So, then, we should try to live in a way that brings peace. We should try o help each other so that we become stronger as God’s people

Romans 14:19

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

Titus 3:1-2

Is peace possible in an election year? I admit that the state of our union concerns me. Everywhere I go, people seem griped by a sense of dread about how the election will turn out, uncertain of the best path forward. Anyone who knows me knows that  I am not afraid to proclaim my point of view and rally for what is right. Such action is cathartic, especially with all that is going on, but it might not represent the most appropriate path forward.

While I intend to participate in the political process, I need to work on my inner peace and keeping peace with others.

A lot is going on in my life that is outside the political arena. Most of it is anxiety-producing, too. Unsettling questions, what-ifs, and scary possibilities have crowded into my space.

When that happened last summer, I sought solace on my patio, where my hydrangeas were blooming in cool shades of pink and blue. We have finally torn out the tomato vines that more than completed their job last year. I am just now remembering that I need to plant more sweet peas and prune the roses.

Peace is sometimes the fruit of my garden. But I have learned that peace, like patience, like the dirt-digging, weed-pulling work involved in creating a garden, also is a form of action. It is choosing to live life at the speed at which it happens, not rushing ahead into the future with fear or dwelling in the past with regret.

Peace — that deep sense of harmony, wholeness, and health even amid the political tumult rocking our country — is a choice. We can jump in with both feet, full of passion, or we can withdraw and complain. The path of peace is more complicated.

We achieve it by “choosing thankful prayer over wallowing in anxiety and worry” about who will win and who will lose. We decide to put on the shoes of peace and walk in them.

We achieve it by standing firm in the belief that true, abiding freedom and peace starts with Jesus. We let God reign in our minds, hearts, and political circumstance.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Romans 12:18

All too often, we believe peace is impossible in our world, in our communities, in our nation. Our default setting is defeat.

We desire peace in our conversations, on our Facebook page. Peace with our friends, in our neighborhoods and workplaces. Unity in our community. In our faith community. But that may sound like too much work. Being passive seems safer or even “more Christian.” We want God to shield us from dissent and keep us comfortable in our bubble. We will only talk to people with whom we agree. We will shut out any new idea, opinion. Then we will feel at peace.

That isn’t effective if you want to move forward and demonstrate the peace of Christ in the world, however.

Priscilla Shirer calls the shoes of peace Go Shoes. She says, “You are a publisher of peace, a messenger of good news. Through God’s Word, you can pronounce freedom and peace over your own circumstances and even the lives of those you love. You can shout, “our God reigns” until He actually does reign in your mind and heart and circumstance. Your feet have been made ready by the gospel. Now go!”

(It makes me remember singing Onward Christian Soldiers as a kid at Vacation Bible School:

Onward, then, ye people,
join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices
in the triumph song;
Glory, laud, and honor,
unto Christ the King;
This thro’ countless ages
men and angels sing.)

So this political season, I will wear my shoes of peace. I will stand firmly for truth (spiritual truth and what is factual about candidates and policy) but also respect other political points of view and listen to new ideas.

With my shoes of peace firmly laced, I will step out to seek freedom for those who are captives of poverty, discrimination, homelessness, loneliness. And for prisoners of distorted thinking, anxiety, and depression.

I am profoundly thankful that I live in a country where I am free to vote. Where I can speak my mind. I am grateful for what is true, honorable, beautiful, and commendable in my life and my nation. I am thankful that I can choose peace.

Maybe we can start a movement.

I hope you will join me.