Right now is a difficult time for many people and everyone expresses themselves in different ways. As a Follower of Christ I believe that God has a plan for us. Some Americans are facing their greatest fears right now in a country that has seemingly turned its back on them. Fear and hate have won this week but we have a future ahead of us. We must fight this hate with love and fight this fear with strength. As the people of this country we have the right to stand up and fight for what we believe in. When we stand up it is important to remember to fight with all of the kindness in your heart.

Do not give in and standby letting the people of the world live in a world in which love is invisible and being discourteous is acceptable. I will stand in showing love and respect to others. “Love must begin somewhere and love will overcome hate. Imagine the difference if we each purposefully love a little more.”

"This is not about a difference of political opinion, as that’s far too small to mourn over. It’s about a fundamental difference in how we view the worth of all people—not just those who look, speak, think or vote the way we do.

The Scriptures say that weeping endures for a night but joy comes in the morning. We can’t see that dawn coming anytime soon.

And this is why we grieve."

These Bible verses have and continue to inspire me. They give me the strength to keep me going and will continue to through the days ahead.

1. “Patiently wait for God alone, my soul! For he is the one who gives me confidence.” Psalm 62:5

2. “But those who wait for the Lord’s help find renewed strength; they rise up as if they had eagles’ wings, they run without growing weary they walk without getting tired." Isaiah 40:31

3. “Be strong and brave! Do it! Don’t be afraid and don’t panic! For the Lord God, my God, is with you.” 1 Chronicles 28:20

4. "For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:7

5. "I repeat, be strong and brave! Don’t be afraid and don’t panic, for I, the Lord your God, am with you in all you do.” Joshua 1:9

6. "Let no one look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in your speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, and purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

7. "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to ungrateful and evil people." Luke 6:35

8. "Love must be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another. Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer.Contribute to the needs of the saints, pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.Do not repay anyone evil for evil; consider what is good before all people. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people. Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:9-21

9. "Love is patient, love is kind, it is not envious. Love does not brag, it is not puffed up. It is not rude, it is not self-serving, it is not easily angered or resentful. It is not glad about injustice, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7, 13

10. "We love because he loved us first." 1 John 4:18-19

In this time of struggle and fear, all we need to know is that God is near.