When I was a teenager, I developed a strong interest in politics and a desire to make a difference in the social (moral) issues of the day, particularly abortion. I wore pro-life t-shirts, spoke against abortion in my church youth group (much to the chagrin of my pro-abortion youth leader), and shortly after high school began volunteering at a local crisis pregnancy center. I voted in my first presidential election the fall of my freshman year in college. I had proudly volunteered on George H. W. Bush’s local campaign team, and I cried when he was defeated.

I probably get my passion for politics from my dad. He has always taken great interest in political issues, though he is much less vocal about it than I.

I was ecstatic when my dad’s younger brother announced his bid for U.S. Congress in 2012, to fill a new seat created by Georgia’s redistricting. I jumped right in to help my uncle with his campaign, and I loved every minute of it. Although his campaign was greatly out-funded by his two already well-known opponents and my uncle was ultimately defeated, he garnered an amazing percentage of the primary vote, I believe because of his unwavering message of returning the nation to the original intent of the Constitution. So many of our politicians today have little regard for the Constitution, and our country is suffering greatly as a result.

As I look around, I often see a lack of involvement and what appears to be a lack of interest in political issues among believers. I get the sense that people think I’m wacko because I am involved and I do take a stand.

I have always struggled with feeling out of place because of the passion that I have for being involved in politics and trying to make a difference in that arena. Maybe it’s because I’m a woman, and politics is traditionally a man’s world. My first thought is always that I’m in the wrong when I’m the one who seems to be sticking out like a sore thumb. I wonder if, as a Christian woman, I should just keep quiet and not “rock the boat.” However, I think that Christians keeping quiet has, in large part, led to many of the ills that we’re facing today: abortion on demand, the redefinition of marriage, socialized medicine, communistic core education, crippling debt, the welfare state, and the like. I think a line has been drawn in the sand of the United States of America. We must choose whether we will go God’s way or the world’s, and maybe we need more passionate, emotional women to get on board.

What it comes back to time after time for me is that this nation was founded firmly on God’s principles and His Word. Most of the founding fathers were committed Christians, and they prayed as they drafted the very documents that established our government. They weren’t afraid to speak up when they felt that something was unjust. They were passionate about seeing this nation survive and thrive. And they sought God’s blessings on our land. If the founders combined their faith with their politics, I feel justified in doing the same. (Check out Wallbuilders for a wealth of information on our founders.)

Of course, I pray for this nation, for our leaders, and for the voters at election time. But I think my responsibility goes beyond that. I feel compelled to stay involved with decisions that my elected officials are making, because, well, if they are elected to represent me, then they need to know how I feel about the issues at hand.

I often call or e-mail my governor, my state senator, my state representative, and sometimes my U.S. Senators to voice my wishes or concerns. I see my U.S. Congressman at the grocery store occasionally and at political meetings in the area, and I and feel comfortable talking to him about things on my mind.

I try to be as involved as I can (around my kids’ activities) with our local TEA Party group, making a difference at the grassroots level. I’m helping out this weekend with a Tax Day Rally, and I’m excited that many of our candidates for U.S. Senate will be there to speak to the group.

I think many people believe that their responsibility ends after they cast their ballot, but it doesn’t. Our nation is in trouble and is heading in the wrong direction in many, many ways.  In my opinion, there’s never been a more important time to get involved and try to help turn things around, for the sake of our children and grandchildren. We’ve all heard the saying that there’s strength in numbers. This is true especially when it comes to how our country is being handled. Have you noticed that often “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” when decisions are made? The loudest groups tend to get the most attention, and often decisions are made in their favor because it seems that they are the only ones who care.

As we step out of our comfort zones and join with like minded patriots who want to see this country pointed back to our founding principles, it strengthens our resolve; it encourages more patriots to step out; it shows those who are intent on transforming the nation that they will not be victorious.

There’s a battle raging for this nation. I believe that Satan wants to see it brought down because of the way it was founded. He wants to enslave us and defeat us. We have freedom unlike any other nation the world has ever seen, but our freedoms are being stripped away day after day (or given away willingly by those who want the government to take care of them). The time has come for us to stand up and do something before it’s too late.

We watched The Hunger Games and Catching Fire movies with our kids this week during spring break, so I think that’s why this topic is on my heart so much right now. The premise of those movies isn’t that far fetched, I’m afraid. For the sake of my kids and yours, I will stand. I hope you will join me.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)