Dear Lord, What have I done?

The floor is still sticky at the Convention Halls where Republicans and Democrats gathered to watch election results roll in last night, and already I am regretting some of my election-day decisions.

If you're anything like me, the last few times you've gone to the polls, you've filled in your ballot with one hand and held your nose with the other. Our choices have been sketchy at best. But we vote. And by and large we stick to the people and parties we've always voted for.

But not this time. Not for me. For the first time in my adult life I have turned my back on the political party of my mother and father and voted for a Democrat... In fact, I voted for three Democrats yesterday. And it felt good.

I went to bed before all the results were in. So, my first order of business this morning was seeing who won. And my first response was,

Dear Lord, What have I done?

In Michigan, Governor-elect Gretchen Whitmer and Senator Debbie Stabenow win? The historically middle-to-right-Republican in me experienced immediate buyers remorse at the thought of what these two Democrats will do. And I voted for them both!

I suddenly started experiencing paranoia about my backing of legalizing marijauna in the state. It was just like being back in college, getting a contact buzz from the purple haze that filled my roommate's bedroom and knowing the cops were going to show up at any minute.

Dear Lord, What have I done?

Forgive me for deserting your Grand Old Party. Forgive me for not voting for a candidate who looks like you: a white male (of course). Forgive me for voting against separating children from their families and caging them. Forgive me for not supporting the effort to stop refugees from entering OUR country and to cut off assistance for those who truly need it. Forgive me for not falling in line with the facts the President and his minions, people you have appointed to govern this land, spew.

SCREW THAT! I have no regrets about how I voted.

My view of God has always been a significant factor in the way I vote in elections. As I pulled Republican levers in the past, I was convinced it was because these candidates would protect Bible-based values. I don't believe that anymore. And it's not God changing. And it's not politics changing. The truth is, God hasn't changed during the last few election cycles, my view of Him has.

God hasn't changed during the last few election cycles, my view of Him has.

Now, you can call that blasphemy and suggest I've lost my way. But, I will not regret supporting ideas (and candidates) that welcome the lost, that support those in need, and that ask that we all behave with civility. Those are truly Bible-based values; these are things Jesus requires of his followers.

I hope this means we can still be friends!