Sometimes politics can bring out the worst in people. Just downright mean, ugly, nasty, shocking stuff.
The increase of hatefulness stemming from the past presidential elections has been unbelievable. Watching people take sides, stop talking to each other, and experiencing relationships fall apart in churches, workplaces, and different communities has been disheartening and eye opening. For a long time, I was naïve when it came to the ways of the world regarding voting and supporting a particular group. I never had a major issue with someone being conservative, liberal, nonpartisan, or those who could care less, because I didn’t feel threatened by anyone who had an opinion or belief system that differed from my own. I’ve learned that a huge part of maturity is being able to coexist with others you may not relate to personally and to still respect them when they have different views from yours. Even if and when you don’t understand them.
When the Obamas were in office and as they exited, I couldn’t believe the different media stories, articles, threats, and horrific social media posts that rose during that time. A lot of people hated the Obamas. And still do. They hated what they supported and represented. And the hate intensified as each year progressed. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for them. But I believe they persevered as best as they could. To maintain one’s character under the scrutiny of constant criticism and blatant disrespect speaks volumes. I’m not certain I could have remained silent while enduring constant insults or being cut down and unsupported and attacked by different media outlets, public figures, and strangers on the internet who didn’t really know me. How do you move through something like that?
At first, I pretended I didn’t notice how different people I knew, some whom I once considered friends, continually exposed how racist, sexist, and prejudice they were. I was disappointed and a little hurt but have learned to be okay with letting people go. Perseverance isn’t easy. It can be difficult and discouraging, but if you can hold the positions and space God ordained for you to have and maintain your composure, even when you’re strongly disliked and people want to get rid of you or harm you or see you fail, move through your fears and stay strong. You’ve got this.