Last night, history was made. This was the first presidential election I voted in and actually was able to pay attention to, for lack of a better phrase. Unlike other presidential elections (that I can remember), this election had people at each others’ throats like never before.
I am writing this because I have just experienced history. I want to look back in the future and remember this time in my life. I have a few thoughts and reminders to put out there. I am not writing this because of my political views or the opposing ones.
Regardless of Donald Trump being the new President, or even if Hillary Clinton was the President, they are/would be just that. The President. The leader of our country. I was raised to be respectful in general, but to always respect our President, no matter how I felt about the individual.
Mr. Trump will be our President. Many people are very upset at this. Even I feel the need to take a deep breath. It seems no one was satisfied with our options. Nonetheless, he won. Therefore, I will respect him as the leader of our beautiful nation. I will pray for him every day, just like I would if anybody else had been elected. I will pray that God guides his hand, his mind, and his heart in providing, protecting, and leading the United States of America.
I hate getting on social media and seeing things like “say goodbye to our freedoms” or “See ya later, I’m moving to Canada”. That’s not the patriotic American spirit. Social media has honestly been such a game changer in politics. I totally understand that people are upset, the mood is low, etc. I think everyone just needs a few days to process and regroup. But Americans persevere. We work together and we push through. If you are upset, it’s okay. Keep that hope, that spark alive.
Think back to how this country began. People who didn’t even know what was on the other side of the ocean filed into ships and sailed for days and days, away from England. They faced adversity straight in the face. They did that to escape restriction. They did that to have the freedoms to believe what they believe and voice their beliefs without consequence. Those people were some of the bravest in history and I have never been more thankful that they risked EVERYTHING for future generations.
Think of all the people who have fought for America one way or another. Think of the people who are out there fighting right now. The LEAST we could do is be respectful and kind to one another, including our new President.
How blessed am I that I get to live, to be born in a country that allows me to have a different opinion??? And that not only is it okay, it is my RIGHT?? I am still so proud to be an American citizen. I would have been just as proud had there been a different outcome. This is my home.
Please do not harass, threaten, degrade, or even just be plain mean to anyone who has a different opinion, voted differently, or speaks out about their views. It’s extremely hard, ESPECIALLY in modern society and especially today, to voice your political opinions. It’s scary because anybody could comment horrid things to you just because. And there are people who are being outspoken and receiving backlash right this second. It shouldn’t be that way. They should be allowed to have their opinion respected, even when it is disagreed with.
Whatever happens over the next year, the next four years, or the next forty years, the one thing I DO know is that God already has this planned out. He knows how it will end. He knew who would be our president in 2017 from the very beginning. I have faith in Him. I find peace in Him. One day, none of this will matter.
But until then, be kind. Be humble. Have faith. Be uplifting and encouraging to each other. Be respectful. Don’t ruin friendships over this. Don’t lose hope in our country, the very country that has overcome so many hardships when there was almost no hope left.
Everyone take a deep breath, stay positive, and have an amazing day!
xoxo Ariana
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands,
one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
