In the wake of this election, many of us find ourselves in a space that is heavy and complicated. Across the country and in our communities, feelings of hurt, fear, and confusion are palpable, particularly among those who have historically been marginalized. For some, this election reveals a level of division, disregard, and deep-seated prejudice that feels almost insurmountable.
Today, I want to speak to each of you, wherever you are in this journey. I want to offer a message of empathy to those who may not fully understand the hurt and to extend a hand of solidarity to those who are carrying it. This moment is not easy, but together, I believe we can find a way forward, built on compassion, unity, and understanding.
Understanding the Hurt
For many, the results of this election go beyond a political preference or a “loss.” For marginalized communities—people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, women, and many others—this election and the strong support for candidates and policies that deny or diminish our rights are painful reminders of the prejudice that still exists in our society. When these groups see such support for leaders and platforms that overlook or even dehumanize our experiences, it can feel like an assault on our worth, dignity, and place in society.
This fear and hurt are not new; they are rooted in generations of systemic inequities and reinforced by a society that often values some lives over others. White male privilege, racial bias, heteronormativity, and patriarchal structures are real and deeply embedded. They shape our institutions, our policies, and even our interactions. For those who do not experience this struggle daily, it may be hard to understand the magnitude of this pain. But that is why I ask, if you’re among those who may not feel it as deeply, to pause, listen, and try to see this moment through the eyes of those who do.
Why This Matters So Deeply
For those who are hurting, know that your pain is valid. This is not just about policies; it’s about what this moment says about our country. When large portions of society choose leaders who disregard the well-being of marginalized communities, it can feel like a denial of one’s humanity and right to safety. The pain isn’t simply from “losing” in an election; it’s from seeing how much of our society remains indifferent to, or even in support of, ideas that harm those who don’t fit into traditional molds of privilege.
Many people feel afraid—not just for their immediate future but for the kind of society we seem to be becoming. Will we continue to be a society that embraces hate, discrimination, and division? Or can we come together to create a world where all people, no matter who they are, feel safe, valued, and supported?
A Call for Empathy and Understanding
For those who may not fully resonate with this pain, I urge you to engage with empathy. Listen to the voices of those who are hurting, even if their experiences are different from yours. Try to understand why this moment feels so heavy, so deeply unsettling, for so many people. We don’t all need to agree on every issue, but we can all agree on the fundamental dignity and worth of every human being. By choosing empathy and kindness, we can build a society that values and protects each of us.
A Message to Those Hurting
To those of you who are feeling the pain of this moment, who are tired, frustrated, and maybe even hopeless—I am right there with you. Like you, I am picking up the pieces, trying to make sense of what we do next. It’s okay to sit with these feelings. It’s okay to grieve, to feel lost, to feel hurt. Let yourself experience what you need to in order to move forward in a healthy, grounded way.
Take a break from social media, news, or the noise around us if that feels like the right step for you. This is a time to honor your needs, whatever they may be. And please remember, you are not alone in this. Reach out to someone you trust. Call a friend, check on your loved ones, or text me if you need someone to talk to. We are in this together, and it is by supporting each other that we will find our way through.
A Way Forward: Together
Even though this moment is painful, I am certain that we can find a way forward. Together, let’s commit to being a community that cares deeply, that listens openly, and that stands up for one another in both good times and challenging ones. Let’s take this moment as an opportunity to build bridges, to extend kindness, and to act with courage in the face of adversity.
It won’t happen overnight. Healing will take time, and change will require persistent, dedicated work. But step by step, conversation by conversation, we can create a future that embraces compassion, equity, and love.
So, let’s check on each other, speak up when we see injustice, and make space for every person in our community to feel seen, valued, and safe. We’ll get through this—one step, one day, one shared moment of understanding at a time.
In solidarity,
Pastor Vance
