Nov 3, 2008

Family First.

I'm not so full of myself that I think anyone gives a hoot who I vote for.
I am not so prideful that I think I can persuade.
I am, however, confident enough to hope that who I vote for - and who you vote for - will not keep us from being friends.

I appreciate our differences. They make me, me. And you, you.

That being said, tomorrow is Election Day. And I would be dishonest to myself - and to you, my friends - if I pretended it was just another day, and I gave you a recipe for Macaroni and Cheese or talked about what color I am dying my hair this week.

Tomorrow is important for me. Tomorrow will determine what my daughter's world will look like for the next four years. It will determine how my son's world looks like when he is four years old.

Tomorrow's election will set in motion a tide that can not be turned back. It will establish a society that either makes me in the minority or the majority.

It is that important.

And so today, it is important for me to tell you a few things about myself. Things that I would hope you might know. Things that I hope will keep you coming back to visit me - but that I shall never regret saying, even if you never darken these doors again.

I am a Christian.

I believe there is a God who saves and loves and forgives.

And who gets very very angry from time to time at our nations' rebellion.

And yet quickly moves to show unfounded mercy and grace.

I believe that for every man there is a woman. And for every woman there is a man. And the two should marry and continue to carry on the tradition of "family."

I believe that life begins at the moment of conception. I have seen life moving and swimming on an ultrasound in front of my eyes. This was not a dream. This was real. Real LIFE.

I believe that for every child born to a woman who cannot raise it or chooses not to, there is a family who longs to open up their home and welcome that child into it. Adoption is always an option.

I am the mother of two adopted children. They have changed my world. And they were a gift. From two precious women...and from one faithful God.

I believe that no matter who wins, no matter who is sworn in, no matter who addresses our nation for the next four years...that God is still God. He is, indeed, the same. Yesterday. Today. And Forever.

So to all my friends, who I have promised could hear me sing someday, here it is. Singing one of my favorite songs, Orphans of God, I put together a video of what is really on my heart this election day.

My family.



63 comments:

must not be blank said...

Your video made me cry, Melissa. You shouldn't do that to me so early in the morning!

You are such a beautiful person...full of hope and true joy. I am inspired every time I read your blog!

ugagirl30 said...

Simply stunning. The whole post, the song, the slide show. I love the look of marvel on Remi's face at the wonders of God as she is standing on the fence.

What a beautiful, precious gift God has given you in your life! Your children are so beautiful and so lucky to have parents who love them so deeply.

Ashley said...

You KNOW... I LOVE IT!

And your message with it, AMAZING!

Tonya said...

I love your post! You hit the nail on the head, and your photo montage was touching!

Shelley said...

Girl, I hope that you know what a blessing you are to me. I even had to post about you this day.
I knew you were going to sing like an angel. I knew it.

Love y'all.

StitchinByTheLake said...

I've been reading your blog for a long time but I rarely comment. Today I want to speak a word for you - God has given you a great gift and you have used it to further His work. He is pleased. blessings, marlene

Coley said...

Melissa, It has been so long since I heard you sing. Thank you so much for posting this. It brought back wonderful memories and made me smile.

I love your post too. VOTE FOR LIFE!

Nicole

Amy said...

I rarely comment here (yes, I am a lurker) but I had to tell you today how much I loved your video. I had tears in my eyes. Let's hope and pray that the people of America do what's right and think of our childrens future.

God Bless You!

Anonymous said...

AAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmen!!!!
By the way, this IS my FAVORITE song, followed by your words yesterday morning....
jennifer

Alicia (dna) said...

Beautiful post Melissa!

Those babies are just precious!

Jenn said...

Oh I got weepy too! This was beautiful!

Bree Shaw said...

WOW!!! thank you for this post. i have been praying to God to show me who to vote for and He did by having you post this! so thank you! i am an election authority in Missouri and with the hussle and bustle of everything i tend to tune everything out. i have made up my mind now, so thank you:) pray for me on election day... that i have enough ballots, that my election judges have a smooth day and that i have a smooth election. i will be glad when it is over:)

My2Gs said...

Melissa,
Thank you so much for that! I share your faith and I share your thoughts on this election. I pray that our nation see the magnitude of their decision on Tuesday and votes with their hearts and spirits. You have 2 absolutely beautiful God given babies :) And your voice, stunning. Thank you for sharing.
~ Lacie

Anonymous said...

Amen sister...preach on

Anonymous said...

Well, crap. You made me cry. My son stood here watching this with me. He loved the pics of Remy. You've got several future black mail shots of her that had me "cracking" up.

Thanks for posting this. Your voice is a gift. This song is perfect. Your family is beautiful. The picture of Elisha made me cry. I, too, will vote for life tomorrow. Thanks again!! -- Brandi

Lula! said...

"...so many fallen, but Hallelujah! There are no orphans of God..."

One of my all-time favorite Avalon tunes. And when the video first started I was all, "That ain't Melissa...that's Jana Potter Long!"

And that, my friend, is THE ultimate compliment, 'cause I've been loving her since her days with Truth.

Loved this post Melissa. So many times we Christians are called intolerant...radical...religious freaks...all because we believe in our God and His Word. I refuse to apologize for my political beliefs--because they come straight from the Lord. The rest of the world can take it up with Him. I just trust and love Him, regardless of what happens. He has my family's best interests at heart and that is my comfort & peace in times such as these.

THANKS FOR FINALLY SINGING! Can I have your autograph?

Amy said...

Thank you for this. It just teared me up.
Hahah.

But, I agree with your whole post. And good to see that some people share my views.

Mommy said...

Well, I'm a blubbering mess. That is one of my favorite Avalon songs EVER! Thank for sharing your heart.

Amy said...

Perfection.

Karol said...

That was beautiful. You are blessed with a gorgeous family and voice. That was amazing.

Anonymous said...

Melissa,

This was your very best blog yet - so heartfelt and wonderful.

I love that you included family members in your photos. They were all so special. And as always, you did a marvelous job with the song.

You are a special person, Melissa, and I am proud to call you friend and family.

Love to you and your,

Sharon

Unknown said...

Again! What an encouragement you are to me! I plan to mention you in my blog today as it is so well pictured, said and sung!

Blessings to you!

Thrifty Decor Chick said...

Couldn't have said it better. This is beautiful.

Anita J. said...

I can hear Randy saying,"Girl, you can blow!" You have a really nice voice.

And I love the message of the post. No matter what, God is still God. We, too, will be praying as either new President takes office.

Melissa said...

I'm so ready for you to come to my church and sing. Let's chat. I love your story. God has such an awesome testimony in you and your family. You have 2 little testimonies of Luke 12:7 where God says, "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

I think people have to shut that fact out of their mind to give a child over to abortion. Thank you for the reminder of what's at stake tomorrow.

Melissa, you are such a blessing to me. I love you, sister. Email me and let's talk about when you can come see me.....:)

Anonymous said...

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
LORD, UNTO ME
NONIE IN TEXAS

Anonymous said...

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
LORD, UNTO ME
NONIE IN TEXAS

Anonymous said...

AMEN, to your post!!
And your video? BEAUTIFUL!!
You have 2 precious Bees!
The crack picture? Well, PRICELESS!!
Your family is truly beautiful, and I, too, pray that God would have mercy, yet again, on our nation. It pains me to think how differently it can look 4 years from now. It is, indeed, a tidal wave that we can not turn back.
Have Mercy on us dear Lord!
Voting FOR LIFE!! Life matters! More than the economy!

tripmom827 said...

Beautiful post and video. Isn't it the truth...when I go and vote tomorrow, I will most definitely be thinking of my children and the future I want them to have!

Rhonda said...

Wow. Beautiful!

But, is there something wrong with me because my favorite photos were the butt crack and nose-picker? lol

Awesome video, voice, family, and message!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful. All of it.

Anonymous said...

Great reflections for pre-election day. Thanks for sharing your heart Misha.
Love you guys! Such amazing pics of Halloween costumes!! So cute. Can't wait to see Rocco! :)

Leslie Freeman

Jo Ann said...

You did girl, made me cry at high noon in Texas! I love you and your voice as always. Great post and video as well. Come sing to us more often. Hallelujah!

VOTE FOR LIFE FOLKS, PLEASE!

Jo Ann

Big Nanny said...

Well said, my friend, or should I say: WELL SUNG!

Leighann said...

I am currently carrying a child the doctors have multiple times given me the option to terminate. why in their words? because it's not expected to live so it would be easier for me to KILL it. Hello? Easier? That's right. I'm a parent b/c it's the easy thing to do. I should've thought of that. Well, guess what. God is the author of life, not me. He decides when this baby will die - and he can make that way after birth if He so chooses. So, yes, tomorrow, I will be voting pro-life, not for my baby who Has a mama who already believes it should have a chance, but for the babies' whose mothers don't quite get it yet.

Shawn said...

Beautiful.
~H

Ann Harrison said...

Hi,
I'm following you from My2G's.
This was a beautiful post!

Anonymous said...

Does Remi ever frown? That beautiful girl seems so full of happiness and joy!

Beautiful Post! Beautiful Family! Beautiful Children that are Blessed with Beautiful, Loving Parents!

You inspire me every day! And I'll be at the polls tomorrow voting For Life and Family!

Tassie said...

I love reading your blog everyday. I thank you for being a woman of God!!!!

Trish said...

WOW! That was beautiful.

Thank you.

Givinya De Elba said...

Melissa that's a truly great post. I wish I had speakers on my computer to hear the song.

On behalf of all here in Australia, I'd like to say how delighted we are that tomorrow is Election Day. We have been hearing of and seeing the MASSIVE campaign that has been going on for the last few YEARS, and we are ecstatic to finally get to a time when The USA will decide on a President, and settle down.

Vote well, people. Govern well, Mr President :)

Julie said...

Amen sister, Amen.

PS - Remi and Rocco are soooo stinkin cute!

Anonymous said...

All I can say is... PRAISE JESUS! He is awesome and wonderful and FAITHFUL! Thank you for sharing your testimony and giving God all the glory. I too believe that whatever happens tomorrow, God is still in control. We need to remember as a nation to lift up our leaders in prayer and tonight is especially important. God can change hearts and minds. Let's pray that HIS will be done!!!

Hillari said...

I have commented here, but it's been quite a while (although I read often!...I know...bad blogger!). This chocked me up for sure. Wonderfully written, beautifully sung, and adorable pictures! The lives you are parenting are beautiful and blessed to have such a loving Mom. Thank you for sharing your story. I will proudly vote for life tomorrow!

B. said...

Amen sister. I am praying like crazy for this election.

Cass said...

Beautiful...Gorgeous...Right on!!!!! Thanks so much for this & the video! And girl your voice is amazing! Thank you for sharing even if you did make us all blubber!!!

Kimberly said...

Beautiful song...beautiful voice...beautiful kids! I am always grateful to read what you have to say. Its inspiring and interesting to see women like you in the world!

Maria said...

Amen! Beautiful song, beautiful kids, and beautiful blessings. Thanks for sharing it with us and I share your views and am praying for this election with you.
~Maria

The Beauty Bargainista said...

I couldnt have said it better myself! I voted for life last week, and will continue to stand by my values no matter who is in office. You are so right, God is the same God tomorrow as he was today!

Lori said...

So many Truths in your post! Most importantly, that God is still God!
Wonderful words, song and pictures!

Anonymous said...

I couldn't agree more! I actually just posted a post on being a Christian and voting.

I will be so glad when this is over and PRAY McCain pulls it off..

fireflyphotojewelry.blogspot.com

Kori said...

Oh sweet Melissa. You are incredibly wonderful.

Breanne said...

Not much ese to say but Beautiful!

Anonymous said...

SO well spoken Melissa! On this day as I voted...I voted for my family too! For my 4 kids future! Such a great video and your voice is a gift from our God. Thanks for sharing your heart!

Anonymous said...

Well said. I don't agree with many of my "real life" friends - much less my online ones. :)

But that doesn't mean that we don't get along just the same. There's more to relationships than politics of faith. Although my faith is very important to me, I realize that I'm not going to win anyone over by forcing it down their throat.

At the same time, I'm also not going to shy away from letting people know that it is a key part of my life.

Kennis said...

I'm crazy proud of you for simply stating your opinion. Its funny - stating these beliefs (which I share, all the way) is like going to China and stating you are a Christian. Its a minefield and it seems we are so outnumbered.

And your voice? OMGoodness, WOW! Really beautiful (but I'm sure you've heard that before, lol)

Rose said...

WOW!!! I could not stop crying!! Just absolutely beautiful! I loved all the pictures, but my favorite is your beautiful voice singing with the pictures. Thank you so much for sharing your heart, voice, and family!! Your message is truly inspiring and I am privileged and blessed that I can call you my oldest and dearest friend. I love you and miss you!

Anonymous said...

Love the slideshow... Those kids are so cute! :)

And your voice is gorgeous. Just in case you weren't aware. Heh.

Rhea said...

Nice post.

happymcfamily said...

Tag.. you're it... see my blog for the meme.

(ok, now back to read the post :)

happymcfamily said...

aww... that makes me want to give you a hug :)

Unknown said...

It's been a while since I've stopped by...
Such a beautiful post Melissa. Thank You.

Ruby Rideout said...

I can't believe its been so long since I've been on here.
I didn't know you adopted a baby! Congrats to you and your family. Such a beautiful song and beautiful post.

Melissa, I admire you so much you have no idea lady! Big hugs from Arizona.