By Vernon A. Williams, Gary Crusader
Let’s keep it real.
Even during the past eight years – under the first African American in the White House – seldom did the presidency directly impact your day-to-day life. Your most essential and sustained needs were, and will remain, local; that is – city, township, county and state. All are largely off the radar of the Commander in Chief, no matter who he is.
For example, your need to find or maintain gainful employment is local. The need for your children to access world-class schools is local. The safety of your family, neighborhood and city is local. Your need for quality health care is local. Your need for business growth is local.
You need pothole repair, garbage pick-up, affordable groceries, clean air and water, responsible judiciary, public transportation, manageable utility bills, wholesome family activities, culture and arts, higher education and a diverse, inclusive environment. All local.
We are too often caught looking in the wrong direction. Why would you concern yourself with interest rates when they won’t even approve your loan? Why fret over the stock market when your income is barely enough to allow a savings account? How can you possibly be more concerned about killings in Aleppo than Chicago or Indianapolis?
Consider this a loving reality check, people. Don’t get stressed out over what’s happening in Washington D.C. or the Kremlin when the real threat is around the corner, across the street, next door and downtown.
I don’t mean to marginalize the significance of who becomes “leader of the free world.” There is magnanimous influence in that lofty position. Indeed, the tone set from the top can set the tenure for the nation, possibly the world. While it is in large measure symbolic, those who respect the power of words would be foolish to downplay the impact of that voice of leadership. Who the president is matters.
But on an everyday basis – it just won’t have that much direct influence on your life. So you should get over the paralyzing post-traumatic stress resulting from the worrisome presidential election outcome.
Yes, we already have evidence that the resulting climate is contentious and the concern for both competencies and compassion at the highest level are real. But in that regard, scripture tells us to make certain to focus on what matters. No individual or group of people are as important as the temperament and wicked nature of the nation, the world.
There is no need for panic. Just brace yourself for the worse and expect the best. Your plight is spelled out in Ephesians 6:11-12 (KJV):
- Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
- For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Half the victory is knowing your enemy. No one who accepts this uncompromising doctrine can possibly enter 2017 with worry, dread, frustration, fear or apprehension. Claim victory now!
The good thing about God is, He doesn’t check to see who is president before offering assurance that no weapon formed against you shall prosper, or reminding you that you are more than conquerors. God doesn’t need to know the make-up of Congress, the cabinet or the Supreme Court to extend His unchanging hand. Grab it and hold on!
God is good ALL the time! That promise is unconditional and never expires.
Happy New Year!
CIRCLE CITY CONNECTION by Vernon A. Williams is a series of essays on myriad topics that include social issues, human interest, entertainment and profiles of difference-makers who are forging change in a constantly evolving society. Williams is a 40-year veteran journalist based in Indianapolis, IN – commonly referred to as The Circle City. Send comments or questions to: [email protected].
