09 October 2008

Shining my light

This post is for Queen of Spain who asks us to shine our light in advance of the election.

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The front page of www.barackobama.com says "I'm asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington…I’m asking you to believe in yours."

Punctuation aside, that is why I am supporting Barack Obama. Because he says it isn't about HIM. It is about US.

And Barack Obama has inspired me, just by asking, to get up off my butt and do something. Crazy that a politican could make me do this, but since he was brave enough to say that he believed in our power to make positive changes, I decided to take the ball and run with it in my own little way.

Here's my program: Do something to make change happen on a personal, local, national and international level.

Personally, I joined Toastmasters. I want to improve my public speaking skills so I can be a more effective communicator, no matter what else I do.

Locally, I called up the city to see how I could support a long-term public works project that is close to my heart – building a community swimming facility on my side of town. I will attend advisory meetings and volunteer to do what I can to help. This is something that may take 10 to 20 years, but I am willing to commit for the long haul.

I serve on my church board. I have talked about that here before.

I also do beach clean-up every time I go to the beach. I take a plastic shopping bag and fill it with bits of trash I find. I figure over the course of a year, I can pick up almost half a ton of trash.

On the national and international level, I have become active in Amnesty International again to support human rights in the U.S. and everywhere. And I sponsor a woman in Nigeria through Women for Women International, so that she can learn to read, gain business skills and better support her family.

That’s my plan. Here’s my challenge – if you believe in America, if you believe we all need to work to make this a better place, develop a plan of your own for yourself and your family. Something that fits your beliefs and your lifestyle. It doesn’t have to be huge, it doesn’t have to be hard, but I think we should all do something.

Quit cursing the darkness. Spread the light.

Anyone up for it?

10 comments:

Jack said...

thank you. just simply. thank you.

Dayngr said...

That's awesome! Rock on. I love that you not only were moved but you took the time to DO SOMETHING about it. Too many people talk the talk but don't walk the walk. Bravo to you.

Anonymous said...

Wow, and I thought I was doing something wonderful by participating in the "Meet at the Flag Pole" each year even when I didn't have kids involved because someone had to do it besides school employee's because it involves the Bible. You make me look bad, girl.

Mayberry said...

This is inspiring, truly it is! Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Okay, I've kept my opinions to myself, because you are my sister-
I love that you get up and DO something that you believe in, but how can anyone support Obama? He has offered us nothing. He thinks casting his vote as "present" is okay. Talk about non-committal. Please read what his health care will cost us - believe you me, I can't afford it. And I pay my own health insurance, you'd think I'd welcome his plan- NOT!!! And I know how you feel about abortion should be a non issue. I could take that off the table, but when I found out Obama didn't support the "born alive" bill I was literally sick to my stomach. Sorry sister, I have to get off my rear end and do something too. So, I'll keep making my thoughts known, and hope and pray people really research Mr. Obama, before casting thier vote.

Day Dreamer said...

Wow, you've got a lot going on!

I seriously admire that.

Angela said...

I think you are Completely Amazing.

Mom101 said...

You're amazing, Suebob. I'm always inspired by you. And your twitter avatar makes me smile every day.

More Suebob in our lives!

LittlePea said...

Preach it!!! I just got home from canvassing today and let me tell you, knock on wood, my dear I think Obama's gonna take the state of Florida! I was able to reach out to some people who I could tell really want to vote for him but were scared because the divisive tactics being used. One 80yr old lady said to me,"I really like him. I think he's great. I want to vote for him,but they told us his middle name is Hussein." I said,"Ma'am my middle name is Marie but that doesn't make me the Virgin Mary. I am the daughter of a 20 year veteran, do you think I would volunteer for someone who I thought was cavorting with bad people?" She said, "Ok ,I believe you. I'm gonna do it then." I'm giving her a ride to the polls on the first day of early voting! And it was that way for most of my undecideds, I think I was really able to win them over. But you're right it doesn't end there, I volunteer for a group now that protects sea turtle nests and helps keep our beaches clean. No matter who we support in this election, it's important for us all to pitch in and get involved in our communities...

BTW Obama is on the record explaining that the "present" votes were to allow to keep an issue on the table if more was needed to be researched so as not to rush issues that needed more thought. I respect all opinions and choices, of course, but I want a thoughtful leader.

Suzanne said...

Rock it, Suebob.

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