Like most people in our nation, I awoke last week to learn Donald Trump was our new president-elect.
I’d like to say that I was surprised.
But, I wasn’t.
Donald Trump is a very strategic business man and quantifiable “deal maker.” He knew exactly what to say and how to say it to get elected.
Living in the “deep south” I heard again and again the hatred for Hillary Clinton and the Clintons in general. Still, living in the Bible Belt, I was rather amused at the hypocrisy at which “Christians” spoke when making a moral case for Trump.
Trump is many things to many people but I have no doubt his campaign ultimately succeeded on a platform of hate.
His continual tweets against Muslims, minorities, women and anyone not the “right white” were so incredulous, most journalists and half of America couldn’t take him seriously.
The joke, however, was on us.
No one else was talking to the “alt-right” steering clear of an extremism culture that since the election has become emboldened and validated, believing disregard for those unlike themselves is not only their right but now a privilege.
There are so many ways to view this election, still my prayer is Trump supporters who can’t comprehend the angst this election has wrought will at least be willing to take a glimpse at it from the other side.
“Why Racism Won This Election” by Jason Cushman clearly puts into words “the current state of our Union”
I don’t believe everyone who voted for Donald Trump is racist.
But make no mistake that each vote to “Make America Great Again” did not carry a disclaimer to the nationalists, extremists and white supremacists who ultimately edged Trump into the White House.
They think you are one of them.
I challenge you to prove them wrong.
If you aren’t part of the problem, become part of the solution.
Trump claims he wants to bring the nation together again. That remains to be seen, but my hope is not in him.
My hope rests with God.
God uses those things thought “foolish” to confound the wise. I believe God can use anyone, even Trump, to fulfill His purpose.
Our “one nation under God” has spent far too much time placing our hopes and dreams in a person (or people) and not enough effort in reverence and obedience to God.
How do we do that?
I certainly don’t hold all the answers; yet, I do believe that obeying God’s commandment to love Him and love one another would be a definitive step in the right direction.
Prayer also works.
We should do it more, and not just for ourselves but for our “neighbors” and our nation.
Love can conquer hate.
If we allow it.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. James 3:9-10 NIV
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18 NIV
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 NKJV
B Is for Blessed! 