Jesus Wasn’t Like This: How to Deal with Strong Emotions During Election Season

Last night, I went to bed angry and weary.  Although I knew on a cognitive level this campaign season was going to be challenging, I wasn’t mentally or emotionally prepared for what transpired. Watching a leader fail to adequately answer the one question that should have been a no-brainer was alarming for many reasons.  White supremacy is not a partisan issue. It is a sin and is something I thought most of us had agreed upon decades ago – or at least could publicly agree to.  Apparently I was wrong.

As someone recovering from narcissistic abuse, the gaslighting, lying, and bullying were hard to stomach. However, as triggering as the debate was, I am glad for the anger that began to surface, because it reminds me what my values are and it reminds me of the part of Christianity I can still call home.  Not the Christianity that I see paraded about by “evangelicals,” but Christ’s actual teachings.

Let me be clear, Jesus isn’t like this.

The Jesus I know stands for inclusivity and love.

The Jesus I know understands the need for righteous anger.

The Jesus I know believes we should | Act Justly | Love Mercy |Walk Humbly |

The Jesus I know would weep for those who were wounded last night.

The Jesus I know would flip every table possible last night watching that train wreck.

So, what do we do? I’ve decided to capitalize on the opportunity that anger presents. First, it is giving me renewed energy to make a difference during this election. I had become too complacent as things felt more hopeless.  Now I can channel that energy. Second, it is allowing me to see more clearly who I will align with. Where will I put my time, energy, and money in the coming weeks, months, years, decades?  Third, it reminds me that the most positive way for me to pull myself out of this negative space is through service and looking for opportunities to connect with and heal others.

Here are a few things I have added to my to-do list this week as a result of the debate.

• Check in with friends of color. I have to imagine they feel unsafe knowing the Proud Boys are now “standing by.” Let them know that I am an ally.
• Check in with victims of narcissistic abuse to see if they have a self-care plan in place during this season.
• Encourage, support, and empower those with disabilities who are consistently being reminded of ableism by those in power.
• Extend a message of grace and love to those working to overcome addiction issues.
• Donate money to senators and presidential candidates who align with the values I believe need to be prioritized in such a time as this.
• Register with VoteForward, which is a nonpartisan letter writing campaign to underrepresented voters.
• Read transcripts of future debates (rather than watch) until rules are followed to salvage my own mental health.
• Use the platforms I have to speak out against injustice.
• Pray fervently and diligently for God to reveal truth and ways in which I can be a peacemaker and bridge builder.

Friends, this is a hard season, but we are not meek. We have a voice, we have resources, we have one another. Remember to do all things in love, avoid the flinging of poo on social media, and speak up for what you know to be right.