The election of Donald Trump to President has been difficult for me.  I have been praying to come to peace with the election and praying for him as he takes office.  How shall I respond to the election of a horrible person to our country’s highest office?  I have definitely become more politically active, making more phone calls to my government representatives in the last two months than I had in the 40 previous years.  My voice, which I consider moderately liberal, will be heard.

My faith in Christ guides me in this.  The person in office is not as important as Christians standing for the poor, the children and the dispossessed.  Christians are supposed to stand against the moneylenders and those who advocate evil or injustice.  But how do I stand?

I did not march on Saturday, although I thought about it and sent gas money to some friends who did.  I have always struggled with how to respond to huge, nationwide issues.  So I tend to do little acts of kindness and justice.  Give a blanket to a homeless person.  Pay a family’s rent for a month when their home burns down.  Drive an elder to the doctor and listen with them.  Treat each visitor to the National Parks with respect and give them my full attention.

Today, in my devotions, I read a poem written by Bonaro Overstreet.  The name of the poem is “Stubborn Ounces” and really spoke to how I am feeling.

You say the Little efforts that I make
will do no good: they never will prevail
to tip the hovering scale
where Justice hangs in balance.

I don’t think I ever thought they would.
But I am prejudiced beyond debate
in favor of my right to choose which side
shall feel the stubborn ounces of my weight.

I’ve been accused, from time to time, of throwing my weight around.  But this poem says it much better.  I will set what little weight I have in the world on the side that I choose.  And I choose the side of Jesus Christ.  I will keep my stubborn ounces on that side even if they don’t seem to be doing any good.  Because I continue to believe that my stubborn ounces added to yours and yours and yours will eventually tip the scales toward the kingdom of God.