The Day After

I am writing this on Election Day. I will keep it short and simple. Wednesday, we should have a newly elected President. So now what? The sun will rise. My van brakes will still be squeaky until I get them looked at. My kids are still beautiful and really smart. My wife is still my favorite person in the world. Terra Nova is still the community of people I serve and love and lead. So what is the next step?

Today (Tuesday, November 04, 2008) we are seeing unprecedented voter turnout. Some are saying 80% turnout is expected. As a nation we have jumped into this process with both feet, but my fear is that once today is over, we will all wash our hands and go back to “life as normal.” Similar things happened in October, 2001 – especially among the Church community. The nation was looking for some type of foundation to stand on, and the Church (not all of them, but way too many!) simply became another nice place to hear nice songs and hear nice sermons and feel better about everything.

NOT THIS TIME!

We are looking at an opportunity to harness the energy and excitement of a majority of Americans.

Here is what I hope we all do. If you voted for John McCain because you support the Pro-Life issue, then don’t just wait for the government to change something. Go out and volunteer at a pregnancy crisis center; take in a young, pregnant girl, look into adoption. If you voted for Barack Obama because you want the war to end or you think he can do more with the economy, then don’t just wait. Send care packages to our troops; find out how to help out at the Veterans Administration; see what local organizations could use your help in supporting the poor and needy.

The day after the election, don’t stop being passionate, start doing something with it! Let’s continue the momentum within our community. Let’s take this to the next level and CHANGE THE WORLD!

Under the Mercy,
Jason