Wednesday, November 09, 2016

"Trump Wins": So What? Election Reflections from the Bad Quaker

"Trump Wins." That's what I heard at 5:30 a.m. when I turned on the news this morning.  My old body is still operating on Daylight Savings Time, so I went to bed early and got up early.

"Trump Wins."

I was stunned. And dismayed.

But...

But less than two hours later the sun came up. It was a beautiful sunrise on a crisp autumn day. As I write this the sun is shining through the woods, the remaining leaves are lit with gold, Bonnie the Wonder Dog wagged her tail and slobbered all over me when she saw, coffee still tasted good, there's wood here on the farm that needs splitting, a hydralic line on the tractor needs replacing -- as does the water filter in the basement.

Likewise, my call to write about my understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ continues. Unchanged is my conviction that I am to share the good news that God loves each and every person on this earth. The calling I have to stand for the equality of all people, for inclusion of all in our congregations and civic life, for peace in action and language and attitudes, for integrity in daily living, for care of the earth, for radical communities of faith that embrace all and turn away none, and for taking time to listen to each other and -- most especially -- the voice of God and truth which is eternal has not diminished as a result of Donald J. Trump's election.

None of that would have changed if Hilary Clinton had been elected.

This morning's news reaffirmed -- while shaking me a bit (a shaking I needed, I think) -- my belief as a Christian that my life is about depending upon and following God and not about which politicians "control" the United States of America. My allegiance is not to a flag, but to the Eternal Lover of My Soul. The platform I espouse (albeit not always well) is neither Trumponian or Clintonian. Rather it is that of a not-so-simple son of a carpenter from Galilee.

"Trump Wins." Well, he won the presidency. I will pray for him. And this country. I hope he is a successful president for all of this nation. Regardless, I need to continue to try to live up to what I hear the voice of God saying to me. I need to continue to write words of Light and Love and Good News. I need to live a life that models the words of Galatians -- "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

And I need to change that water filter in the basement.

May God bless us -- every one. And everyone. Including Donald J. Trump.

3 comments:

WesBlanch said...

Well said. While I have angst about our President-elect, I would have had the same angst had Mrs. Clinton won. Arguably, honestly, I have some with President Obama. But Isaiah 6:1 shares the vision of GOD on the THRONE. He is who my ultimate allegiance ought to be toward. So, while I don't have water filter to change, I do have sermon to write. And the Gospel to share.

arts4all said...

Wandering around this morning in the same sort of daze I'd be in had someone close to me died or been given a diagnosis of a terminal illness, your words are a comfort. A reminder that our "allegiance" is to a higher calling than partisan politics. The sun did rise in a lovely blue sky, my cats enjoyed their usual after-breakfast snuggle with me while I drank my hot tea, my daughter stopped by to give me a hug of commiseration, and our beautiful Earth still turns. As for praying for Donald Trump, surely this is something we must do for the sake of our future, which we should for anyone elected.

Yours sincerely,
~Susan

Brent Bill said...

Thanks for these comments!