Kansas City legislator: I am a Christian woman and I am a Democrat

(From the re-election campaign of Rep. Ingrid Burnett, D-Kansas City)

Recently, Southern Baptist Mega-Church Pastor and religious advisor to President Trump, Robert Jeffress, took aim at Christians like me, calling us “Godless,” accusing us of making up our own version of God.

I am a Christian woman, and I am a Democrat. 

I am not ashamed. I am not confused. 

My politics are not in conflict with my religious beliefs and practices. 

As a little girl, the story of the Good Samaritan exemplified what God wants from all of us - to help others - especially those who are suffering. I was also taught the story of the widow who gave more with her humble offering of her last two small coins than the rich man who upstaged her meek offering with his large sums and loud acclamations. 

I was taught about forgiveness in the story of The Prodigal Son. 

I learned of God’s mercy, and that although I may not always have, I need not want. As I matured, I learned that it is not for me to understand how God works. 

The times in my life, when I have walked through the valley of the shadow of death, gave me a deeper understanding that I would need and use later. I understand love because I know God’s love for me, and I proclaim Jesus Christ to be my Lord and Savior. 

I strive to replace worry with prayer, and anger with action, to walk the path that will allow me to help advance God’s grace and mercy in this broken and beautiful world.

Two well-known scripture passages offer a blueprint for walking in faith. One is the 23rd Psalm. I referenced it above because I refer to it often when facing challenges. The other is The Beatitudes, or as I like to think of them, “The Be Attitudes.” 

When I compare the two major political parties against the instruction the Beatitudes provide, there is no question for me which one aligns best with my religion. Go ahead and accuse me of worshiping a false God if you desire to sow division and war, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

In Jefferson City, I work to assure that our most vulnerable are protected. 

This year I was able to pass legislation with unanimous House approval that restored state employee benefits to widows of active duty military personnel killed in action. 

Last year, our Republican-controlled legislature actively removed them with new language in the definition of “surviving spouse.” 

The problem is, our Republican Governor vetoed this year’s bill. I am proud of the $1M in the budget to be used to restore two Juvenile Units to address the severe shortage of juvenile public defenders. I worked hard on the Budget Committee to advocate for this and get it approved. I continue to push for legislation that will protect juveniles’ right to counsel. 

Too many of our youth are being directed into the criminal system because they have been coerced to waive their rights, and although I was able to get it into a Senate bill with broad bi-partisan support, the Republican bill handler stripped it out to satisfy one lobbyist. 

Another important effort is protecting our animals and identifying abusers and providing appropriate interventions to arrest the cycle of animal abuse to domestic violence.

I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to stand up to the reckless disregard our current Republican majority exhibits for the people of Missouri, and I will continue to do so as long as the voters in my district keep sending me to do so.