Lots of people are commenting on anything and everything about the upcoming election. Some people should be…but I’m not one of them. Maybe you’re not either. There are beaucoup youth and youth workers in my world who watch what I say or do and I don’t want this to be a stumbling block to them in any way.

From my point of view, too many posts and comments are hurtful and divisive, even when they’re not meant to be. I’m speaking mainly of church ministry friends who are making their thoughts abundantly clear about which way they’ll be voting come November. That’s OK…but so many of the comments leave me feeling as if I’m stupid for thinking a different way. Worse yet, many of my ministry friends and mentors I look up to have posted thoughts like a line’s  been drawn in the sand between me and them. Somehow, the black/white comments leaning this way or that make me wonder: would I be less loved by them if they knew which way I’m voting? I’m glad I’m confident in my place in the Kingdom but I worry that others will be negatively affected by seeing what Christians are criticizing each other about on Facebook or Twitter.

I’m going to stay out of it in social media form. Oh believe me, I have strong opinions and worries and thoughts on this election. But they’re mine and I’ll only discuss them with friends when I am sure that what I say won’t leave the other person feeling less affirmed about who they are with me and with the Kingdom.

Unless free Starbucks for all becomes part of a candidate’s platform. Then all bets are off on everything I just said.

Stephanie