In a Dark Election Season, Watch for Hope | Sojourners

In a Dark Election Season, Watch for Hope

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On Oct. 19, voters will have their third and final chance to evaluate the prowess of two presidential candidates participating in one of the most contentious elections of our time. The recent release of audio from Donald Trump bragging about violently groping women, and the subsequent defection of several of his high profile supporters, has set the stage for what will be a serious debate about the future of our nation — in more ways than one.

On Election Day, our votes may reflect our nation’s desire to embrace the values that cause us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Or they may reflect a pull to stray further from the ideals of diversity and inclusion woven into the tapestry of who we are as a country.

This election cycle has challenged all of us politically, socially, and spiritually. In the past year, vitriol and even violence against our fellow citizens has proliferated our daily lives.

This divisiveness only serves to pour salt in the wounds of a hurting nation. Today, nearly 47 million people live below the poverty line. More than 2.5 million children in the U.S. are homeless. We lead the world in incarceration. Unchecked policing procedures have rocked communities, destroyed families, and added to an ever-growing list of unarmed black men and women who have died at the hands of police or while in police custody. Institutionalized prejudice, classicism, and racism throughout our education system, housing markets, and workforce have a created a culture of distrust.

Now, more than ever, we need political candidates and elected officials on both sides of the aisle who value the rich and diverse tapestry of this nation and seek to build bridges instead of walls. And while we deserve candidates who exhibit civility and respect in their campaigns and governance, this has never been a guaranteed right. We must be committed and courageous enough to speak out for mutual respect and decency. We must challenge all leaders and hold them accountable to the values presented throughout the gospel.

Fortunately, presidential debates can offer viewers and voters an opportunity to dig deeper into candidate platforms and ideals. We will hear stances on immigration — those that honors humanity and those that eschew diplomacy. We will hear stances on race and socio-economics — those that challenges the past with an eye on a better future, and those that embraces bigotry and stereotypes.

There is a lot at stake, and we are all on the front line. Our neighbors, our families, and our friends are under attack for their beliefs and identities. Our children’s futures are being threatened by prejudice and greed. We must use this election season to commit or recommit ourselves to live by faith, pray, and strive for a vision of what we can and should be.

Hope and fear are on the ballot. In order to bridge the divides, may we choose hope.