Election 2016 has come and gone.  Leading up to the election, we heard disparaging comments against both candidates.  Tempers flared on Social Media as opinions were high right along with people’s blood pressure!  Having never been one to discuss politics in an open forum, I continued with my every day type of posts.  Although my newsfeed reflected posts flying left and right stating the reasons my friends were for a particular candidate and why they were against the other, I stayed out of it.

People lost sleep staying up until all the results were in.  Even after that, sleep would not come to those who had their hearts set on a particular candidate just to end up disappointed when the other won the election.  Others, like myself, went to bed knowing that God would take care of us all.

Now it’s the morning after, and all the talk has still been about these two candidates.  I’m hearing how unworthy people think one is and how strong the other appeared in the face of rejection and defeat.  On the flip side, I’m hearing how one appeared to be a sore loser last night with not addressing those rooting for her.  Meanwhile, the stock market took a dive, then rose today giving hope to those who were pulling for our President-elect.

Politics have ruined some friendships along the way also.  Just this morning I saw a post from a friend stating she had to unfriend people last night due to how heated things were becoming when they’d post.

In the mist of all of this last night, I was reminded how precious friendships truly are.  You see, we lost a very special friend.  He breathed his last breath after a struggle with cancer.  His wife was truly devastated, her mind any where but on this election.  She wept deep from her soul as she said, “I love him and I’m going to miss him so much.  I don’t know what I’m going to do without him.”  When I asked what I could do for her, she replied through her sobs, “Love your husband, Shirley, and tell him to love you.  That’s what I want you to do for me.  LOVE EACH OTHER.”

I think after all of this with the election, we can agree that we’d like to see a change.  With that in mind, why not start with the person we see every morning in the mirror?  Why not take my precious friend’s advice?  As she spoke through her deep, heart-wrenching sobs and said, “LOVE EACH OTHER.”

We can start by checking ourselves and our attitudes.  We can be kinder than ever before knowing that people are struggling.  There are those hurting deeply, and they need us to be compassionate.  They need us to come alongside them and place our hand firmly on their shoulder as we say, “I’m here for you.”

Don’t let politics or a difference of opinion put a wedge between you and your family or friends.  We need each other in this life.  Rally around each other.  Be the support system for those in need.  Love your neighbor and do unto others as you would have done to you.  Life is hard at times, but we don’t have to be hard on each other.

Elections will come and go.  Friendships should not – not due to a difference of opinion surrounding presidential candidates.

Love each other.  That’s the great “take away” in this message today is just to simply LOVE – despite an election, despite differing opinions, even despite different lifestyles.  What we truly need is to love each other.  Make amends and pull together.  Show that you want a better nation.  Let the change begin within.

Ah, yes.  Election 2016 has come and gone.  Let the change you wish to see in the world begin with the person you see in the mirror each morning.