hope for, but not in....(politics)

Yesterday was encouraging.....hopeful.....reassuring......uplifting. I will admit - for the past 15 months since the election I have been discouraged and troubled. I have sort of put my political feelings aside - not able to deal with it. When I put too much thought and hope into "politics" I am discouraged. We have not, however, ceased discussing Civics in our home - nor have we forgotten the responsibility we have as Christians to respect and pray for our leaders whom the Lord has placed in power over us. (1 Timothy 2:1-3) Sitting and complaining about what is happening politically in our country is not an option here - involvement and understanding how government works is important.

Madison, Ryan, and I (Along with our friends) had the privilege of spending the day at our state Capitol yesterday for a government class. Presented by Teenpact, this is a class for Christian students which teaches the foundations of government with the legislative branch - but emphasizing the reminder that spiritual revival is the answer to America's problems, not politics. The purpose is to open the minds of young people to both their responsibility and their opportunity as citizen leaders and help them understand the principle of "higher authority" (Romans 13:1-2).

In preparation Madison and Ryan wrote letters of encouragement to our district Senators and Representatives. They received one very lovely letter back from one of them! I appreciated that I was able to attend and experience the day with the kids, yet hang back and let them interact and be in the class with no "hovering". It was like packing a week of school into one day and I got the day off! We learned more in a day of "hands on" activities than we would have in weeks of reading or worksheets. Young Teenpact interns and staffers run the class, and this is where my hope began to return......watching these 15-20 yr. olds speak and facilitate the class was inspiring. Their passion for government, life, and the kids was contagious. They are statesman (and women) of our future and we should be proud.

Look closely (click on pic) to see Ryan, Madison, and Rebekah approaching the Capitol

Ice breaker activities

After an ice breaker time, the kids did "sword drills", where they looked up scripture passages that guide Christians in submitting to authority, praying for leaders, following God's law, and playing an active part in government.

"sword drills"

We had the opportunity to walk through the Capitol grounds and pray for our leaders and military - a freedom that we treasure and hope is protected. The kids learned about public speaking and the importance of being able to communicate and articulate themselves.

Prayer for our leaders, military, and public servants

This monument was among many we looked at that honored soldiers, police officers, victims of 911, code talkers, historical figures, and our founding fathers.

Inside the capitol

All afternoon the topic was learning how a bill becomes a law and this was taught "hands-on" with discussion, skits, and role play. The kids had each written a bill ahead of time in preparation and during class, "introduced" their bill to the "mock" House. Every single child walked up to the podium and read their bill to the group of over 100 people - strong and well! They were articulate, confident, funny, and considerate. More hope.....

Madison and Ryan introducing their bill

After introducing their bills, they broke into "committees" to see how bills work in committees before being brought to a vote in the Senate or House. Following committee, they were able to go back to the "House" and debate their bill on the floor. They had to use the exact procedure and vocabulary of the process - very cool. These 8-12 year olds did an amazing job!

"committee"

Working to fill out their scavenger hunt questions

Congratulations, alumni!

Madison and Rebekah, one of the Teenpact interns

The day was a great reminder that even though it seems some of our original freedoms installed by our forefathers are slipping away, some remain intact and we still do live in a great FREE country. It was motivating and inspiring to be reminded that there ARE solid individuals in politics whose religion is not their party or issues, who are grounded in a rock much more firm. It was also a call to "real citizenship" as Tim Echols, the founder of Teenpact puts it.

"Believers in Christ are called to more than simply remembering to vote. As we live out Christ-like consideration for our fellow citizens, and Christ-like respect for the procedures and people involved in the political process---attitudes which can only come from placing our hope in Christ, we will be examples of "real" citizens. As believers we are called to something greater than earthly citizenship or electoral "success" -- we are called to be faithful citizens of heaven."

May the Lord guide us as we seek to faithfully live out our "dual" citizenship - with love and hope.