Living in a Trump World

The 2016 Presidential election is over, and many are left dismayed, bewildered, and heartbroken with the outcome. Whether the outcome was the result of white lash, sexism, bigotry, fear or anti-Clintonism, we won’t know.

Regardless, he is America’s choice. If Trump is serious about healing this sharply divided country, he needs to start with an apology to the millions of Americans he has offended over the last 15 months through his hate filled rhetoric and social media attacks.

Maya Angelou said “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”  There’s nothing that can be done to change the election outcome. We can however, change our attitude about it and focus instead on the opportunities that have been presented to us:

1. God remains on the throne.   While Jesus is not a registered voter, he does allow situations to happen. I believe God allowed this seriously flawed, inexperienced and mean spirited individual to rise to this position so that we, as a nation will humble ourselves, pray and seek God’s face. In one single night, millions of Americans became prayer warriors, committed to praying for our country, family and communities. God knows how to get His people on their knees!
2. No one should ever be able to tell us that we ‘don’t have the qualifications’ to perform a job for which we apply. As for experience, Trump has never governed anything nor held any type of      political office. He is famous for being a successful real estate mogul, but with four bankruptcies, and numerous suits against him for unfair business practices, I question his definition of success. Evidently America doesn’t think it requires any significant skill, knowledge, political influence or experience to run a country. It’s good to know that any of us are qualified to become president. Kanye, you can run for president and Kim will fit right in as First Lady!
3. We’ve been given new rules of engagement in which to live. Our country changed into Trump world overnight. In Trump world, we have been given permission to believe that hatred, bigotry, bullying, sexual harassment and violence are acceptable forms of behavior. The spike in violence in our schools and neighborhoods has already started.  Imagine dropping your 5 year old off to school and having them bullied for their skin color. The new rules of engagement in America mean people of color, the LGBTQ population and other minority populations must be vigilant to protect themselves and loved ones from the bullies that Trump has unleashed with his messages of hate. People of color and their children will learn quickly that they won’t necessarily have the same freedom opportunities as their Caucasian peers. They will learn that the laws in which they’re being governed may actually harm them instead of protecting them if the nationwide ‘stop and frisk’ policy Trump proposes is passed.
4.  We must take action and get involved in our community, along with local and state political affairs to motivate change. The progress made in civil rights over the last 60 years is at stake. With the Republican platform, Republican congress and Trump at the helm, this country could be thrown back into the 1950’s. Now is not the time to cut and run, but to stand and fight.
5. More than ever, people of color and other minority groups need to exercise their economic freedom by using their financial resources in a way that will build up and invest back into minority communities and businesses. Research and be mindful of the organizations and businesses you choose to support. If they do not support or benefit minority causes and communities, they don’t need your money.
6. Best of all, we get to demonstrate to Trump and the 49 million people that voted for him what love, respect, acceptance and inclusion really look like. They haven’t a clue.

Maya Angelou also said “You will face many defeats in your life, but never let yourself be defeated.” We must remain encouraged, never losing hope. “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of a self-discipline. (2 Timothy:7)

Remember, we are not alone. God promised to fight the battle for us. All we have to do is show up.