Dear America,

This election has been rough, but now is not the time.

I know there are so many of these posts going around, but hear me out.

Now is not the time to hate one another. Now is not the time to fight with one another. Now is not the time to tell people that voted one way or another that they are stupid or ignorant or that they are morons, by any means.

Now is the time to love one another, despite our differences. Whether you are thrilled by the outcome of this election, or discouraged, disappointed, and scared, or maybe like so many of us that are just 'okay' with the outcome, love those around you. Even if you have two completely different viewpoints on this election, love them. Reassure them that it is going to be okay. Now is not the time to fight. Now is the time to pray. Now is the time to seek the will of The One who holds tomorrow, who held yesterday, and who holds the next four years and the rest of eternity.

At 10 AM on Wednesday morning, I was already so discouraged at the hateful, horrible things coming from both sides. It's only gotten worse. I see people turning against one another and saying terrible things to one another. People that have been friends for years are fighting and people that were once so close are breaking apart.

Let me be the first to tell you: It's not worth it.

This election is not worth losing friendships over. This election is not worth burning bridges (figuratively or literally) and this election is not worth hating one another. The people made their choice and there is nothing that can be done about it now. Now we need to focus on loving one another, defending one another, and keeping one another safe. A wise man once told me, "All situations are temporary." and even in the presidential election, that is the case.

It is going to be okay. We are going to make it. Tomorrow is a new day, and we can try again. If you are content, I ask that you love those around you, no matter who they voted for. If you are angry and scared, I ask that you let others love you. There are people out there who will defend you and have your back. If you are gloating that your candidate won, I ask that you take a step down off of your high horse and see that people are hurting and are scared. Make an effort to love them.

Help one another. Love one another. Defend one another. Pray for one another. We are still one nation. We are still called to love our neighbors. We are still loved and favored by the One who first loved us.

Prayerfully,

A Concerned College Student