I admit to being shaken when the results came in. I was stunned and deeply saddened. I couldn't stop the tears as I grieved what I viewed as a terrible loss for our country. I pondered what would happen now? What would become of my beloved country and its people?
I admit that I blasted out some of my sorrow on Facebook. And Wednesday I bopped around the site reading a number of comments and adding some of my own. There were expressions of despair, fear and confusion. Some people were angry while others cheered what they saw as a victory. What I felt most was a sensation of walking through a graveyard of hopes and dreams. Facebook had become a place to grieve, but ultimately a place where people comforted and uplifted one another.
I know that many saw it as a place full of anger and hatred. And though I saw that, there was a gradual transition into what I feel was a healthy linking of arms as people prayed for one another and helped people see that life is not over and that there is hope.
I also read a few columns. Some tried to explain the why of the election results. Others shared the writer's own journey of emotions and resolutions. And some were there to encourage readers. I identify with them all.
So . . . where do we go from here? I heard one news commentator say, "We pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and get to work." That sounds good to me. It's not over. My country is not lost. God is not absent. He knows it all and He has a plan.
This great unknown that faces our country has triggered good discussions between myself and some of my family. We are taking a closer look at our lives and how we spend our time. And whether or not we need more time with our Lord. We've also come to the conclusion that we need to make better use of the gifts and talents we've been given and of the time we have. God has the answers. He will reveal what we are to do to prepare for what is coming and He will make sure we know what He's called us to do.
While I pray and wait, I will continue my present work and step through open doors. Just what is in store for me I do not know, but I will keep on praying and I know God hears my prayers and will answer them.
I begin with thanksgiving. I am so thankful to be a child of God and to be assured that I am never alone. I know that even when the world feels wobbly, God has things under control. The future is a bit frightening, but I feel a stirring of excitement about what is to come.
God holds us in the palm of His hand. He will not let us go. Pray. Seek Him. And when He speaks, for He surely will, do whatever He asks of you. And then above that tell others how deeply they are loved. There are many hurting souls who don't know, and they are waiting for someone to tell them.
Grace and peace to you from God,
Bonnie
