First Quarter!

Legions of spirits of confusion, division, destruction, deception, liars, and all things opposite of all things good and righteous are running rampant in this world. Look around. We see their disciples carrying out orders. Every day, we wake up to bad news or can’t have a peaceful night of sleep because of it. Countries are at an all-time unrest. Men and women in the church are humiliating each other online and in the sanctuary by calling each other out. People regret their choices, but we can’t turn back the hands of time. Who can we turn to for help? God is not missing. So many people believe that He doesn’t exist. They believe in a demagogue and that God appointed him. They worship what they see.

I was born in the 1950s and have seen people at least tolerate each other because of race relations at that time. I also saw some forward progress in the 60s. In the past three weeks, I have recognized the conditions in the 20s and 30s when my parents were born. I foresee a return to racism, making America ashamed again but this time proud to do so. If it seems that I’m allowing my experience as a template to judge, I am. But it’s wrong. I should use history instead. Throughout all of history in the world, people have fought back against tyrannies and dictatorships. America was built on these causes by immigrants who fled their former countries for a better life. Look at the wars fought in this land and within its borders. We trend in cycles. The underlying truth is that the people stood together on the backs of their ancestors and never gave up.

This election has created significant animosity between different races and even within families. The division has become so pronounced that the phrase “I told you so” has been supplanted by “Mess around and find out.” This isn’t just petty behavior. To those who believe it is, I urge you to learn to respect differing opinions. I refer to this time as the disunification of America. This was a time when we didn’t heed the warnings from others because we placed pride over common sense. When I was growing up, we took threats seriously. If someone disagreed with you outside your home and the argument escalated to the point where the other person said, “Don’t be here when I come back,” it was wise to leave. It’s not a sign of cowardice to walk away; it’s a sign of survival. Too often, people didn’t heed that warning and stayed. Only one remained standing when they returned. Then-candidate Trump warned us, but we didn’t believe him. I’m sure we will now.

What can we do now? We have run out of excuses, and there is no need to look back. When seeking guidance, I turn to God for counsel and advice, trusting He wants the best for me. No need to rush Hm, trust Him. Social media, the news, the internet, and even our friends often prioritize clicks and views fueled by emotional biases. Emotions can cloud our judgment. Pride does not work well with humility. Our fingers are joined to one hand, arm, and body. Our states are connected to one country. We could be an influential collective if we set aside our pride and obstinacy.

While some may disagree or resist compromise, many sensible and rational thinkers have the vision we need. We must align ourselves and prepare for the midterm elections. We must replace those who refuse to compromise and elect new representatives to create change. Until then, let’s join in peaceful boycotts, protests, and demonstrations and make our voices heard by writing to or calling our state representatives. We need to reset, readdress, and regain what we have lost.