Nov. 8th 2016 – The country voted.
Leading to this was a divide within the country that would leave many wondering would anyone actually “win” the election.
Following the announcement of who would be our 45th President I began to see many people who I know personally say REALLY harsh things about fellow brothers/sisters.
If you were a democrat you were mocked, if you voted 3rd party you were shamed, if you didn’t agree with their views you were wrong. Christians would actively violate Ephesians 4:29 as they chose their love for country over their love for God and people.
Here is a Facebook status I wrote
Share your emotions. Rejoice or cry. However do not choose sin. Do not mock the other side. Do not shame fellow Americans. For in doing so you are proving the worst of us to be true. For Christians you can ignore what others feel and say, but I pray you don’t. Today is a great opportunity to get close to someone who thinks/voted differently and continue to show love.
You can choose that. Or you can choose to comment/post/connect with those who support your views. I pray you travel across cultural boundaries for the Cross rather than stay comfortable with your “rights”
This came from waking up to multiple text from students, former students, former colleagues and a host of people who were in pain. People hurting as they needed to explain to their children what had just transpired.
That is when I saw it.
My Social Media was filled with hurt, pain, rejoicing, excitement and everything in between. People from the far right to the far left vomiting their emotions. Now please understand I do not have a problem with this in theory. I am very comfortable with people expressing themselves. However what I noticed was that Christians (speaking specifically of the ones I am in contact with), instead of taking the opportunity to cross the cultural divide and dialogue with people who thought differently and ultimately voted differently from them were fighting. They were reminding people of how terrible Clinton is and how American is the blessed country God created. (not everyone said this BUT someone did)
It was then I realized how badly I was hurt. Not only did I need to navigate the emotions of my family, not only did I need to help other people close to me process our new reality, but I honestly couldn’t say that the church (one again very not speaking of every church and christian) was a safe place to voice this pain. For it was fellow Christians who were alienating people.
We all make mistakes. We are not perfect. This is why I am calling out to my brothers and sister asking you to remember that you have the ability to impact people beyond your political ideals/affiliation. While these things are important let us not forget why we are really here.
To my family members who find themselves in pain, remember that Scripture commands us to obey and submit to government. While we may not like it, God is always in control and therefore our submission to earthly institutions reflects our submission to our heavenly Father. (Romans 13; 1 Peter 2)
I am praying for you. You reading this. I am praying for our Country. I am praying for the Church. Join me in prayer AND join me in action. Let us pray while we work.
Divine Perspective 