Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Speechless

A community leader here in my town wants me to run for the city council. She knows that I am interested in community issues, particularly youth and education, and yearn for our increasingly diverse community to become more intentionally integrated. It's a nonpartisan position. You don't run as a member of a political party. And I think there are two meetings a month, as well. But, when she asked me, I pretty much thought she was INSANE.

1. Where would I find the time?
2. So, it's nonpartisan. But it is still political. How would that work? I'd be in both politics AND religion, both areas that people love to hate.
3. I'm an INFP. (I don't know why, but I think that should figure in somewhere.)
4. And, oh, by the way, how would I feel if I lost?

So I called the mayor today, on a different issue altogether. In fact, I was pretty sure that the deadline for declaring as a candidate was past. In fact, it isn't. She encouraged me to continue to think about it.

Huh.

17 comments:

Fran said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Fran said...

Sorry - typo!!

Here I am Lord, I come to do Your will...

Think about it, pray on it, we will pray with you.

This ENFP (that explains a lot doesn't it? hee hee) encourages you. An I knows how to retreat, an important quality in both politics and religion.

Pastor Eric said...

You should feel honored to be asked to run. this person obviously thinks very highly of you.

As for me, I would have a hard time serving in a polical office while serving as a pastor. How would this affect your ministry if you were involved in a controversial issue that rubbed a lot of your people the wrong way. I know we do this often in the pulpit, but I think it is different in politics. Just my thoughts. Either way, I will pray for you as you discern.

Dorcas (aka SingingOwl) said...

I wouldn't want to be a pastor and also running for something as a Democrat or a Republican. This, however, seems different, and also seems almost ministry oriented. Anyway, I am praying right now. It is an honor to be asked, huh?
:-)

Lori said...

I would find it a conflict of interest.

But then I'd ask them, "If elected, will you then allow me to start every session with a prayer? And understand that I will abstain from any issue that presents a conflict of interest?"

It is an honor to be asked.

Ruby said...

Tough question, but so nice to be asked. You may do more good as an active community participant. Presbyterian Gal makes a good point about conflicts of interest, but I might not insist on offering a prayer at meetings, especially if you want to help your increasingly diverse community become more intentionally integrated.

zorra said...

It is such an honor to be asked.

That being said--speaking as one INFP to another: Yikes!!!!

But anyway. I am praying for guidance for you about this very interesting matter.

Unknown said...

Diane, do you read Reverend Ref+? He serves on town council (or some equivalent) and really enjoys it. You can find his blog over here.

Annie's Mom said...

Wow! What an interesting opportunity! Personally, I think you're a very wise woman, and would probably be EXCELLENT.

Unknown said...

Maybe you will win as a write-in. That would be nifty.

Ruth Hull Chatlien said...

I understand your concerns. Michael (my husband) is also INFP, and he would so totally hate doing something like that. I know that not all INFPs are the same, but it doesn't seem like a comfortable role.

Also, I get the concerns about politics + religion.

Many have said to pray and listen, and I think that's my counsel too. The Lord will let you know.

Jan said...

Diane, you are honored and validated for the person you are. Wow.

It sounds like a difficult job for a practicing pastor. But that comes from me--an INFP, also.

Jennifer said...

So many good thoughts have been shared with you.
You'll do the right thing, after prayer and discernment.
I have no doubt!

Anonymous said...

This is a tough decision--I'll pray for a clear and definitive answer :)

Katherine E. said...

Wow!

Jennifer Garrison Brownell said...

oh diane, this is so COOL!

Lindy said...

I can tell you some stories about public service. It's not always pretty. But, if you want to do it, you're the gal for the job. I have no doubt in your abilities to carry it off with grace and maybe even some fun too.

Most important question is what do your husband and dog think about it?