With the election so close, I write one political blog, inspired by a phone call from John McCain and an email from my sister’s ex-sister-in-law, deep in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Amish country. My husband is a registered Republican which I did not discover until some years after we were married. This came as a shock since I thought we were soul mates. As it turns out, he’s really an independent, and votes Democrat more often than not (at least that’s what he tells me). By the way, I am a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat but I will on occasion vote Republican, most notably for Rudy Giuliani as mayor of NYC after I blindly voted for Dinkins just because he was a Democrat and a black man (which is, I guess, reverse racism). I also support Mario Scavello, my PA state representative. (I’m seeing a pattern here: I seem to go for Italian-American Republicans.)

So because my husband is a Republican, the phone rings and I say hello and this recording of a hysterical man’s voice comes on talking really fast and frenetic, informing me that Barack Obama is a terrorist, is best friends with a terrorist who has tried to kill AMERICANS, and has to be stopped before he destroys America. I was appalled, especially since I’d just watched the debate the night before where Obama explained his tenuous connection to William Ayers via their membership (along with other highly respected Republicans and Democrats) in an educational foundation started by a Reagan supporter.

I did a *69 which now costs about $2.00 and called the number back. (Here it is if you want to call and complain as well: 877-431-2572.) It was an answering machine so I left a message conveying my shock at their shenanigans which probably won’t get listened to. This doesn’t bother me since I am being listened to when I make real phone calls and canvass door to door as a volunteer for Barack Obama. This is a time that tries men’s souls and the only antidote is action, and more action.

Hard on the heals of this phone call, I received this email:

With so many emails coming my way about the presidential election. I decided to take time to address those who are either trying to educate or sway me in making a decision on whom will get my vote. This has been a hard year for me to decide as I really think both candidates are not really living in God's will. I have many who have said vote for the less of the two evils. As a born again Christian I just felt there had to be a better answer. I could take time to write the pro's and con's or each candidate but I feel this will invoke anger and even rage in some of my friends and family's hearts. So I ask each of you to consider an alternative.

I trust in the real power of our Lord and Savior. He can move a mountain, calm a raging storm, change man's heart. I have decided that this year I would serve our nation more by making this 'voting day' a day of deep and caring prayer. You say what! "If you don't vote how can we keep the other guy from winning?" I say to you, "There is more power in one prayer then in any number of people voting. I have not come by this decision lightly as this will be the first president election I haven't voted for since I was eighteen. I am now 52. It takes a faith I am not asking others to take unless they too see the wisdom in such an act. You could argue the point of voting and praying. And yes I can see such a point, but to me I must make a stand. I am unwilling to promote candidates that do not have a place for God in their hearts and also have no Christian agenda.

I am asking you to consider stepping out with a step of faith and join me in my day of prayer. Let us, the Christian community show Washington that no! We will not settle!!!

If you agree and would like to pass this on please feel free to share. But DO dear Christian be in prayer for our country as we are sore in need of it!

your sister in Christ Valerie

Wow! I had on idea we were sisters in Christ! I thought she was just my sister’s ex-sister-in-law who had shared some concern with me over the fate of our joint nephew while he was serving in Iraq. I guess because I offered to pray for him and for her while she was suffering from a physical ailment she drew the conclusion that I was the same kind of elitist Christian that she appears to be. My response:

Hi Valerie -- I just want you to know that I've been praying every day for God to help the right candidate to win, i.e the one who will help our country to grow and prosper spiritually, physically and mentally. However, I am also planning to vote for the candidate I think is right since the saying goes, "take the action and let go of the result," or row the boat, but let God steer it. If no one voted, we would not be serving this country as it was established by our forefathers who were motivated by the lack of representation and religious freedom in the countries they fled. I also believe that it is a mistake to try to impose any one religious perspective on this country as it is disenfranchising to the many sincere believers in God who are not "born again" per se. Again, I think I know what is right but it won't be until after I die that I will know with any certainty. Until then, I will follow the divine inspiration God grants me on a daily basis.