What to Do?

I began writing this substack during the early days of covid. It was partially an attempt to share what I considered to be important knowledge that some people might be unaware of. It was also a vehicle for me to express my feelings, as it seemed that few people were in agreement with me, even within my church. It was a very lonely time for those of us who refused to submit to the plandemic nonsense, wasn’t it? Now that many people have awakened to what was/is being done to us, I don’t feel I have as much to contribute. I’m concerned about the condition of my country and wondering what I can or should do.

Even before the attempted assassination attempt over the weekend, my social media feed was filled with posts bemoaning the divide in this nation. Now there are many more such posts. I agree with the sentiments which point to what seems an irreconcilable problem. What can be done when a significant number of people call the three assassination attempts hoaxes or charades? When people express sadness that the president was not killed? A bar owner had previously posted that he would have a “free beer night” when Donald Trump died, and expressed disappointment that the shooter failed to take out the president. How about mocking Erika Kirk, who was seen visibly upset after what had to be an especially traumatic event for her?

Our problem is spiritual. I don’t see how anyone can deny that at this point. So what can an ordinary person like me do? Of course, those of us who are followers of Christ need to, first of all, pray earnestly. We need to continue to speak out and to support organizations which are doing good work. I also believe it is important that we try to reach out and have civil conversations with those who differ with us. In the past, I have had some good discussions online with atheists. I would always stipulate that I would not engage in name calling or hateful attacks and would disengage if the other person did either of those things.

A few months ago, I saw that a local business which served as a “safe space” for LGBTQ folks was closing. The female owner was known for loudly advocating for the rights of these individuals. Not knowing how she might respond, I nevertheless decided to enter her store, express my sympathy that her dream was dying and offer to pray for her. Note my wording there. I was very intentional in what I said and in my prayer. It would not have been honest to say that I was sorry the business was closing, but I could empathize with her pain. I stated at the beginning that I am a follower of Christ and that I knew we disagreed about many things. I wouldn’t have been surprised if she had cursed me at that point and ordered me to leave, but that didn’t happen! She quietly listened and agreed for me to pray for her! My voice was shaking, but I prayed for God to reveal Himself to her and comfort her. I was so shocked at her positive reaction that, after I left, I started second guessing myself and wondering if I should have said more.

Perhaps I will be given another opportunity this week. A family member of sorts has died; my father’s second wife, for whom he left my mother. If my brother comes to the graveyard service, which is uncertain since he was so adversely affected by the divorce at a very vulnerable age, I have determined that I will attempt to hug him. This probably sounds silly, since you don’t know the history between him and I. He has persecuted me for over twenty-five years, beginning first by attacking my faith and adding politics to the mix after the infamous hanging chads controversy in 2000. After we settled our mother’s estate in 2021, he let it be known that he wanted no further contact with me. I had not spoken to him in five years, until we recently met in the aisle of a grocery store. I cheerily said, “Well, hello there!” He did not smile. He simply nodded and kept going.

If you are a praying person, would you pray for his heart to be softened, either on the day of the graveside service or at some future point? Thank you.