Navigating the Post-Election Cycle

It has been less a week since one of the most important elections has come and gone. It was filled with much chaos, bitterness, and even fearmongering from the media.

Whether it was early voting or Election Day, the silent majority has spoken to have a say on who will lead America for the next four years. In the end, Donald Trump won the needed electoral votes to be declared the 47th President of the United States.

It comes with rejoicing and thanks to God, who had a hand in sparing our nation from an anti-Catholic ticket. Then, there have been those who are inoculated with fear or so much misinformation that they respond with anger, blaming, gaslighting, violent confrontations, and even anxiety, as they don’t grasp the level of maturity of any functioning adult.

As we continue to heal and move on from another tumultuous election cycle that has challenged people all across the political spectrum, there was a phrase circulating from the secular media that supporters of a candidate who lost the race will be doing some soul-searching.

There is no need for “soul-searching”. This may be an opportunity to turn back to God. Here are four ways to navigate the post-election cycle

Pray

Easier said than done. Yet, our country needs a spiritual revival. It needs God no matter who will take office. We need to pray for God to heal our land and our neighbors and enemies. Make time for a Holy Hour, as many churches will have a 40-hour devotion in the coming weeks.

Fast

Make time to step away from the screen. Give up food or pleasure that one enjoys. This spiritual practice can help us detach from one world and be attached to another. Every time we detach from worldy pleasure, it helps us to become more like God. In its place, take time to remember a fallen away Catholic or the soul of someone who has departed. 

Love Thy Neighbor

This phrase has been hijacked by those who are a part of the same group who say one thing but do the opposite when encountering someone who has an opposite view. If we love certain people but hate others, it is not love. It is hypocritical favoritism. Every person who voted is a child of God. We must never shy away from treating them as such.

Be Present and Not Worry

At the end of the day, God calls us to be present. He wants us to live in the present moment. Padre Pio reminds us that “worrying is useless”. God knows our needs and will deliver them to us in time. He doesn't want us to get worked up about the future. Rather, he wants to be mindful of the now. He wants us to do what must be done to advance his kingdom to every person that walks the earth. 

Let us all run to God and let him heal our hearts.