The Morning After: What I Want My Children to Take Away from the 2016 Presidential Election

I, like all of you, have watched and waited in painfully annoying suspense over the past two years during campaigns for the historic election that took place yesterday. After much confliction, I did the only reasonable thing I could come up with, I prayed fervently over our nation and those whom were chosen to lead it.  I hit my knees and prayed that the Lord’s name be restored to our country, that His will be completed above my own understanding, and that He construct the world that would best suit my children as they continue to grow. I won’t bore you with what you already know about the election, but the truth rings: America was faced with two tough options, both with obvious flaws and weaknesses, and it brought out the worst in our society.

Here comes the morning after. Whether you found yourself on the “winning” or “losing” side of yesterday’s election; I feel we all lost as Americans. My Facebook newsfeed continues to be filled with hatred, fear tactics, name calling, and blame. The biggest question I have seen that baffles me the most is, “How do I raise my children after this?” I’m here to tell you that yesterday’s election does not affect how YOU choose to raise your child. Unfortunately, both presidential candidates possess major flaws that were made public, but I don’t have to explain that alone to my children. I have to ensure that my children are raised and brought up learning from Christ as their example and NOT this world.  I have to take advantage of the learning opportunities available so that my children become better than the world around them and do not measure themselves according to the actions of others but by the actions and standards of Christ. It is MY job as a parent to ensure MY children are solid in their faith, can withstand the hatred in this world, and have enough integrity and discernment abilities in order to be successful members of society.  If you think that yesterday’s election prevented your child from being a better person, you’re wrong, you have the ability to ensure they are raised with what you value the most, and they are not subjected to live differently based upon the outcome of any national election.

I’m not telling you what’s right or wrong, or whom you should have or shouldn’t have supported. I’m saying that now it’s time to support each other as Americans and support our children by showing humility, love, compassion, and kindness.  There are so many positive things to take away from this election, and here’s what I want my children to learn from the 2016 presidential election.

• Be kind. Wherever you find yourself, amidst strife, rejection, confrontation, oppression, elation, or more- BE KIND. You will never build yourself up by tearing down another. Kindness can open more doors and build more bridges among others you might not have otherwise connected with.
• Be tolerant, but have standards. Be as accepting as Christ. Love everyone, support everyone.  Jesus did not fellowship among the saints alone, he was found among the sinners. The adulterers, the drunkards, the tax collectors, the poor, the sick, the children, the weak…they were all loved by Christ. Be that in this world. Have the guts to refuse to reject anyone based upon skin, appearance, or desires.  I assure you, you will reach more people by showing them love then you will by condemnation. This doesn’t mean you have to partake in all actions of this world, but you must find it in your heart to love and accept everyone you encounter and appreciate their beauty, because God has created us all. Some of the people I have met and respect the most walk a very different life than I do. Guess what? I love them, Jesus loves them, and you should too.
• Be objective. It is your job to approach this world with complete objectivity. Nothing is as it seems, and everything you hear must be investigated for it’s validity. The media and political parties will not be honest with you.  There is too much bias and private agenda to take everything you read or hear at face value. When you’re lost, pray. Pray that God’s omniscient powers will make up for the lack of clarity and understanding in your life.
• Be hopeful, but be humble. Do not fear rejection, it will happen to even the mighty. Do not be proud, because you too can fall. Do not limit yourself based upon the events and outcomes of others. Do not be proud amongst your victories alone, but be proud of following the Lord’s guidance in your life and the perseverance that you can show along the way.
• Have integrity. Take a stance, and stand for something. Have standards, have values, you are not of this world. Make ethical decisions. Be honest. Do not let your pride overtake your conscience. Do not identify with individuals based upon any physical characteristic or attribute. I’m an educated white-woman, and I still cast my vote for the candidate that I felt could best uphold the values that were most important to me and my family regardless of their gender, appearance, or identifying factors.
• I am your example, and Christ is my example. Do not take lessons from this world. There are so many flaws in the world around us but you are called to be better. Better than the world, better than I, you are called in His image to love others, to show compassion, and to honor Him. If you learn anything negative from this election, it’s my fault for not showing you the positivity that can really be taken away from this.

Whether you agree with me or not, whether you have publicly praised or condemned one or both of these candidates; our children are more valuable then the poor show of unity in the world we woke up in today. Why should we expect them to be better if we cannot find it in our own hearts to unite as a country and love our neighbors? I want more for my children. I want them to be better than this world, and not jaded by amplified emotions and the need to place blame. Our children learn the most from OUR actions. No matter who you are, the color of your skin, your gender, orientation, financial status, address, political affiliation, or any other identifier you could name… know this today… you are loved, you are accepted, you have been and will be heard, and most importantly you are highly favored by God (whether you currently accept that or not). You are simply not alone.

II Chronicles 7:14 “…and my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I’ll be there ready for you: I’ll listen from Heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health.” (Holy Bible, MSG)