Reflections

I didn't vote for Donald Trump. But it really came down to not being able to vote for the man Trump showed himself to be as a candidate. The negatives about the candidate I voted for just were not as clear to me when it was time for me to mark my ballot. Before and after, I prayed for God's will to be done. And I prayed and continue to pray to know how to respond and live. (And it did occur to me that whether my support be for an athletic team, a policy or a person, I'm often not on the victorious side.)

I will support the new president with my prayers. I will attempt to be a positive, gracious voice in my limited realm of influence. I will seek to support this nation and its guiding principles. And I will strive to seek the Lord first, in all things. 

I prayed throughout the official Election Day. I did not turn on the TV. I had a strong realization of how all-or-nothing I am. Catching a glimpse of "The Young and the Restless" on the TV screen while I was looking for ESPN on the treadmill was an early reminder. It was several years ago that, for Lent, I gave up watching soap operas. And I never took them back. I was tempted many times along the way but know that, for me, it would be like trying to eat a binge food. I can't just partake of a little and then turn away. I get sucked in. Emotions and other components of my brain get triggered, and it is hard to shut them off or return them to normal. 

So, I didn't watch any election coverage on TV. I limited myself to Facebook -- which includes a lot of my former colleagues as a journalist, and the links they shared -- and NewsOK (the website of the newspaper that laid me off Oct. 16) and looking over my husband's shoulder as he checked Facebook feeds and links. 

I was surprised to learn about 9 p.m. that Trump was being projected as the winner. When we turned out the light after 10:30 p.m., more sources were projecting the victory for Trump. But I remember thinking: I won't be surprised if that changes by morning. In this election, nothing would surprise me. (As of 10:30 a.m., I still have not read any accounts to learn the margins or assessments of what happened. I slept late and am still in prayer, meditation and reflection mode. I am grateful to at least temporarily be retired and able to rest, relax and reflect in an attempt to rejuvenate some worn-out aspects of my being.)

Now, that element of not being surprised provides a source of hope. Maybe the man elected as the president of the United States will prove to be more honorable as a leader than he was as a campaigner and in some aspects that have been reported about his professional and personal life. 

And above all, I place my trust in God. I pray to know and do His will. I think that will require me to work for peace; show compassion;  be merciful, generous, humble and gracious; and let God's love lead me and flow through me. 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 
8:39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39

Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" LUKE 12:22–25 

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. DEUTERONOMY 31:6 

He hath shown thee, O man, what is good: and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8 (King James)

He has told you, O man, what is good; 
And what does the Lord require of you 
Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion), 
And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]? Micah  6:8 (Amplified)

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 (English Standard)