American Enterprise Institute

One of the most unique things about being in Maryland right now is the proximity to our country's political headquarters with the upcoming election. Though I live about an hour away from the DC Metro area and Capital Hill, there is a different energy here around political structure, various freedoms, and impact of government action. It's not better or worse, just different. It has challenged me to think outside the box on political issues that I have never had much of a voice on, in a good way.

Our group had the opportunity to attend the American Enterprise Institute's annual fall conference (https://www.aei.org/) on Values & Capitalism. It was set up as a series of discussion panels, with varying beliefs and political ideologies. Peter Wehner, Michael Wear, and Russell Moore, among others.. People that I'm learning more about, and am so thankful to be hearing from during this season in America, even if we don't share the same views.

One of the most engaging conversations was around how Christ-followers will respond after November 8th, because regardless of the outcome of the election, many Americans will wake up disillusioned and afraid. It was a call to remember and apply what it means to follow Jesus regardless of party or affiliation, because he is our ultimate authority. It was also a call for engagement, that we are still called to love our neighbor now while living in the tension of the Kingdom of God being both now and not yet.

So while I'm not excited about November 8th, it is upon me, and I'm grateful for people reminding me of where my real allegiance lies.