This past election season was undoubtedly one of the most controversial, emotional, risky elections in the history of the United States. Many were unimpressed with both candidates and felt stuck. Many were over the election before it even happened... Some were satisfied with the results, others were discouraged, but overall I get the sense that people felt scared, stuck and powerless.
Social media was a battlefield, and dodging the bombs and spears that were being thrown was next to impossible. Opinions were being stated on every move that the candidates made. Skeletons were dug out of the closets and displayed for all to see. Selfish choices, words and actions were rampant... it seemed to bring out the worst in people.
There were also peacemakers who reminded and encouraged folks to show love and empathy even in the mess and rubble, and those people are heroes in my book-- an unwillingness to be a part of the mud slinging, name calling, and hate-filled rhetoric shows maturity and awareness and that is what changes the world.
I remember feeling burnt out, exhausted and utterly drained by the election before it even happened. I had opinions and fears and hopes in it all, but honestly, by the time November 8th arrived, part of me was breathing a sigh of relief, just wanting it to be over. I couldn't go on facebook without feeling discouraged and disappointed afterward. There was a tension in the air that seemed palpable. I did my best to steer away from political conversations during the holidays because I come from a passionate family when it comes to politics...
And now? I still feel burnt out. Sure, some of the heavy emotions have died down, but this is still one of the most divisive topics in our nation and around the world. People rejoice or people mourn, but there doesn't seem to be much unity in our land. People seem discouraged and defeated and, at times, prideful, arrogant and ungracious.
I suppose this post is atypical in that it doesn't have resolve, its mostly just a record of my thoughts regarding the election and the state of our nation currently, but I suppose if I were to leave a charge it would simply be this-- its easy to add to the noise, to stir up fear and anxiety, to allow resentment and bitterness to take root, and I get it, because there are legitimate concerns that many have... even so, I often wonder if the plethora of opinions out there just adds to the chaos and noise without doing much else.
Its much more difficult to stop and listen respectfully, even in disagreement. Or to show empathy and compassion when that is not being shown from those leading our country. It is hard to go home and love our families, putting ourselves last, staring fear in the face and saying "You will not win." But it is the way of Jesus.
I am constantly amazed and convicted by his life. He didn't go over well, but it wasn't because he was being hateful, it was because the heart of man was wicked and unable to accept this dude that ate with sinners and forgave prostitutes. It was because he loved so radically and turned their cultural ideals upside down for the sake of the people he died for... Unwilling to budge on the truth, and yet the most compassionate, empathetic, loving, selfless person that ever walked the earth. That truth is humbling.
So I guess I am challenged to ask myself how I can approach this stinky pile of poo that has come about in the most Jesus-like way possible. It sounds so 90's to ask 'What Would Jesus Do?'-- but what if that is actually the single most important question we can ask? The way of Jesus is hard, it requires going against our natural inclinations, but it is the only way that brings life. It is the only way.
So, Ironically enough, at the risk of adding to the already deafening noise, I send my plea-- don't hide behind a computer screen, spouting out words you'd never dare say in person, don't run down the war-path, unwilling to hear any other thoughts and opinions, don't believe everything you read or hear. But do make love the goal, in every situation.
I tell my preschoolers constantly that they need to ask themselves before making choices, "Is this a good choice?" And, as elementary as it sounds, it is my encouragement to each of us (myself included). Is this a helpful conversation? Is this conversations filled with grace and empathy, or raucous opinions that will create division and strife? Is it necessary?
So, I will spend the next four years praying for the 45th president of the United States (2 Timothy 2:1-3). He will make decisions I will disagree with. He will disappoint. He might make decisions I will agree with as well. Regardless, I am called to pray and respect those in authority, and I will do just that. But I will not put my hope in a mere man. My hope was, is and will remain in the only constant in my life-- Jesus. No legislation, leader or politician can take that away.
I conclude with this-- from the most selfless, caring, strong, truthful, loving person that this world has ever and will ever know-- "By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35).
