I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to all my readers over the past three years, and especially to those who have been willing to comment from time to time. I decided several months ago that if Obama was reelected that I would stop blogging, and I intend to follow through on that decision. I will be taking a long hiatus from following politics and from blogging, possibly a permanent one. I felt the 2012 presidential election was the last hope to getting our nation back on the right path before we go off the fiscal cliff. Based on the results of that election, I no longer have any confidence in the rationality or respect for the values of the majority of the people in this country. I have little hope for our country's future, either fiscally or morally, apart from a dramatic intervention by God in changing people's hearts and minds. Frankly, my heart is no longer in this endeavor, and I have decided to direct my time and efforts in the future into other areas besides politics.
I firmly believe God is sovereign over all things that happen in this world, including our elections and our country's future. I know that He is working all things for good for His people. Ultimately my hope is in Him and His promises from the Bible. As a citizen of heaven, I look forward to the new heavens and the new earth, where all sorrow and pain and tears will be wiped away forever. Until that time, it is my duty and the duty of all of us to continue be good citizens of the country in which God has placed us and to love and serve our fellow men in His name. I will continue to vote and to follow political news on a cursory level, but I no longer expect to see our country return to its founding principles. Although I am discouraged for the future of my country, I am thankful for the blessings that God has given me and remain filled with hope and joy about my life, my family, and the future. I harbor no ill will or bitterness toward those who disagree with me politically.
This blog will stay online and perhaps others will continue to post on it. It is possible that I will return to blogging at some point in the future, but I expect to be going dark for a long time. Again, I am thankful to all of you for reading and appreciate all the encouragement you have given me over the past three years. May God bless all of you!
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9 comments:
Bro, I'm sorry to hear but I understand. You've had a lot of great insights. Don't give up hope yet... sometimes some persecution is the best thing for the Church! God has some sort of good plan for His people.
I don't see us on the European slope quite yet. Seems to me that the Church in this country is still far stronger than it's been there for a long, long time. Maybe the coming years will shake us free from our lethargy and return to the only way lives really change - Jesus and His Gospel. And if not... like you said, we're citizens of a kingdom that can't be destroyed.
Thanks again!
Very well said. A long break and significant cut-back is in order, but I'm hoping for an occasional post in the future.
Encouraging thoughts, TDawg!
I'm sorry to see you go, Natedawg. Your friendship (as well as your blog) has taught me that conservatives are certainly much more than the caricatures I had in my head. You are a smart, genuine person and I thank you for helping me understand more about politics and people. I doubt it'll give you much solace, but I think you and the blog were part of the reason I chose not to vote for Obama- though I imagine you don't much care for who I did vote for, at least policy wise ;)
Hey TDawg - thanks for your comment and encouraging words. I agree with what you said. I definitely think God's purpose for me from this election is helping me to refocus my priorities and learning to trust Him more. I appreciate the hopeful reminder!
Cape Cod -- thanks so much for your kind and encouraging words. It means a lot to me. It is impressive to me that you would take the time to read and think seriously about the point of view of someone on the opposite side of the political spectrum. I think that willingness to listen to someone else's point of view is a rarity on both sides. I have appreciated your comments on the blog through the years (under various interesting names!). They have challenged me to be more thoughtful in what I write and at times forced me to reevaluate some of my opinions as well. I think our friendship and discussions have challenged both of us to avoid caricaturing the "other side." While I'm not a fan of the Green Party, I respect your voting decision a lot. I'm glad that as an honest liberal you are bothered by some of things Obama has said and done, and I'm glad that I might have played a role in your decision!
So long, America. You had a good run. Now, can somebody help me rearrange these deck chairs?
I don't think Republicans should throw in the towel yet, but the path to regaining the White House will probably entail choosing somebody people can relate to (not a super-rich person) as well as somebody with a more charismatic appeal in speeches. The apathy of voters in this election toward the big issues (economy) cuts two ways. If Dems are banking on their loyalty long term they could have a rude surprise coming. I think we just need to find the right spokesperson for conservative principles.
So take a well earned break, Natedawg, but cheer up, because we're going to need you again. :)
Hey Andrew V -- thanks for commenting. I do understand what you're saying and I think Romney had some flaws as a candidate that made him unappealing to many voters. (I had concerns about this from the beginning but I still think most of the other GOP primary candidates would have been worse.) But what does it say about our country that people who should know better chose to give Obama a second term (either by voting for him or by sitting out the election) because they resented Romney's wealth or because he wasn't charismatic enough or whatever? It should be obvious to any sentient person who is not far-left in their beliefs that Obama has been a failure as president and a disaster for this country. The fact that those people chose to sit on their hands because Romney is worth however many million and paid whatever percent tax rate or because of the auto bailout or because he is Mormon or because he speaks stiffly or whatever -- well, that tells you all you need to know about the foolishness of people in this country. I think there is some major pain in store for this country down the road. And I think Christians should be ready because the contraception mandate and the rolling back of conscience protections and gay marriage are just the beginning of what we are going to see from this administration. It's going to get a lot worse. Of course, God will use that for good to strengthen His true Church, but that doesn't mean it won't be painful. As for supposed evangelical Christians who voted for Obama -- and there are plenty -- don't even get me started.
I agree with all of that. Remember that Ronald Reagan was a very likable movie star, and Richard Nixon said he was keeping the dog, etc. It's unfortunate that so many voters are swayed by intangible feelings of personal connection rather than by stark policy differences, but it's nothing new. If we can find the right spokesperson, we can get many of those voters. It's a high bar to find someone who can connect with people despite aggressive sliming from MSNBC and their ilk, but I think it's still possible.
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