A dear friend of mine shared with me that when she was growing up, they had a neighbor who would often comment to her mother that he always waited for the political signs to show up on her lawn in order for him to know for whom to vote.
In regard to the gifts of the Spirit we learn:
For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
12 To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.
13 To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:11 - 14)
I am wondering if there might be a parallel to things as they are in the political arena. I, personally, believe that my right to vote is a privilege, and I humbly acknowledge that there are many in today's world who live without that privilege. I am very aware of, and incredibly grateful for those who risked and/or gave their lives in order to afford me a right to vote. I am grateful to live in a country that believes in letting each voice be heard. I want you to know and understand that I don't take this responsibility/privilege lightly.
That being said, I feel like a total idiot whenever the topic of politics comes up. I feel like an infant trying to understand the conversation of adults around me. I trust none of the propaganda. I feel like I'm drowning in an ocean of political mumbo jumbo with every corrupt politician for himself, and I keep hoping for some life-line of truth to be thrown to me.
Because of this, I pay very close attention to the views of those whom I know and trust who are close to me. These people, though they may not know it, are like my friend's mom. I am "watching for the signs" to pop up in their yards, so to speak.
Currently, there is an on-going discussion, via e-mail, about our current political situation between my family members. I doubt any of them comprehends how I'm hanging on every word; how I appreciate the expressions of their beliefs and positions in ways that even I can understand. There are others whom I trust, whose opinions I respect and would love to hear. You, dear reader, are included. (At least everyone that I know of who reads this blog.)
Sadly, in religion and politics, people often hold back in sharing what they feel and believe, for fear of offending, or starting a heated debate. I don't like heated debates either, in fact, I usually stop listening when it gets that way. But, I do believe that we are meant to discuss and share, and that if each person understands that every person has a right to their own opinions and stances, and if we can each respect that, then why can't there be more open discussions?
For those of you who hold back for these reasons, let me just say, that there are some of us out here who need "to believe on your words." I think the voice of the people, not the politicians, needs to be heard more often for those of us who need help understanding this stuff.
27 And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land.
(Book of Mormon Mosiah 29:26 - 27)
