Yesterday, as I dropped off my ballot at the Benton County courthouse I passed a man who had just dropped off his, we collectively shook our heads at each other as I said "God help us." He just laughed and said "seriously!"
Last night some people went to bed realizing that either candidate was only partly what we had hoped would emerge as our future leader. Either we would be getting a cutthroat politician or a cutthroat businessman, each admirable in small ways and each falling well short of our hopes.
Others stayed up late into the night watching the media squirm as the probability of electing Donald Trump became more and more of a reality. As the final votes are tallied and confirm his surprise victory many are left in the wake of this battle as the losers.
Obviously the Clinton camp of hopefuls is feeling stunned this morning, but I wonder how many of the Trump supporters are fully confident. As I look at our president elect I see the flaws glaring, flaws that were so repulsive I couldn't in good conscience cast my vote in his direction even though I see the significance of the supreme court appointment in his future.
Today I woke up nervous, not for policy or war, but nervous for those injured in the wreckage of this campaign. Those who today are feeling more marginalized by a national affirmation of a man who was careless in comments and destructive with his words. I hurt for those who are of color and feel less cared for today, those who are impoverished and feel voiceless, those who are Muslim and fear mistreatment, I hurt for the illegal immigrants who find themselves caught in the middle without easy options. I feel for anyone who has been marginalized by coarse talk and objectification.
The nation has spoken, Trump will be our 45th President but let's not kid ourselves he is not the complete package. The collateral damage proves this.
So as the Community of Jesus we cannot expect him to be the complete package. When we elect a broken leader we are responsible to prop up the areas of weakness.
Today the Church must stand together and play our part. For too long we as a collective have assumed that we will always have the option of appointing a leader who will reflect our values and lead us towards a better tomorrow. Yet many woke up today realizing that our president Elect is only part of the package. He may be a great business man and I pray he will bring some fresh ideas and decisive leadership. But we MUST not entrust him to do what he cannot. He will not be the moral compass we all want in a leader. We cannot expect him to bring justice to the farthest reaches of need, he cannot. We cannot expect him to love with the kindness of Jesus, he will not. We cannot assume he will honor women and elevate them, he has not. We cannot expect him to champion the minorities, welcome the sojourner or visit the imprisoned. This is not what America voted for.
America has spoken, making a statement against perceived political entitlement and corruption. America voted for a bombastic leader who is sure to create plenty of wreckage.
If the community of Jesus is truly to be The Church, than we must play our part by bringing healing and comfort into the wreckage.
Wreckage touched by the Church is often where the Kingdom of Jesus is most powerfully seen.
Today if you are a follower of Jesus and you don't quite know how to engage, or you are having any hint of buyers remorse or just hoping for our nation to come together. Don't entrust Trump to fix the wreckage. That's not what we voted for, wreckage is the church's specialty as we embody our King.
I believe that, amidst the wreckage of this broken presidency the Kingdom of Jesus will grow exponentially as we faithfully comfort and care for the afflicted.
Action: If you know anyone who was injured by the words or actions of our future president, who today may be feeling marginalized please reach out to them, say a prayer for them, text them, let them know that you are with them and haven't moved on. Lets stand with those who grieve today and be the Kingdom that is unshakable. Today our work is to stand next to, and bring stability
to those who are shaken. Lets join with Jesus in this beautiful work.
