![\"The](\"http:\/\/www.edenuccchicago.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/JackiBelile-cropped.jpg\")
Dear Eden Family and Friends,<\/p>\n\n\n\nDear Eden Family and Friends,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I write tonight to express my care for you and for all of our extended family and community as we process last night\u2019s election of Donald J. Trump to be our 47th President.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Sunday I opened our \u201cJoys and Concerns\u201d time with this excerpt from Carrie Newcomer, a wonderful folk singer whose leadership far exceeds the reach of her amazing lyrics. She shared this in anticipation of the election:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know that whatever happens that love is still the greatest power and that is how I will continue to orient my life. I know that I will continue to sing. I know I will continue to reach out and reach up. I know I will continue to try to repair what has felt so broken. I know that I will have to work on forgiveness for a long time. I know that no matter who wins this election, half this country will be angry or disappointed or grieving. I know whatever happens it will not be the last word. There will be push back and there will be movement forward. I know there is still a lot of work ahead\u2014but that we have done hard things before and we will rise to this hard thing as well. I abbreviated it there, but this is her closing: \u201cFeel the support of this concerned and caring Gathering of Spirits. Feel the power of this risky but beautiful hope. Feel all the people working for that better, kinder, safer, more just world – including yourself.\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n As today has unfolded, I\u2019ve been in a number of settings (and received dozens of emails) where people of good will are processing their concerns of the election outcome\u2019s dangerous impact on them and\/or people they love and would protect. I\u2019ve been in touch with others who feel relief at the outcome due to their commitments to policies they believe promise our nation security on a variety of fronts. I am aware that our surrounding world often defines these two categories of people as extremists, and perhaps even enemies. I am aware that for this reason, some people choose to not elaborate – even with loved ones \u2013 the depths of their feelings this day. 1 Samuel 16:7<\/strong> (ESV)–But the Lord said to Samuel\u2026the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.\u201d
I know that I am not alone, I know that you are not alone, I know that we are all holding hands and instead of holding our breath\u2026 We can choose to be breathing together.
Let\u2019s take another breath\u2026 and another\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nAs I shared in last week\u2019s Echo, I cannot go there (without a whole lot of critical thinking). My policy opponents are not my enemies. WE are in all this together. And there\u2019s no wise way forward to greater peace and justice that does not recognize the heart concerns of all across the political spectrum. A few Scriptures emerge for me on this theme today:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n1 Chronicles 28:9<\/strong> (ESV)-\u2013\u201cAnd you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.
\nJohn 7:24<\/strong> (ESV)-\u2013”Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n