By Dr. Jannie Johnson

JA Guest Writer

Fellow Mississippians/Americans,

May I say something, speak a word of caution, and make a plea, a request?

We have a serious, serious election coming up on Nov. 5th. We will have some winners and some losers.  That’s the way of contests, races, games and elections, too. We want to win; we want our team, our party to win; we want our candidates to win. That’s understandable. But… let’s be grown ups here. The truth is everybody can’t win. Some will be winners and some will be losers. That’s nothing new!

Before Nov. 5th, let’s toughen up; prepare our hearts, minds and emotions for the election results. We’ll get up early that Tuesday morning and say our prayers, go to the polls and do our civic duty… vote.

Yes, there might be some lying, cheating and some other forms of wrong doings, too. Fret not yourself by the evil doers. Man’s misbehavior is a constant reminder of his fallen nature.

I am asking us to remember the young, looking and listening children. We are their example and they think we know how to act when things don’t go our way and we are very, very unhappy. 

From the get go, I do NOT feel good about this election. But… I am NOT going out and hurt somebody, destroy property or do something crazy if I am unhappy with the election results. I am committed to remembering those who suffered and some even died that I may have the right to vote. I won’t be a sore loser. That’s my decision.

I am prepared to resist the temptation to act a fool and talk crazy as if I have had NO home training. I will go to the polls with a grateful heart of thanksgiving, glad to be in America as an American with the right to vote.

I want to quote a poem that some of my students have to learn at the Caring ‘n Sharing School: SELF-CONTROL.

When you’re angry (unhappy), here’s a rule: take a deep breath until you are cool. Stop and freeze. Just calm down; put on a smile instead of a frown. Think of a way not to (fuss) and fight. You’ll be glad you did it right. Stop! Calm down! Think then act! You’ll feel better that’s a fact. Author Unknown. 

Again, fellow voters, let’s go vote on Nov. 5th and trust God for the outcome. With our hearts fixed and our minds made up, let’s purpose NOT to be destructive or talk and act ugly. Behavior is CHOICE!

Happy voting to you and may the right candidates win.