Voting

Today, as our nation takes the time to choose our leaders, I'm reminded of my trip this past summer to Egypt. You may (or may not) remember we arrived in Cairo just an hour after the results of the run-off election had been announced. Regardless of the outcome (the effects of which are still up in the air), one of the things that struck me as we drove on the highway around the city was the sheer sense of joy in the air, all around. Horns blaring (not that unusual an occurrence in Cairo, but this was even more), people shouting, singing, holding up signs of celebration. And certainly there was a lot of joy among those who felt their side had "won," but there was also a sense of joy of having finally had the privilege of electing someone to lead them.

Now, while the election in Cairo didn't exactly go as planned, nor did it feel the full effects of last year's revolution, the point is this: they were not taking for granted the opportunity to choose a leader. This was new for them, and it filled them with optimism and hope. Does voting do the same for you today? Granted, our nation has voted all of its life, but I wonder if that has made us somewhat complacent. Voting is not a privilege; it's a duty. It's our duty. It's my duty. We may not be happy with the outcome always, but it's still our duty to make our voice heard. Not voting, even for conscience's sake, is a shirking of that duty and it only allows you to have your voice taken away. (No one hears a "protest" vote.)

Though I voted a couple of weeks ago, I take great pride in being able to have my voice heard and my vote counted today. And I hold in my prayers all of those in Cairo who hoped for, dreamed of, prayed for and celebrated that same ability. And I pray for those, in many other parts of the world, who don't yet enjoy that freedom. Don't take your freedom for granted.

Vote, and let freedom ring.

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