Three seemingly unrelated events this week led to this column. A friend of mine shocked me when she said that she is so upset with the campaign for President and VP that she might not vote at all. Second, Ghandi's Birthday is coming next week -- October 2nd. I'd been planning to write about Ghandi. Third, here I sit on Friday, after The Debate. Ghandi is flooding my mind more than ever. I keep thinking of his quote:

When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it--always.

The debates, and in fact this whole election process, have been hard to slog through, no matter what side of the political fence one is on. Hard times make for hard politics. Yet the spiritual truths do not waver. The wisdom of the soul still applies to the crises of the day.

That may be why Ghandi also said:

You must be the change you want to see in the world.

Is that what our candidates embody? Are they bringing a fresh newness, a view of a possible and beautiful future? Are they the changed creatures for a renewed America? Does the light inside them shine through?

I have the TV on in the background as I am typing this. The various networks have their spinners spinning the results. Ghandi's voice floods backward through time saying:

You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.

It's easy to get disgusted with spin. It's easy to walk away. But we cannot afford to do that.

I've been thinking lately that although I believe full-heartedly in the separation of church and state, I cannot divide political realities from my spiritual imperatives.

If I believe that we are all in this life together, each obligated to the other, and that when one is left behind, we all suffer -- if I believe that, and I do, then I need to look at all worldly systems and structures that support that spiritual belief. And I must support them.

That means voting. It makes voting a political and a spiritual act -- not a religious act -- but an act of the mind and the spirit, the thoughts and the beliefs. In America, voting can change things. And while it still can, we must vote.

Eileen, author/professor/pastor's wife says in a thoughtful post

We all seem to be groping the proverbial elephant, deciding from our often limited perspectives what it means to be a person of faith. We latch onto issues and values we feel are most important and vote accordingly. But the issues – like the candidates themselves – are not easily categorized.

As complex as the issues may become, as intertwined and confusing, there are no "Get Out of Voting Free" cards.

One of these candidates is going to be president. One will speak for you everywhere he goes. You will be regarded by others in the world as an extension of your president.

Babs speaks about why she will not vote early. She wants to be part of the excitement of the day.

People may die because of what we do in this election. Can you hold that in your heart with comfort? Can you walk away?

Kristin sends readers to Facebook to register to vote.

The link to the League of Women Voters voter registration form and information is found here

Everyday actions we take can make a difference. Register to vote if you are not registered. Vote when the day comes. Stand up for the candidate that stands for what you believe. Join in the activity of a nation as we cast ballots. It's not just about politics, it's about your conscience, your ethics, your values andyour family.

Back to Ghandi -- what did he say about a connection between politics and spirituality?

All constructive activity is in a sense part and parcel of the politics of the country.

Mata H, CE for Religion and Spirituality, also blogs until her soul shakes at Time's Fool