First Baptist Church of Herndon

Democracy in Action

Linda Soller | Nov 11, 2019

On this Veteran’s Day I want to tell you about my observation of democracy in action. It was election day. I walked in the chilly morning to vote for a variety of positions. I was certain of how to vote on some, and not so certain on others. As I approached the school, I was greeted with smiles and sample ballots. Then I met her. A young woman, late twenties or early thirties, who looked me in the eye and said can I give you this and just tell you one thing? I stopped to hear her out. In one race there was a man from one of the two standard parties and another man running as an independent. She identified that while she was a member of the party of the one candidate and, even worked in the group the winner would supervise, she supported the independent candidate. She wanted me to know the key difference between what the flyer the party had handed me said and what she said are the facts. She clearly and succinctly made her point. She didn’t cut down the party candidate to build up her choice. At the end of her presentation, she thanked me and asked only that I vote for who I felt would do the best job.

I love voting day. I love seeing people go out of their way to take time to vote. It’s democracy in action. This year was made special for me by that young woman. That she held to her convictions on that cold morning to support someone who was fighting an uphill battle had left an impression of hope on me. She had not pointed fingers, or called anyone names, she had simply stated the qualifications her candidate had to do the job. Youth, passion, the freedom to vote as you want, are symbols of democracy in action. That young woman asked me to think carefully before I voted about why I was voting in each race. Do you do that? She was articulate, thoughtful, realistic, and invested. Could you do the same?

I thanked God for that young woman and for her strength. I prayed she would feel encouraged by her efforts. I thanked God for our democracy and for the opportunity to see it in action without feeling fear or shame.

Be humble, be grateful, and be love in our world this week! :o) Linda