As I sat up last night with my roommates constantly refreshing my phone to check on the progress of the Electoral College votes and the leads in each swing state, I reflected on how it has been a difficult election season for our country. This race has illuminated how sharply and easily our countries political culture can divide us.

Red vs Blue.

Democrat vs Republican.

Clinton vs. Trump.

Positions of issues of race, the rights of women, immigration, gun control and expressions of religion and sexual orientation are just brief highlights of territories of vast division in our countries political landscape. We have seen a great deal of mudslinging and slander from both camps who also have been deeply embroiled in scandal. Political Ads have covered our televisions and computer screens for months. Our Facebook and Twitter feeds have been clouded with fierce political diatribe from our friends, family and many celebrities. As a citizen of a swing state, in a particular a usually Democratic leaning swing state, Michigan, I can promise you that I have heard more about this election than any other before. It was certainly a shocking upset when Trump took more Electoral College votes than Clinton. Trump took key swing states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan; states that hadn’t voted Republican since the 1980’s. In addition to the winning the presidency, both House of Representatives and the Senate are controlled by a Republican majority as well as an empty seat, with the possible of more age related vacancies, on the Supreme Court. These results shocked many of us. Even now, many college campuses and cities are rioting in protest of the results of the election. Even at on my tiny conservative campus, many of the students and faculty struggle with the implications of this race.

Just today, one of my close friends defended some Hispanic students from fellow students who said to them “They better enjoy their time here, because they will soon be deported” and told her “You’re a young, college-educated white woman, we all know who you voted for and you can get out too.” Unfortunately this has probably not been an isolated incident nation-wide. There are many immigrants, women and practicing Muslims and the like that view the future direction of our country with trepidation and anxiety and for good reason.

So where do we go from here?

First everybody take a deep breath. Breathe in. Breathe out.

It is finished. This exhausting, vitriol filled political season is finally over. Thank the Lord!

Next…There is a lot of people, maybe even you, that are filled fear and anxiety over what the future may bring. Don’t dismiss this, instead be conduits of encouragement and empathy or even a shoulder to cry on. Instead of focusing on our deep division and condemnation speak life, speak love and speak hope into those around you. Instead of branding our neighbors as “types” of people based on their religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, etc and making assumptions on their lived experiences, cultivate intentional loving relationships with them. Instead of sticking in “our camp” and fostering relationships only with those who agree with our predetermined opinions, extend grace and chose to seek listen and give safe space for disagreement for our neighbors those that see and hear and live alongside us. It instead of proclaiming the moral righteousness of your party’s ideals and beliefs, be the first to bridge the gap that divides us.

Let us not let our emotions be swayed by the ever changing ebb and flow of the media narrative.

Let us not make assumptions and judgments in the absence of facts and be eager to place blame as a results.

Let us not be spectacles of disillusionment and discontent, but instead be facilitators of peace and reconciliation.

Let us not parade around hating our neighbors over political diatribe lest we become clowns of a parade grotesque, but instead be the first to extend an olive branch to mend the fabric of our country.

Let us be a people marked and known by grace. In a time where our country could not be more divided, let us start here, with you and I.

Let us hold the hands of those who are discouraged, afraid or anxious. And say “my dear friend you are not alone, I hear you.You are not ignored and you are not forgotten. I love you. Let us figure this out together.” Let us listen. Let us welcome to the table those with whom we share deep differences with conditions. Let us strive to be communities of compassion. Let us remember to defend diversity, care for the widows, orphans and the poor and be hospitable to the immigrants and strangers of country.

Let us reconcile with one another. Let us bind up each other’s wounds and bear each other’s burdens. Let us love. Let us heal. Let us welcome each other back to the table.