Why I voted, a thread:

In 2008, I woke up to the first black president after a nearly fatal overdose landed me in the hospital.

In 2012, I was still focusing on learning to live again after being only a year or so sober.

In 2016, I was angry at my choices.

In 2020, #IVoted

Now let me explain why any of this matters.

It doesn’t matter because I think America is my birthright and the president is my salvation. I don’t.

It doesn’t matter because my vote can change the nation. It won’t.

It matters because my vote represents something: I care.

In 2008, I cared about myself, my pain, and my trauma.

In 2012, I cared about myself, my pain, my recovery.

In 2016, I cared about myself, my pain, and my disappointment.

In 2020, I cared about you. I cared that my Christian witness would manifest in my civic engagement.

I cared about the poor and homeless, which I had been before as a drug addict on a 2-year binge after the overdose.

I cared about the foreigner and refugee who deserved as much of a chance as I was given.

I cared about my people—black folks—and the pain we carry in ourselves.

I cared about my economically disadvantaged and displaced neighbors.

I cared about my neighbors who, because of whatever reproductive or gender reality they lived in, had been stripped of their dignity as fellow image bearers of the God of heaven.

I cared about our teachers, our first responders, and our children—constantly facing the anxiety of exposure to a terrifying virus that has killed thousands upon thousands upon thousands.

I cared about the elderly and chronically ill who can’t afford medical help they need most.

I cared about those with psychological, mental, and emotional crucibles who are repeatedly stigmatized instead of supported.

I cared about the land that we’ve selfishly polluted, the blood we’ve callously spilt, and whole nations we’ve helped destabilize.

I cared about more than me.

That’s why I’m glad I didn’t vote before this year; it would’ve been a wasted one—not because it wouldn’t have counted, but because it would’ve fueled my own self-absorption.

I follow Jesus, so no aspect should be off limits from his influence.

I believe Jesus emptied himself to redeem us as a people who would belong to him by serving the least as the least.

As a citizen of a kingdom built on selfless love, how could I be a faithful steward of my voting privilege if I wielded it only for my “rights” and desires?

I believe civic engagement, community involvement, and the Christian’s witness is far more than how I use my vote, but I also believe that it’s certainly not less.

Jesus pleads for me; shall I not plead the cause of my neighbor?

Jesus sacrifices for me; shall I not sacrifice for my neighbor?

Jesus liberates me; shall I not liberate my neighbor?

Jesus shows abundant grace to me; have I no grace for my neighbor?

Jesus died and lives to intercede for me; shall I not intercede for my neighbor?

I should’ve died in 2008.

But God was merciful.

And to whom much is given, from them much will be required.

The least you can do is vote out of love for your neighbor.

But Jesus doesn’t call us to do the least, though he does call us to serve the least of these.

Is that what your witness reflects this year? That you care about somebody other than yourself?

People like @d_l_mayfield, @KaitlynSchiess, @AndCampaign, and others helped me see a need to do better this year.

I’m just trying to extend the same courtesy in the same spirit.

Please vote. But when you vote, don’t just look out for your own interests; look out for the interest of others. When you vote, count others as more significant than yourself, for this is the mind of Christ, and there is never a good time to think any other way.

Grace and peace.

@threadreaderapp please unroll this for redistribution.