My Label

Earlier this week, I attended a prayer breakfast.  As I sat down at one of the tables, I heard that the three men seated at the table were discussing politics, specifically the partial government shutdown.  Not knowing one of the men, I reached out my hand to him.  With a smile, he introduced himself and asked me, "what party do you belong to?" 

The gentleman I met was gracious and probably meant no harm; however, he was trying to make an assumption of me and my beliefs before he even began a conversation. I've been pondering this question for over two days. 
Although I said "Republican", I should have answered, "does it matter?"  I wonder if I passed his first impression test.  I guess I did because I was allowed to sit down.  
 
First impressions speak volumes.  It is said that 90% of people coming to a new church make their decision on whether to return within the first five minutes of entering the parking lot.  Therefore, a welcoming church must have a clean, clearly marked parking area complete with visitor spaces.  Next, this church should have friendly greeters stationed right inside the main doors armed with a smile and a kind word or two.

I suspect the political world is no different regarding first impressions because everyone close to the political realm is labeled somehow.  Conservative. Progressive. Tree Hugger. Fighter for Women's Rights. Democrat. Libertarian. Tea Party Member. Constitutionalist. Liberal. Pro Life.  For Marriage Equality.

Labels are used by the power brokers, political elite, the political establishment and
interested voters as a litmus test of how a candidate might or will vote on a
crucial piece of legislation.  For example, if you are labeled as someone who is a Tea Party member, then most likely people would assume you will vote against the President on any issue.  Moreover, if you are labeled as a progressive, people would assume that you would be for gay marriage.  Once a label has been assigned - even unfairly - it's tough to have it removed.

We are so concerned about someone's political label that we seldom ever get to know the person.  Sadly, its all about first impressions.   So, if I'm going to run for Congress, here is my first impression statement, uh, my label for you:

Listening. Caring. Hard-working.

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Believe. Act. Serve.  The Future is Now. 

The Belief in God-fearing, Biblical principles makes us bring about thoughtful Actions that causes people to Serve one another, which lessens the burden on government and empowers our fellow man.