Dear America: An Open Letter Amid Anger, Hate and…Excitement Over the Trump vs. Biden Fallout
Dear America,
So, here we are, with just over half of the nation celebrating while the other half laments. No doubt, many Americans feel as though they’ve won some sort of life-altering prize. These folks internally find themselves free from the anger, frustration and pent-up consternation that had crept into their lives over the past four years.
Take a moment to stop and pray for Joe Biden. Whether you like him or not, he’s our next president. And he needs wisdom to lead. Pray his heart aligns with God’s and pray we can all come together to find common ground. pic.twitter.com/VTXWpr5BAX
— Billy Hallowell (@BillyHallowell) November 7, 2020
But the other near-half now feels disenfranchised, disconnected and politically abandoned. Some are questioning the election; others are lamenting a loss that they were almost certain would be a win. They fear for the values embraced by the incoming administration and they will now inherit that pain and consternation that has simultaneously been released by the other side.
And if you’re in this latter camp, please hear me out: Elections are rough and painful, but there is hope. And if you’re in the first camp (i.e. the winning one), understand this: your reaction to winning says a lot about what’s in your heart. You were the “losers” not so long ago, so consider that reality — and your former lament — when you address the election with those who are angry or grieving.
With all that in mind, here are some things we all need to remember as we navigate the coming days, weeks, and months:
1) Disagreement is totally okay. What isn’t, though? Disowning family, being unable to rationally speak with those on the other side, and demeaning those who voted or who believe differently from you. If you can’t express yourself without melting down or yelling at someone (in person or on social media), you likely have a heart problem that needs addressing. An election isn’t worth losing human relationships over — it just isn’t.
2) Hope has a name — and it’s Jesus. If you’re not a Christian, understand that — as Christians — we are called to put God first. Christ implored us to love God and love others. If we can’t do the latter I’d argue that we might want to check on how well we’re doing the former. Loving others doesn’t mean agreeing with behavior or beliefs and it doesn’t mean never standing up for what’s right. But it does mean striking the right tone, leading with kindness and having grace. And boy do we need all of that right now.
3) Politics won’t save us. It’s okay to agree or disagree with a candidate, but when we place our full-blown value and trust into a politician or a political party we find ourselves on deeply shaky ground. Can politics impact our lives? Sure. But we’re not called to follow politics — we’re called to follow Christ. Caring who wins is fine, but allowing it to impact how we treat others is sad and unbiblical.
4) Love your enemies. This is a timeless message anyone should be able to follow. We aren’t commanded to tolerate our enemies — we’re told to love them and to pray for those who persecute us. That’s not some benign nicety; it’s a call on all of our lives. In the midst of this election it might be hard, but how well are you loving those with whom you disagree? How well are you looking through the fog of chaos to see them as fellow human beings worthy of your kindness, no matter what?
5) Pray for our president. Pray for President Donald Trump. Pray for former vice-president Joe Biden. Pray for Nancy Pelosi. Pray for Kamala Harris. And on and on (and on). This shouldn’t be controversial, as we’ve been called to pray for our leaders, no matter if we agree or disagree with them. If you’re worried the president-elect lacks wisdom, why in the world wouldn’t you ask God to grant it to him?
And pray for Donald Trump. He’s still our president and he has work to do. Pray for wisdom, humility (I can’t imagine how difficult this is for anyone) and the power to lead throughout the rest of his time in office. pic.twitter.com/Du5JW64E3S
— Billy Hallowell (@BillyHallowell) November 7, 2020
I could go on and on here, but we have to remember: politics aren’t the end all, be all. If you’re not feeling peace, find it in God.
And if you’re struggling to love others, remember how much you’re loved despite your pitfalls.
And if you’re struggling with what is unfolding, remember: our hope is in Christ, not a politician or party.
Here are a few tips for surviving the days, weeks and months ahead:
1) Do something nice for someone you disagree with. Get your phone out and text a friend you disagree with to just that person know you love him or her and that you’re here and care — no matter what.
2) Get out a pen and paper and make a list of “enemies” and people you disagree with. Pray for them every single day for a week. Ask God to help them. Ask God for healing, and see how you feel after a few days of that selfless act.
3) Remind yourself each morning: you’re the only Bible many will ever read — and if you’re spitting fire and acting angry over politics, what message does that send?
Guys, we’re in this together, even though we often forget that fact and embroil ourselves in the toxicity of us vs. them. Loving others is never the wrong way to go. Truly.