When I woke up the morning after the election, I was hit with a wave of emotions. The reality of the election results, which didn’t align with my preference, caused me more significant anxiety than I expected. I’ve always been independent in my political views, voting for candidates from both parties who resonate with my core values. Many of you felt the same angst when your Presidential hopeful wasn’t chosen in 2020.
Considering neither contender was perfect this year, I did my best and voted my conscience like you. I performed my civic duty, prayed my prayers, and desired one thing: that we would survive this election cycle intact and stick together as a nation of honorable, civil folks.
It wasn’t only the candidates who threw me a curveball this year; it was the citizens who applauded the vitriol, nastiness, and discord. It was the foreign countries who tried to promote chaos and confusion. Division in our nation has spread like a cancer trying to kill us. Isn’t there already enough jeopardy from fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes without adding more?
Both right and left-leaning media outlets, lobbyists, and extremist partisan politicians must assemble at underground conventions to see how much money and power they can collect from those who follow them.
Is spreading distrust and falsehoods genuinely reflective of God’s values and the principles of America?
Any who believe we are better than them, they, or those over yonder, are engaging in self-righteous behavior that damages our souls and our nation’s character. We should be ashamed. We must uphold our personal integrity, for it is what will guide us in the face of adversity.
We all want what is best for our country, but if we think those who disagree with our views are our foes, the real enemy will defeat us.
Anyway, after November 5, I found myself sinking into a deep depression. In those moments, I turn to the only lifeguard I have in those shark-infested waters-God. I prayed fervently, unsure of what I was asking for, but I think it was a life preserver. I wasn’t alone in this struggle, as I heard from others who felt the same way. Even those celebrating their election victory were kind enough to acknowledge my loss as they recalled theirs. Moments like these show the best of who we can be, which is the type of humanity we must spread throughout our nation. That is how we find unity.
After my prayers, I needed solace. I asked Alexa to play some soothing music to calm my soul. It’s incredible how music can help us, even in the darkest times.
I have decided today that God has a thing for jelly. I swear my husband loves our church because of those jelly-filled donuts they offer and the minister who allows David to spread crumbs while he’s preaching. So, the first song that Alexa played was “I Am Not Okay” by Jelly Roll.
Since I am not music savvy and the only tune I know well is “Jesus Loves Me,” I stopped to listen when I heard Mr. Roll sing, “I am not okay, but it’s all gonna’ be alright.” Yes, God likes jelly.
He will use anything, including Smuckers, to remind us that we are alright if we seek His counsel and comfort. We are okay if we live to love others, give what we can, and turn folks toward Him by our actions. And we should all remember it doesn’t matter how we vote; it is how we live.
Jelly Roll sang,
…..” I know one day we’ll see the other side
The pain’ll wash away
In the holy water tide
And we’re all gonna’ be alright.”
“I know I can’t be the only one who’s holding on for dear life
But God knows, I know
When it’s all said and done
I am not okay
But it’s all gonna’ be alright.” *
A dear lady down the street, Connie, passed away the other day. She lived a good life with countless blessings. After her memorial service, I told her daughter that we all leave a legacy when we depart this place. Someone will remember one thing about us that will carry on.
I said, “When I think of your mother, I recall her laughter! It’s the first thing I remember when I hear her name.”
What is the first thing one will recall when your name is mentioned? I don’t think it will be Republican or Democrat, but rather the memory of how you overcame okay to be alright.
If you are struggling through any life event, turn on the radio and listen to Jelly Roll as you roll into the church to grab your jelly donut.
You, too, will be alright.
“I Am Not Okay” written by Jelly Roll, Ashley Gorley, Casey Brown, Jason Deford, & Taylor Phillips
