A couple weekends ago my family and I spent some time with our Yazidi friend Azzat, and his wife and four kids at the Lincoln Children’s Museum. While we were there, Azzat spotted a large wall map, and he called us over so he could show us where he was from.
As he pointed to a tiny region in the northern part of Iraq, Azzat described what happened the morning ISIS invaded his village. He traced his finger along his family’s escape route, away from the mountain where hundreds of Yazidi people, trapped by ISIS, would later die of starvation and dehydration.
Azzat also explained that the Yazidi people have been persecuted by ISIS because they are not “people of the book,” as he put it. Unlike Christians, who have the Bible (which isn’t to say Christians have not been persecuted by ISIS); Jews, who have the Torah; and Muslims, who have the Koran, the Yazidi people do not have a sacred text. Their lack of a sacred book is unacceptable to radical extremist groups like ISIS.
It’s where ISIS draws the line and how they justify their persecution of the Yazidi people.
God used Azzat’s story to remind me that I, too, have a line I’ve drawn. Obviously I’m not going to execute anyone on the other side of my line. But what I realized, in reflecting on Azzat’s story, is that there are people on one side of my line I accept, and on the other side, people I am against.
I did not vote for Donald Trump, and in the months following his election, I have publicly denounced what I consider his moral and ethical flaws and his hostile views of marginalized people. Privately, in my heart and among my closest confidants, I have also denounced those who elected Donald Trump president.
It’s been easy for me to keep Trump supporters “over there,” on the other side of my line, in the “unacceptable” camp. Easy, that is, until I opened my Bible and read this verse in Paul’s letter to the Philippians:
“Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them.” (4:5-8)
Note Paul’s word choice: “to all you meet.” He isn’t referring only to the people we consider “on our side.” According to Paul, we are to be on the side of everyone we meet, not just the people who think, act, look, worship, or vote like we do.
My friend Helen did not vote for Donald Trump. However, in the days following the election, instead of railing publicly or privately against those “on the other side,” Helen made a different choice: she invited a small group of Trump supporters to her home to share a meal and conversation.
In extending that invitation, Helen made it clear that she was interested in working with, rather than against, the people who thought and voted differently from her.
As she later explained, “We would do well by each other to share a meal with those whose perspectives differ from our own in an effort to understand the complexity of their humanness. We mature and grow when we spend time with those who challenge us.”
I don’t know who is on the other side of your line. But I do know this: even when we don’t stand with their beliefs, we can and should stand with all our brothers and sisters, each of whom has been created in the image of God.
This post was originally published in the Lincoln Journal Star.
I really appreciate this post, Michelle, because I think our country (and, ergo, our family and friends) are still reeling from this election, one way or the other, and still taking sides, standing in them, and not crossing over theirs to meet the others on theirs). In fact, unlike Helen, at our Thanksgiving table, before I prayed, I actually asked our family not to discuss the election. Unfortunately, no one could seem to do that without more heat than was roasting our turkey. If you can’t even discuss controversy calmly and rationally with your own family, it’s pretty sad. But given that we were so divided, I wasn’t willing to risk the day to anger or at least *heated* discussion. My little immediate family voted for a “third” candidate. We didn’t feel either mainline candidate had a moral core. In past elections, Christian leaders whom we greatly respected always espoused that “character counts.” And then, suddenly with this election, it didn’t seem to me that character counted one iota with them. But something shifted when we talked with one of our pastors (none of whom I believe voted for Mr. Trump). The pastor said that some very principled and loving Christians whom he knew, whether just his friends or noted leaders, were voting for Mr. Trump because, while they truly felt his character was deeply flawed (meaning very sinful), they also felt that things he promised to do if elected would stem the greater evil. They felt, before God, for this reason, they had no other choice. They were not the bigoted racists like some really were who voted for him. He, indeed, did help us to see another side. So I realized that while I still didn’t agree with them and still personally feel that that were wrong, at least I could stop condemning them, let go my own anger, and stop judging them. I also began trying to understand some desperate folks in America, in whose shoes I was not walking experientially, felt that he could give them a better life. It’s so important to walk in other’s shoes; but to do so, you have to get on their side to locate those shoes to be able to step into them. And I think the greater point also now is that Donald Trump is our president. He deserves our prayers, because the Bible says we are to pray for our leaders. And he deserves our support and thanks when he does things that are worthy. But when he doesn’t, he deserves to be held accountable. And sin always deserves to be called out (whether his, or certainly my own). Thank you so much for sharing, Michelle. And I appreciate your listening to my “side” too.
Love
Lynn
Recently, I touched on these very same thoughts in my blog, Michelle. If we truly want to heal this nation, we must reach out in love to those who think differently than we do. It hurts like all get-out to see Christians bashing other Christians simply because of the way they chose to vote.
Paul was so right when he said “all.” When we divide into camps instead of reaching out to embrace others, we cannot stand.
Blessings!
Finding common ground can be the answer to a lot of hurt in the world. And being the first to reach out will produce many meaningful conversations. I have trouble facing conflict or controversy, even when I hear it in the conversation of others. I feel convicted to be a bridge builder, but I’m a little hesitant to invite other carpenters. I’m so afraid of my response to an unexpected “I’m clearly right and you are clearly uninformed and, frankly, Nancy, I question your Christian faith.” I tend to either cry or simply shrivel up and disappear in silence. So, I guess I’ll have to just jump into the deep end of the pool, prepared with God’s help, and continue to speak words of kindness and truth. Maybe can start a little prayer community, praying not that we will be heard but that we will all be civil and united in our efforts to bring peace and love and understanding – even to those who don’t really want it.
And, to Lynn M – I made the rule of “no politics at my table” on Thanksgiving – it was met with cheers and sighs of relief. Sorry yours didn’t go so well…
xoxox
Thank you, Nancy. I appreciate your kind words. I reread what I wrote and see why you came to your conclusion. It sounds misleading. Actually, no one said a word. The “heatedness” that I meant was the discussions we had had before that meal in our everyday interactions. Because of that, I made my request. The dinner went fine. But I still think it’s a shame that we couldn’t have had a civil discussion about the election around our Thanksgiving table. Family *should* be able to discuss anything civilly, whether or not they agree.
Hi Michelle! Must say that I really appreciate this post. It always amazes me, how when we stop & listen, really listen, to others’ opinions & thought processes, it works to alter our own. Usually right where it needs altering the most.
Being Canadian, I must say how completely ”drawn-in” I was to your election process–so much so, that I might as well have been American! What a schlemazzle!!! So much to ingest through the whole thing. Two points: 1.) I REALLY admire your friend Helen’s brilliant idea to invite Trump supporters to her table for physical AND mental food-for-thought. To me, her belief that all must now work together in support of your new President, was key! I see no sense in all the ”demonstrations” being conducted in opposition to him. This is getting nobody nowhere…fast. I cannot fathom those who just can’t seem to accept that Trump is President, that they need to move on, being thankful for any good decisions he makes & simply speaking-out against his bad decisions. In a POSITIVE manner, rather than all this negativity and violence.
2.) I wholeheartedly agree with Lynni & Martha. For one thing, the bashing that’s going on between Christians is ridiculous AND damaging. Especially to our ”testimony” as Christ-followers. And, I understand Lynn’s decision to steer away from ”election speak” at her Thanksgiving table. I know firsthand about family members who just want to spar with words over differences. I have a SIL who REFUSES outright to have others even mention Trump in her presence. There is to be no discussion. Nobody’s opinion but her own seems viable to her. All this while proclaiming it is CHRISTIANS who are closed-minded. Laughable. As if ALL Christians are solely responsible for the man in the oval office. I will respect her desire to avoid any other way of seeing this whole thing. One thing is for sure…this has been one wild ride, and the drama continues to unfold. One thing that we MUST be sure to do, and that is to pray, pray hard for the man. And I am praying. For Trump, and for all of America. Who knows what God has up his sleeve, not only for Americans, but Canadians as well. We are friendly neighbours, after all, facing many of the same issues. Take heart. Not all of us are exactly pleased with OUR leadership here either.*wink,wink*
Thank you for your thoughts today, Michelle. You’ve given me food for thought…on which to chew this day.
Jillie, so fun to see your sentiments here. I have often wondered what citizens from other countries thought about our presidential spectacle. I know my British friend was appalled to think that Donald Trump was behaving as he did during the campaign. We need to talk to her now to see if *she* has survived! 🙂 I agree w/ what you’ve said, and Christians are not to divide over denominational “non-essentials,” much less a presidential election! And by divide, I hardly mean expressing different opinions. I even had a couple of friends who doubted my faith. I can’t put that pain into words. I have always appreciated your viewpoint and your friendship over the miles!
Thank you for this, Michelle, and for the understanding you bring! I am pro-life, and the protection of the innocent unborn is a defining issue for me. I found it difficult to understand my Christian sisters and brothers who would even consider voting for a candidate who is not pro-life. Thank you for helping me see the other side through new eyes, too, and for the reminder that we all need to be “for” and “with” each other.
I find the Yazidis fascinating. Thank you for sharing your involvement with this particular family with all of us.
And I love me some Helen. I’ve had exactly one meal with her, and I’ll never forget it. She’s amazing, as you well know.
Michelle,
Thank you for sharing. President Trump was not my first choice but Secretary Clinton’s stand on abortion made it impossible for me to vote for her. I did not agree with President Obama’s policies but I never treated him the way people are treating President Trump. I prayed for President Obama and his family as I will pray for President Trump and his family. If all who call themselves Christians will pray and trust God we will get through this. God is greater than the politics of out time. May God bless you in your ministry.
Thank you for these wise words. As always your words speak truth and challenge me to think. You, Helen, and Deidra are guides for me as I seek to find my way through a place that reminds me of a desert in our country’s current experience. Through the three of you and in my reading of the Bible lately God is showing me that I need to find ways to be a bridge builder with people who voted for Trump instead of just expressing my outrage with his behavior and actions. Thank you for your heart and voice.
It is a wonderful pleasure to read truth from this blog, I appreciate your transparency. I too am convicted to being on the right side and watching where I draw the line. Interestingly the Spirit have been dealing with me on being available and God-like when dealing with others who don’t have the same convictions as mine. It’s an interesting journey being awakened to changing my perspective and renewing my mind to receive wisdom and therefore having the capacity to dispense the same. We are all challenged to be mindful of whose we are and who we represent. It is in fact a mandate to pray for our enemies and especially to pray for our nation and members of the government. What helps me a lot is to take my focus off who the president is but rather remember who is in control. God’s plan is perfect and we must keep our focus on Him and what our purpose is. Not our will oh Lord, but thine will be done.
beautiful–thank you.
I read your article after I had received an e-mail from my neighbor who told me never to send any political information about our President. I had sent an article from the Denison Forum about the historic use of Vice President’s vote for the approval of a cabinet member. The neighbor used very derogatory and rude names about our President stating further he was an embarrassment to the world and our country. I was surprised as the content of the article was conciliatory and not a political argument. It made me realize how people can point fingers and create division even among those who say they are Christians. I might send your article to this person and see if he will respond in a favorable way. It could be more like oil on the fire to them, but it could be better to let them know I want to create an atmosphere of Christian love and tolerance for others’ opinions.
I’m glad you shared the experience of the Yazidi people. We need to keep hearing these stories – I heard of an artist in Belgium who started a writing “letters project” where refugees told their stories of their journeys. There is also an essay by Gustavo Payan where he quotes novelist Chamada Ngozi Adidie, how we shouldn’t “Tell or believe single stories” about “other people” – this includes from other nationalities, refugees but also people in our own country with opposing views.
In opposing Trump’s various beliefs and practices – we need to make sure we don’t cross lines when we are angry – i.e. attacks on his children/ family members. Respond to the issues – everyone should take a magnifying glass to all the food and objects in their home to see their origin and realize how inter-connected and dependent we are on each other. During wartime and crisis situations the borders get closed for goods from other countries – but exceptions were made for the elite in politics, business and military leaders so that they could continue to enjoy privileges other citizens are denied.
Thank you for your courage in keeping this discussion open – from another Canadian friend.