The scent of urine, feces, and vomit hung as I emerged from the subway station. I breathed through my mouth to avoid gagging. A new steamy scent penetrated.
The death of a skunk.
Gagging, I ascended the stairs, aching for fresh air, any escape from the surrounding putridness.
A 100-yards away, I breathed in. Only the air wasn’t really clean. I stood in the middle of a polluted city.
Many words describe the scent of this election.
Disgusting. Putrid. Embarrassing. Worrisome. Frightening. Scary. Gross. Nauseating.
Who do you vote for when surrounded by stench?
The funk overpowers, layers, worsens.
That’s what I’ve been wrestling with for months. Maybe you have, too.
My heart is heavy on the eve of this election with the stench in the air.
After much deliberation, I know who I’m voting for…
Wait… let me explain…
One of the most powerful senses we’ve been given as humans is the sense of smell.
Scent is powerful in evoking memories.
Scientists note that scent reveals a component of the human condition that alerts you to your environment.
Perhaps that’s why during this election cycle, with the overpowering stench in the air, we’ve forgotten our past, lost sight of our future.
We’ve forgotten…
who we are, whose we are, and who we are called to be.
“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ.” —2 Corinthians 2:15
Who we are. Whose we are. Who we are called to be.
Perhaps in the midst of this election, you’ve been splashed with eau de disappointment or eau de disillusionment or eau de rage or eau de depression or eau de despondency.
You’re not alone. (And Beth Moore offers a thought-provoking post)
A single whiff is wet, thick, layered, overpowering.
What will the scent be on the morning after the election?
Sweet. Bitter. Burnt. Sickening. Skunky.
We don’t know, and even worse, after casting a ballot, we can’t control what happens after the polls close.
We may not be able to control the scent around us, but we can control the scent we wear.
Splashing eau de love, eau de encouragement, eau de reconciliation, eau de hope, eau de grace, eau de forgiveness, and eau de compassion here, there, and everywhere.
Remember who you are. Whose you are. Who you are called to be.
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.” —2 Corinthians 2:14
Before Election Day, take time to freshen yourself with the Scripture.
Splash yourself with the sweet truth that you are…
a holy people (1 Peter 2:9)
firmly rooted (Colossians 2:7)
made alive (Colossians 2:12-13)
accepted to accept (Romans 15:7)
for good works (Ephesians 2:10)
given the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7)
Splash yourself with the sweet truth of whose you are…
a child of God (John 1:12)
united to the Lord (1 Corinthians 2:16)
you are not you own, you belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19,20)
you share an inheritance with Christ (Romans 8:17)
you are a friend of Jesus (John 15:15)
Splash yourself with the sweet truth of who you are called to be…
victorious through Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57)
a fellow citizen with the rest of God’s family (Ephesians 2:19)
a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20, Ephesians 2:6)
changed into the likeness of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Whether you’re tempted to stay up late with the news junkies or tuck in early to bed pulling the covers over your head, take a few minutes to read through these passages (and others).
Go to bed in the fragrance of Christ. Awake in the fragrance of Christ. Be the fragrance of Christ.
And in case you’re still wondering, and in case you can’t tell, the person I’m voting for this election is…you.
I’m for you. I’m with you. I love you.
I’ll be reading these passages, too. Let’s be the sweet aroma of Christ together.
Recommended Resources:
“And in case you’re still wondering, and in case you can’t tell, the person I’m voting for this election is…you.”
wow, I didn’t see that coming (not)
Lovely…but lets keep it simple. Dead babies…..a destiny moment for all Christians was through the third debate. No excuses will be made. We vote first the shedding of inocent blood. Its a no brainer.
Yes. Great reminder that the government will not save us and thus election does nothing to say us from our calling, our holy odor.
Well said Margaret
Love.
Thank you so much, Margaret, my sentiments exactly and the Beth Moore writing as well. It has always been about the eternal and the Lord Jesus on HIS THRONE. My trust is in Him and not anyone else. We need only read the Old Testament and New, to see that man or woman, will always fail…and nations always rise and fall, but the Word of the Lord, both Living and written, reign sovereign. Thank you again…
Paragraph after paragraph and neither you nor Beth say who you are voting for or whether or not you are even voting. How comfy to live in a bubble.
Wonderful article! I needed the reminder of who I am as well as whose I am. I will rest in the sweet oder of Christ.
Linda — given the influence that Margaret and Beth have had in my life and so many others through participation in their Bible studies (which all point toward Jesus and living in His grace), I’m quite sure, if either one had declared for whom they are voting, that many people would be swayed to vote just like them. But I believe that is not what Margaret or Beth feel called to do, as they have both stated that they are called to proclaim Christ. God calls each of us to seek His righteousness and be guided by His Holy Spirit, rather than by human opinions. And then, when all the votes are cast, whatever the outcome, we can still trust that God’s sovereignty is taking care of us. We can trust Him. Blessings to you as you pray and cast your vote.
What an articulate and gracious response, Karen.
Gratefully,
Katie
Linda You are so right. God did not give us these blessings so that we could sit home and allow injustice to flourish. I notice the Evangelical wing of the GOP is strangely silent…all it takes for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing. I have heard Ms Feinberg and thought she was relevant. This post, however looks like a cheap ploy to take advantage of the political turmoil and ask for money (for her mortgage). She did not need to do this, I think it cheapens her message.
My word, why does abortion have anything to do with electing a political leader for this country? Is anyone forced to have an abortion? Is it not a profoundly personal, medical, spiritual decision between God, doctor, pregnant woman and her family? Is this issue of abortion merely a way to cloud judgement? Of all the pressing issues of the day, isn’t it worrisome that this issue would actually alter someone’s vote?
Look at the totality of these two candidates, recognizing their seriously smelly histories, and list out their strengths and their failings. Be deliberate in your decision-making. I believe a wrong choice could have permanent negative consequences for our country (and I believe Russia who would strongly benefit from weakening the US) is backing one candidate for that very reason!)
Great article except the reference to Beth Moore’s article. While it’s very good as well, and I have nothing but respect for her, when she came out thumping Trump and doing the same with Clinton, she lost me as far as someone I’d read on matters of politics and elections, no matter what her article or blog contains.
I know and understand sexual abuse and I in no way condone Trump’s behavior and statements. However, I see no difference between his sin and Clinton’s sin (or mine, for that matter) and that’s where evangelicals are getting it wrong when they only address Trump’s bad behavior as if his sin is greater than Clinton’s.
Great article except the reference to Beth Moore’s article. While it’s very good as well, and I have nothing but respect for her, when she came out thumping Trump and not doing the same with Clinton, she lost me as far as someone I’d read on matters of politics and elections, no matter what her article or blog contains.
I know and understand sexual abuse and I in no way condone Trump’s behavior and statements. However, I see no difference between his sin and Clinton’s sin (or mine, for that matter) and that’s where evangelicals are getting it wrong when they only address Trump’s bad behavior as if his sin is greater than Clinton’s.
That should read: “not doing the same with Clinton…”
Thank you Margaret. In so many things this year, I have been reminded to look up, to Christ. If that applies to my personal circumstances it certainly applies to our larger national circumstances. Our hope is in God, and in no other power.
The Russians are backing Hillary, not Trump. No, you didn’t hear that in the MSM because they always back the democrat. Please Lord, save us from this evil woman. I will never, ever vote for a candidate who believes that killing a child, right up until birth is ok. And, I will always base my decision on that. Hillary says they have no rights. My God believes differently. I’ll go with God.
If you are agreeing with Beth Moore, then I am truly dissapointed in your decision. I have done several of your Bible Studies and had help you in higher esteem then that. But if you are like Beth Moore that means you are against Trump, which tells me you are for pro abortion, therfore I will no longer do a study of yours, or Beth Moore. VERY DISSAPPOINTED!!!!!
I didn’t see that coming either. I just held my breath to see your take on either candidate, never once thinking that it was me (us). x:)
I like this very much. I have struggled so, over the choices we have, in this election, and this gives me peace. We all vote one way or the other, depending on so many things. I respect everyone’s opinion and decision. I pray for God’s blessing and guidance, for whoever wins. God bless America and the entire world we live in.
Susan, in Margaret’s defense, she isn’t the one asking for a donation to help pay off her mortgage….it was Brenda. If you would believe that, I don’t think you know Margaret very well. She is only pointing us to the cross and reminding us that whoever wins the election, GOD is still the one ultimately in control. It’s her vote and her business! We all need to decide on our own thru prayer. God bless our country!
I guess I didn’t see what you saw in what Beth Moore wrote. I saw that she pointed us to Jesus. Encouraged us to trust in Jesus and not the government. I did not see that she endorsed a candidate.
Those bashing Beth Moore are believing the lies posted about her. The link Margaret put up was Beth’s response to those lies. She never said she was supporting either candidate. I am so sick of “Christians” bashing each other and believing lies without checking facts! Amazing…
Margaret,
Thank you for the gentle reminder that it is Jesus we serve and Hiid glory and kingdom we live for.
Thanks, this was Great and I think it was just what we all needed !
Abortion. Such a clean, tidy term for medical procedure that legally murders unborn human beings. We Christians kvetch and wring our hands at our country’s downward spiral, and moral decay and then happily line up behind candidates espousing the support of “women’s health” which is a clever whitewash of “the right to choose”, which is much more palatable than truthfully admitting that they support the wholesale murder of babies. Abortion is an important issue in any election. As Christians we are called to be obedient to God and love our neighbors (even the unborn ones). Turning our eyes from the slaughter of the unborn & buying into the “spin” as a nation is sinful, and I wouldn’t be surprised if God has some retribution in store for the USA, just as he did at times for Israel when the nation sinned against him & did not repent. Just because something is socially acceptable doesn’t make it any less abhorrent to God.
I totally agree, Annette. My prayer has been and is that God would give us one more chance to humble ourselves, repent, and turn from our wicked ways so He can heal our land.
I just read Beth Moore’s article, and I am not sure why a previous poster said that Beth was endorsing any candidate. Instead, she eloquently describes (as usual, and the same can be said for Margaret) the torrent of thoughts that have tried to push from my feeble brain to my fingers – or my tongue. We are Jesus followers – I assume all of us following this blog fall into that category. At no time did Jesus give the impression to those who followed him that government or legislation had anything to do with the Kingdom for which we pray when we repeat “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.” Hopefully, we will all be civic minded and go to the polls tomorrow; but definitely we will all wake up the next day, and no matter what, the mission of Jesus followers will not have changed.
Brigid, what does abortion have to do with this election??? There is a hole in the Supreme Court right now. It is split 50/50 conservative/liberal. The next president will appoint the next justice. Liberal president = liberal judge = favorable decisions on abortions as late as 9 months. THAT’S what hangs in the balance. Not to mention 2nd Amendment rights and freedom of speech and all those other “judgment-clouding” issues. Seriously? Educate yourself before you attack.
Thank you, David!
Thank you for responding so kindly and graciously, Karen!
Sandi is correct, I did not ask for money for my mortgage. My heart is for all of you! I do hope you hear my heart in this. Hugs!
And his love for you is unending, Gina!
Thank you for adding to the conversation, Annette!
Yes! May this simply be a reminder to realign with our creator!
I am sorry you think so poorly of me. I would hope that you hear my heart in this post and all other articles & books I write. My goal is to point others towards Jesus in all I do. Thank you for sharing.
Beautifully said, Patti. Thank you for your contribution to the conversation!
I am disappointed by so many of the disparaging comments on here. I don’t recall Jesus throwing stones. I am fairly certain He actually opposed doing such. He gave some basic instructions: Love Him and love them. NO ONE is excluded in His charge to love others. No. One. Not even the ones who stand on the other side of the political aisle. We can’t show the love of Jesus by walking around hurling insults and criticism at our sisters. Margaret, props to you for trying to offer bits of hope through scripture instead of opinion or propaganda. The reality is in less than 24 hours this election will be over and the decision will be made. Our neighbors will still be our neighbors and we will be called to love them but we will have to do so while repairing the egregious damage caused by the mudslinging done these past few weeks. We should be better than that. God certainly made us to be far better than that!
Skunk, not stunk, right? Just checking.
Thanks for the post
Why is it that it’s all or none for so many Christians? I am pro life but the passion for my Hillary vote is for my autistic daughter. Hillary is the ONLY candidate that has a long, committed track record for people with special needs and disabilities. Trump wants to get rid of Medicaid and the government funds that support my daughter that we would never be able to afford. That is quite a broad judgement to make on all Christians! God gave us free will. I feel strongly about my religious freedoms but at the end of the day, God’s got my family and when my children are faced with hard choices, Christ lives in them. Abortion, gay rights, all sin shouldn’t make or break the entire election. Also, as Christian’s, it should be apparent that we are near end times! Our world is a mess! Focus more on understanding and loving your fellow humans. This doesn’t mean you have to support their opinion’s or lifestyle choices. Let God be the judge. Just because a person like myself supports Hillary for her disability involvement doesn’t mean I support other things about her. Find a passion that you support and make a vote based on what’s going to be best for YOU and your family. If it’s Pro life that you’re most concerned about then vote based on that but try not to get upset at others for being more passionate about other topics or policies that affect them. So much hate in people’s hearts this election. Praying for peace in yours. ❤️
Am in complete agreement that we pro God/pro life people gotta side with this crucial issue supported only by one candidate and only one! He is a growing young believer as James Dobson has shared…and Pence also holds to pro life. Do not knee jerk a vote without serious prayer/ consideration. We know ONLY GOD CAN HEAL OUR CONFLICTED, TROUBLED, REBELLIOUS NATION ( on the whole, course)
Dear Margaret, I bought the James Earl Jones Reads THE BIBLE King James Version used and it came with all the discs except disc #3. Do you know where I can purchase just Disc #3 as my finances are limited. I did contact the seller and told him that disc 3 was missing and could he please send me disc #3 but he said just keep the purchase and I’ll refund you for the purchase. He must not have had disc #3. If I knew someone who had the edition I could have my husband copy disc #3 to a blank disc. Thank you, Hobbie Bresnahan
Thank you, Tammy!
loved this
Me and my house group are connected to a church and begin to feel a part of it but up until now nobody is a member yet. Since they haven’t made up their mind about membership of gay people in a relationship I cannot yet be a member (and what’s more I’ll probably leave this town soon). One of my friends now applied for membership but refused to sign the “statement of belief” they added (which is the statement of belief of a German alliance of churches. Our pastor does certainly not have an easy time with us. But he’s a great guy and I feel very close to that church.
It’s a pleasure to find such rationality in an answer. Welcome to the debate.
I think about Jesus when Judas Iscariot try to get him to get rid of the Roman. His respond was that is not the reason I can to earth. I believe when the antichrist come it is the church that is going to put him in power. We as Christian should be disciples for Christ .Our job is to save soul. I could not vote for Trump because he was full of hate. I listen to him and every word that came out of his mouth was a lie. Trump said he could go to Manhattan and shoot somebody and people would still vote for him. In other words he could murder somebody and people would not care. The bible said in the end people would believe a lie as if it was the truce. There was this lady who voted for Trump she said that she was working two jobs. This same lady did not believe increasing the minimal wages. Somebody should have told her if the minimal wages were increase maybe she could work one job. I work two jobs in my 20’s and realize that I had to change something because this was hard on my body. This lady was not in her 20’s. This same lady did not believe in Obamacare, and had no health insurance. When I first heard Trump talking about getting rid of the illegal immigrant I was for that, then I realize that is the same thing Hitler did. Hitler start with one group and then work his way down to other groups.
That insight’s perfect for what I need. Thanks!
Do you know each other? Sasha started in porn for the fun of it and to explore her own boundries, she has been nothing short of amazing since she started.
This helped me last week and I think I actually did achieve all the items on my list.This week I want to 1) make butter (because I have some cream I need to use up), 2) relax a bit with my family who are visiting from the UK 3) go to the library 4) Take a walk in the woods 5. Do something crafty. Thanks for keeping me focused!
You’ve got it in one. Couldn’t have put it better.
Mr. Anon sez: It's "implying", not "inferring", damn it. Implying. Have people forgotten how to speak English?err.. ok..sorry. My mother tongue is German, so I don't consider myself a fluent speaker/writer, but thanks for correcting me anyway.