The recent election of the president of the United States hit me hard. In fact, I am still struggling with the outcome. I have not turned on the news. I have not listened to analysis reports. I have spent little time on social media. I am just not at acceptance yet because I am still in shock. And I think what shocks me more than electing a man of questionable character is knowing that millions of Americans chose hate and fear. Of course I am not naïve. I know hate has deep roots in this country, stemming as far back as the arrival of Christopher Columbus. And of course I know fear has been bred in this country from the beginning. But I honestly thought we, the United States of America, had made huge advances toward love, acceptance, inclusion and peace. Apparently not. Apparently there’s still lots of work to do and for me that work begins with a prayer.
God, Creator, Eternal One, Universal Spirit…
Help me!
Help me ease past the disgust, shock and sadness that has me stymied;
Help me move beyond the tears, fear and anger;
Help me remember that you are in control and what happened was sanctioned by you for a greater purpose that we know not today;
Help me remember that all is not lost, that the only way evil wins is if good people do nothing;
Give me the strength to move beyond the darkness and embrace a path that promotes all things that are “good, just, noble and right;”
Empower me with wisdom and courage, faith and hope to operate day-by-day with an open heart, an open mind and a love that surpasses hate;
Grant me peace with this outcome and above all I pray your special blessing on…
- The white people in this country who understand our current condition is not survivable for any of us, and who are working tirelessly to end racism, sexism, colorism and white privilege;
- All people who are poised to challenge the incoming administration by holding it accountable to the lofty ideas of our founding fathers;
- All people who are dedicated to the attainment of civil and human rights as well as social justice for all people;
- All people who are committed to the progress that has been made and will continue to be made;
- Organizations and groups that are working to eradicate barriers (in all its many forms) so that all may enjoy the liberties and privileges guaranteed in our founding documents;
- All people who understand that “none of us are free until we are all free.”
This prayer I ask in your name…Amen!
Now excuse me while I continue working on myself by listening to “Rise Up” by the talented Andra Day.
Ann Fields 