Though I understand it, it’s sad to me that so many see Trump’s election as primarily being indicative of how racist, misogynistic, xenophobic, and/or islamophobic America has become (or still is). The reality is, Trump has said some despicable things. It’s truly my belief, though, that the majority of those who voted for Trump did so in SPITE of these off the cuff remarks he’s made, not because of them. I’m sure there are exceptions – there will always be spiteful people while the world is still under the sway of darkness. Yet, I think by and large, that’s not the composition of his voters. Though I can imagine what groups who feel attacked or criticized by Trump would be feeling about an America that would elect him, I feel that for most of America, this was a difficult yet calculated vote – aimed not at normalizing rude speech, but at putting the brakes on an alarming trajectory (in the realm of politics and policy).
I’ll be honest – Trump was my last choice for the Republican ticket during the primaries. He is undeniably sorely lacking in the character department. So is Hillary, despite her more polished veneer (though that’s irrelevant at this point). People were looking, though, for someone who would expose and break up long-standing political corruption, set a course for the supreme court (which will be shaping America for the next generation), scale back governmental overreach, and re-prioritize the governments interest in national security and U.S. citizens. Whether or not Trump will accomplish any of this remains very much to be seen.
The media certainly didn’t need to do much by way of contriving to display Trump’s character flaws. Yet, at the same time, they’ve worked hard to make sure that’s the ONLY Trump we see. I understand why, but the truth is, there is some substance there, too – for those willing to look. Beneath his outlandish (and sometimes hurtful) discourse, there are actually some keen insights into some of the challenges facing America. And, despite the media’s repetitive assertion that he has no meaningful policy plan, he has actually laid out some powerful and positive objectives (as well as some over the top and reactionary ones, which he’s later had to walk back). The media’s very selective focus on Trump’s reactive remarks versus his policy have painted a picture of him as perhaps more divisive than his actual policies and practices indicate, but that isn’t really my reason for posting. I’m not trying to defend a man who has said and done some indefensible things – only to remind us to have hope. Not just because Trump may have some positive substance buried amidst the seeming lunacy, but even more so because GOD has allowed him to be raised up.
Whether any positive plans Trump has can actually come to fruition, or can outweigh the damage some of his rhetoric has done, remains to be seen. Here’s one thing I feel certain of, though. We as the church need to PRAY for President-elect Trump, and for our nation. Perhaps like never before. I sense that there actually is a tremendous window in all of this for mercy and grace to cover our nation, and for God to use Trump (even if many of us don’t like him as a person at all). But, that’s going take lots or prayer. Because the enemy has an agenda, too. To divide and conquer. No matter which way this election went, increasing division was going to be a very real danger. It’s our job as the church to stand against that in prayer! And to pray for God to anoint Trump to lead and unify! It can happen, and I believe it will – if we will pray, and step away from the discordant tenor that’s be defining our nation. Let’s put our hope in God, and believe that He has a plan – a plan that, for now, includes a President Trump.