Everyone is talking about the election. Emotions are high, whether joyous or in mourning. But the important thing I have noticed in the past few days is how divided our country has become. Families and friends are no longer speaking to each other because their ideas were different. Waking up and seeing who the President Elect is via Facebook posts essentially ripping him and his supporters apart was painful. On the flip side, seeing fear run rampant across the country was beyond heart breaking.
Now let me start by saying one thing to both sides: Your fears are valid.
I am sure that both sides had fears about the opposing candidates. To those who serve, have served, or have lost people who served in the military, you are supported in your right to have safety. To my friends and family who are women, victims of sexual assault, part of the LGBTQ+ community, and/or not white, I want you to know how very loved you are. This election does not change the love and support for any of us. We are all Americans together, and together we are stronger than politics.
It is important to remember that although there is love and support for each other, fears may not be resolved right away. It is understood that there will be hard times, but as a nation it should also be expected of ourselves and each other to try to recognize and acknowledge where either side is coming from. Peaceful communication with each other goes a long way. Love and support each other through it, because perfect love casts out fear.
On both sides of the election, supporters have been awful to each other. I have seen people been called names and accused of horrible things based on who those people voted for. This is not just in person, but also on social media. Please watch the things that you say. I have been told that the tongue is a powerful weapon; it can be used to tear people down or build people up. Please make the decision to build people up today. Our country needs it now more than ever.
We are stronger together than divided.
Take some time today to do something nice for the people around you. Be aware of the pain and hatred around you. Love is stronger than hate. The President is just one person. America is all of us together, and “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” – Abraham Lincoln
