The media will continue to be the media. They will give the riots in New York City and elsewhere front page coverage to promote the theme of deep division in our country. Another headline highlights classes being cancelled at various universities to allow students to process fear they have about President-elect Trump. Stirring up division and fear reflect a new post-election low for presidential elections I have participated in.
In a recent article, Harlem Gives President Trump a Chance, Jason Riley writes, “This may come as a shock to the political left, but not everyone who opposed Donald Trump is as angry or despondent as the demonstrators who grabbed headlines nationwide over the past week or the pundits who intellectualized the Democratic hissy fit.” There appears to be a good number of folks in Harlem that can disagree with an outcome and not get angry – Disagreement is not synonymous with division! One man interviewed said, “Mr. Trump’s ‘law and order’ message resonated with Harlemites but ultimately the president can’t do much about crime. It has to start with the communities – churches, families and fathers in particular.” Now there is a gentleman that gets it!
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7. What a powerful example Franklin Graham provided the months leading up to the election. He systematically marched across this great nation to lift up prayer on the steps of every state capitol. Wow! In follow up churches, families and individuals continued a focused prayer initiative. I would say that most Americans are not anxious about the results of this election because it has been wrapped in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving for the gifts we enjoy as citizens of the United States of America.
On the morning of the election, Father Don Nesti spoke at a gathering and made a comment that set me back a bit. He said that we have moved as a nation from the freedom of religion to freedom of worship. The suggestion was that religion is considered okay as long as you keep it in a box, in your home or church. It is no longer welcome in the public square. Well, I would say lot of folks came out of their box to vote this cycle. Some are jazzed about the results and some are genuinely fearful. Most are somewhere in between and praying for the best. We all should heed the advice offered by the gentleman from Harlem – Improving the situation “has to start with the communities – churches, families and fathers in particular.”
Prayer guide: My Father, thank You for Your Word today. Thank You for the opportunity to live in this one nation under You where I enjoy the right to vote, the right of free speech and the freedom of religion. The rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are not to be taken for granted. Indeed, these rights are blessings my grandparents could only dream of when they immigrated to this country in the early 1900’s. Help me to not be anxious, but through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, embrace the peace of You. Equip me to be the father You call me to be and the citizen You expect me to be for the sake of the next generation. Amen.
A faithful father is not anxious but through prayer & petition, with thanksgiving, embraces the peace of God.
