Today, Jim and I went to cast our votes for the upcoming midterm election. Here in Texas there is an early voting option that allows folks to go to a limited number of polling places and vote prior to election day. As I made my ballot choices today, I got a lump in my throat, as I usually do when I vote. It may sound corny, but I view voting as a sacred honor, my duty to God- and to the men and women who gave so much to ensure I have a voice in the governance of my nation. I am so grateful that I am able to vote, and it always makes me teary-eyed when I think of it. I love the country I grew up in, and I still believe it is greatest nation on earth.

Over 200 years ago, men and women risked everything to birth a nation where people can be free. I don’t think we realize the danger in which they placed themselves when they began the resistance to the King of England. In signing the Declaration of Independence they knew they were signing their own death warrants if they were to lose- and the death of their families as well. Many of them gave their lives to establish a new nation based on God’s law that every person is of value and has a right to live free.

Throughout the many years since then, thousands upon thousands of our own citizens have given the ultimate sacrifice of their lives to ensure that we remain a nation of free men and women. Countless soldiers have shed their blood on soil both domestic and foreign to guarantee our national sovereignty and to protect our God-given rights. Many endured cruel torture. Yet others have lost family and friends in battles fought in the name of freedom.

In the light of such sacrifice, it is our holy duty to vote. Our vote is our voice. It is the precious right that we have that has been bought with such a high price- the blood of our sons and daughters on the field of honor.

I ask that each of you exercise the right that has been given to you to vote. I ask that you vote in line with the principles upon which this nation was founded, which is the Word of God. In the immortal words of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address:

“That we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Be a patriot. Stand for freedom by casting your ballot, and pray for those in leadership. I am including a link below to a powerful prayer that you can use to pray for our nation. God bless you and God bless the United States of America.

Pray for our Nation