Can One Person Make A Difference? Same sex marriage, abortion, pornography, child abuse, and eliminating God in our culture screams from the media. I often feel like switching off the news, canceling my newspaper subscription and closing my door to the world. We are daily bombarded with news of sinful and destructive behavior, which is not only accepted by our society, but voted as legal in our nation. Our rights as Christians to speak up and voice our opinion are looked on as hateful instead of being constitutionally protected freedom of speech. What can I do? What can you do? Happily, more than we think. It was a joyful experience to watch Christians throughout the United States begin to stand up and be counted for traditional marriage. We won a battle – but not the war. It is time to act on our love for the Lord and our desire to preserve family values by speaking out against the tide of sin and deceptive social behaviors. Some people believe that a Christian has no business in politics and voicing their faith. It is not only proper for a Christian to be involved in the political process, but our responsibility. The Bible states in James 4:17 (NIV), “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” We are responsible to act on the knowledge we have of what is right and wrong. Doing nothing is allowing our witness to remain silent, which is like casting a vote of support for the ungodly behaviors of our society. It is known that a politician views contacts from his constituents regarding an issue as representing a score of people who feel the same way but choose to be silent. Every letter, phone call, and email is important and makes an impression on those in public office. We can’t wait for the other person to be our voice. There are numerous ways to be involved and it only takes a few moments of time to speak out for a godly way of life. Contact your state and national senators and representatives by making a phone call, sending a letter or an email, or signing a petition. In some cases, certain businesses will need to be contacted. Be consistent and systematic in this endeavor. We will be giving politicians and business leaders a witness of our faith and our desire to live in a nation that honors God and traditional family values. Contact your pastor and request permission to place some printed information in your church’s foyer or bookstore/library from some of the following organizations. Making this information available to the people of your church is a tremendous way to encourage them to become involved. For instance, Strong Families of Oregon has a professional looking magazine entitled, “Parent’s Resource Guide to Internet Safety.” They will send the number of copies requested and only ask to be reimbursed for the shipping charges. Following are several excellent organizations which will help you get started. American Family Association P.O. Drawer 2440 Tupelo, MS 38803 1-662-844-5036 www.afa.net National Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families 800 Compton Road, Suite 9224 Cincinnati, OH 45231 The Family Research Council 801 G Street NW Washington, DC 20001 www.FRC.ORG Stronger Families for Oregon P.O. Box 948 Salem, OR 97308 Focus on the Family 8605 Explorer Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80995 719-531-5181 www.family.org Allow your Christian witness to find a vibrant and important avenue to help turn our country back to its godly roots. Start today. One person can make a difference – and you can be that person. ©Barbara Lighthizer 2006