Reflecting on Nov 8 . . .

by Leif Kehrwald

I’ve had a few days to process in my mind and heart what occurred on election day. And while my wife and I have been in nonstop discussion about it since, I’m still struggling to find cogent words to express myself adequately. Gratefully, words from others have helped me. So here I share some of them with you:

"May we make God’s merciful love ever more evident in our world through dialogue, mutual acceptance and fraternal cooperation." - Pope Francis

“Your success as a family… our success as a nation… depends not on what happens inside the White House, but on what happens inside your house.” - Barbara Bush

“Let's remember that the US has elected a President - a political leader - not ordained a spiritual or moral guide. We are still each responsible for upholding the values we believe in - kindness, tolerance, compassion, among others - in word and deed. In the midst of all the ‘noise,’ love one another and work to protect the rights and freedoms of all.” - my dear friend Linda Roberto.

I resonate most with the message below from my friend Ed Kay, a Lutheran Pastor from Maryland. Here’s a portion of his recent post on Facebook:

“I woke up this morning unsure of this future our country has decided to embrace. I'm not unsure for myself - I have tremendous privilege as an educated, hetero, white man in a position of authority. I'm unsure for my female friends, my black and brown friends, my LGBTQ friends, my Jewish friends, my immigrant friends. I'm afraid for them because our president elect has used language throughout his campaign that has scared, threatened, and demeaned them, and they are waking up to a reality this morning where they fear for their future. If you are in that place, please call, text, or message me - I am here to pray, listen, cry, scream - whatever you need for where you are. 

“I also have friends who supported our president elect throughout the campaign, or ended up voting for him because they couldn't stand the other candidates. You are my brothers and sisters in Christ - you are my neighbors, too. I pray for you as well. 

“Either way, there is an air about our country today. Call it what you will: fear, shock, sadness, concern, division... but it's there. I don't have answers. I pray for you, our country, and her leaders.

“But don't jump to the unity, healing, and togetherness quite yet. Many are grieving, and we need to provide space for that. When someone experiences a death or loss in their life, you don't tell them to get past or over it immediately - this is the same thing. Yes, Jesus is Lord and God holds the world in God's hands. But the pain and grief that some (many?) are experiencing is real, so please let people be where they need to be.” 

Do you have wisdom to share? Post your comment here.