My Freedom and Me
For the first time in my life, I find myself needing to reach out to my friends, family and even strangers here on Facebook and ask for your help. In 1998, I gave the rest of my life to serving God, (and all my brothers and sisters on this planet), but I never imagined that I would be called to enter the political arena. I feel like a lady bug flying into a hornet’s nest!). After spending the last 14 years as an inspirational speaker, poet, songwriter, author and now conservative-conservative candidate for the State Senate, I’m living in the only place in America where in a local election, my motto, (In God we trust. Have we forgotten?), and the messages on my billboards, yard signs, newspaper interviews, etc., will be heard by the people in all 50 states. Our population is only 6,100 people here in Branson, MO… but we have 9 million visitors a year – which I know realize is why the Lord brought me here… so far from my beloved family and friends, not to mention the ocean and my wonderful mountains. I also hope that the fact that I am not just willing… but eager to speak out, with “love speech” rather than “hate speech”, on subjects that have heretofore been labeled “politically incorrect”; ones that most other politicians wouldn’t touch for fear of WHAT? I’m not sure – maybe the media or retribution or losing the election. But we, the people, have turned a “blind eye” long enough and it’s time to speak out – or forever hold our peace. (I think PC should stand for “Plumb Crazy”). If we truly want “representation”, then we need to elect people who are “like us”… regular folks, not necessarily rich or connected to people or big corporations with deep pockets, (and personal agendas)… and that politicians should be our “servants” rather than our “masters”, unafraid to speak the truth regardless of what the polls say or the character assassination that is sure to come as a result. I would never hesitate to say publicly that I must pray about something before voting on it, or that abortion is NOT a form of birth control… and that marriage is between a man and a woman, (civil contracts and unions have been used in business regarding assets for years, so there is another option.), and “the right to work” is a simple matter of freedom, (and this IS STILL a free country, isn’t it?), and that “imminent domain” was intended for “public use”, i.e. dams for electrical power plants and flood control, interstate highways, and other infrastructure necessities, NOT so some wealthy or connected private party, (maybe even a big political donor), can build a mall or a hotel! Shame on them… and shame on us for not at least TRYING to do everything we can to stop these travesties before it’s too late. I am actually looking FORWARD to bringing “common sense” and “the humility of a servant” to the Missouri State Senate, and then… (since running for office is DEFINITELY NOT on my “Bucket List”, I am hoping that as the visitors from the other 49 states see one average woman, (no one special but just one of the people), who has the courage to speak out - and to do so with love and logic rather than malice and divisive tactics, just might start the ball rolling in other places all across the country. We need to take our great nation back… from the bottom up AND from the top down; from Mayors, City Treasurers, County Commissioners, Circuit Court Judges (very important – since they seem to like legislating from the bench), State Senators, Representatives, Governors and yes… from the top town, with the President and Congress. But since I am, as I said, just a ‘regular person’, (actually poorer than most - but by choice since I have spent the last 14 years using the gifts the Lord gave me freely, without charging any fees and giving my books away as I speak at Women’s Shelters, Drug Rehabilitation Centers, Senior Centers, Churches of every denomination, schools, libraries, clubs, Bible study groups and even private homes. I believe that as an “encourager”; a “cheerleader for the people” so to speak– how can I possibly help only those who can afford it? I can’t – and somehow there is always just enough to get by.
I sold my little lot where I park my RV so I could help put a new roof on my birth mother’s trailer and buy two thousand of my own books/CD’s to give away at speaking engagements. I only have 500 of them left – and if I could just sell them at MY COST, which is $10.00 per set, (book and CD), that $5,000 - added to the $8,000 I put on my credit card, would get me well on my way to the primaries next summer. I’m going to prove that money doesn’t have to be everything because if it is – no wonder we’ve got the people we’ve got in office. I’m sure that by going door to door, person to person, church to church, club to club, and by spending the winter studying every single bill before the Senate, and the many volumes of the Missouri Revised Statutes, (2 years of college in 3 months at the computer), I can do it… without the $100,000 the others have. But, my fellow Americans, I can’t tackle this job alone. I need you.
So, if you can help in any way… a prayer, suggestions, a cash gift if you are able to do so or perhaps by buying my book/CD set at $10.00, (can’t beat that for a Christmas gift and there’s still time for me to get them to you), I would be so very grateful. I can honestly say that I know you WILL enjoy being my co-pilot when you read my story, as together we face danger, wonder, joy and miracles traveling the back roads of America, destination; unknown… purpose; to make a difference! The reviews after my book signings at Barnes & Nobel and Borders were actually embarrassing – so I won’t repeat them, but you can read some of what people thought on my website (myfreedomanadme.com), in the “guestbook”. I NEVER imagined that I would someday be asking for help from anyone and everyone who is like-minded, but here I am… and once I post this, I’ll leave it up to the Holy Spirit to touch those hearts who are intended to play a part in this movement. God bless you either way – and I truly love you all!
The title of the book is My Freedom and Me and the website, (already mentioned above), is myfreedomandme.com where you can use a credit card, (for either ordering books or just giving a gift to help me out in the most difficult task the Lord has EVER asked of me)., or my mailing address is 100 Shady Oak, Branson, MO, 65616 for checks, best wishes or perhaps there is something I can do for you. (We can all use prayers during these most difficult times!) After you’ve read the book, I think you will understand… and so far, more than half of the people I’ve given one to has come back for more to share with their family, neighbors or friends; people who are in difficult times and need some encouragement, laughter and inspiration. When you order a book on the website, there is a place for “comments” or “details” so if you have been blessed financially and feel ‘moved’ to help with more than the number of books you want sent to you, you can just put “2 books” or “for you” or “no books”, or something that will let me know exactly what you want, even if that’s a free book.. There’s also a direct email link to abigayle@myfreedomandme.com or you can get my info on my Facebook profile.. I’d be thrilled if 55 people could spare $100, (the extra 5 are for tithing purposes), because I’m pretty sure I can accomplish this most daunting task, with God’s help of course, hard work, political knowledge, and hopefully at least $5,000 more than I can borrow on my credit card. Trying to get the snowball rolling is definitely a “team effort”, and everyone who helps, big or small, prayers or money, is a part of the ‘team’ and together, we will plant seeds all over this great country.
And yes, my dear brothers and sisters, I know that people are suffering out there, and I feel blessed just to have my RV, a bed, food, clothing and a dependable car to drive, so I will appreciate your prayers and understand completely if you would like to help – but can’t.. Thank you anyway, and God Bless you.
P.S. Now that most people are reading electronic books, these “book-books” and the CD (not just signed - but I write a personal note in each book), might just become a collector’s item someday. And why is the author just “Abigayle”? Because I’ve written under that name since grade school since I didn’t want fame, glory or even recognition. We know where all the glory goes - and now here I am… running for the State Senate, plastering my face and real name, all over the country and asking for help. (I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined I’d be typing this letter right now!). The Lord knows how hard this is for me, but I must say… now that I look back upon my life, I’m pretty sure I’ve been ‘in training’ for a time such as this since I was a 7 year old 3rd grader, going door-to-door, campaigning for John F. Kennedy when he ran against Nixon. And Yes… I can do it!!! (I just need your help!).