The uncertainty of the future typically causes a longing for the past. Tonight, as the events of our country's election rolled out, the only thing I wanted was to be sitting in the comfort of my parent's home in Houston... even if it meant that Dad and I spent the evening yelling at the TV. It's weird how that happens...how anxiety about the future has a way of bringing about some kind of regression in us- a longing to go back to a time when we were innocently ignorant of the seriousness of the world's happenings.

Like almost every other American, I remember where I was when, as Alan Jackson sang, "the world stopped turning". It was September 11, 2001. I was living in the small east Texas town of Nacogdoches during my first semester as a college freshman. As I headed to my 8am biology class, I learned of news that a plane hijacked by terrorists had crashed into the WTC. I refused to believe it at first...asking the person who told me to check their sources and get back to me. There was just no way that could happen. This is America, for goodness sakes. Things like that don't happen to us. Moments later my bio professor confirmed what I refused to believe and my world was shaken.

Everything suddenly seemed uprooted. In an instant, all became uncertain. There were only two things I was sure of: 1) our country, and by extension our world, would never be the same and 2) the only place I wanted to be was home.

Last night as I watched the number of electoral votes for Barack Obama flip past 270, my feelings returned to those of that fateful day. I again was overcome with the reality that our country (and by extension, our world) will never be the same. I sincerely hope that Mr. Obama has our best interests at heart... that somehow all the lies he has already told will miraculously become truth... that he proves himself to be a man of character and not a man marked by deceit. I hope that I am wrong... I hope.

Yesterday I just wanted to be home. I wanted to feel safe. I wanted to be a kid again... unaware of the repercussions of the choice we have made. Not only so, but I found myself longing for my heavenly home even more than my earthly one. I realized that despite what is ahead, I must stand on the truth that I have one foot in the world and one foot in heaven. According to Philippians 3:20, my citizenship is in heaven and I am called to a purpose and a calling outside of what this world has to offer me.

Mr. Obama says he is, above all else, for CHANGE. I believe that under his guidance change will certainly take place. The plight of our economy will certainly change... our standing in the eyes of our friends (and enemies) around the world will certainly change. Our daily lives may be affected in some drastic ways as a result of the change he wishes to make. But I know God's calling on my life will not change. His purpose in who I am becoming is constant. What I will accomplish for His kingdom on this earth certainly will not change according to the amount of money I have in my bank account or the value of the American dollar.

Im vowing to support our country and it leaders despite my differences in opinion. Of course, I will not stand for deceit or oppression/injustice. But I want to continue having faith in our country and its people... believing that there is reason to hope that our God is powerful and He continues to reign among us.