Kaine or Trump- Pence sign in the yard.  People went to rally’s all over the U.S. just to get a glimpse of their candidate.  Americans spent incessant hours nightly watching CNN or FoxNews (depending on preference, right).  People became so consumed that they felt like it was their job to tell people about their candidate, defend them, and even will go to lengths of losing relationships over political views. 

I’m optimistic because I see people voicing their opinions, passionate about their message.  I’m optimistic because the people care about something.  They have opinions and views and want to voice thoughts and make them known.  I’m optimistic because people have an investment into their beliefs.  They want to sacrifice with their money, time, or abilities to pursue a cause.  I’m optimistic because there is a pulse in the American people.  Whether they supported Hillary, or Donald, or hated both, it doesn’t matter, they cared. 

I also disgusted at the same time.  I’m disgusted at the focus that is placed on the political process and the willingness to go to whatever lengths necessary to share political views and then look at the apathy of the church.  The church has been silent about the truth of the gospel for way too long.  We as individuals who believe that Jesus is Lord, is the one we need to proclaim.  Our talents, money, and time are worthy of the one who was never elected nor will ever relinquish His throne.  Church, it is time to get out of the shell of silence and be bold in what we believe in.  This is the wake up that we as Christian’s needed to realize that America has a pulse and wants to hear what God has to say.  As I look at the war rooms, the countless volunteers, the groundwork, the strategy, the vision, let us remember we have the greatest message ever to proclaim.  And let us remember the one who leads us has no flaws.  Let us be unashamed of the gospel for it is the power of salvation to all who believe.  My prayer is this election process will embolden you to share your faith with your neighborhood, your city, and the world.  May the Lord worthy of our worship send out His ambassadors into a lost and dying world to proclaim the greatest story ever told.  One of grace, forgiveness, truth, and reconciliation.