January 21, 2017 – Women’s March on Washington

If you are reading this, I am sure that you have previous knowledge of the historic gathering of women (& men) which occurred in locations all over the world this past Saturday. I am also fairly positive that you have already formed your opinion on whether or not you supported The March and all that it stood for. And with that being said, I am not writing today to discuss or persuade varying political views or opinions on The March.  I can almost promise you that you and I won’t agree somewhere down that road, and that is ok.

I am writing today because I have heard the cries of American women.

Over the past 48 hours, I have read through countless posts on Facebook, Buzzfeed, Huffington Post, Fox News, CNN, and several other blogs and news articles. I have seen genuine passion for causes proclaimed by thousands of women. I have also watched as hateful, rash, crude and disrespectful words pour out in memes, comments, photos and videos — from both sides of the fence. There is no denial that women across the globe face unimaginable fears and hardships, and I won’t pretend that I fully understand the magnitude of suffering that millions face each and every day.

But I can say that my heart breaks for you.

My heart breaks for you who shed tears for equality, respect, safety, and security.  My heart breaks that you should spend your days wondering if your life matters and if there is anyone who would care enough to listen. My heart breaks that your hope for a brighter future has been shattered by the results of this past presidential election.

And for you who perhaps don’t understand what all of the fuss is about and agonize in disgust over the crowds gathering in cities across the globe, my heart breaks for you, too.

You see, no matter which side you are on, our nation’s hope has been placed in a god who cannot and will never solve and heal our humanistic yearnings, aches and pains — The US Government.

For the past eight years, the democratic party held substantial control in our governing offices, and as a result, many legal changes were made in regards to the rights and privileges of American minorities and underprivileged. Hope for a better future seemed to be within the grasp of millions who felt abandoned, neglected, mistreated, and unheard. For them, a beautiful promised land was on the horizon.

However, in a dynamic turn of events, a republican candidate who did not share the same governing vision as his democratic predecessor or opponent won the 2016 Presidential Election.

Instantly the beautiful promised land and hope for many fell and shattered on the ground.

Anger, fear and sorrow swept like wildfire across our country. Hope seemed to be gone, and who was to blame? Fear and uncertainty of what the future held for women, immigrants and other minorities emboldened many to rise up and protest the political agenda of our new president.

While on the other side of the spectrum, many stood up and rejoiced at the change of power in office and what the future held for their country.

If you are reading this today and feel either safe or threatened by our government- then this is for you. No matter who you are, or what your stance is, the issue remains the same. Who or what have you put your hope and faith in for your future?

If you have put it in anything but Christ, whatever or whomever that may be, I can promise that it or they will fail you. On this earth, you will never be safe, never be treated with respect, never be considered equal, and never be secure. Why? Because humans are selfish, sinful, and will always break their promise to keep you safe, equal, respected and secure.

At this point I am sure many of you disagree terribly with what I am saying, and have probably stopped reading, but if you are still here, then please hear this. If you consider yourself to be a Christian man or woman in this nation (yes, I am preaching to myself as well), it is time for us to get off of our rears and go be Jesus to someone. Christians have sat by for far too long as they have let men and women search blindly in the dark for someone or something that will fulfill their yearning for a better life. We have arrogantly scoffed and looked down upon humanity who doesn’t agree with us spiritually or politically, and get upset when others think differently than we do. I am not asking you to compromise your beliefs, just posing a challenge to go out and share with humans the same grace, love, and humility that our Savior did when he came to earth over 2000 years ago. This is not a plea for acceptance, it is a plea to reach outside of your comfortable Christian American life and shine a light that leads to true hope and fulfillment – the gift of a life in Jesus Christ. Where the only true and lasting hope, fulfillment, safety, security, and purpose will be found.

“Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” – John 4:13-14

Will you hear the cry of the American woman?