I wrote this reflection on the election four years ago this weekend. A lot has changed the past four years but how I feel this weekend hasn’t.
I had my ballot out today. I read and watched more news and articles than I have in a month.
What do I want to teach my kids? That even if you think it’s wrong, do something so you can win? Go along with the powerful or the bully, they’ll be in power over you anyway, so just accept it. Or do what you think is right, even if you know you will lose?
Stand up for your principles, you can never lose them unless you give them away. What some people don’t realize is that sometimes even if you win, you lose. And even if you lose, you win.
I know my friends will follow their earnest convictions and vote for one of the two front runners. That’s your right and I will respect that. And you. And I hope you’ll do the same for me, though we make a different choice.
After all this, if you come into our gym, I will roll and spar with you. If you come to my church, I’ll sit next to you and sing and pray with you. If it’s crowded at the coffee shop and you need a place to sit, I’ll offer it to you and probably ask you about your life still. Just like before all this.
I won’t let this change how I view or treat people. I lit this candle to remind myself that my vote isn’t wasted. I’m voting for us to move forward with light, strength, and healing. I lit this candle to remember to pray.
We’re going to need a lot of grace in the days ahead.
