I – like many of you – have found it hard to fathom this week’s US election result, while seeking to respect that most Americans have now got what they voted for. I have tried to remain silent as many Trump followers on my feed have gloated, misused Scripture, fostered dangerous Christian nationalism, deepened divide and falsely proclaimed an election result as a victory of God. Amid all that has been going on, I have found it helpful to give time to these things.

• Reminding myself that ultimately God is in control. I can picture the author of Psalm 73 lamenting with me and many others this week, but reminding us, beckoning us, to again hold on to hope and our conviction in the just promises he declares. That when the world seems crazy and the unjust seem to run with no constraints, this is not the final story, by far!

• My need to refocus and renew my personal commitment to the humble, radical, loving, compassionate and just ways of Jesus, which will always be at odds with the priorities of those more endeared to political and religious power and agendas, which foster dangerous and divisive nationalist ideologies. The gospels clearly demonstrate such attitudes and actions have nothing to do with the priorities and ways of the Servant King. And if his ways are to be lived out, I need to be willing to continually advocate and come alongside those that unjust and powerful people and  systems push to the margins. And I also need to live graciously and show respect to those I don’t agree with … that’s always a work in progress, it’s hard at times, but it’s a vital part of the journey.

• As I turned the TV off late on Wednesday evening to head to bed, I was struck afresh by the fact that no matter who is President, the real work for good happens every day, in local communities across the globe, as people seek genuine good for others. That will happen in a remote, drought-impacted African village today, it will happen in a soup kitchen in Melbourne. It will happen in the rubble of Gaza and in an Indian slum. It will happen in a remote First Nations community in the Northern Territory and in a single mum’s support group in Sydney suburbia. It can happen in your street today. It will happen wherever people of light, love, hope and justice get their hands dirty doing good for others. So, as we are encouraged in Scripture, no matter the season, let’s not tire in seeking to do good [for all the right reasons!]

• While we wait to see how even more chaotic things will get in the divided states of America, I feel challenged in my own comfort and unwillingness, at times, to give voice to things that need to be said. I am concerned about the rise of Trump-type, fear-based politics and Christian nationalism in Australia, a growing tendency for people of faith to focus on self-interest, and our shared failure to often hear the cries of the poor and neglected in our country. This week may we be shaken in our apathy and willing to raise our voices on things that matter!

• And yes, in a week like this, a bit of Ted Lasso always helps! Thanks Ted. And thanks Megan, for the good advice to not comment and engage with some stupid and ludicrous FB posts … I have often not listened enough to this advice!

Yes, what a week it has been! Some of us will feel our hopes have been wounded. But let’s remind ourselves there are far more wounded people in our world – across the street and across the globe. Let’s get back into the thick of it – where it matters most – and come alongside those that need our loving, caring, non-judgemental, compassionate and just attention. Sadly, I sense for now these numbers will continue to grow. We all have things we can do to bring light, life and love to others.  

“I have not come to be served, but to serve,” said the One who reframes what true greatness looks like and shows us what good leadership is supposed to look like!