We moved into our house about six years ago. I always go around and meet our neighbors wherever we have lived. There are two reasons I do this - I like to know my neighbors and I am married to a police officer and there are always police stopping by my house. I feel like it is a good idea to let our new neighbors know we are on the up and up.
Now we are all friends with our neighbors and talk all the time. Politics is the buzz of the area. It is all people are talking about. National and local election news is everywhere. It drives one of my neighbors crazy that I won’t discuss who I support or who I am voting for. I tell him that I just discuss that with my family because I truly support all people. When I wear my Back the Blue Shirt he says, “You must be Republican.” I say, “Actually, I just back the blue!” When I wear my ”Love is Love” shirt he says, “You must be a Democrat.” I say, “I just want people to be able to love who they love.” When we put our flags up he says, “ You must be Republican.” I say, “I really just love America.”
Then I really confused him. A year ago, one of our neighbors, who is a Conservative Republican wanted to run for a city position. She asked me if I would stand at the polling place with her and help pass out flyers on election day. Of course, I wanted her to win because she is a wonderful person. So I stood with her and passed out flyers and wore my red Republican shirt with her name on it.
This last summer, another neighbor asked me if I would help her pass out flyers at a local Black Lives Matter Rally. Of course, I am happy to help. I love her family. Her and her husband have adopted three black children. They are awesome.
“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.”
Romans 15:2.
This is exactly what I try to do. It is not about us, but rather it is about helping our neighbor. Both of my wonderful neighbors needed help and I did what I could to support them. I wish we could all stop using labels - Republican, Democrat, liberal, conservative and start just being neighbors and Americans.
My neighbor still asks me who I am voting for. He says now that I helped both of my neighbors with different political views, he can’t tell what party I belong to. I am going to let the secret out……I belong to the party called LOVE! Love all people, love your neighbors no matter who they vote for. I believe that is what God would want from each of us.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Help us spend time building up and supporting people instead of tearing them down. No matter who our neighbors vote for, let us show them only love. Help us all to move past the labels and see the person. In your name we pray.
Amen.
Written By: Kim Cordell