I know that many people will probably think the purpose of today’s entry might be a little ridiculous, but I don’t. Given the current state of our country’s affairs, especially in matters of gay rights, I’ve truly been concerned about this upcoming presidential election in 2016.
Our country is very charged right now on so many issues. But the one I’m most affected by at the present time is this one dealing with gay rights. There are far too many individuals at the present time in the United States fighting to oppress a gay person’s ability to have full equality in this country, using religious context as their basis.
While I know many have had their choice words about Obama, I’ve been overly grateful that he has taken a number of steps towards greater equality since he took office. But what’s going to happen to all his hard work and all the achievements so many others have fought for if the next president is severely conservative and believes homosexuality is a sin? Will steps start being taken, as they have been in places such as Indiana or Arkansas, to creating legislation that makes room for back-end forms of discrimination? Will my ability to having equal rights in things such as housing and jobs slowly begin to evaporate? Will the long battle for same-sex marriage be set back several decades?
I don’t have the answers to any of these questions, but I’m definitely concerned for where our country is going to head in the near future under the next president. Regardless, I spent a good majority of today talking about this very issue, which did nothing more for me than increase my sense of uncomfortability with it all. Thus, I felt it was most appropriate to go to the one thing that will bring me comfort and that’s to bring this into prayer with my Higher Power, so here goes…
“Dear God, I’m seriously concerned about where my country is headed. Lately it seems as if everyone is taking one side or another instead of coming together and finding love and acceptance amongst each other. I have a hard time believing that this is what You envisioned things coming to. Over the past eight years we’ve had a president that I believe has done his absolute best to bring forth greater equality. Yet, I’m seeing dissension towards achieving that on a constant basis lately, much in part due to people using their religious views as a means to judge and discriminate. Because of this, I’m not sure what’s going to happen if our next president is extremely conservative with very strong religious beliefs. I have great fear of the backwards steps that might be taken by a leader such as this, which would only end up moving us even further away from the very thing that Jesus said we should always practice. So I leave this prayer in Your hands God. Please guide our country over the upcoming year to select our next leader who will be someone that will work to bring us closer together, who will continue to guide us towards achieving equality between everyone, and who will promote unconditional love and acceptance of all. Thank you God. Amen.”
Peace, love, light, and joy,
Andrew Arthur Dawson
From your keyboard to God’s ear, my friend.