Irony

Yesterday afternoon, my daughters were enjoying swimming in their little pool while I sat nearby reading a book.

The book I am currently reading is titled, Team of Rivals The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Godwin. It's one of those tough read books where the sentences are a whole paragraph long and if you get interrupted (which happens when you have kids) you have to reread the entire sentence again to understand what you are reading. It is taking me a long time to read it but is well worth the time. The history, the time, the ways of the people, the literature of the time, etc. are all in there, which makes for a fascinating read for a history buff like me.

So, I am in the chapter where the Dred Scott case is being decided by the Supreme Court and James Buchanan is President. The Supreme Court decision on March 6, 1857 takes the position (7-2) that 'blacks' were not included, and were not intended to be included, under the word 'citizen' in the Constitution (Team of Rivals The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln). This decision was a stunning blow to the north who opposed the slavery mentality of the south.

As I am enjoying the laughs and giggles of my girls, and trying to get a sentence in here and there from the book, a man comes up behind me and excuses himself. After the initial freaking out, I come to understand he is Frank Lasee, a politician running for our State Senate. He notes the book I am reading, and suggests that considering what I am reading, I probably have some important questions for him. We begin a dialogue about what is important to me as a Wisconsin citizen and about what his views are on things or how he wants to address issues in office.

Now, here is the irony. As I am speaking to this politician in my backyard who is soliciting my vote to get him into office, I realize how far our country has grown.

The time frame of the chapter in the book I am reading is prior to blacks being considered citizens, and thus, are not yet legal voters. This meant it was a time prior to women being able to vote. But, here in my backyard, is a man who is concerned about what I need from my state government, interested in what I think, and what is important to my family.

After he leaves, my daughters and I have a conversation about this irony. We discuss what to look for in a person wanting to be a leader in our government. We discuss the great privilege of living in an age where women's ideas are important, and the great responsibility that comes along with that privilege.

I want my daughters to be educated, informed, and wise so that they carry out this responsibility of having a voice, and being heard, in an ethical and godly manner. To not waste the privilege on babble, unimportant ideas, or misuse of justice. I want them to use their voice for the betterment of society, the protection and edification of the family, and for glorifying God.