Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though
the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though
the mountains tremble with its tumult.
- From Psalm 46
Just like that, it’s started… Y’all
don’t have to believe me, but I have receipts. This morning I made the following
post:
It was all
going well until I received the following email from a “concerned reader” of my
columns and a person I haven’t been in contact with since high school
Rob,
We have known each other for years but I just wanted to let you know that I am disappointed that you have now started to attack Christians that love our country. I honestly have no idea why you would support a racist and bigoted candidate like Hillary but it is your business not mine.
Christians have now saved America from a baby killing pro homosexual administration. I highly doubt you will even read this but I will pray for you. A friend forwarded me your comments on the results and that type of bigotry you displayed should never come from a Christian's mouth. Pray for you leaders. We are blessed to have President-Elect Donald Trump. Change your tune, God's will has been shown. God bless.
Best Regards,
Now I know I am a cis-gender,
straight, white, middle class male on his way to a master’s degree in
theological studies but I am concerned because if I can receive an email like
that from someone, what might others receive today in the light of
President-Elect Trump? If it means anything to anyone, as a baptized person my
parents committed to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in any forms that they
present themselves. As an ordained minister of the Gospel, I am accountable to
God in a different but similar way. I use my voice and whatever privilege I
have for the in-breaking of God’s kingdom.
That means that I’m accustomed to
getting flack for what I do. But this time, in a moment of personal lament on
social media in a community I have come to love I was criticized by a fellow
Christian. Well if that is what this person’s definition of Christian concern
is I want nothing to do with it. We all have work to do but we must allow for moments
of frustration and holy anger to come out.
I’m not sure I have a response for this person
but I’m going to say this: do not try to justify this outcome with any other
moniker than the fact that a person has come to power whose very presidency
threatens so many now has the power to destroy with nuclear bombs, deport with
deportation squads, and build a wall bigger than his ego.
But I do commit to pray, because that’s
all I have. I will pray for the next president with fervor, but I will also
call him to task when he begins his policies that will affect so many I have
come to love. Who knows, perhaps this is our nation’s moment to show that we
will not be quiet when we have been told to shut up. This is our greatest challenge
and our bounden duty. I’m praying for our nation today, and you should too.
