Victoria Advocate, A Different Perspective
Last week, I had a book signing at Morada East for my recent release, Glitter and the Grouch. To make it special for the residents (since they’ve already heard me twice), I asked Bill Stafford, local Texas Water Safari legend, to join me. His book was instrumental in my research for Glitter and the Grouch. Once he came, I talked about my inspiration for this installment of the series. Mostly, it revolved around peace of mind. Two minor characters just wouldn’t leave me along until I gave them their own story. Then I interviewed Bill about his thirty-two-plus years of experience with the Texas Water Safari. The residents asked questions, and we enjoyed his stories and explanations. Afterward, he visited with a resident who has also participated in the race. Bill was glad to learn Victoria has a lovely retirement village.
My daughter-in-law from Brazil is here. She’s happier now that her ear is growing more accustomed to our South Texas version of English. We have a couple of shopping trips planned before they head back to Brazil for a few weeks. I’m proud of her—she’s dived into a whole new culture to make a home for our son and his boys.
Early voting began October 21st. I had the privilege of listening to Lois Kolkhorst, the Texas senator who represents our region at the monthly GOP meeting. Oh, my goodness! The woman vibrated with passion for our country. We’re blessed to have her. She spent the afternoon touring the Victoria College campus and helped us understand how the institution benefits our region. She also brought election news from other states. Most of us understand how historic this upcoming election is, but she provided more facts about it.
It’s unwise to downplay the ramifications of this election. Senator Kolkhorst informed us people all over the country depend on the people of Texas to vote our convictions and not allow out-of-state influences to sway us. For example, eighty-six percent of Colin Allred’s funding comes from out of state, the largest portion being California. That, in itself, should reveal a different agenda for Texas than what most Texans desire.
The saying that best encapsulates my thinking on the subject is that a vote is not a valentine. It’s not a love note I send to a particular candidate because I adore him/her. Rather, my vote is a chess move—a strategic move on my part for how I want the country run. That being the case, a grumpy old man who talks too much gets my vote for president. Not because I like everything he does. Nor do I believe he’s going to magically fix everything wrong with our country. He gets my vote because his platform/what he stands for aligns closer to biblical values. Note: I didn’t say he wins every morality contest. Neither did King David in biblical times, but his heart was in the right place and God honored that.
Some people simply want to see a woman as president, but that’s not a good measuring stick. Others vote for a candidate simply because they don’t like (or can’t stand) the other. That reaction isn’t based on anything other than a personal preference. For example, I didn’t particularly care for my first OB-GYN. I didn’t like the way he yelled at the nurse or the clinical way he treated me. However, when it was all said and done, he accomplished exactly what I wanted most—the safe delivery of my baby boy. That said, I believe Trump will work to secure our borders, honor life in the womb, and restore our status as a nation.
The way to help our country best is to vote for biblical values. As Lois Kolkhorst said, “Every election is important, but this one is for all the marbles.”