What I Want Them To Know

I have seen many parents giving voice to concerns over what they should tell their children today.  I see my own mostly grown offspring expressing disbelief and anxiety.  And I myself have wondered what the future holds for our nation.  This is what I want my children to know:

I can't explain the results of the election to you.  Or any other election, for that matter.  Every person who voted had his or her own reasons for choosing the candidate they did.  I don't know most of them.  I don't know their lives, their situations, or why they think the way they do.

I know you are confused.  You may also feel fear.  You may feel disillusioned.  You may be angry.  That's ok.  Feel what you feel.  Feel free to express that in a constructive and respectful way.  But do not allow yourself to be overcome by it!

The election may be over, but now is the time to make an even more important decision.  You must choose how it will affect you.  Will you become bitter and disillusioned and give up?  Will you let the momentum build and sweep away everything you dreamed for your future?  Will you roll over and play dead?  Or will you let it make you stronger and more determined to work for what you believe?  The choice is yours.

I see people talking about moving to Canada.  Are we really ready to give up on our home?  To run from the challenge?  Or do we take a stand?  Continue to try to make a difference where ever and when ever you can.

You may feel insignificant.  You may feel outnumbered.  You may think there's nothing you can do.  Believe me when I tell you that one determined person can change the world.

You know what is right and what is wrong.  You know to treat people with respect and kindness.  Just because someone else calls names, belittles and demeans others, or participates in "locker room talk" does not make it ok or mean we must follow that example.  Jesus told us to Love each other.  He didn't say to only be kind to those who have the same opinions as us.  In fact He said the exact opposite!

We can let the divisiveness continue to grow and tear our country apart even further.  Or we can decide to work with what we have been given and look to how we might make the best of things.  We must try to find some kind of middle ground where we can meet, while also continuing to stand up for what we believe is important.