I recently returned from living in Brisbane Australia for 2 years. And where did I come back too? My home is located in Northern Virginia right outside of Washington DC, which happens to be the political hub of the United States of America.
I was inundated with constant conversations, television adverts, news shows, phone calls from political campaigns and so many different opinions! I realised how nice it was to get away for two whole years. And yet, while I was in Australia, I would get questions all the time:
What is America thinking? Donald Trump, really?
I have to admit that I was not up to date on the political frenzy of America while I was away. I guess living in the DC area my whole life wore on me. Any conversation that was non-political was attractive and felt like a breath of fresh air.
I enjoyed not having to defend my opinion all the time. Or having walls put up between myself and someone when I said I watch Fox News (conservative TV) more than I watch CNN (more liberal television). I had similar questions as I returned to the country that I dearly love.
Let me be clear. This IS NOT a pro Donald Trump article.
I came back into America with an open mind, thinking maybe there were things I didn't know. I wanted to understand why Mr. Trump was so popular when it seemed the rest of the world didn't understand. Here is what I have come up with:
Mr. Trump represents something that Americans have wanted for a long time. And what is that? Change in the political arena. They realize that there is corruption, back door deals, loopholes, wasted money and a political game that a politician must play in order to get what they want.
Americans want someone that won't be bullied, won't take bribes, will say it like it is and will stand up to the government political and money machine.Yes, he says controversial things, he is rude and has views that many republicans (and people in general) don't agree with.
But, when republicans cry out: "not another politician!" They now have a self-proclaimed non politician. Mr. Trump is a true outsider with a message often delivered and represented in an abrasive matter. Did the people get what they wanted, just wrapped up in a personality that isn't attractive?
The Bible urges us to pray for our leaders. Like it or not, he is one of our leaders.
I was talking to my grandma recently, who is one of the most godly women I know. She is also an incredible prayer warrior at the age of 87. She posed me this question: What if all the Christians in America started praying for America during this election period?
My response: I'm not sure what would happen. But, I do know that prayer changes things.
My challenge to myself and the reader: Let's pray for America and our leaders before we criticize them. Also, if we want politicians to get a long, let's start by getting along with our neighbor, even if their political views differ from our own.
Jason LaLone was on staff at YWAM Brisbane. He is passionate about discipleship, taking Jesus's command to make disciples of all nations as a practical reality that he can live on a daily basis. He loves lasagna, cats and used to dislike Monday's, making him most like Garfield. Jason is now back in America.
Jason LaLone's previous articles might be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/jason-lalone.html