Today’s a new day! We’ve all been there – a newly formed friendship quickly crumbles at the mention of the 2024 election.
So as a white Christian man in America who does not support the former president, when some people in the Christian community find that out about me, I often hear the following “How could I be such a hater?” or “Are you really a Christian?”
This election year has been rough for all of us – and we’ve all failed miserably in some way.
We may disagree about the future of America and think it can’t get any crazier, but our country has been through some tough times.
In 1804 Vice President Aaron Burr fatally shot long-time political opponent Alexander Hamilton in a duel. Of course we got a great musical out of that incident, but I am sure they couldn’t see that back in 1804. Do you now have the music of Hamilton in your head? I do.
Or that the election in 1864 occurred right after 620,000 individuals were killed in the Civil War and an entire half of the country had to put together the pieces of their lives.
I have taken the time and compiled what I think are a few helpful tips on how to survive the 2024 election.
1). Do your best to keep relationships over politics. Your family and friends are worth more than your opinions.
Now if that person is spouting hate filled nonsense, then maybe you just block them during this season or choose to have a heart to heart conversation with them.
2). Be a good listener. Sometimes wisdom is best shown with a closed mouth and open ears.
Everyone loves a good listener, and showing you’re willing to listen builds relationships and you might learn a thing or two.
Even better is being an informed listener. Do your homework so you can be an active listener and give a intelligent, well thought out answer when asked a question.
3). Try to not take attacks personally.
When someone posts a negative video about your candidate, it’s not an attack on you. Don’t be ashamed of your beliefs. And please don’t attack people personally for who they’re voting for. That can be a tough one.
4). Admit when you’re wrong.
There are no better words in the English language – better yet, election season – than, “I’m sorry – please forgive me.” Seriously.
Also, it’s okay if you don’t know the exact bill your candidate supported 20 years ago, and that’s a great chance for further conversation — after the fact.
5). Don’t lose your soul.
Take a step back. Breathe. And ultimately be yourself. Yes, you might get into some heated debates. You might ultimately lose friends. You might even do something you regret this election cycle. But that’s okay. Learn from it and don’t beat yourself up over it.
That’s the beauty of a democratic republic – it’s messy and it requires our participation.
As of today, there aren’t any perfect candidates or political parties, so this one is pretty easy in theory, but can be hard in practice.
Be active, let your voice be heard, and do not be ashamed, but remember there is more to life than politics.
True hope and change are found in the Lion of Judah, not the Democratic donkey or the Republican elephant.
6). Rest up and have fun.
Get away from it all. Turn off the TV. Shut the laptop. Hang up the phone.
Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Share some smiles and laughter:
And watch more cartoons. That makes everything better.
I hope these make you laugh a little and think. This upcoming election is very important and we all need to be informed voters. There are some major issues that need to be addressed. But do not allow this election season to steal your happiness. Go watch some cartoons! ~OC
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