Gripping the steering wheel tighter, I reach over with my white-knuckled hand to power off the news talk radio. My head is pounding, my back throbbing from the tension. My stomach is in knots and not because of the spicy leftovers from last night. The question screams in my mind, “Lord! What are you thinking?!”, because what I see and hear is depressing. Really depressing. It’s obvious we are raising a generation that seems to be heading the wrong direction and I must do something.  

We not only have a society who is aimless without a worthy cause, but is bent toward hatred for the very thing that has given them the freedom to express their individuality. The calamities all cry out at us from the headlines; Riots in Ferguson, the Orlando Tragedy, and the heartbreaking crisis of Syrian refugees. The questions are begging to be asked, “Why is this happening? Who’s fault is this? What needs to be done to prevent it from happening again?”

I’m a helpless advice junky. It’s true. Unsolicited advice I’m not usually keen on (and who is?!) but when I observe wisdom of a life well-lived, I desire to dive into the theory of what guides their decisions. Uncle Randy is one of those people: quiet, watchful, quick to listen, slow to speak. At least this is what I gather about his character, but most compelling is that all four of his adult kids, and spouses, respect him. It’s not often we can get quality, uninterrupted conversation, especially when our times of fellowship are held in the midst of a boisterous family reunion. The Carlson Clan knows how to have a good time.

Once I asked him for his best parenting advice. He responded, without hesitation, yet in his calm, measured way, by asking if I ever heard his talk on self-government? Self-Government? This is not an everyday term you hear thrown around. He patiently explained it the first time, but over the last several years I’ve asked him more than once to share his insight. I’ve slowly digested his wisdom. The desire has grown to articulate this guidance to my children and them to their children, but I also think current events beg me to share (a very short synopsis) of this key life message of his to others. Because the first floor of government starts in our own families. Training and living under the power and authority of the Holy Spirit and one of the key characteristics; self-control. We can find and use teachable moments to, “add to our (children’s) faith, goodness; and to goodness knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection and to mutual affection, love.”2 Peter 1:6-7

As we read the word of God, I do not find a clear blueprint for the Republican or Democratic way of thinking, rather I find a call to live under the peaceful control of the Holy Spirit or ‘self-government’. To be clear; it is not self-preservation which lends itself to an unyielding heart and unwillingness to honestly evaluate our own sin, fighting for our own way. This will lead us to justify or shift blame for our faulty actions in hopes that we won’t expose what we really are; a sinful human in need of a Savior. Who we are is a redeemed child of the King that can find great love and protection in surrender and confession. We don’t need to create a new party to propitiate further divide, but instead direct our energies toward home, where we can bring about change since the power actually lies within you and me.

Straightening my shoulders, my back is taunt again because I realize the whole of this message is longer than anyone would be willing to read in the polite space of a blog post. So, my lengthy dissertations must wait for a rather wordy chapter in a future book. The least I must do is leave you with the marginalized summary of the concept my family chooses to reside in; Even though we might be inclined to walk in fear when our federal government is in chaos, I’ve also found it to be true that we can walk in a sibilance of peaceful ignorance and prosperity because we can actually rest in God-given control of our personal success and failures. The Lord still sits on His throne, fully aware of the rise and fall of powers; our silly, petty, minuscule power.

Pray. Love. Eat. Vote. Then rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 59:16 But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.