I’d like to start off by saying a few things. First, I apologize for not blog posting. I’ve found this semester to be quite challenging for a few reasons: seeing the future so close, trying to balance out school, and a social life, along with church and volunteering. The last few weeks have been extremely stressful. I’ve found myself crying out to God more and more as the weeks go by. Often times, I find myself praying for peace, understanding, guidance, and so much more. Last night, however, was different.

As I scrolled through my Facebook page I was overwhelmed with the amount of hate there was towards the elections results. Before I continue, I’d like to say I am in no way trying to offend, correct, or bash anyone’s beliefs as to who our next president should have been. I am a Republican. I am a Trump supporter, and I’m also a Christian. I am a daughter, sister, girlfriend, and teacher. I am a strong woman who is firm in her beliefs and only wants to see this country grow, but I am embarrassed and extremely taken back at the way people have reacted to this election. I am saddened by the amount of hate republicans have received. I’ve felt “scared” to express my political beliefs simply for the reaction I’ll get from those who don’t agree. When is this going to change? When will I, as a Republican, be included among the many groups that Democrats accept and support? In the very least, can’t they tolerate me?

A few words to those who feel as though they are “suffering” because of our new president: Stop making this about you. Stop thinking that you are suffering. Stop assuming this country is going to go down the drain. Stop acting like the victim and rise up. Rise up beyond what you may be feeling. Rise up as a country, and use your voices to love, protect, and be kind to others. Quit bashing on everyone. Quit calling this the “end of the world”. This is NOT the end of the world, and if the world ended tomorrow, you’d be spending your last days sending nothing but hate to the country that has given you nothing but freedom. What is all of this going to prove or change?Love one another. Pray, listen, and unite as Americans. Now’s your chance! Now is your chance to rise above the negativity and, in fact, help America “be great again”.

To all of you who think that because I’m a Trump supporter I “don’t care about African Americans or Muslims,” you are so so so incredibly wrong. To all of you who think Trump’s words don’t faze me, you’re wrong but do me a favor and look in your iTunes account; I promise you, you’ll find something just as bad, if not worse. To all of you who think because I am a Republican that makes me against the LGBT community: YOU ARE WRONG. How dare you place me in yet another section of your segregation? I am an American, and it is as simple as that. I am a human who only wants to see this country succeed. To see my people react this way to a presidential election where we get the FREEDOM to vote for who we want is mortifying. You are not showing kindness and equality like you rant and rave about. Get over your narrow-minded idea of what this country should look like and start to act like an American.

Lastly, a word of advice. Be in prayer. Cry out to God. If you’re fearful, don’t be; instead, let God work in your life. This isn’t about you or me. This is about what God has planned for our country. Respect that, honor that, and let that drive you to be the best person you can be.

Todd Mullins said, “We get what we crave. Our society is fixated on a series of housewife drama and political scandal- no wonder we choose candidates who have plenty of both.”