I think it's safe to say most of us are spent, tired of 2020, tired of Covid, tired of the fears and challenges that life keeps dealing us. Many of us are anxious, frustrated, and exhausted with the state of the country. Whether we're voting for change or voting for the incumbent, we're all looking towards election day with hopes and promise. The world is beaten and battered, worn out and desperate for renewal, unity and restored morale. If I had to choose a photo to depict the spirit of the people in this country today, this would be it.
Whether or not you or someone in your family or circle of friends has been a victim of Covid, there's no question its presence has had a profound impact on nearly everyone you know. Whether it has shut down your place of employment, your kids' school, or your favorite restaurant - Covid has made an impact. It may have ended your in-person Sunday church services, kept you from hugging your grandkids, prevented you from visiting your loved ones in nursing homes or changed your annual summer vacation plans. Whether or not you believe Covid is real, or are one of the many who are still downplaying it and going on with your life without fear or alterations, Covid has still impacted your life in many, many ways.I've been around since the 50's but I've never witnessed a presidential election as emotionally charged as the one we're in the middle of. I've never seen friendships damaged, families divided or social media so filled with anger and dissention as they are right now. We are a nation divided. We've lost our sense of security as a country, and as a people. Yes, there have always been Republicans and Democrats, but I can't remember a time when the people of those two parties thought of each other with such contempt. Covid has certainly put us all on edge and drained our stamina and maybe our patience, but I don't believe it's all about Covid. Nonetheless, we can't ignore the enormous toll it has taken on this country and the world. Everyday I am amazed at the people who still, after more than 226,000 people have died, tell me they don't believe Covid is real or that it's a real threat. I don't understand why people are so resistant to wearing a mask, not just to protect themselves, but to protect others. How can anyone question the reality of this pandemic???
Maybe it's because we have a president who, even after having it, downplays it and continues to lie about it going away. Maybe it's because facing the truth is too scary. Maybe it's because as a society we are all so spoiled by our creature comforts and luxuries, we can't bear to sacrifice and live without them - even if it will save lives. I wish I knew the reason, because then maybe I could feel some peace and less stress and anger.
I know I am not the only one who is exhausted and discouraged with the state of things today. I've talked with many others who feel equally frustrated, sad and desperate. I believe the outpouring of early voters speaks to the desperation people are feeling - no matter which side of the line they stand on. I'm not so naïve to believe any politician is perfect, without their flaws or skeletons in their closet. They all do, I know. They say "the devil you know is better than the angel you don't" but I'll go out on a limb here (at the risk of losing friends and followers) and say I've had enough of the devil I know. I want a president who speaks with the voice of God, not the devil - one who doesn't insult or demean anyone who doesn't agree with him, one who doesn't speak of others with open hate and criticism, one who doesn't lie for his own advantage and blame others for his weaknesses.....especially when he claims to be a man of God. I don't care how much good he may or may not have done for the economy when he's done so much to destroy the patriotism of his country. I want a president who will make this country better, not someone whose unwillingness to face a pandemic has brought us to our knees.
Tuesday will not cure all that ails the devastation this nation faces but I hope and pray that no matter who wins, one day we will be able to come together, people of all races and creeds, and raise each other up instead of tearing each other down. I don't think Trump is capable of that but I pray with all I have that one day we will all be able to look ahead with hope and optimism and faith. I pray that we will no longer be a nation divided by politics, but instead a nation where we can view the world without being biased by political affiliations. I hope one day we can be renewed and free - free from Covid and from the fear of terrorism (domestic and biological), and that our faces will shine with love and hope instead of dread and sorrow. I look towards the week ahead with hope for change. I know many of you do too. My wish and prayer is that someday we will be filled with joy and hope again, that when we greet people our faces will reflect light and life, and that others will be encouraged by our faith and gratitude, and that someday life will resume again and we can all hug each other because nothing feels better. Here's to answered prayers.