Dear Oaty,
It is November 6, 2024, the day after Donald Trump won a second term as President of the United States. I do not know if you remember but you were very upset this morning when you learned of his victory. I do not blame you. Throughout his campaign, Trump has created an atmosphere of fear and mistrust of others. I do not know what the future holds for marginalized people that have been used by Trump to generate support for himself. Racial minorities, immigrants, and the queer community potentially face rough days as we move forward in time from this day.
One of the sad things about Trump's victory is that he has proven that there is still a large part of our country that can be manipulated through fear. My own mother is one of these people. During the last few months I have heard her speak on numerous occasions about "the danger we face" or "our nation is in trouble".
The truth, as I understand it, is that we are not in danger nor is our nation in trouble, at least not prior to this election. Our economy has experienced normal periods of both growth and slowness; these things are a normal aspect of the modern world, especially as we are still only a few years out from the COVID pandemic. A couple of weeks ago, you and I went to the mall and I mentioned that the number of people out shopping and enjoying lunch in the food court was a good example of our economy doing well.
This morning, I shared with you the verse of the day from my Bible app.
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid." (John 14:27)
While we are in this world, we will face trouble. Sometimes these troubles are small and easily fixed, such as the cat getting sick on your office floor or putting the windshield wiper on your car upside-down. Other times these troubles are irritating, such as when someone you are meeting is late or traffic is terrible. There are troubles that leave you breathless: a diagnosis of a debilitating disease or the loss of a friend to an accident. Days like today, the day after the 2024 election, come with troubles that leave us questioning the future.
In the face of these troubles, as followers of Jesus we must shift our focus. Instead of focusing on our troubles, we must look forward to a day without troubles. Instead of losing heart, we must hold on to our faith. I know these are things which are easily said but hard to do. I am struggling to not allow my imagination to run away with thoughts of authoritarianism and internment camps and crashed economies. Nothing is to be gained from these mental gymnastics.
Today, I am embracing my commitment to living day by day. If there is one thing that I would want you to learn from me, aside from the importance of faith and family, it would be to live day by day.
Today, I want to see God more clearly.
Today, I want to follow God more nearly.
Today, I want to love God more dearly.
If I am able to do these things then I know that I can keep the events of this world in perspective.
In the coming days, I want to record for you what is happening in our world. I also what to record how I see, follow and love God. My hope is that in these observations you will see a pattern which demonstrates that the gift of peace of mind and heart, which the world cannot give, is also a gift which the world cannot take away.
I love you,
Dad
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