Sisterhood in Action: Uplifting through the 2024 Election

Morgan Farr, a "military wife," cares deeply about America. She is also a Christ-follower who teaches women how to think biblically. In this Elections UPGRADE—now that the important 2023 elections are over—Morgan looks ahead to what may prove to be a profoundly crucial year gearing up to the 2024 elections.

“What if," she asks, "we used SISTERHOOD to help our community through the 2024 Presidential election?”

I (Dawn) think Morgan’s suggestions for making a difference in local communities are a wonderful idea!

Morgan continues . . .

We are called to be salt and light in the world, and one of the most impactful ways we can do this is by actively participating in the political process. The 2024 presidential election presents a unique opportunity to unite, support one another, and make a difference in our nation.

How we can uplift one another through this election, grounded in the wisdom of Romans 12:10?

Paul says,

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor (ESV).

S-I-S-T-E-R-H-O-O-D in Action!

S — SUPPLICATE for Personal Guidance

Before diving into the practical aspects of getting involved in the election, start with prayer.

• Seek God's guidance for unity among Christian women, regardless of political differences.
• Pray for wisdom and discernment as you navigate the complexities of the election process.

Remember that Romans 12:10 encourages us to love one another with brotherly affection, even when our political views differ.

I — INFORM Yourselves.

Empower yourselves and your sisters in Christ with knowledge about the candidates and issues at stake.

• Host informational sessions or invite guest speakers to provide insights into the candidates' positions and the potential impact of their policies.
• Encourage fact-checking and discernment to make informed decisions.

S —SUPPORT Voter Registration.

Help one another register to vote. It's a practical way to uplift Christian women.

• Organize voter registration drives within your church or community. 
• Ensure that everyone eligible has the opportunity to participate in the electoral process.

This aligns with the biblical principle of stewardship, as we are called to be responsible citizens in Romans 13:1.

T — TALK with Each Other.

One way to uplift one another during the election is to engage in civil discourse.

• While differences of opinion are natural, approach conversations with respect and humility.
• Listen actively to the perspectives of your sisters in Christ and share your views thoughtfully.
• Use your discussions as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Keep in mind Proverbs 15:1:

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (NIV).

E — ENCOURAGE Voting on Voting Day.

Motivate your Christian sisters to exercise their right to vote.

• Share the significance of voting in a democracy and its impact on our nation's direction.
• Remember that voting is not just a civic duty but also an opportunity to be good stewards of the influence God has given us.

R — REACH OUT to Your Community. 

• Consider volunteering your time and skills for a campaign or an initiative that aligns with your values.
• Whether it's canvassing, phone banking, or offering marketing or event planning expertise, your contribution can make a significant difference.

Galatians 6:9 reminds us of the importance of not growing “weary in doing good.”

H — HOST with Puposeful Hospitality.

Christian hospitality can heighten participation during the election year.

• Create a safe and supportive community for Christian women during the election season.
• Offer encouragement and a listening ear to those who may find the process overwhelming or stressful.
• Get creative!

Acts 4:32a reminds us of the power of unity:

All the believers were one in heart and mind (NIV).

O — ORGANIZE Prayer Gatherings.

Prayer is a powerful tool in any election.

• Organize prayer gatherings within your church or community.
• Pray for:  the election process, the candidates, and the nation.
• Believe that unity in prayer—praying together and counting on God's presence—can bring about positive change!

This is emphasized in Matthew 18:20:

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them (NIV).

O — OPERATE with Understanding. 

Amid passionate discussions and differing viewpoints, remember the importance of grace and forgiveness. 

• Extend godly grace to your sisters, especially when disagreements arise.
• Practice biblical forgiveness when disagreements go too far.
  

Ephesians 4:32 encourages us to:

“be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (NIV).

D — DEMONSTRATE Christlikeness. 

Ultimately, as Christian women, we should do all to the glory of God — with Christlike choices and responses.

• Our vote should align with our values and principles—rooted in faith.
• In Christlike humility, seek guidance from Scripture, prayer, and the counsel of fellow believers as you make your voting decisions. 
• Trust that your choices reflect your commitment to love, justice, and righteousness.

The 2024 presidential election allows Christian women to uplift one another through unity, knowledge, and active participation. Grounded in love, respect, and stewardship principles, we can positively impact our nation and be a shining example of Christ's love in a politically-charged world.

Again, as we navigate the election season, may we remember:

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Let's let Romans 12:10 guide our actions and interactions.

Which of these “S-I-S-T-E-R-H-O-O-D” suggestions could you prepare to participate in during the upcoming election season? Can you think of a special sister in Christ who might join you to make a difference in your community?

Morgan Farr is a succulent-cultivating book nerd and aspiring author. She spends her days homeschooling her four young children and training her working dogs. As an Army wife, Morgan has learned to lean heavily on Jesus as she walks out military life. She is the Director of Publishing at Planting Roots, a ministry for military women and wives. You can connect with Morgan on all major social media channels using her handle: morgandfarr.

How to Biblically Upgrade Your Patriotism

On thing I admire about Morgan Farr is her unabashed patriotism. As an Army wife, she ministers to other military wives with the kind of passion for America we all can embrace. In this Independence Day UPGRADE, she encourages us to think about our level of patriotism—and how to raise it to a higher level.

“In an age of political division and international strife, patriotism has become a quasi-dirty word,” Morgan says. “But for Christians it doesn't have to be.”

I (Dawn) know what Morgan means about the word "patriotism." People on the Left and Right have their own idea of what it means, but it's not a partisan word.

Former President Dwight Eisenhower once said, "I don't think the United States needs Super-Patriots. ... We need patriotism, honestly practiced by all of us, and we don't need these people [who pretend to be] more patriotic than you or anybody else."

He was right. Patriotism is for all of us.

Morgan continues . . .  

When most people think of patriotism they think of things like bald eagles, WWII, and Lee Greenwood’s “I’m Proud to be an American”.

Patriotism gives you a feeling.

You know it when you see it, but it is a word that is difficult to define clearly. Even Google stumbles with it saying patriotism is “the act of being patriotic, or vigorously supporting one’s country.”

Currently our political climate is such that you have people on all side of the political spectrum “vigorously supporting” things that oppose one another all in the name of our country!

Senator Marco Rubio said, “Our national motto is 'In God we Trust,' reminding us that faith in our Creator is the most important American value of all.”

This is why I believe we can upgrade our patriotism by turning back to our Bibles, rather than turning to political ideologies.

In doing so, I see three main keys to biblically upgrading your patriotism.

1. Let’s start with the most basic idea: God put the leaders of our country in place.

The Apostle Paul said, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God" (Romans 13:1).

That is pretty cut and dry.

As Christians, we are to give proper respect and honor to the people that make the sacrifice of leading, regardless of which animal adorns their campaign banners. 

In short, you may not agree with President Trump on many different things, but he has been allowed to be the governing head of the United States by the Creator of the heavens and Earth. Now your responsibility is to pray for him and his counsel every day.

Love what he is doing? Pray to God.

Hate what he is doing? Pray to God.

2. Our military is an excellent reminder of sacrificial love.

John, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, wrote, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 5:13).

I am an Army wife, so I am reminded daily of the incredible gift that is our military.

No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, you are able to stand there because an American soldier died fighting for your freedom, and they continue to do it today.

At each one of our duty stations there has been an audible reminder of the men and women standing between us and evil.

• At Fort Hood the thunderous artillery would knock pictures off the walls.
• Fort Bragg had the subtle, constant hum of Blackhawks and Chinooks.
• And San Diego boasts the roar of soaring jets.

Want to be a part? Volunteer with the USO, babysit for a family with a deployed or TDY spouse.

Maybe you don’t live near a military post so you don’t have that daily reminder or the ability to hands on help, but you can still be in prayer for our military and their leaders every single day.

3. We need a biblical perspective.

I want to remind everyone that no matter what goes on politically, socially, or economically, it really doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, we are not of this world.

Philippians 3:20 says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."

We have read the end of the story (The Book of Revelation) and we know how it ends.

Christ didn’t die for the American flag, Christ died to redeem us from sin.

Our job is to go forth and tell others of his overwhelming sacrifice.

Ultimately, being patriotic and vigorously supporting the United States has more to do with being in prayer and being a witness to nonbelievers than it does with the actions and reactions of politicians.

So be patriotic. Vigorously support our government in counsel, participation, and prayer.

What does patriotism look like in your family? What do you do to upgrade your level of patriotism each year?

Morgan Farr is an Army wife currently stationed in San Diego, California. with her wonderful husband Brian and their two sons. Morgan is a homemaker who dedicates her free time to ministering to other military wives through Bible studies, food, and physical training. Morgan writes about her transition out of feminism and into biblical womanhood at The Forgiven Former Feminist and you can find her fitness training and nutrition programs at Farr Functional Fitness.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Pexels at Pixabay.