#Dear Congress,
Hi! My name is Laresa and I am a middle-class stay-at-home-mom from North Carolina. I am a conservative Republican and a Christian.
At this point in my life, I feel very removed from the goings-on in government. I do take the time to research candidates and vote every 4 years, but other than that I don’t care too much about you. I have a feeling that you feel the same about me.
I do catch snippets of news and read some news articles, so I am not totally ignorant of the behavior of my elected officials. I have been paying a little attention to your latest tantrum and the resulting government shutdown, and I ask you this: What are you thinking?
My nephew Aaron, who is 12, is spending the day with me. I asked him what he thinks of your shutdown.
“I think it’s stupid,” he answered.
“Why do you think it’s stupid?”
“The government can’t just give up because it’s hard. This is the future of our country. And that’s all I am going to say.” Gotta love Aaron!
I really appreciate what Aaron said, because he is the one who is really going to be effected by your current actions. This is his future that we are talking about, and the future of all of our children.
This is hard, isn’t it? But there you are, throwing your tantrum, unwilling to talk or compromise, getting your paychecks, giving up.
You are so removed from normal American people that you have forgotten what hard is, and some of you grew up in such a privileged lifestyle that you never knew the meaning of hard in the first place. You don’t know what it’s like to wait at hospitals and doctor’s offices and urgent cares, or what it’s like to go to the grocery store with a 2 and 4-year old and try to use your coupons to stay on a budget, or what it’s like to not go somewhere because gas is too expensive, or to decide which bills you can pay on time and which can wait until the next paycheck.
And I’ll tell you, because you have forgotten, that what I have just mentioned is nothing. My life, what may be hard for me, is not hard compared to others’ struggles. There are mothers who have hungry children and no diapers and can’t keep their families warm or clothed. Those are difficulties that I cannot comprehend, so I know that you can’t! Keeping our government running is too hard for you, so you would never be able to survive what normal people go through every day.
I do have hope, but it’s not in you, Congress. My hope is in Jesus. He cares about us, about the people who know what hard is. He understands what we are going through because He goes through the hard times with us. He shares in our tears and our struggles. He will judge you harshly one day, as He will all of us, and that’s when you will learn the meaning of hard.
I don’t worry too much about you or think too much about you, not because I am not concerned or because I don’t care, but because my ultimate trust is in Christ Jesus, not in humans here on Earth. He will take care of me in ways that you cannot, and He doesn’t want me to spend my time worrying. That’s not how life is supposed to be lived. That’s not why Jesus suffered and died on the cross.
“I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27
Jesus’ gift of peace of mind and heart is for all of us: Democrats and Republicans, rich and poor, EVERYONE. Please claim that gift today, then go and do the hard work that we elected you to do.
Thank you for your time,
Laresa
Related articles
- Dear Congress: You had one job. Sincerely, Twitter (pennlive.com)
- Stop being so stupid, voters tweet to Congress (kansascity.com)
- SHUTDOWN: Congress Fails to Reach Agreement Before Midnight Deadline (theblaze.com)
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/10/07/weekly-writing-challenge-and-now-for-something-completely-different-2/
Your best writing yet! A great reminder of where our peace comes from. Thank you, Laresa.
Oh, Mama, you say that about everything I write! 🙂
Because it’s better than your last best one!
Amen, Sistah!!! I so agree!!
I was going to comment that one of my students was “WTSW” worthy… But it does not at all beat what Aaron said!! It pales in comparison!
(Btw, he informed me “I can speak squirrel”!! True story!)
Haha! I have never heard of squirrel-language, but it sounds like it must have been a hilarious conversation. Kids are so funny, but so honest!
Dear congress your pay should stop untill there is a deal. I also feel that if you like the afforable health care act so much. You should have to use the same plan as the American people. You have forgotten of the people and for the people
I agree totally!
This is awesome Laresa! Beautifully written and I couldn’t agree with you more!
Thanks, Sam!
Quit blaming one group of the federal government. It takes 2 to tango not 1. I blame all in the federal government. They are suppose to be working together as a team & do what’s right for all Americans not just for the rich or those who make more than $40,000, but for all Americans. Everyone needs to blame them all not just one president or one group, but all.
Hi! I am sorry if that’s what you took away from my #dearcongress letter. While I am a Republican and felt it necessary to disclose that information in my post, I am in no way blaming the Democratic party alone for the mess that we are in.
I am in total agreement with you that it is the entire government that is not working together and thinking only of themselves, and I think my letter was pretty clear on that.
Thanks for reading and commenting! This is an excellent opportunity for the American people to come together, and I hope that we do.
Our country is in this mess due to our government is trying to run the world. Our people are hurting and we need to let the rest of the world run with the money they have. We are broke and still making the same payout mistakes daily.
I agree! We have been a very blessed nation, so it is our responsibility to help others, but we also need to concentrate on our own citizens.
Explain to me who will benefit from this Government Shutdown? Obamacare is the law of the land. For years the Republicans had every opportunity to create a health care plan for all Americans but you all failed. Giving up your salaey doesn’t mean anything, however giving up your health coverage for a year will allow you to experience what millions have experienced for years. When you can’t pay your Dr. bill or cant see the Dr. or can’t have a test or pay for treatment or get your meds then and only then will you realize how important having Obamacare is for millions.
I’m going to ask all my friends to become Republicans we’re going to vote in the primaries and vote you & the Tea Party out of Office acting like spoiled children you’re not qualified to be members of Congress.
I think it would benefit ALL of our elected officials, Republicans and Democrats alike, to walk a mile in the shoes of a normal, working American citizen.
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
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