We are in the midst of a contentious runoff election in our area for Sheriff. I wanted to write a letter to one of them, yet Holy Spirit very specifically told me to “stay in your lane. Prayer. Politics is NOT your lane. Prayer is.”
So I wrote an open letter to the community in the newspaper. My 93 year old neighbor came knocking on my door this morning at 8 am, saying, “I read it, I read it again, then I read it a third time. Tears flowed down my cheeks, I was so thankful for your words to all of us.”
Here’s the letter:
A letter to the community,
It is with the deepest respect that I write to each one of you today. I feel a heavy burden to share scripture put on my heart with you, especially during this election season, as a reminder of how we are called to live.
“So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.”
1 Peter 2:1 (NLT)
Scripture continues: “Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.”
1 Peter 2:2-3 (NASB)
My mother taught me a valuable lesson long ago. “You must be little to belittle another.”
We see people we know, like, trust, and respect speak as if their words are true rather than personal opinion. This is disrespectful and discouraging to me to see others demeaned. I’m sure others of you feel the same way.
For our own parish and community, we need leaders of the highest moral character.
Leaders lead from the front. They are responsible for setting the tone and tenor of the community they lead because their words and actions either build up or tear down, as the Bible says.
“This very day I appointed you to speak with My authority over nations and kingdoms. Your word—My word—will have the power to uproot and stamp out; it will destroy and upend. And then your word—My word—will rebuild and plant anew.”
Jeremiah 1:10 (The Voice)
Proverbs teaches us how to live, saying:
“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”
Proverbs 18:21 (NLT)
My prayer is simple. That we elect a leader who is committed to step into their God given authority to build up this community as they speak life about Claiborne Parish and its residents.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Susan B. Mead, ThD, MBA
Retired Business Director
LifeScan, a $1 Billion Johnson & Johnson Co.
Election day is Saturday, November 16. Early voting is over and the decision will be made as votes are cast. Lord, You appoint leaders. We thank You that Your will will be done, even if it makes no sense to us.
Here’s what we know from history.
Your will Lord. Yours. And for all elections running across this land and others, Father, Your will be done. You say stay in your lane. Thank You, Lord, for that powerful lesson. I shall pray and stay in my lane.