Hope and Change

I am growing weary of politics. I was once an avid news-follower, but now I can hardly bring myself to even glance at the news. (Except to check the local weather, to see if I need to put on one of my homemade winter hats.)

And then there is Facebook. It is full of constant political garbage, differing opinions, and screaming digital voices certain their political views are right. It is exhausting, sometimes, to see the clash of opinions -- the battle of ideas. Especially since I have opinions, and ideas, that I feel are right. I do not engage in the pointless battles, I just view them as I scroll. So, why am I on Facebook, you ask? To share the good news of Jesus, and invite people to view my blog. Any tool available to spread the good word, I try to use it. That is another story entirely... for another day.

In my state of political exhaustion, I have come to the conclusion that I cannot let the chaos of society determine my personal hope and happiness. Of course the changes and events that take place in Washington, and local government, will affect my family directly, and often in negative ways -- like having our health insurance payments double. (Yikes!)  But there is only so much I can do. I cannot change the way things are. All I can do now is deal with the consequences of the choices that those in control have made. I am small. I am one person. And one person cannot stop the destructive landslide of societal and governmental garbage -- can they?

Last night, as Charles and I were discussing our newly changing health insurance rates, my stomach started twisting in knots. Health insurance is important to us, we have a child with kidney issues, and a likely surgery, and a variety of hospital procedures ahead of us. Having our monthly payment double (our current out-of-pocket payment is around $700 a month -- you do the math), does not cause a smile to come across my face. This "Affordable Care" idea is NOT affordable for us, as a small business owner. We were happy with what coverage we had, but now we can't have it. I am not quite sure how this is better for us?

The reality is, it is not better for us. So much of what is going on in our society, and so much of the policy and law that is trickling down into our homes, and our everyday lives -- is NOT better for us.

Or is it?

As I sat thinking about our options of how to afford our new expensive rates, the thought crossed my mind, "It is all about Jesus." No really, that is what I thought. I recognized quickly that we only have so much control over the changes placed before us. There is only so much we can do, at this point, to deal with it. This was not because of a bad choice we made, or something we caused to happen. (I voted for the other guy!) So, basically, we make it work, and move forward -- because we have to. That sounds really American, doesn't it?

My thoughts turned to the reality that regardless of trials -- financial, or otherwise -- a way will be provided for us. We will make it, despite the pain at the Health Insurance pump. There has never been a time in our lives where we have done without. We have had little, to nothing (in American terms) -- but we didn't starve, and we didn't shrivel-up, and die. Why not? Because God lives. He has walked with us, as a family, throughout the entirety of our journey, and He has been with me, throughout the entirety of my life. My trust is in Him.

I have seen too many miracles to ever think that God would abandon us. He won't. I know it. As I was thinking of the new numbers and budgeting, and the pesky details of life, I was lifted above all of that (as I often am) to have hope! We will be just fine. We will survive. That is what we always have done, and what we always will do. With a little help, and God-willing, we might not only survive -- but thrive, too! (Is that a glimmer of hope for the future I detect in my voice?)

Our children pray, everyday, for our welfare, and even the financial stability of our family. I have faith in their sweet prayers. They have faith in their prayers. We have been tremendously blessed because of the faith of our children. We have had a really good year with the business -- and it is because of their prayers, and no other reason. These things cause our faith to grow, and allow us to see how marvelous God is. His goodness is exposed through such difficulties, as we recognize the miracles He loves to provide on our behalf.

So, maybe I should thank our Government leaders for the stress and hardship they provide, so capably, and so willingly. As a result, I find my eyes lift Heavenward -- towards my God, and His infinite wisdom, and love. Our current leaders once promised the Nation, "Hope and Change". They have certainly provided the change -- but it is, and ever will be, that my Hope is anchored with God, my Heavenly Father.

It is in God we should Trust. It is in God we should Hope!