Thoughts on the Primaries

I don't really spend much of my time talking politics, and I definitely don't spend any time talking politics on social media.  I definitely think about what I would say as a rebuttal to some of the comments posted, articles published, opinions running rampant, but I usually refrain.  Of course this year is a little different, as things have gotten personal.  

As I've mentioned before, my dad is running for U.S. Congress in the 12th district.  Therefore, for the first time, I was right in the thick of it all.  

Throughout this process I've realized a few things - 

- Primaries really are important.  After all of this, I'd like to say that Jamie and I will be more educated on who we'd like to see representing our party in the November elections.  And then get out there and vote in July (and possibly August, if there's a run-off).  And definitely in November.

- Despite the disappointing fact that so many Americans do not actually vote, especially in the primaries, people work really hard for those elections.  My mom, dad, their friends, our family, his campaign staff, volunteers, and more have been wearing themselves out making phone calls, knocking on doors, holding signs, praying, and doing whatever is necessary to get dad's name out there.

Jennifer + Jamie during our shift of sign holding

- I admittedly used my child as a buffer to put political propaganda on social media (which I know I said I never did, but this was for my dad!).  I mean, how can you make a super negative comment on my FB post, when the most adorable face is staring at you?  

the proof :)

- Watch parties are not really my idea of a party.  Last night was fun and humbling to be surrounded by such a group of supporters, but stressful waiting for the results.

my family, supporting dad

(and, yes, my shoes are off...this was at 11:30pm and they were tired!)

- And I'll end with this....

No, my dad didn't win...yet.  He's headed to a run-off that will take place on August 21st.  

As we were preparing for whatever was going to happen, I couldn't help but reflect on what this all means.  To watch my dad lose would not be fun at all, and my dad really believes that this is something God has called him to...But, I also have to remember that sometimes (actually most of the time), God is working in the journey, not necessarily the outcome.  (Major props to my husband for reminding me of this.)  I do think God will do big things through my dad if he makes it to DC, but I have already seen Him do big things through my dad over the past few months.

He has always been an amazing man, full of character, grace, wisdom, faith.  But, I've watched him develop relationships that wouldn't have come about but through this grueling process.  I've seen him humbled by his dependency on other people and their support - financially, emotionally, and spiritually.  I've watched him grow in his faith, as he has to relinquish control over this situation...he works hard to do what he can, but at the end of the day, it's up to the voters.  I've been witness to his hard, hard, hard work to fight for what he believes in, and what he believes will benefit his children, and our children.  I know that man is tired!  

All of that to say, I'm proud of my dad.  And I'll be just as proud of him whether he's a U.S. Congressman or just my dad.  I'm pretty sure God would agree with me on that one.

I'll be sure to post updates as we move along...