Regardless of who is declared the winner in the Presidential election, a clear story is emerging of a nation operating with different narratives about the past, the present, and the future. These narratives color the way we see the events of the day and separate us from one another. I fear that the urge to divide into red and blue camps is blinding us to the good news that in the waters of baptism we are united as children of God, joined to the promise of Christ’s resurrection, and gathered together into one family of faith. Regardless of how divided our political process may be, in Christ we are united.

In this time of anxious waiting, we pray that our country will allow space for the votes to be counted and accurate results determined. Whatever the result of this election may be, we pray that as a country we will move toward justice, reconciliation, and healing. It is important we continue to address the twin pandemics of racism and COVID-19 and come together to work for good of all people.

While we wait, I invite you to continue in the practices I encouraged we undertake on Tuesday.

  • Be still (Psalm 46:10). Turn off the television. Put down your phone. Close your browser. Take a break from the 24 hour news cycle and connect with God. Pray through your favorite passage of scripture as a way of connection to God and tuning out the noise of the world.
  • Read Romans 12:9-21 again. Anxiety, anger, and uncertainty rarely bring out the best in people. Our call as a people of God is to put our faith into action in the world, not simply react to the world. Paul offers helpful ideas for relating to the world.
  • Research, don’t Retweet. Your cousin’s brother’s best friend is probably not the best source of information on what is happening at a polling station that is continuing to count ballots. Before you retweet, repost, or become excited or enraged about something you see online or in the news. Research the topic, look for multiple points of view on the story, and determine if the information is true and accurately reported. Spreading disinformation only serves to create distrust and inflame passions. We are called to peacemaking.
  • Pray. Pray for wisdom for leaders. Pray for unity for our country. Pray for voices to be heard. Pray for patience. Pray for your neighbors. Pray for hope. God is with us. May God’s Spirit bless and direct us in the days ahead.

—Bishop Bob Humphrey, Virginia Synod, ELCA