Live With A Purpose
Realize Your Destiny and Make a Difference
By Rick Bowers
It was not pressure from my parents or peers. It was not a calculated move designed to advance my career, nor was it to make a name for myself. I believe that each person has a destiny and when they find it, they are positioned to perform at their maximum capacity. When I entered the ministry, I thought I had found my niche and I operated more effectively than ever before. After several years however, I knew that my scope was being enlarged beyond the conventional boundaries of ministry. I knew that God was going to use me on the cutting edge, I just did not know what it would be. The day I decided to run for public office, a weight was lifted off my chest, and finally I was positioned to explore the limitless opportunities ahead.
All my life I stood back and watched the politics of my state (Maryland) spiral deeper and deeper into social depravity. I felt helpless. I convinced myself that it was not within my power or jurisdiction to change things beyond my own sphere of influence. As a pastor of a local evangelical church my job was to tend my flock and stay out of the political scene. Unfortunately for me, I could not silence the gnawing deep within my being to be an agent of change. This gnawing would not stop. I tried to suppress it by feeding the hungry, housing the homeless and reaching out to the community. Still, the gnawing continued relentlessly. One day I was reflecting on my high school years, and I recalled my senior picture. We were all asked to answer questions which would be posted next to our photo. I nearly hit the floor when I remembered my answer to the question; What is your pet peeve? I answered "apathetic people." Suddenly I realized I had become that apathetic person. How could this have happened? I was doing good things, how could I be apathetic? Why did I feel this way? This battle went on for days and weeks. I was fulfilling my duties as a pastor, so why did I feel I was being apathetic? It just did not make sense.
I attended a local pastor's luncheon and our guest speaker was one of our state delegates. He was talking to us about the need for pastors to become involved in changing the landscape of our state politics. He said many things about the involvement of Pastors in the founding of our country. I was in awe, the pieces of the puzzle were coming together. I knew I was just like one of those men from times past who could not stay within the four walls of their church and be at peace. I knew I had to connect with this Delegate and work with him. He was working hard on issues that mattered to me. His words were like a song of life to my burdened soul. I finally found someone who understood the problems and believed pastors had a place in the change process. Immediately I established dialogue with him and we began to work together daily on the issues of importance. We held meetings in churches across Maryland trying to increase awareness and garner support for change. As we traversed the state, I became increasingly aware of the fact that most church leaders did not want to immerse themselves in politics. It became clear to me that if I did not do something, I could not trust someone else would. I watched the liberal agenda advance over the course of my life: from prayer being removed from our public schools, to Roe vs. Wade, and the current attacks on marriage, I wondered what would be next. It was time for me to rise and take a stand and offer my voice for the sake of our children! The question was not who or when.. . the question was: How?
Without any political experience how does one get involved and become effective? I was blessed to locate several organizations offering training and encouragement in my geographical area. I took the time, made the sacrifice and attended several. The most moving of all the training was the Institute on the Constitution. I had always known of our country's rich, Godly heritage, but when the veil of political correctness was removed, and I saw just how much God played a part in the design and rise of America, I knew why I (a pastor) was being called to serve. Up to this point I felt an obligation to the future of our country, but after the IOTC experience I also felt a connection to our rich heritage and our founding fathers. The time invested in the study has given me a viewpoint that goes directly to the root history of our country. No longer do my views merely look to the future; they are now also tied to the constitutional roots of America. No longer do I feel like a pastor trying to be a politician. I now understand that I am a leader well versed in the Laws of Nature and Nature's God and I am well qualified to understand the original intent of our founding fathers.
In October 2005 I formally announced my candidacy for a seat in the Maryland House of Delegates knowing that I have a place in this arena. Since that time, I have not looked back, slowed down, and wavered in my commitment to our Constitution. The IOTC studies gave me a level of knowledge and understanding that will fuel my fire to the end. There are some who still feel a Pastor should stay within the church and be at peace with the system and condition of our country. I respect their opinion. As for me, I will continue the campaign trail through Nov. 7, 2006 when the final bell sounds. My commitment has been strengthened and I have been inspired by knowing that I am walking in the footsteps of some of the greatest Americans in history. My public education never brought this fact to light. I do not know whether or not I will win my race, however, I am already a winner. My quest for knowledge and purpose has brought me to a place of understanding that will be my springboard to the future.
I want my life to be an inspiration to others. I want others to look at themselves and realize that they can make a difference. Success does not require all things to be lined up perfectly, it requires effort. I believe that when we put forth effort things line up for us. Every man and woman should realize that within them is greatness. It may not look the way one expects, but it is greatness none the less. Life was given to us with purpose, live it.
Learn more about Rick's campaign at www.voterickbowers.com 
or contact Rick at (410) 880-8633,