Many of you are upset and disheartened. I am, too.
The events of the past week have carved an unerasable mark in history, one that doesn’t look like it will have a peaceful outcome. The country has chosen to elect a president who has a penchant for separation and discrimination, who claims to be a God-loving Christian as he exhibits characteristics of hatred and division.
And yet, in these moments of uncertainty and fear, I want us to hold onto something powerful, something that cannot be quenched by whoever is in power. Even before this moment, people have faced leadership that has strayed from the values of unity, respect and freedom, values that the United States was built on. Throughout history, ordinary people—together—have always had the strength to cultivate hope, to find solidarity and to protect the values they hold dear.
Even when the future looks bleak, remember that real change often starts in difficult times. We have the power to embody the kindness and justice we wish to see in the world. We can listen to one another, support one another and be a force for compassion in a time that so desperately needs it. We may be shaken, but do not mistake that for feelings of defeat. Together, we can continue to work for a world that reflects our deepest hopes, not our greatest fears.
Let us not let the turmoil of this moment take away our ability to be the light and courage we seek in the world. Remember, we are one another’s hope, one another’s strength and one another’s reminder that the best parts of humanity—the parts rooted in love and kindness—endure beyond any single person or moment in history.
Hold close to the words that promise strength beyond the storm: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27 ESV).
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of 老司机传媒. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, 老司机传媒 or the Seventh-day Adventist church.