What Matters in the Marching Mess

 I have kept my mouth shut this past weekend regarding Trump’s inauguration and the Women’s March… largely because I’ve been processing, figuring out what I feel about it, organizing my response in my mind before blurting it out my mouth. I’ve kept quiet because I didn’t want to simply jump on the nearest bandwagon, or say something I would later regret, or needlessly offend someone by speaking out without a fully developed viewpoint.

So I’ve spent the weekend taking it all in and processing it – reading news articles, reading blogs, reading Facebook posts from people on various sides. Discussing the issues with my husband. Writing this post a few sentences at a time. Trying to discern the truth amidst all the untruth.

And mostly, I’ve been sad. Appalled at the hate and anger screaming in the streets and screaming all over the internet. Wondering at how people can “march for love and tolerance” and yet verbally rip apart anyone who disagrees with them. Incredulous at some of the things being demanded. Grieving for the utter selfishness and lostness portrayed in our beloved nation this weekend.

To me, all of that is far more tragic than a crude-mouthed President or any rights that anyone might be lacking.

Selah’s song “Unredeemed” has been playing in my head today, and especially the line: “We live in the shadow of the Fall.” That truth is so painfully evident right now, isn’t it?

I realize there were many people attending and supporting these marches across the country who are simply and sincerely concerned: about immigrants who could be forced from their homes; about their homosexual friends; about the health plights of women in poverty. Their care and concern for others is commendable. 

But in reality, those few marching for unselfish reasons were loudly and hopelessly overpowered by the ones shouting profanity, hate, entitlement, and the desire to kill their unwanted babies.

Matt Walsh phrased it perfectly in his article on TheBlaze:

It’s fair to say that once a political demonstration cites baby murder as a fundamental value, nothing else it stands for really matters. I cannot take a march seriously after it has professed an affinity for child killing, just as I cannot willingly consume your homemade chocolate cake after you inform me that fecal matter is one of its ingredients. (see full article here)

I also know that there are people who truly feel threatened by and afraid of what the new President stands for. They fear their safety, privileges, freedoms, and lifestyle being taken away, and for some, those worries may turn out to be legitimate. I do not discount these precious individuals and their fears. They are unique, beautiful humans, created in the image of God, loved by Him… and their stories matter.

But – I can promise you that our God cares far more about their souls than about their LGBTQ rights.

He is much more concerned about their eternal salvation than which side of the border they live on.

He would much rather see them embrace forgiveness and mercy than demand rights and retribution.

He longs to heal the hurts of their hearts, no matter what pain may have brought them to this point.

Shouldn’t that be our desire, too? If we are followers of Jesus, shouldn’t our burden for hurting people be for their life to be healed and transformed by God…. not for their right to equal wages or free birth control?

Let’s focus on what truly matters in this mess, friends.

Yes, the new President has made some terrible remarks about women and minorities. The words are sickening and I don’t support that. Yes, some people will lose their access to affordable health benefits. It will feel painful and unfair. Yes, this is a world in which women must live in constant awareness of our surroundings and potential dangers. I don’t think there has ever been a time in history when this wasn’t true. And yes, our country is ripping itself apart at the seams, as people choose to be destructive instead of to respectfully disagree, and scream and fight for their own wants in the name of “love.”

But let’s ask ourselves what matters, ultimately.

• In the end, it’s all in God’s hands: the fate of the nation, the heart of the President, your life, my life, their lives.
• In the end, my calling as a Christ-follower is to trust God with everything and pattern my life after Jesus – which absolutely includes loving people, but not the style of “love” demonstrated this weekend.
• In the end, all of this chaos will fade away when we stand before God our Judge, and all that counts is whether we know Him and whether we told others about Him.

So I’m not judging Christians who participated in the march – and I know several personally who did. I’m simply saying, sisters, let’s think about what we’re standing for (and what it looks like we’re standing for), and let’s focus on what truly, eternally counts.

 

You are welcome to politely agree or disagree. Please refrain from rude comments, but I would love to hear your opinion!