The Worst Is Never The Worst | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

The Worst Is Never The Worst

Hope in the midst of mourning

36
The Worst Is Never The Worst
The Long Goodbye on WordPress

My friends and I sit in a refurbished RV that is attached to our favorite taco restaurant, as we lament and mourn about the results of the election on a cold and gloomy New York City day. The entire city is quite today, in shock not at the candidate that won, but rather the ideals that won. We share our confusions, our pain, and our fears: What will happen to the environment? How will women be effected? Is my hope for leaving college with manageable student debt gone? What about the people who won’t have access to affordable health care? How will the perception of my race and gender be changed? All these created a whirlwind of confusion for us.

During this dinner, where we were all in bewilderment, my dad called. He wanted to remind me, “Marcus, Hillary would’ve never been as good as you imagined, and Trump will not be as bad as you fear. When Reagan got elected, I thought the world was going to end. Everything is going to be alright”. While saying these comforting words, I could see the Brooklyn Bridge in the distance, with the American flag atop, lit bright and waving. I could look across the waters of the East River and see the lights from the buildings of Brooklyn glimmering their reflections across the water like shimmering stars, like the ones I could see on clear Texas nights laying on my roof. That roof was a place where I retreated to in pain and confusion during my high school years, and gazing at the created universe calmed my stressed soul. In the same way, in that moment on the phone with my father, looking at the impressionist brush strokes of the river’s reflections, I felt peace in this midst of mourning, and I knew that everything would be okay.

After that call, I returned to my friends. Here we were, a group of millennials who, in destress and doubt and fear, came together in love to listen to each other. Despite our fears of what the future will be like, we know we have each other. Despite our confusion, we find solace in our faith and trust in the Lord.

In the Bible, there’s an entire book devoted to pain and confusion, and what posture we should approach this. Lamentations says in chapter 3, verses 28-33 says:

“When life is heavy and hard to take, wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face. The “worst” is never the worst. Why? Because the Master won’t ever walk out and fail to return. If he works severely, he also works tenderly. His stockpiles of loyal love are immense. He takes no pleasure in making life hard, in throwing roadblocks in the way."

Looking to the brightly lit flag, or the glimmering waters, I knew that everything will be alright. In the chaos of these election results, I want to love others. Love changes a culture more than a picket sign ever will. Listening and being present will mend brokenness more than a candidate’s platform will ever promise. I’ve heard people say that we need to get involved in local politics, because those are the issues that affect us. I agree, and I think the most localized version of that is how we love those around us. Our love is bigger than a vote.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
people  in library
Photo by redcharlie on Unsplash

College involves a whirlwind of emotions, whether it’s from the stress of an assignment (or twenty), or from fighting with your roommate. It can be overwhelming at times and it’s important to take a step a back and calmly think things over. Maybe gain some perspective. The following aren’t foolproof tips and may not apply to you, but I was able to find success with them (hope you do too!)

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

How The Holidays Have Changed

It all started when we learned the truth about Santa.

2338
best wishes for Christmas
Pinterest

It is no secret that many American traditions have changed over time. As we grow older we change in so many ways that it only makes sense that we also change the way we celebrate special occasions. Of course when it comes to the holidays there are some family traditions that many of us still excitedly look forward to, whether it is eating your favorite dish or seeing favorite cousin. However, we all know that the holidays have overall changed a little from what they used to be.

Keep Reading...Show less
theatre cast

Everyone who has done musicals knows that once you go there you can never go back. It's like a virus. It never leaves and you find yourself attracted to all types of theater things. You're drawn to it like a moth to a flame. There are certain things you know to be true, whether you did a musical once or have done them your entire life.

Keep Reading...Show less
couple winter
Pexels

When you come home over Christmas break, it's hard to find fun in your hometown. During the winter, it's hard to find the motivation to go out and find things to do. However, there are plenty of fun things to do in almost any town, and there are tons of fun date ideas that aren't taken advantage of. Here are nine fun winter dates to go on.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

25 Things To Do In The 25 Days Leading Up To Christmas

The best holiday deserves an entire month of celebrating.

4409
Christmas Socks  Fireplace
Wesley Tingey

Christmas is arguably one of the most popular holidays of the year. Whether you think Christmas celebrations should be strictly reserved for December, or you're setting up your tree and lights on November 1st, Christmas time is the best time. Filling an entire month with Christmas activities seems like it could be impossible, but I am here to fix that for you. Here are twenty-five of the best things to do in the twenty-five days leading up to Christmas.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments