The Day After . . . Election Day 2016

It was very difficult to wake up to the day after Election Day 2016. While many Americans were celebrating, by noon on this day, I had received e-mails, texts, and phone calls from heartbroken people trying to make sense of this what happened in this election:

~ From a teacher in a Jewish high school whose students arrived in her classroom with tears and fear about the future of their families.

~ From a pastor who asked, “How can I return to “the table?”

~ From a friend who lamented, “I will not be going home for holidays. I do not know how to be with my own family.”

~ From high school students who are disappointed in voting adults.

~ From a mom of a young daughter, “What have we just taught our children? That bullies win?”

While half of Americans celebrate the election of Donald Trump as the next President, the other half are disappointed, angry, afraid, or grief stricken. Read blog post by John Pavlovitz, Why We Grieve Today. There is lots to ponder and lots to discern from this election and what it all means for a nation of passionate and diverse and divided people.

People from both sides will be sitting in pews on Sunday morning, and as pastors step into the pulpit, what will pastors say, and more importantly, what will the people hear? I hope a Word from the Lord. As the day after Election Day 2016 marched on, I became more and more grateful for the church because the church does not follow political candidates; we follow Christ who came to build the dream of God’s kingdom here on earth. We follow Christ who teaches us about God’s love and amazing grace, who heals the sick and the lame, who calms the storms, who raises people from the dead, and who calls disciples to do the same.

We, too, are disciples of Christ, and we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves which, I admit, is very hard right now. As we wipe the dust off, we are called to continue the journey of bearing witness of God’s love, grace, and hope to the vulnerable in our midst ~ the children, the widows, the homeless, the hungry. And now the marginalized and vunerable in our midst grows to include African Americans, Muslims, women, immigrants, and LGBTQI people, who just lost all hope for an equal place in society and who now cannot see the dawn of a new day.

As more and more people are pushed to the edge of vulnerability, the mission field gets bigger, and the church gets to do its best work. In the days after this unprecedented election, where the future seems unpredictable and fearful, perhaps it is time to reaffirm our faith in the one who created us, sustains us, and gives us strength for the journey. Let us pick up the pieces and get to work, opening our hearts and our hands to the vulnerable in our communities, offering them baskets of balm that includes a light of hope. This is where Disciples of Christ shine as we set forth to bring healing and wholeness to a very fragmented world.

Pastors, you are doing hard work carrying the Word of the Lord and empowering and equipping the faithful servants of Christ. The Regional Church is deep in prayer with you and for you. Remember, Jesus gives us authority and says, “nothing will hurt you.” (Luke 10:19b) At the bottom of this blog, you will find some links to helpful resources to care for yourself and your people.

May God’s blessing and protection continue to be upon us all as we work together in a time such as this.

Peace & God’s Grace,