An Open Letter To America

Dear America,

Friday, the 45th president of the United States took office.

Friday, like so many before him, he attended a worship service that morning, he rode to the capitol with the outgoing president, he was sworn into office, and then addressed his country.

Just the other day, like so many times before, the outgoing president peacefully picked up his belongings, his family, and his life and moved out of the White House.

For the 45th time, the baton was passed. Passed from one man to another. Passed from one party to another. Passed while the world stood and watched.

Watched and protested. Protested the passing of power.

How ironic that is? America stood and protested the peaceful passing of power. They tried to exchange peace for violence. 

Our world is falling apart and we ask for violence in exchange for peace.

We hold one of the most unique gifts in our hands...democracy. That means no one man will even rule our country.

Our Founding Fathers wrote us a Constitution. In article II of this Constitution they laid out the duties-and limitations-of a president. The president can only serve for a set period of time. The president can make treaties but only when 2/3 of the senate agrees with him. The president can't act on his own.

Our Founding Fathers set up a system of government that will prevent us from falling into monarchy.

And yet...we try to fight against this system.

Oh, America!

Maybe this doesn't appear so black and white to you but you see when you protest the peaceful pass of power you are protesting your own FREEDOM. You protest against a free democracy where you can come and go as you choose.

And it's not like there is never a time to protest. It's not like there is never a time to fight against the current system...that's not what I'm trying to say. I realize there is a time for everything under the sun and I realize that the very Constitution that I just mentioned give us freedom to speak out against what we see is wrong. This is a precious freedom.

Because of this freedom we can speak out against abortion.
We can speak out for the church.
And yes...we can even speak out for political candidates.

So, what I'm not trying to tell you is that all protesting is evil and should be dealt away with. But maybe...just maybe...we should pick out battles and our battlegrounds more wisely.

Our new president may not be your top pick but do you really want to protest the peaceful passing of power? And speaking of battlefields...is the time and place to protest really once this man already takes office?

And let's talk realistically for a moment...what good is that even going to do? He's already president.

Maybe it would be best for us to take a different path. I'm reminded of the verse in 1 Timothy 2... "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."

As Christians we are commanded not to complain and protest against those in positions over us but to pray for them.

We may not agree 100% with a political leader but is the best tactic really to make a big fuss? is there not more we can do?

As Christians we can lift our leaders up in prayer and supplication.

And if you feel compelled to act...don't just protest. MAKE A CHANGE.

Vote.
Work on a campaign.
Attend a local political meeting.

It may take a bit of imagination but getting your feet dirty will have far better effects than making a fuss.

So America, as we enter this new chapter let's look for a way to make a difference not a fuss.
Let's not protest our freedom but pray for our leaders.
Let's not exchange peace for violence but violence for peace.

And then...and then America, we can watch our nation change.

Sincerely,
One Little Citizen