Over the past two weeks since the Presidential election, I've read countless reactions to the election itself, reflections on the State of the country, and reactions appointees to Cabinet and White House posts. Responses across the country have ranged from reflective thinking and writing to boisterous protests.
As an American citizen, I'm concerned at every change of administration, perhaps more so on some occasions than others. Will the candidates fulfill their campaign pledges? Will a spirit of unity carry us forward no matter who wins? Will my future and my children's future be more safe and secure?
The rhetoric and tone of this particular election was harsh, worse than mudslinging I'd heard in previous elections, but maybe only worse in degrees at this level since equally repugnant mudslinging was happening in other elections, and in local politics where I live now it seems that there are few public officials who are not under indictments for corruption.
I'm reminded of a billboard sign that used to hang next to the Delaware Memorial Bridge. It read, "Calm down! Anxiety fuels recessions." Many today feel that 'keep calm' is not wise advice. Many today feel we must speak up and speak out. This response does fit will within the American democratic spirit. We cannot dispute the election results themselves, unless compelling evidence arises, but we must always be ready to make sure that those who represent us know well what values we expect to drive policy-making decisions and votes.
The thoughts I'm expressing here were motivated by a passage I read in Malcolm Gladwell's 2013 book David and Goliath (Published by Little Brown & Company). He shares the story of Andre Trocme, a Huguenot Pastor, who was serving the the village of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon during the World War 2 years. At the first Sunday service following Germany's occupation of France, Trocme preached a sermon: "Loving, forgiving, and doing good to our adversaries is our duty. Yet we must do this without giving up, and without being cowardly. We shall resist whenever our adversaries demand of us obedience contrary to the orders of the Gospel. We shall do so without fear, but also without pride and without hate." (Gladwell, 2013, p. 264)
Trocme's heartfelt and defiant tone strikes a balance between maintaining the open-heartedness that faith demands while also calling up the courage that faith also asks us to have in the face of adversity.
Pastor Trocme's spirit can be a guide for us as we gauge how we will conduct ourselves and how we will respond to the varieties of challenges our country faces now. His approach enabled his parishioners to save the lives of 5,000 refugees, of which 3,000-3,500 were Jews.
May we have the strength to live out his spirit and message today.
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