I write this rushed, as I have a midterm in a few hours, and still desperately need to study. But there’s something that needs to be said.

Over the past 12 or so hours, I have seen the election coverage, as well as numerous expressions of triumph, defeat, anger, and fear, through various mediums. It is clear that this nation is sharply divided.

Right now, we desperately need prayer for unification.

For many, Donald Trump is a symbol of what America should not stand for—racism, misogyny, elitism, the list goes on. He has offended Hispanics, blacks, the LGBTQ community, veterans, the disabled, women, and more. Trump’s election is a symbolic step backward for so many, striking fear into the hearts of those minorities.

Considering that this man with no political experience ran much of his campaign fueled by the media coverage that he got saying atrocious and offensive things, we have a right for concern.

Minorities are allowed to be afraid. They are allowed to be angry.

It is what we do with that anger that is going to determine the course of our country.

Are we going to let it continue to divide, or are we going to use it as an alarm to take an uncomfortable, genuine look at issues of equality in our country?

I have seen numerous social media posts by Trump supporters, basically telling people who are expressing their outrage at Trump’s election that if they continue the name calling, they’re no better than Trump. I’m not condoning this hate, but the reaction of minorities is justified in my mind. Take a look at how minorities have been treated in this country for centuries—I don’t think a few social media posts will equal it all out.

Stop telling minorities to quit whining and start pressing forward. We all need to heal as a nation first so we can move together. That’s the only way we can unify.

I’m praying for peace, and for the Lord to quell fear. God can use even this man for His purpose.