No America?
What would you think if God asked you, “What if there was no America?”
If you’re like me, your thoughts would go something like this…
Ummmm…what?
What is going to happen to America? I love this country…is it in danger? Are the preppers right?!?! What in the world is about to happen???
(Are you dramatic like me?)
Fortunately, a second question was asked to help clarify…Who would you look to?
You see, when I was asked this question, we were in the midst of the 2020 presidential election cycle and I was wrapped around the axle. I wanted my guy to win to make it all better. To make all the problems go away and to save America…to save me. “My guy” was who I was looking to and pulling for and the day-to-day was gut-wrenching.
Not really how we’re suppose to operate, right?
Now, I love politics. I was a poli-sci major and I worked in DC on Capitol Hill, which I absolutely loved. Everything about it. From working on The Hill to playing scrimmage football on the National Mall. It was everything I dreamed of and then some.
So it’s in my blood, but if I’m honest, which I really don’t want to be, it became, and still can be, an idol.
It can affect my day, my relationships, and my attitude, which is no good if you’re on the roller coaster of 2020 or the wild ride of 2024. Scratch that, it’s no good period
These politicians are not supposed to be who we look to, but unfortunately, I am guilty of putting my faith and trust in them. Now don’t get me wrong. I believe we should vote for people who represent our ideals and values and trust they will make good decisions for our communities best interest, BUT they are not to be the saviors of all things. Especially not my personal savior.
I see what happened in 2020 happening again now, which is why this question He asked me 4 years ago keeps rolling around in my head. In fact, it’s been rolling around all year but now coming to a head given all that’s taken place.
So I’m addressing it.
On my early morning walk, I chatted with God about it… (y’all, these morning calls have been incredible btw!)…
God, with everything awful going on in the world, with the current wars and wars about to start, political upheaval, confusion, anger, distrust, etcetera, how do we get through this? How do I prepare for what’s coming? How do I not get consumed by all that’s out there? I’m tired of all the anger I see and the fear coming from every angle. God, I know I am supposed to turn to you, but I don’t really know how to do that?
And then I walked in quiet chuckling to myself that I asked all this out loud and expected an answer in return.
But then He answered.
Your children. Look to your children. Look to their innocence and purity. Invest in that, not the fear. Play games with them (something I am awful at). Pour into them. Be with them. They will show you the goodness in this world. They will remind you who I am. They have not been corrupted by the darkness or carry the heavy burdens of the world like adults do. Spend time with them and see my light reflected in them.
So to me, and you, remember the times might be dark and scary and uncertain, but there is a Light. A Hope.
And for me, take the airpods out and unplug from the craziness and play games with your kids.
I wish I could say this was easy for me, but it isn’t. It’s a real struggle. An addiction some would say…
I really thought He’d tell me to go read my Bible, but God always has a way of teaching me what I need to know in a way I need to know it and I appreciate that about Him.
And, I remind myself that God’s got this. He is not surprised by anything that is happening in our world and He already knows how it all plays out.
So I can take my hands off and trust that He knows what He’s doing and while He’s doing His thing, I’ll be over here playing Uno or Wiffle Ball or Flying Burritos with my crew…
