Despondent. That word best captures my feelings in the aftermath of the 2024 Presidential election. Like millions of Americans, I cast my vote enthusiastically for Kamala Harris, believing in her vision of leadership and hope. Yet, the reality is this: Donald Trump will be the nation’s 47th President. The shadow of his forthcoming administration looms large as my thoughts vacillate between despondency and outright depression.
As I sit with these feelings, processing the weight of this reality, I recognize that lament is a fitting response. Lament is the language of grief, a cry to God when the world seems to unravel. The biblical tradition of lament offers a path forward—a way to voice our pain, ask hard questions, and yet cling to the hope that justice and righteousness will prevail.
The Bitter Reality
It is hard to overstate the gravity of this moment. With its echoes of nostalgia for a past that never truly existed, Trump’s victory feels like a step backward. Perhaps all the McDonald’s references in this election were a foreboding omen of things to come. Trump’s campaign and soon-to-be second presidential term, like a McDonald’s meal—cheap, predictable, and drenched in artificial flavor—has appealed to many who opted for the comfort of mediocrity misremembered. However, unlike a meal from McDonald’s, the consequences of this choice will not be digested and forgotten. They will shape the soul of this nation for years to come and will taint the Christian witness in this nation for generations.
Even some of his supporters, I imagine, are beginning to question the wisdom of their choice. His cabinet picks—hastily announced, riddled with scandal, and woefully unqualified—serve as early warning signs of what lies ahead. And yet, these decisions are not made in ignorance. They reflect a collective will, a preference for a leader whose record is etched in controversy and conflict.
A Cry to Heaven
Like the psalmists of old, I cry out: “How long, O Lord? Will you forget us forever?” (Psalm 13:1). My lament is not a rejection of democracy but a deep grief over its misapplication. How did we arrive here, where the ideals of truth, integrity, and justice seem buried under the rubble of divisiveness and deceit?
I lament for the marginalized, for those whose lives and livelihoods will be increasingly imperiled under an administration that views them as expendable. I lament for the erosion of truth, where lies are tolerated and even celebrated. And I lament for the church, many of whose leaders have aligned themselves with a vision of power that starkly contrasts with the kingdom of God.
Finding Sense in the Chaos
Lament is not simply an airing of grievances; it is a process of wrestling with God and seeking meaning amid chaos. One unsettling truth emerges as I reflect: this is what many of my fellow Americans want in a leader. They want the comfort of familiar mediocrity and, yes, for some, a despot who promises economic prosperity, even if it means sacrificing the ideals that once defined us as a people.
This election forces me to confront uncomfortable realities about the soul of our nation. Nostalgia has become a powerful drug, luring us into a vision of the past that glosses over our sins and shortcomings. The appeal of Trump, like the allure of McDonald’s, is rooted in a longing for something cheap and convenient, even if it leaves us malnourished.
Attempting to Move Forward
But lament does not end in despair; it points us toward action. The biblical tradition of lament is a cry for justice, a plea for God to intervene and set things right. And so, while I grieve, I also resolve to work for change.
To those who feel despondent like me, I say: take as long as you need but let’s not remain silent. Let us channel our grief into action, advocating for policies that reflect the values of love, mercy, and justice. Let’s hold our leaders accountable, demanding integrity and truth in the face of deceit. And let’s build bridges, seeking to understand even those whose votes reflect a vision of America we cannot accept.
Finally, let us pray. Let us pray for the wisdom to navigate these challenging times, the courage to stand up for what is right, and the grace to extend love even to those with whom we profoundly disagree.
Hope in Lament
In the words of Lamentations: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23). While I mourn this election’s results, I believe that hope is not extinguished. The God of justice and righteousness has not abandoned us.
And so, I lament—but I also look ahead, resolved to work for a brighter, more just future. As we navigate this new chapter in our nation’s history, may our cries of lament rise as a call to action, compelling us to seek the best possible way forward.
Photo by Stefano Pollio on Unsplash
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