A Voice Worth Using

Usually, when we talk about wellness, we think about getting enough rest, eating better, moving our bodies, and caring for our emotional and spiritual lives. This week, my thoughts have also turned toward the well-being of our communities.

As we approach the midterm elections, I think about those who have died so that my voice could be heard, I find myself pausing. The opportunity I have to vote came at a cost. Remembering their sacrifice makes it clear to me that I must stay involved in my community and use my voice.

Things happening around us have a way of settling in our hearts. It hurts to see people treated unkindly because they are different. It is troubling to hear dishonesty excused or to see someone struggle to receive fair treatment. After a while, all of that can feel heavy.

Perhaps you have felt it, too. You care about what is happening, but you wonder, What can I really do? As I think about that question, these words give me something to hold on to:  “…to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”  Micah 6:8, KJV.  Justice, mercy, and humility. I want those qualities to guide how I live, how I treat people, and how I consider the choices before me.

I think about the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30–37. He saw a wounded man along the road and stopped to care for him. He gave his time and resources to help someone in need. His compassion became something the man could actually receive. That stays with me. It makes me think about the ways I can turn my own concern into care.

Voting is one of those ways. The decisions made by those who govern reach into our everyday lives, our schools, our health care, our neighborhoods, and the way people are treated. What concern has been resting on your heart? What would you like those making decisions to understand?

Let that concern lead you to learn more. Take some time with the candidates and the issues on your ballot. Ask questions. Pray for wisdom. Then, if you are eligible, make time to vote.

Perhaps you have grown discouraged. Maybe you have participated before and are still waiting to see things improve. I understand how that can make a person weary. One election cannot carry every hope we have. Even so, we each have an opportunity to take part in shaping the places we call home.

So, as you plan your week, leave room for that. Confirm your voting location and hours with your local election office. Decide when you will go. If you need help making a plan, reach out to someone you trust. We may make different choices. But my prayer is that we can still speak kindly, listen carefully, and remember that every person deserves dignity.

This Wellness Wednesday, I’m carrying gratitude for those who helped make my participation possible, and a renewed desire to care about what happens beyond my own front door. I hope you will join me. You have a voice. Vote.

Pearl's Prayer:

Father, You know the concerns we carry for our families, our neighbors, and our communities. Help us bring those concerns to You and recognize the ways we can help. Give us wisdom in our choices, kindness in our conversations, and willing hearts to participate. May justice, mercy, and humility guide us as we use our voices. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I am the Vessel, God is the Grace