As someone who focuses on national topics, I also realize that I need to engage locally. Not only am I referring to sharing my faith, but also the need to stand firm in the public square on all kinds of issues.
Like me, you may find yourself concerned by various national trends, federal policies and laws, and countless alarming activities taking place from coast to coast. But locally—wow—did I have a wake-up call of what is taking place in my own backyard recently!
A friend asked me, “Are you going to the City Hall meeting that the mayor and city commissioners are hosting on Monday evening? It’s a hearing for the people to speak outabout whether or not to open a medical marijuana dispensary in our town.” (Our state legislature voted to legalize the use of medical marijuana in 2008, but it currently cannot be distributed through pharmacies because of federal policy.)
Sensing there was likely more at stake than I was aware, I decided to attend.
I was encouraged by those who came to advocate for their beliefs on this subject, but I also know that the vast majority of residents remained home. I can’t help but wonder how many residents that Monday evening were watching CNN or FOX report the national news, but who did not attend the City Hall meeting where together we could have made an even greater and immediate contribution to our community.
Unlike national issues, local issues can often go unnoticed. They require an intentionality on our part to be aware of what is happening. Significant as it is, I nearly missed this debate with all its implications.
If you or your local government are also grappling with the subject of medical marijuana and marijuana dispensaries, click here for a great resource.
Even though I invest much time and energy investigating, writing, and speaking about what the Lord is saying to us on a national level, I’m glad I went to my City Hall meeting. This was a great reminder to me that we should guard against overlooking local issues in our efforts to remain aware of national issues.
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