…and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!
Discussing religion and politics with anyone other than my family is taboo for me. It is not worth the backlash and hateful comments from those with opposing views that are shared so easily and freely on social media. It (sadly) amazes me how hateful and rude people can be as they hide behind the keyboard typing things that they most likely would not say if they were actually talking face to face to someone.
I am stepping out of my comfort zone with this post. It doesn’t really matter if I am supporting President Donald Trump or if I am supporting former Vice President Joe Biden but, I have never felt so anxious about an election as I do today.
On this Election Day morning, I spent some quiet time praying for our politically and racially divided nation, for our presidential candidates, for the innocent lives that could be destroyed no matter who is declared the winner. I prayed that we could begin to pull together as a nation in spite of political differences.
I read where many businesses are boarding up their windows in anticipation of the losing side who may be tempted to act out their rage and despair through riots and destruction of property. Innocent, hard working people could lose their livelihood as a result of this outrage. The winning side will feel tempted to act triumphantly toward the losers resulting in a potentially deadly combination.
America faces problems that require we work together. I want to believe most Americans are reasonable and truly desire what is best for the country. I want to believe that Americans are capable of interacting with respectful dialogue as they listen to and try to understand the differing points of view instead of jumping right away into contradictions. I also want believe we might find we are more alike than we might imagine as we work through our differences.
“I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.”
–Voltaire
Savoring Sixty and Beyond 
I like the quote at the bottom – Voltaire.
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well said my friend. I have had the same concerns. Now, here we go . . Let us continue to pray as you did, for everyone . love Michele
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Thank you. Yes, prayers must continue for everyone. ❤️
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Well said, 😀
Bless you,
Jennifer
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Thank you so much! ❤
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I want to believe what you want to believe but the world being what it is I am afraid I can’t at the moment.
Wishing you and America all the very best … Infact wishing the very best for the world. 💜
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How did we end up like this? Thanks for the well wishes for America we are going to need it! I join with you in wishing the very best for the world. Hugs…
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All will be well, in the end 💜
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Personally, I haven’t witnessed any pre-election or post-election violence. I think the media are focusing on a few incidents and stoking our fears to hype their ratings.
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I agree about the media. I also have not personally witnessed any pre nor post election violence. My concern regarding the possible violence is based on reactions of citizens over incidences that have occurred during the past year. I am so tired of all this!
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I believe too.
What’s right, will win out!
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I sure hope so!!🤞🤞
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May your prayers be answered. We could use a bit of civility and understanding right now. Gloating or violence will serve no purpose except to deepen the divide.
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Thank you! I agree! ❤
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Beautifully said. I want to believe what you want to believe, too. And it’s hard to imagine that there are people who don’t want to believe those basic ideals. Fear does strange things to many people. Here’s a quote I recently came across that your post reminded me of: “If we cannot reconcile all opinions, let us endeavor to unite all hearts.” ~ Nicholas Vansittart
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Thank you! I love the quote ~ it is very relevant in our country today.
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I think I’m new to this blog… Anyway, I’m the same way, but not because it’s taboo but because I am a strong believer in privacy. I have the deepest conversations with close friends, but then online I’m like “here’s a photo of ramen noodles.” Hahaha 🙂
I love that quote at the end. Have a great week!
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I love your response! Made me laugh! Have a great week too!
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I’m scared, though I’m trying not to be. The bad behavior, even among those I have otherwise loved and respected, has shaken me to my core. No matter how the election turns out, I cannot forget what has happened, or unknow the fact that people can act like this. I don’t need to go back, but how do we move forward?
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Tough and confusing times – I agree. I guess this is where “faith” comes in ~ we know how the story ends ~ good will prevail.
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That’s why I’m a romance writer. All of my stories have happy endings.
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I want people to realize that we need to learn to work together. My apartment building is being boarded up as we speak. I don’t understand this at all
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I am a retired third grade teacher and I would definitely not put up with the current behaviors of our nation within my classroom. We try to teach them how to one day interact in the real world by working in small groups. Not every agrees or gets along, but working cooperatively gets the job done. Wish the “real world” could do the same.
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I don’t understand adults bullying one another with a my way or the highway attitude. Is this supposed to fix things?
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Unfortunately it won’t fix a thing and we are stuck in between the mud slinging. By the way, here is hoping you and your neighbors stay safe.
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Thank you
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Although there will always be bad actors, I really think (hope) that the envisioned post-election violence won’t be anywhere near the level some fear. That’s not to say there won’t be continued division, unfortunately. As long as there is social media – and it isn’t going away – we will self-select our news and be less inclined to find compromise and commonality.
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I truly hope the violence won’t be near the level I fear. I agree, self selecting our news makes compromise much more difficult.
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Amen.
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