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Elections are coming, get ready

Chaos is the only word to describe the last presidential election.

Between Hillary Clinton’s emails and Donald Trump’s general inflammatory nature, 2016 felt unprecedented. At only 17years old, I could feel the weight of Donald Trump’s newfound presidency shaping the character of America and its citizens. I could feel the tension dividing family members, friends, coworkers and even church members.

I remember hoping to never experience this division again. I hoped, one day, to have the privilege to ignore political discussions. I prayed for politics to disperse and for every human rights issue plaguing America to dissipate. Then, maybe, I could sleep at night.

Still, the lingering inevitability of a presidential election and the magnitude of political thought captivated my emotions following the election of Donald Trump.

Looking back, I wish I would have devoted less time delving into politics, and honestly feeling frustrated almost every day, and more time to deepening my relationships.

Please understand, I believe politics are important because people are important. If policies affect people and people affect change, I want to be as involved in the political process as possible. I want to understand the issues facing citizens of America and the rest of the world. All I want, and all many Americans want, is to help.

But, considering the toxic nature of politics, I do not believe a full immersion into the news and political arguments serve to make this world a better place. Please, watch the news and understand the issues in your community, but also remain conscious of your mental health and how your political discussions affectthe people around you.

Politics has[3] a way of controlling the thoughts and minds of those who consume it. For a long time, notifications and national conventions occupied the space inside my head. Still, every time I finished reading countless political articles or scrolling through my over-politicized Twitter feed, I felt empty and helpless.

I felt as though the fate of this world lied within the power of a few individuals in comparison to the multitude of American citizens who have varying needs and a multitude of beliefs. To be fair, the fate of society does lie within the power of a few individuals in comparison to the multitude of American citizens who have varying needs and a multitude of beliefs. Still, God has control. Furthermore, the pessimism surrounding politics in this day and age does not serve to remedy society.

I have prayed for these few months for the past two years. I prayed for Oklahoma Christian to be a safe place for all students during the 2020 election. Thanks to the coronavirus, students on this campus have been separated for 6 months. Personally, I am learning to take in every moment with my closest friends, peers and professors. I am in my last semester of college, and I am hoping to have only the best memories of students and professors here. I do not want to have memories of bitter political discussions and rivalries.

I understand the nature of politics typically does not include positivity. Still, I  am hoping at this Christian university, we are able to unite over our bond in Christ over any particular political party.

Partisan politics [4] is a driving force dividing this nation into two extreme groups. The divisiveness between the Democratic and Republican parties has encouraged an acute and harsh division in this nation. I hope this division will not extend to Oklahoma Christian’s campus.

I do not know what the atmosphere was like at Oklahoma Christian in 2016, but I encourage every student, faculty and staff member to be gracious and kind as we enter into this divisive season. Remember who you love and where your allegiance lies.


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