14Apr 08
Two Powerful Tools of Influence
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"A nation ignorant of its past is a nation ripe for deception and manipulation." A very profound statement indeed! Furthermore, an uninformed nation is the means to bondage. This past Monday, Victoria Cobb and Dan Thompson of the 
Family Foundation (TFF) here in Virginia stopped by our home. Their organization is the result of the vision Focus on the Family has had to institute ‘watch dogs’ of family values across the nation in every state.
The goal of the Family Foundation is to create a Commonwealth of strong families, guided by faith, protected by a principled government. Between the years of 2005 and 2009, they have made the following five issues a priority when lobbying senators and legislatures in Richmond:
- Establish Virginia as the most pro-life state in the nation
- Protect the institution of marriage
- Reinforce the rights of parents to make life-altering decisions in their children’s lives.
- Limit the undue burden placed on families by state government.
- Re-establish Virginia as the national model for religious liberty.
Residents of Virginia are encouraged to review the TFF 2006-2007 report card that rates every VA senator and representative based on their recent voting record.
One point that Mrs. Cobb & Mr. Thompson emphasized was the importance of contacting our senators and representatives. Elected officials in Richmond have shared with TFF that they have been motivated to vote one way or the other based on only 3-5 phone calls made by concerned citizens. Over the course of Virginia’s General Assembly (January through March), some 3000 bills are brought on to the floor. Senators and representatives depend on their assistants, groups like the Family Foundation, and people like you and me to show them how to vote. One phone call can make a difference.
If you are a resident of Virginia looking for an organization to support, we would highly recommend the Family Foundation. Like Virginia, many states have local groups dedicated to defending the family, protecting constitutional rights, and promoting religious freedom (ie: Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Texas). We would encourage you to contact your local organization so you can keep up to date on legislation being passed.
The other way Mrs. Cobb encouraged us to influence our leaders was through prayer. Paul offered a similar exhortation to Timothy, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all…that are in authority…(1Tim. 2:1-2)."
Learn the names of your senators, representatives, attorney general, Lt. governor, police chief, school supervisors, etc. Purpose in your heart to lift them up in prayer.
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice…(Prov. 29:2). Through communication and prayer, we can have a powerful influence on our government.
That was a very encouraging morning! It gave me more clarity in what and who to pray for. Hearing some of their stories and causes they were fighter for was very insightful.
Praise the Lord that there are people out there still that are leading righteous lives in the political field!
Wow! Only 3-5 phone calls. That really shows how much influence one personal phone call can make!
I really enjoyed that first quote, Josh! “A nation ignorant of its past is a nation ripe for deception and manipulation.” Very true. One good resource that helps us to not be ignorant about our godly heritage is the American Minute: http://www.amerisearch.net/
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