Country Chatter

Wow! What a night! Has there ever been an election where so many people had so much raw emotion and passion at stake in an election?

But this morning I want to pause and express a few feelings. I have never before blogged about politics and only once this season did I make a single statement on fb, though I was tempted many times. We are all open to our views and beliefs; that is the beauty of democracy. But now I want to say that I, personally, want to be respective of the opposing “blue” side.  After all, some of you are my friends, customers and relatives. You are real people, with real faces and feelings, who didn’t vote as I did or see the world through the same lens. I love and care about you and your feelings and do not want to arrogantly flaunt our win or your loss with contempt, unkind words or a mean-spirited attitude.

It is time for a change. Will the “Red Team” be perfect? Absolutely not. Is there corruption in their ranks? Unfortunately, yes. Is Donald the perfect candidate? No. Will he make mistakes? Of course? Do I approve of everything “the Donald” says and represents? No. Is he a threat to our nation and the world? Of course not.

Mr. Trump has built his whole platform on taking back America for the people. He understood and heard the call of the people of the heartland. He owes no man anything as he basically funded his own campaign. He triumphed in a historical election against unbelievable odds.

I prayed often and passionately for this election.  God knows and sees the long-view. I can only see the present. So, I prayed for His will for our land.  I prayed for mercy and that people would humble themselves and turn to God so that He could heal our land. I prayed that the God-given right to be born would be protected and cherished. I prayed that the Constitution and laws of our land would once again be honored, obeyed and enforced. I prayed for the right to express our faith without fear and intimidation. I prayed for God-given justice. I prayed that the hidden, dark secrets of corruption would be revealed.

I plea with all of us, me included, that we guard our tongues and that no corrupt, evil, unkind, belittling, untrue words spout from our lips; that we guard against pride and arrogance. I pray that we respect the differing views of others.

Yes, the victory was sweet last night and we celebrate that win. I voted for Trump but not because I approved of everything he has and probably will say and do-far from it.  I voted for him because of his policies. I voted for him because I feel change is desperately needed in this country.  I see him as a man who will stand against the status quo. I see him as a man who can help our country become more fiscally sound. Was he the best that our country could offer? I don’t know. But he prevailed through the vetting process and has come forth as “the man” for this hour and this time in our nation and world.

I want to pray that Trump will have wisdom for the huge, almost insurmountable task before him; that he will be God honoring and humble, not vindictive or careless with his words and actions. I pray for his family and marriage. I pray for God ‘s protection, care and blessing on him as he prepares to lead our nation and navigates the troubled, stormy waters of international affairs and tensions. I pray that he will seek to know and understand the heart of God.

I pray also for Hillary as she is experiencing the disappointing and crushing blow of defeat. I appreciated both her and Obama’s gracious tone this morning. I pray that she will search her soul with the truth of God’s Word and yield to His redemptive work in her life.

A new day has dawned and new opportunities lie before us. As a nation, we will need to come together for our common good or we will stay entangled in a bitter web of confusion and partisan politics.

May God help us.