I know there are many, MANY Americans and non-Americans who woke up this morning sad, defeated, mystified, angry, etc. But you know what? Had the votes gone the other way there would have been just as many OTHER people feeling the same way. Which means we have a big problem here in the States. We are divided. We don't understand each other. We feel lost and hopeless. Might it be because we've been putting our faith in a system controlled by man, rather than an eternity conrolled by God?
No matter what or how you feel about the election yesterday or the results pouring in today, you should not stand by and be a passive observer. I believe there are things we can ALL do to change the trajectory of our beloved country for the better. In no particular order, because my I've been thinking jumbled thoughts since 3:00 this morning...
1. Pray. Pray for Donald Trump. Pray that he seeks God's sovereign wisdom and chooses a cabinet and staff wisely. Pray for a teachable heart, compassion, humility, and self-control. Pray for those who are put in place as his advisers and aides. Give them wisdom, patience, perseverance. As a political novice, Trump will need all the GOOD help he can get, and we need to pray that he will be receptive to it.
2. Pray for those who are scared about what Trump as president means for them. Pray that they receive comfort and reassurance during this time that Trump is not king, God is. Pray that God places people in their lives to come along side them and show them love and kindness and acceptance.
3. Love. Love those around you. Many are confused at how "hate" could win last night. Let's show the world that hate cannot and will not win. That is up to all of us. We can all show love to others and build our own communities. THIS will change our nation...love from the ground up, not hate from the top down.
4. Pray for a soft heart for yourself. It is easier to harbor anger and resentment than open your heart to the possibility of something good. I think many Americans have made up their mind that Trump will be a terrible president. I'm hoping that we can go into this thing with an open mind, giving him the benefit of the doubt from this point forward. Yes, he has said some horrible things. But I said horrible things yesterday that I regret as well. God's mercies are new every morning, and that goes for everyone, Trump included.
5. Pray for other world leaders, that they will give Trump and America an honest chance. Pray for unity across not only our country but across our world. A house divided cannot stand.
Pray for anything else you can think of. When you feel agitated or scared, make the conscious decision to pray for Trump. When you are angry with a friend who shares different beliefs than you, pray for your relationship. Not much of a praying person? Try it anyways. What harm can it possibly do? As a Christian I know that it will not do harm, it will do GOOD. Just trust me on this one.
As a teaser for a future post, and to keep the integrity of this fixer-upper blog, here's a picture of Ben and the boys working on our new deck. When it comes down to it, the president isn't going to change how we live our lives day to day. So let's not let it consume our thoughts or ruin our relationships, okay?
