To state the obvious, I have been taking a breather from politics. And through this much needed break, I have quickly learned that I really missed my family and my friends, relaxing, and just being a teenager. For the past two years I have been so engulfed in politics that I rarely came up for air.
It seems like it has been forever since Election Day because so much has changed. I have spent a great deal of my time about my future and where I want to be in 10 years, or even in 2 years. My high school days are quickly coming to an end, as I just began the second semester of my junior year, and college is quickly approaching. I have many vital, exciting decisions to make between now and then. And one decision that has been looming over my head is what my place in politics is going to be. Do I want to pursue a career based around politics? Or, do I want to reroute my plans and keep politics as a hobby? I’m still undecided.
Last night I mistakenly visited my YouTube channel for the first time in several months. I figured since I hadn’t made a video in quite some time that all of the insanity would have subsided. I was wrong. Arguments were still going on, and hateful names and remarks were still being spewed (it even pushed me to list all but one of my videos as private).
I enjoy politics, most of the time, but being surrounded by so much hate can so easily break someone’s soul. I want to be in politics, but at the same time I need to be true to myself and my God. I want to love, not hate. I may be a Conservative, but first and foremost, I am a child of God saved by Grace through Faith. I am loved, which is why I must love. Without love, hope is nonexistent.
You love every lost cause; You reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they’re the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet
–Casting Crowns
Unfortunately, love and politics (or anything in this world) have never meshed.
Why do we think that hate’s gonna change their heart?
We’re up in arms over wars that don’t need to be fought
But pride won’t let us lay our weapons on the ground
We build our bridges up but just to burn them down
We think pain is owed apologies and then it’ll stop
But truth be told it doesn’t matter if they’re sorry or not
Freedom comes when we surrender to the sound
Of mercy and Your grace, Father, send Your angels down
– Tenth Avenue North
Hate will never solve anything, and with that thought, I will be adjusting my style. When I initially named this blog Faith Hope & Politics my intention was to write about politics from a hopeful, Christian perspective, and I will continue to do so. But all of my readers should, from now on, expect blogs that are much more faith based, focusing on the only real hope for the world – Jesus Christ and His amazing love. This new premise is not only for my politics, but my life in general. It is with God’s guidance and love, and that of my family, that I will make all of the tough decisions facing me in the months to come and for the rest of my life.
Until next time,
Madeleine
Beautifully said, Madeleine. I’ve been thinking much along those lines myself lately. A great reminder to us all as to why we do what we do. For the King of Kings. Blessings, my friend, and prayers coming your way!
Kate
Thank you so much. Everything you do in politics is always incredible. I hope to see you again at CPAC!
Definitely stay true to yourself, Madeleine. Life can be as simple as faith. One day at a time, one prayer at time. jm
Well said! You are wise and I know you will have a wonderful future!
Always remember that Jesus dealt with a lot of evil and hypocritical people. They said one thing yet did another-total liars and enjoyed putting the blame and responsibility on him for what they had done/were doing. They wagged their chins at him while he was on a cross and they were very unkind. Even then, he did what was necessary which was to be on that cross. He was persecuted, spit upon, called names, beaten, and he did nothing for the haters to hate him. They hated him without a cause (reason). All he did was come here so that none would perish but they were so head strong and refused to change their minds (for whatever reasons) that they were blinded to the truth. Seems that you are kind of having the same problem…lot of people blinded to the truth and they are head strong and very unkind toward you. When they do that to God’s own, the good book says that (we) are blessed. And…Jesus just kept on going. Did not let them stop him. He did what he knew, deep in his heart, that he needed to do for all people, everywhere. He knew that if he gave up his spot on the the throne, turned his back on people, he would not be able to return here, pretty soon, and pick up those who love him. He’s coming back and vengeance is his. You must trust in him, no matter what people say or do, and let him take care of them…in the end. Whatever path you go down, there will always be people along it that do not mix nicely with your mind (heart/soul) so you need to put on the armor of God and believe that every evil thing is used for ‘good’ (when you love him). Prophetically, they are thinking to divide the land. So, the time for seeing Jesus/God is growing very near. Look up, Madeleine, your redemption draws nigh.
Madeleine,
You are a godly young lady. I am sure God has something really wonderful in store for your life.
Just keep your heart of love on Him, and I know you will make the right choices and decisions; and they will glorify Him
Hang on to Him, and be faithful till glory.
T.A.
You just have to learn to understand that being involved in the conservative movement is a form of hate, not love. You might think you know what’s best for others who are not, for instance, Christian or heterosexual, however, you don’t and there lies the conflict and unfortunate push-back.
Your group was summarily routed during the last election and it was explained again and again during the aftermath that the problem is the Republican brand that claims to want “liberty and justice for all” but tends to champion exclusionary tactics (limiting the impact of the poor in elections) and the sickening notion of racial profiling. People not only want, but demand the freedom to make their own choices, that explains the losing conservative efforts to stop abortion and the votes in Washington and Colorado to legalize marijuana. This is why the Republican version of freedom to exist within very specific constraints is being rejected.
Anthony – The “Republican version of freedom” is being rejected by those who are continuing to drag our country further and further into a lawless and godless abyss. There were no ‘exclusionary tactics’ during the election – just the cry for voter registration so that FAIR elections could be had. Anyone who seeks fairness and honor would not object to that as a standard. ‘Progressives’ are the ones who hate. They hate the USA and are doing all they can to weaken it and its place in the world. Wake up.
My remarks were addressing Madeleline’s commentary, Robert. In a way you are proving my assertion correct, since you took up the charge by attempting to “school” all of us on what is best for all concerned. That seems to be a flaw in those who are crying elections aren’t FAIR when the “one man one vote” concept is employed. Yes, there aren’t as many programmable minions remaining from the past that used voter suppression tactics to achieve social maladies as racism, sexism, ageism, and discrimination based upon type of worship. Therefore, you can opt to remain in the minority and crestfallen every other November, or you can join us positive Americans and truly form a more perfect union. The choice remains yours.
Madeleine,
many of us took a break after the elections from all things politic. It seemed both needed and smart.
And I certainly understand your reluctance to be as involved as you were before the election. But please take this from an old wonk, you my child have a gift. If you wish to stay away from politics, by all means do so, after all free will too is a gift of God.
But please remember that you are both young enough and strong enough to change minds among your peers. And God has certainly given you the intelligence to become a leader of your peers.
Be strong, be wise, thank you for some good reading.
God keep you safe,
Steve in Clayton.
As you can no doubt tell by the alias I am using, I disagree with your political beliefs. However, I think that what you are doing is very wise. You and I are of a similar age and are both seriously considering moving forward in our lives with politics at the forefront. However, you are not the only one who is receiving hatred for their political views and I want you to remain a powerful and positive influence for young Conservatives.
Whether or not you keep politics as a hobby or as a career, I think that there will always be events and occurances that warrant a debate and I look forward to meeting you in future, perhaps as debating partners, but I also hope as friends. Your message of love and tollerance of people, even those with whome you disagree, is an admirable one and I support it wholeheartedly. Keep on doing what your doing, and I look forward to our future rivalry.
Hey Madeleine,
First of all I want to tell you that I am very thankful for the GOOD things you shared and accomplished during the recent political season! I am a 52 year old Conservative Christian who lives in Charlotte and I was inspired and touched by your enthusiasm and passion! God has blessed you with Wisdom and communication skills that exceed MOST people of ALL AGES and yet you are what, 16?
Secondly, I believe you are doing the right thing by refocusing and staying focused on the Lord. One of my very favorite NT Scriptures is: 2 Corinthians 2:14: “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” Always remember that God’s ultimate purpose is for people’s eyes and hearts to be opened to Him. Only God can do that and He chooses to use us, His children to partner with Him in this! So in ALL you do, remember that your life sends forth a FRAGRANCE of the Knowledge of God that EVERYONE you come in contact with will “smell”, if you will! God bless you and keep up the good work for Him!
It is sad that a leftist’s tool kit is mostly a clenched fist and Alinski’s Rules for Radicals. They are motivate by hate to cause as much hate and division as they can.
The problem is you cannot come in contact with that much hate on a daily basis and not have it affect you. It is a sad commentary on lonely people that are completely confused and basically losers.
I would suggest that, if you open this, or any other forum in the future, that you also post the rules for posting and then have a way to remove the problems. After all, they are not trying to debate. They are trying to bebacle.