Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Senator McCain – A Class Act

Regardless of who you voted for today, you must admit that Senator McCain’s concession speech was filled with class and graciousness. He calmed a very disappointed crowd down. He asked us to pull together as a country and support our new president.

I was saddened that Senator Obama won. I was disappointed that my candidate didn’t. But I refuse to make the same mistake twice.

When President Clinton won, I wore black for a week and told everyone I was in mourning. I criticized everything he did. Nothing out of my mouth was good or edifying. I was wrong. I didn’t stand behind the President of my country. He was the man elected. He was the man chosen to lead us.

Romans 13:1 – "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."

If I prayed, what would have been the difference in Clinton’s presidency? I don’t know and will never know. Praying for him wasn’t on my radar. My actions were sinful.

1 Timothy 2:1-3 “I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior."

I may not have voted for the new president, but that doesn’t matter. I will not make the same mistake again. I will pray for our country. I will pray for the new president. I will just pray. As a Christian, my life and my country is in the hands of the Lord.

My husband quoted a great scripture tonight.

Proverbs 21:1 – “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.”

So, Father, I pray for President elect Obama. May his heart be in Your hands. May You direct his ways. May You give him wisdom to lead our country so that we may remain both safe and free. Amen.

© Nadine Zawacki 2008

24 comments:

a woman who is said...

You are so right on! I have been convicted of that very same mistake. Very well put Nadine. Amen!

We cannot stop praying for our country and for our leaders...now is not the time to give up!

Lala's world said...

I agree McCain's speech showed what a true man of character he is. I loved it and if I were American I would have voted for him too. And as Canadians we need to be praying for the USA too, we need to cover each other!!
like your attitude, it is very humbling!

Brenda said...

That is so encouraging, Nadine. I'll have to admit I was terribly disappointed tonight. But my hope is in the Lord! He never changes.
On a more encouraging note, all the propositions we were in favor of in our city passed, the most important being "marriage defined as one man and one woman". Praise God!
God bless,
Brenda :)

Dawn said...

We need to look no further than the Old Testament to know that God can use all types of "kings" - good or bad - to accomplish His will. HE is in control.

I am disappointed but praying.

Blessings, fellow Texan! ;)
Dawn

Kelly said...

Amen!

Bex said...

Nadine, YOU are classy! That was a lovely post full of grace. My guy didn't win either, but I was pulling for Ralph Nader!

Lynda Meyers said...

Amen, Nadine.

We must not be Sauls!

Grace and Love,
Madison

Dawn said...

I confess to being the same way - you have brought me light today - I will ask for a change of attitude. It will be hard. Thank you.

palmtreefanatic said...

AMEN! You are thinking same as me!
I believe God is in control!

Art said...

Well said, Nadine.

Tammy said...

Nadine, I cried all the way through McCain's speech...it was indeed a class act.

I had to smile, because I just now told my mom on the phone that I was in mourning this week!!! But I'm sorry, I just am. Not because my candidate didn't win, but because unrighteousness did.
I absolutely cannot support the president elect as he is...but I have been praying for God to change his heart, give him godly wisdom that he will heed...and for our nation.
I've honestly been praying for my own heart in this, too...
But I am mourning the ideals of this country and praying that God will somehow have mercy on us.

Tammy said...

Nadine...thank you for the sweet comment over at my blog just now...
(((HUGS)))

Scarlet said...

They wanted their King, they got him...but I will stand behind him now for the reasons you gave here. Biblical reasoning pulls a lot of weight.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for such an excellent post. I agree with you whole-heartedly. We all need to pray for our future President. Anyone stepping into that job would need our prayers. I am praying that God will grant him wisdom in the decisions ahead.

I also think God would expect His people to remain respectful to our new leader at all times...but, I think we also need to continue to make our voices heard, to speak the truth in love...to speak out against harmful choices and courses of action.

Keshi said...

I agree McCain was very gracious even at defeat. I admire that abt him.


Nadine ur a very honest, classy, loving and genuine soul. This post says it all!


*HUGZ*


Keshi.

Demara said...

I second your prayer!

Strider said...

I've been thinking about the same thing....I failed with Clinton.....I hope to do better with Obama. Father, bring him and his family to you....guide him inspite of his detractors...help him to see the need to seek you.

Knitting Mania said...

Cindy said...go over to Nadine's post and get encouraged...

Thanks for your heart Nadine, you are right, I failed with the Clinton's too and still put them down...not right.

I have been so sad today, and trying really hard to wrap my mind around what happened last night. I choose to trust God in all of this and will pray for him and his family and his advisors. I know this honors God.

Jill said...

Very true. Well said.

elizabeth embracing life said...

Nadine, of everything I have read concerning this election, you have so beautifully taken a place of humility and honor and I am going to link this on facebook and my own blog because you speak truth in such a gentle way. Thanks.

Marla said...

I always read Scarlet's posts so I am reading some blogs of folks who have posted comments on her blog. I totally agree with you. Obama won the elcetion because it is God's plan. I to will be praying for him and our country. I love all of the scriptures that you posted! Stop and visit my blog if you have a chance. I just started blogging in Sept. I enjoyed this post very much.

Tonya said...

thanks I needed to hear that because two days later and I'm still very sad by the outcome.

Cheri said...

Well said.
I was disappointed too, but agree with Lala, us Canadians have to cover him and America with prayers too.

Christina said...

That was so nicely said and I agree with it 100%.