Another presidential election has come and gone.  I voted early and I waited in line for 45 minutes to an hour to cast my ballot.  There was a lot of interest in this election because it was a presidential election – Kamala Harris against Donald Trump.  I voted for Harris but more people voted for Trump.   

According to the BBC Trump has vowed to do the following and more: 1) deport undocumented migrants. He pledged to complete the building of the wall.  Experts have said that deportations on this scale would face huge legal and logistical challenges – and could slow the economy. 2) He has promised to “end inflation.” The problem is the president’s power to directly influence prices is limited. 3) Cut climate regulations.  He wants to open areas such as the Artic wilderness to oil drilling.  He argues this would lower energy costs, but analysts are skeptical.

Republicans took control of the Senate and of this writing, its unknown (but Republicans are highly favored) who has control of the House.  This means Trump has no guard rales. It scares me greatly.

Although pastors cannot support political candidates, all the pastors at my two churches knew there were lots of feelings around the outcome of this election.  Both churches held space to talk about those feelings.  I chose to attend Circle of Mercy’s gathering which was on zoom during their regular midweek prayer meeting.

It was a healing meeting although Trump was never mentioned.  All of us were saddened and angry about the results. The two pastors, Missy Harris and Stan Wilson, led us in a time of reflection that was just what I needed.  They read six Scriptures and asked us questions after each.  I will only print out a verse or so of each Scripture, but I encourage you to read them in their entirety. After the readings they asked us a question which I will share. After each, I will write some of the feelings that came up.  I didn’t get them all and I got some of them incorrectly but at least you’ll get a taste.

1. Jeremiah 8:22-9:1 (Is there no balm in Gilead?….) What are you grieving? (I didn’t write down the responses.)  I know I am grieving Trump’s win.
2. Jeremiah 9:3-6 (…Oppression upon oppression, deceit upon deceit…) What do you renounce? Deep divisions, misogony, xenophobia, powerlessness.
3. 1 John:1: 8-9 (“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves…)   What are your own confessions? Anger, sadness toward family members, how to love neighbor through this, wanted Trump assassinated (Even though I felt guilty this was mine but two people agreed with me), how to love neighbor through this
4. Romans 8:28-39 “What then are we to say about these things?…)  words of grace and gratitude, community knows where to put hope, grateful that we’re not alone.
5. John15:9-17 (As the father has loved, so I have loved you; abide in my love….) What will be our ongoing commitment?  to stand with those who live in fear, stand with migrants, what does it mean to be a peace church? recognize and respond to God in every person.
6. Ephesians 3:14-21 (…and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love…”) How are you encouraged?  One person showed a stuffed toy that her dog had destroyed but still played with.  She smiled as she spoke and you could see the joy on her face, stay connected to joy, joy is not to be a crumb.

Although I am sad that so many of my neighbors voted for Trump, this meeting gave me hope, joy and comfort.  The road ahead is going to be difficult, but I can handle it with my community.