“I need a glimmer of hope,” the text read as I pulled into our church parking lot this past cold, gloomy Sunday. The climate matched the spirits of many in the freedom movement who are mourning some pretty significant General Election losses.
While most are celebrating the wins of parental rights supporters Abbott, Cruz, and many TFVC Endorsed Candidates, those of us who are entrenched in Texas politics, while THRILLED with the aforementioned victories, find ourselves stunned at the loss of over a dozen house seats and 2 state senators to those with little chance of ever supporting our cause. From our perspective, the OH-SO-EVER-ELUSIVE-ON-VACCINE-CHOICE-ISSUES Beto O’Rouke and his pro-California-policy agenda won; his near upset in a statewide race created a down ballot trickle effect in several local races. Make no mistake, they won big all across Texas.
For many of us, we sat and watched in horror as we pondered the path of damage control. I am not going to lie, I had a few moments myself, but it wasn’t anything I didn’t see coming. I have written extensively on just how quickly Texas can and WILL succumb to a California-type policy climate if we are not cautious. We are anything but shy in asking our California medical refugees to check their anti-freedom policies at the door upon arrival. Thankfully, many have. As a matter of fact, I would consider our California medical refugees to be the strongest defenders of liberty here in our great state. Sadly, despite that, this government-knows-better-than-you agenda has infiltrated our metropolitan cities at an alarming rate. While I have much to say on that topic alone, the point of this blog is not one of strategizing for the next two years. It’s not one with a call to action. It’s just a simple reminder:
This is how we fight our battles.
As I sat in the church parking lot, the lyrics to this song seemed as if they were screaming loudly right TO ME: “It may look like I’m surrounded, but I’m surrounded BY YOU!” I closed my eyes and envisioned our movement surrounded by those who seek to cause us harm, and they quickly dissolved into Who truly surrounds us.
“This is how I fight my battles….”
We fight our battles with the grace of God, the hope of redemption, and the promise of truth.
Just a few short years ago I actually snickered at those who allowed their “religion” to “interfere” with their job. As a matter of fact, I recall a specific conversation in which I bluntly asked a fellow activist with great scorn in my voice, “Does your religion have to be a part of every discussion we have?” His answer was simple: “Yes, because my faith is inseparable from my work, my passion, my calling, and all I do. ”
Two years later, I get it. I get it loud and clear.
While theological debates lose me, and I am not shy about the fact that I still feel like the most unlikely person on the face of the earth to share this message, I would be remiss to not acknowledge how I fight MY battles – how we at TFVC fight our battles.
Spoiler alert: We don’t. God does.
At Texans for Vaccine Choice, we celebrate and honor you and your role regardless of your spiritual beliefs. We believe we all have a role in this movement and we will always welcome you and all you have to offer. But the message of today’s blog is one in which I share my personal heart, my plea to you if you are a fellow Believer to join us in praying God’s plan for our organization. Join us in asking for God’s protection, for His redemption, and for His will to be done.
Just as the song came to an end and I shut down my phone to walk into church, I looked up to see this scripture from 2nd Timothy 4:7. Beginning in verse 3 it reads:
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
Like many of you, I am no stranger to suffering. I am no stranger to being mocked, laughed at, and persecuted for many of my beliefs. But friends, we are not called to serve when we are winning or when things are good. We are called to be faithful, to be of clear mind, and to fight the good fight each and every day of our lives. I encourage you to join us in fighting this battle one conservation, one prayer, one battle at a time.
With love and gratitude,
Jackie
I know this is from 2 years ago, but I needed to see this today