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To the Editor:
Thanks to the Elizabethton Star for the good election coverage. Thanks to all the candidates whether elected or not elected for their willingness to serve the people of Carter County. Those elected can best serve the people by keeping taxes low, raising pay for law enforcement officers and getting more and better jobs to locate in Carter County. All candidates should work for unity in our community. John 3:16 brings us unity. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” James 3:16 tells us where disunity comes from. James 3:16 says, “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” There is more disunity because as 2 Timothy 3 says in these last days people are lovers of themselves, selfish and unthankful, etc.
Republican State Senator Rusty Crowe was re-elected with 71 percent of the vote. His Democrat challenger Kate Craig had a total of 13,091 votes. Had Craig won she would have been our first lesbian in a same-sex marriage representing East Tennessee. The Republican platform is clearly more pleasing to God and more pro-life. We are happy to see Republicans win the House of Representatives.
The Christian website www.nowtheendbegins.com said that the “red wave” you were expecting is actually going to be fire and brimstone coming down from God out of Heaven in judgment on the evil nation we live in during the soon coming tribulation. Christians’ hope isn’t in an election. Christians’ hope is ultimately in King Jesus and His Kingdom without end!
Some advice for winning candidates to remember is don’t become prideful because everyone says they voted for you and is your new-found friend. Remember the commandments still apply to you (don’t lie and steal, etc.) and don’t forget the voters who elected you. “Have character, don’t be one!” Candidates have to have thick skin. It is beneficial to have thick skin in taking criticism and a soft heart that is caring and empathy for those you serve.
Those who didn’t win are saddened by the painful public rejection and can feel like failures. They aren’t and we say thanks for not being afraid to put yourself out there and letting your voice be heard and try again. Jesus said in this world you will have troubles. President Theodore Roosevelt said it well, “It’s not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs; who comes up short again and again, because there’s no effort without error and shortcoming; but who actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms; the great devotion; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat!”
In truth the only failures are those that die having not trusted Jesus as their Savior because eternity goes on forever. If you haven’t trusted Jesus as your Savior read your Bible and call 1-888-need-him. Electoral and personal rejection can lead to great gain. President Washington and President Lincoln were better Christians and leaders because they lost elections. Lincoln lost many elections. Rejection can make you more patient, humble and build your character. If you are a Christian never write yourself off because only Jesus is the author and finisher!

D.D. Nave
Elizabethton