Until I went to college, I wasn’t fully aware of the world of politics. But I quickly observed and learned people were supporting different groups, views, and candidates of their liking. Democrats and Republicans and Nonpartisans and a handful of other groups were retreating to their separate corners, outspoken with their views of who was right vs. wrong, who should be in office and who shouldn’t, who they wanted to fail and who they wanted to succeed, and more. It was clear how things could quickly get heated and ugly. During the time 44th POTUS, Barack Obama was elected into office as the first African-American president of the United States, it was obvious a lot of people weren’t happy about it. I was excited to be a first-time voter the year he won. Being able to participate in a history-changing election was incredible. Barack’s win was victorious, moving, and celebratory for some, and a massive disappointment to others. In Michelle Obama’s recently released memoir, Becoming, she writes, “Our presence in the White House had been celebrated by millions of Americans, but it also contributed to a reactionary sense of fear and resentment among others. The hatred was old and deep and as dangerous as ever.”
When Barack was elected, I remember the discomfort and discord and unease and tension between myself and some of my friends, former friends, amongst other Christians, and colleagues who were either Republicans, incredibly conservative, or had no interest in politics at all. I recall a former friend asking me, “Would you have voted for him if he wasn’t black?” Soon after the election, a concerned, conservative colleague shared, “I just hope nothing bad happens to him.” I’d also uncomfortably and silently sat through rants and distasteful jokes in different Christian groups and communities I used to fellowship with who weren’t silent or shy about their disliking towards his win, his time in office, and how they weren’t fans. Some claimed the election was rigged. Others repeatedly referenced him as an abomination and were eager to see him fail. And the social media shade was unbelievable. I used to pretend not to notice how bad it was but couldn’t keep ignoring it. It got progressively worse after Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton were campaigning for the presidency. All hell seemed to break loose once the final votes from that election were in. It was amazing seeing how having different views could easily cause rifts, division, and completely dismantle a number of relationships. I had a hard time digesting what was happening. It took a long time for me to understand and process that, sadly, many people, including many Christians, can be just as hateful, racist, sexist, and prejudice, if not more, than those who choose to be openly ignorant, intolerant, and downright mean. It was a painful and heartbreaking awakening. I never imagined that different people I’d met or shared cool moments and memories with would eventually become strangers and that our connections would grow distant and cold because of different beliefs and political views. I believe that you can have opposing political views than someone else, and still respect and remain cordial or friendly with those who don’t share the same views as you. Unfortunately, some people are not mature or seasoned enough to manage or understand that, but prayerfully, that changes someday. It was impressive to see that despite the non-stop insults, disrespect, challenges, tragedies, opposition, and bigotry, Barack and Michelle Obama, both handled their time in office with class, intelligence, resilience, and dignity. They’re legendary. I recently had the chance to read Michelle Obama’s memoir, Becoming, and soaked up every page and written word shared from her remarkable journey and story. Becoming is candid, inspiring, authentic, and thought-provoking and from my perspective, relatable in a number of different ways. I believe it was brave and necessary and important for her to share her journey. It’s a must-read for sure. No matter which political party you support, don’t allow yourself or your relationships with those you care about to suffer just because you may not share the same views. It also doesn’t hurt to WWJD these kinds of situations. Remember WWJD -- What would Jesus do? Model the way. Be the change you’d like to see. Be legendary.