Dear America,
I write this letter to us early in the morning of January
20, 2017. This day will be an important day in history. Today, if all goes as
planned, Donald Trump will be sworn in as President of the United States.
Unfortunately this fact carries along a lot of baggage and some disturbing
narratives that should be addressed.
First, Donald Trump did not divide America. We were divided
before he jumped into the race. He may have used the divide but most
politicians do, including our outgoing President.
First-a, disagreement does not equal hate. I can disagree
with your stand and still call you friend. We need more of that.
Second, like it or not, Donald Trump will be our next President.
While I did not vote for him, enough people did that he won the election.
Whoever else you voted for, they lost. Deal with it. As Rep. John Lewis said, “I've always said if you can't respect the man, respect the position.”
Third, everyone has the right to protest in America. That is what makes
out country great. On the other hand, if you break the law when you protest,
there are consequences for your actions. Just because you have the right to
protest does not give you the right, if you are not being heard, to escalate it
to violence and/or crime without paying the price. This goes for individuals,
movements, and city and state governments.
Fourth, character matters. If we are appalled by what we see in
Washington, we need to make the change in us and in those around us first.
Fifth, as a Christian, I am first called to be a man of God. Then,
I choose to stay living in America. The order and the difference between the
two are important.
Sixth, God calls us to love our neighbors. Part of love is
rebuking and correcting when people stray from what it right. On the other
hand, that is most effectively done in the context of a relationship.
Seventh, God wants us to be so full of Him that His fruit pours
out of us. Then, people will want to know about what makes us different. We shouldn’t
beat them over the head with it.
While each one of these items could be a piece by themselves, they
are important to consider together. John Adams once said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious
people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” As
America, I feel we have lost that. In fear of promoting one faith over another,
we have removed religion from politics. And without that standard to measure
against, we have lost our moral compass. Everything has become relative and everyone
is starting to do what is right in our own eyes. That did not work out well for
Israel and it will not work out well for America.
I pray that we will turn to God for answers and our joy and not
rely on the administration in power.
