I say it all the time, and it’s still just as true – I process
through writing. I don’t think I have anything to say that hasn’t already been
said (probably more eloquently), but for my own sanity I write, and I share my
words on the off chance that they may help someone else.
This election has given me plenty to process. I am
grieving, and I know many people think that is silly, but it’s my emotion and I
don’t have to repress it. Yes, I’m disappointed that I didn’t get to
celebrate the election of our first woman as president. My daughter was so
excited to see Hillary become president, and now we know that it will be at
least four years before another woman has the chance.
More than that, I’m grieving my faith in humanity a
little. (Melodramatic much there, Sarah?) When we continually heard hate
speech coming from his campaign, I wasn’t surprised. When he found supporters,
I wasn’t surprised. When he received just under half of the popular vote, and
an estimated 80% of the evangelical vote, I was flabbergasted. I know that fear
and ignorance fueled hate exist. I know that some people voted Republican for
their own, reasonable reasons. I still cannot and will never approve of a
candidate whose words condone and inspire discrimination, shame, and outright
hatred.* Vulnerable people woke up truly afraid on the morning of November 9th,
and I am grieving.
However, I am realizing something else this week. My husband
and I have spent the last few years doing some major upheaving in our family,
faith, lives and careers. As a result, we have found ourselves in a
phenomenal group of people. Do we all agree about this election? Nope. But
we respect one another. The conversations I’ve been having (in person, I avoid
political conversations on social media) have shown me that love is the ruling
factor for my faith family here. We didn’t vote to protect ourselves, we didn’t
vote for the candidate we thought would make our lives easier. We voted for the
candidate that we felt would best advocate for our values. For some, that meant
Trump because he said he was against abortion, and they love children. I get
that. I disagree with single issue voting, but I get it. For others, and I’ll
admit it was the majority of us, we felt that Hillary was a better candidate
for the well-being of the vulnerable people groups that we encounter on the
daily basis – racial minorities, single parents, immigrants, and more. My
people are the best people. Maybe this is why I have been so shocked by the
general public during this campaign. I love my peers.
Another thing, perhaps the most important thing I’m
realizing is this – there are a lot of people in this country right
now who feel like faith orphans. The Church they have served, the faith
they have loved, is looking less and less like Christ. As a seminary student and
minister of the gospel, I feel an obligation to you to tell you this – you are
not alone. You may feel homeless right now. You may be doubting your own faith.
Let me tell you this – you have options. Somewhere along the way, the
mainstream evangelical Church lost its way, but we are not all married to the
Republican party. We are not all fueled by a desire to defend our own rights.
When we read scripture, we have eyes to see a God who prioritizes justice, and
a Christ who consistently validated the “untouchables” in society. We recognize
our responsibility as stewards of this earth, and we value life. All life, not
just the unborn. This means devoting ourselves to living simply, to sharing our
extra with the under resourced, and using our voices to speak up for the
silenced. You have permission to get off of that crazy train and you are
invited to explore your faith in freedom. There are more of us out here than
you realize.
I’m not writing to change anyone’s mind. I’m not looking to
debate with anyone, but if you are genuinely interested in hearing more about this
radically beautiful faith, please don’t hesitate to contact me privately. I can
point you to some great authors, speakers, churches and organizations that I’ve
found all over the country.
* I will, however, from this point onward, do my best to
show respect for our new president and behave in a way that unifies, instead of
divides. Please allow me this one final lament.
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