By Vernon A. Williams, Gary Crusader
Donald Trumps’ “bull in a china shop” rump over civility, humanity and intellectualism creates anxiety for many. The illusion that his unlikely ascent is unstoppable is causing some to explore Canadian real estate while others are already bracing for an apocalyptic four years of American life.
Hold on. Don’t surrender the throne to despotism just yet. No matter how bleak the picture, never count out the underdog. We live in a society in which everyone loves a winner. Most would rather jump on the bandwagon – or flee confrontation altogether – than bet on the long shot; embracing the outside chance of the seemingly impossible.
And yet both our history and present are replete with contradictions to the safe bet theory.
Consider this. Sports enthusiasts this week celebrate what is commonly referred to as March Madness as the men’s collegiate basketball tourney begins. Sixty-four teams with vastly different pedigrees are vying for a trip to Houston to compete in the coveted Final Four; for a shot to emerge as champion.
Some “favorites” enter the tournament with great expectations. Their victories are not only expected but taken for granted. The smaller schools with less conspicuous and impressive credentials face a far more formidable challenge. And even though more often than not the powerful seems to prevail, every year you can expect “miracle” victories.
Perhaps the most meaningful and enduring lesson learned from my steelworker-preacher father Rev. Willie M. Williams Sr. was the knowledge that no matter the circumstance, the Lord has the power to make “a way out of no way” – that there’s nothing too hard for God.
It’s the David versus Goliath mindset – the seemingly invulnerable giant Philistine warrior sprawled lifeless on the ground while the diminutive David rose as victor, soon to reign as king. The stone was the power of the Creator, the slingshot the weapon of faith.
The “upset” dynamic extends well beyond sports and scripture – permeating everyday life on myriad levels. You’ve seen single mothers raise presidents, ex-convicts transition to role models, impoverished children achieve incalculable wealth, some learning-challenged are later hailed as genius, and the morally degenerate transformed into spiritual leadership.
You may be your own best example of overcoming. Perhaps you rose above the lack of confidence of those who assessed your potential or exceeded even the most optimistic forecasts for your future. Maybe you rose only to get knocked down but were persistent and fought back. By instruction or experience, you know things are not always what they appear to be.
That’s the fact of this presidential election. I won’t bother you with any predictions of who will dwell in the White House a year from today. But I guarantee that it won’t be anyone whose political agenda is primarily divisive, condescending, elitist, pompous, insensitive, narrow-minded and non-inclusive.
So take your finger off the panic button and relax. Remember, 95 percent of those things people most fear never actually come to fruition. Consequently, the most debilitating effects of stress often comes not in the deed, but in fearful anticipation of deeds that never materialize.
Now, don’t get it twisted, the struggle is real. This mess is not your imagination and there will always be moments of discouragement and anxiety. That’s the nature of the enemy. But no matter how they try to conquer your mind and spirit – stand still. Don’t be consumed. The future is still anchored in the Lord and He is never the author of confusion. The faith without works ideology will require you to do your part – you will have to get out and vote.
Remember the words of Ben Stein who said: “It is inevitable that some defeat will enter even the most victorious life. But the human spirit is never finished when it is defeated… it is finished when it surrenders.”
Remember these words of Kendrick Lamar, “We gone be alright.”
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.
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