Written by: Raven Alexis, guest contributor
Matthew 25:40: “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
So, there’s been something pretty heavy on my heart. And sometimes that simply means I’m being overly emotional and need to drink a diet Coke and chill out. But other times it means I might be onto something and I should share it.
So here goes nothing.
Last Saturday, millions of men and women across the world joined together to protest President Donald Trump. While many causes were represented, the most predominant cause was women’s rights. If you have a television, you know that the marches were covered on every major news network and it appeared that everyone on social media had something to say about the protests.
Last weekend, I saw more divisiveness and nastiness on social media than I have… well, ever.
And we’re talking post-election, people.
But it wasn’t just the general lack of understanding and meanness that hurt my heart.
It was who it was coming from.
I saw Christian brothers and sisters mocking those who were marching. I saw Christian brothers and sisters name-calling protestors “crybabies.” I saw Christian brothers and sisters posting statuses using sarcasm and calling those who aren’t happy with our new President “retards.”
And it broke my heart.
Before I go any further, I should probably say this:
Christians, I get it.
I get that you had your various reasons for voting for President Trump.
I get that you believed a vote for President Trump was a vote for the sanctity of life.
I get that many of you felt as if you had no better choice or option and as a result, you made the choice to vote for the “lesser of two evils.” As a Christian, pro-life woman who happens to be a minority… I honestly (and personally) couldn’t support either candidate in the election. But for my Christian brothers and sisters who supported President Trump… now that you’ve “won” - your response to the world is so important.
Disclaimer: Photography provided by Katie Crenshaw, blogger at Twelve & Six, who attended the women’s march in Atlanta.
Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Whether you want to admit it or not, millions have been left feeling a little crushed from the weight of division in our country.
Millions have been left feeling a little brokenhearted at the reality of the state of our country. Millions have been left feeling fearful and uncertain and disenfranchised. And I promise you that just because you don’t feel disenfranchised, that doesn’t mean that the fears of those who do aren’t justified.
At this time in our country, the Church has been given such an amazing opportunity. We stand before a questioning, watching world and we can choose to show who Jesus is. I think of Jesus and His heart… and I believe He would’ve responded to the women participating in the protest so differently than most Christians have.
I believe He would have been out there on the streets… asking women why they were marching.
I believe He would have listened with gentleness as they expressed their hurts and fears.
I believe He would have answered their questions about His father.
I believe He would have engaged them in a respectful and honest conversation.
I believe He would have told them countless stories of how women were used all throughout the Bible to bring glory to His name.
I believe He would have hugged the woman who recently had an abortion and would have told her how loved she is.
I believe He would have spoken words of healing over the victim of rape and abuse, who was deeply affected by the misogynistic words of our new president.
I believe He would have cried with the woman who claims to hate men, as she never had a father to love her.
I don’t think Jesus would have name-called, shamed or would have spoken to any woman with the slightest bit of condescension. Even those who wanted absolutely nothing to do with Him… I believe He would have treated them with the utmost respect and goodness.
That’s how I believe Jesus would have responded to the women marching, with every bit of love and grace and kindness. And I believe that we have the power to do the same.
I’m not asking you to change your political views or party.
I’m not asking you to dance in the streets, clad in pink hats.
I’m not asking you to even say you agree with the reasons or causes behind the protests.
I’m asking you to put on the love of Jesus.
I’m asking you to be His feet.
I’m asking you to be His heart.
Raven Alexis blogs at The Alexis Family. Sarcasm and Diet Coke are her favorite vices. She loves Jesus and is so thankful for His love. Her hope is to encourage mothers to be in love with motherhood—every crazy minute of it. Connect with Raven on Instagram.