For the first time personally, I was told that it must be nice to be a white American and that I would never understand what a minority is going through.
I can't meet you halfway to your pain if you push me away based on a stereotype.
I can't show you how wrong you might be about me if you only want to be right.
I can't try to love you better despite our disagreements if you already hate me.
I have to admit that stung to the depths of places I didn't know existed.
I've always been white. I've always been American. I've always been a Christian. But when did I become THAT kind of white, American, Christian?
I have never considered myself better than any minority, race, or religion. I've spent many Friday nights building friendships with minorities of Johnson City because I enjoy their company and I'm always learning something from them. Heck 99% of them are smarter and more cultured than I would ever hope to be. Many are on their second masters degree and I'm still clinging to the 3 years of college that I made my way through.
To say I respect them is an understatement.
To say I love them is putting it mildly.
So why am I being lumped into the white, Christian, American stereotype of bigotry, hate, and judgement when I'm none of those things? Why am I being blamed for the hurtful things Trump supporters are shouting at these people?
Yes I did vote for Trump.
No I'm not heartless or hateful
Yes I voted against Hillary.
No I don't hate gays or immigrants or feminists
Yes I voted Republican.
No, I'm not ignorant and sheltered or uneducated or redneck and backwoods.
I have been asked, how can you vote for Trump and be a Christian?
The question should be, how can you vote for either candidate and claim that the person you voted for holds true to your Christian values?
You can't.
You can vote for either of them and how they "promise" to grow small businesses, support the working class, protect your 2nd amendment right, and to help fix the broken economy.
Neither candidate showed a Christ like attitude at any point of their campaign. And if you are shouting "Praise the Lord" for Trump winning because he is a Christian, then I'm not sure you grasp the understanding of what it means to be a Christian.
To the victors from Tuesday, drop to your knees and ask God how you can show kindness to those who are angered by the results. Ask God to help you show those people who feel betrayed that God will not abandon them. Do your best to show them yes, love does win, God's love wins and both sides need to trust Him.
To the underdogs, meet us halfway and let us show you we aren't all the same. You have asked to help you escape stereotypes at times and now we are asking you for the same. Allow us to comfort you and encourage you. Let us be a barrier to those who shed light on your deepest fears.
I am Christian. I am White. I was born an American. I voted for Trump.
I can't show you how wrong you might be about me if you only want to be right.
I can't try to love you better despite our disagreements if you already hate me.
I can see you hurting and I can see your disappointment.
I can only empathize as much as you will allow me to.
I can only try to begin to understand as much as you try to explain it.
I can and I will pray for your fears to be dissolved.
I can and I will try to get to know you for you and not your stereotype.
I can and I will be the opposite of picture that is painted of me.
Can you and will you?
