Heartbroken for @staceyabrams. Bummed for @betoorourke. Fingers crossed for @raphaelwarnock. Happy for blue victories across the country. Grateful mama of 4 Gen Z’ers who voted in record numbers for things that matter, like justice and equal rights. My votes in SC didn’t help much but I won’t give up.
OMG I know where that is! I lived in Streetsboro for a year (1999-2000) and taught school in Aurora. I was born in Dayton, grew up in West Liberty, then lived in Columbus most of my adult life until we moved to Cambodia in 2015.
One of mine is an immigrant with a green card and will vote as soon as he can, the youngest will be 18 in time to vote in 2024. The middle two voted for the first time in 2020 💙
Cautiously optimistic. Very grateful for blue wins in my state which will protect the rights of women and the vulnerable, and preserve democracy. My husband and I (former evangelical republicans) were talking yesterday about how the last 6 years have worked to reveal to us who our country really is. Initially, we were appalled bc it felt like our country had changed—now we know better. It’s who we’ve always been. But that’s not the end of the story. It’s still being written, and we get the chance to participate.
You are right and it is not the end of the story. I’m praying that as more of the ugliness gets exposed, more decent people will step up and say “No more!”
the last 6 years have revealed so much . . . that as you said, has always been here. I'm most heartbroken over where the American church is . . . and isn't . . . in all of this.
I would love to see evangelical republicans take back their party and do better. I think Jerry Falwell Sr and the moral majority ruined evangelicals. We all were under the spell. Me included. I just hope there's a way that we can take capitalism and power out of the church. Maybe someday. I still have hope.
I live in Wisconsin. Things are turning out a little better than I expected, although it looks like we will now be represented by an insurrectionist and election denier in congress. That said, I worked the polls yesterday at a site that is on a university campus and we had lines out the door to register and vote. Watching first time voters put their ballots in the voting machine was so exciting. Handing out the “I voted” stickers was so fun. I’m feeling buoyed by these young people 💜
Grateful for you and the wins. I have a tendency to be anxious and depressed, and the past few years are taking a toll. I haven't figured out a way to mitigate my distress. I have been very involved with local races, (another source of stress for me), and try to do a lot of self care, but any advice is welcome. Peace Shelley
Shelley you are not alone! There is still a lot of good in this nation! We just have to be on the lookout for it and celebrate all the wins, no matter how small!😀😀😀
Shelley... I am easily overwhelmed with emotion over these things. My advice is to take deep breaths and.... I dance A LOT. I goofy dance so much that my husband is threatening to video tape me doing it and post it! I ride my stationery bike when I'm anxious while watching terrible stupid shows like the Real Housewives and great dance shows like Legendary and So You Think You Can Dance. And, I take a lot of walks and talk to a lot of trees (I really talk to trees) and I pray and pray and every night I listen to The Collected Stories of Winnie-the-Pooh. There's a production on Audible with Stephen Fry and Judi Dench and bunch of others Brits that's delightful!!! And, laugh myself silly to sleep with Eeyore. It's not a perfect life plan. But I think I'm surviving. I'm a little of this....😬 but also a little of that...🤣
I’m exhausted and discouraged. I didn’t expect to win most of South Carolina’s state and federal races, but a Democratic governor would have protected abortion access and a Democratic super of education would have protected our kids. We got neither.
I live in TX, and I just feel sad and heavy. I didn't actually expect TX to flip; I knew it was unlikely, but I "hoped" anyway. I'm thankful and encouraged. that it was not a mass "red wave". Yes, fingers crossed for Warnock and AZ too.
Heavy and sad to live in a state where people swing Bibles in equal if not greater numbers than they open carry guns, and yet, we collectively vote like we've never learned anything about Jesus. I'm sad for the oppressed and the marginalized, I'm sad for my daughter and I'm sad for my sons. I'm not at the action steps point, as the older two are in HS, but in the next 3-5 years think I will be leaving TX.
I've had to remind myself that God is good, and he is still in charge . . . but that was God and in charge when His chosen people were exiled to Babylon because of their choices . . . I'm weary and sad, but here for the long game.
Same. I woke up heavy. I went to bed heavy. So many churches and so much wealth...and so many disparities. I still tense up when the wind gets cold. I still cry over the children of Uvalde and the truck full of migrants who suffocated to death this summer. I still remember the cages at the border. I still remember the maternal morbidity rate for people like me--no matter our education or income. I still remember the massive numbers of uninsured (I am more often than not in that number), unhoused, and under-educated folks, doomed by zip code or skin color.
And with all the wealth and religiosity of Texas, it is still most ample with apathy or loathing.
There is an Eli song that says, "and I think that God weeps too" . . . I think about that line often, but just now reading your comment, and that last line too spot on. I lament.
I lived in TX for 12 years and I love so much of that state. I'm just sad for y'all. I always thought we might end up back in Texas.... but now. I'm not so sure.
Sad for residents of Texas, Florida, & Georgia. Disappointed in the citizenry who vote for cult of party instead of for the good of the country. Grateful for young voters, women, people of color, who made these races so very tight.
Relieved in Michigan that the 3 proposals passed & the Gov, SOS & AG were all re-elected. Sad for the places where that didn’t happen. Even sadder that truth and justice have become suppressed abs even demonized. We have much to do as people of faith called to do justice, love mercy, and walk humble with God.
I’m just sad. I feel defeated. How can people look common sense in the face and say “no thanks!” ??? The worst part is living inside of hypocrisy where people bless your heart with a gun to your head. In my city we elected a lot of republicans and I thought we were a little more purple than that at least. But no, towed that line. Like others have said, we are forming our exit strategy. In my city this year there have been several pushes to ban LGBTQ literature in our public library and our state elected a woman who was literally purchased her degree this year to be technically qualified to run for state school superintendent. No one cares if anyone knows anything about the jobs they’re being given, they only care that their power remains safely in their hands. ☹️
Oh Mina, I'm so sorry. I lived in Austin for over a decade and I'm grieved... Being in Chicago has helped but you know--it's not Austin. I'm sad that we probably won't have ever really live in Austin again.
Thank you Marcie ❤️ I’ll look at it as inspiration to experience a new place after a lifetime in TX. Thankful I live in Austin, so I do have a community here (albeit small), I have good loving caring friends to share this life with. ☺️ I’m also VERY thankful for the crazy twist time has put on the world, that even through some crazy shiii, I have access and have come across people like you and this beautiful community online to also share this life with!! As always, I appreciate the wisdom and love you pour out on us ❤️
I feel relieved we didn’t have the red wave that was predicated. But I also feel similar to everyone else who’s posted. Frustrated. Sad. Clinging to a tiny sliver of hope. Enraged at the inhumanity and lack of empathy and compassion. But mostly I feel ashamed. Ashamed that the white-American-capital-C-Church has chosen fear, exclusivity and self-righteousness instead of courage, love and humility. I read some in Amos yesterday and the parallels between Israel’s behavior and whites America’s behavior is uncanny.
I clinging to that tiny sliver of hope too!!! But don't carry anyone else's shame. I will not carry Kanye's or Hershel Walker's shame. You don't have to carry these right-wing, maga-heads shame.
This is what I posted on IG this morning. 💙
Heartbroken for @staceyabrams. Bummed for @betoorourke. Fingers crossed for @raphaelwarnock. Happy for blue victories across the country. Grateful mama of 4 Gen Z’ers who voted in record numbers for things that matter, like justice and equal rights. My votes in SC didn’t help much but I won’t give up.
I’m in SC, too and feel like I cannot make one bit of difference in a place that doesn’t even send challengers against people like William Timmons.
Yeah. 😔 I’m originally from OH and have lived here in SC for 2.5 years. I’m not giving up but it does feel a little hopeless.
Oh my gosh! I'm originally from Ohio. Have we discussed this before?
I don’t think so!!! Where in OH??
Northfield OH which is between Cleveland and Akron.
OMG I know where that is! I lived in Streetsboro for a year (1999-2000) and taught school in Aurora. I was born in Dayton, grew up in West Liberty, then lived in Columbus most of my adult life until we moved to Cambodia in 2015.
Oh my gosh!!! Yesss. I'm so proud to be a mom of a Gen-Z kid. They showed up!!!!
One of mine is an immigrant with a green card and will vote as soon as he can, the youngest will be 18 in time to vote in 2024. The middle two voted for the first time in 2020 💙
I am cautiously optimistic because there are no current indicators that a true Red Wave materialized!!!
I think cautiously optimistic is good. Honestly, I'm fine if Republicans are elected so long as they're not crazy, stop-the-steal, maga-heads!!!!
Cautiously optimistic. Very grateful for blue wins in my state which will protect the rights of women and the vulnerable, and preserve democracy. My husband and I (former evangelical republicans) were talking yesterday about how the last 6 years have worked to reveal to us who our country really is. Initially, we were appalled bc it felt like our country had changed—now we know better. It’s who we’ve always been. But that’s not the end of the story. It’s still being written, and we get the chance to participate.
You are right and it is not the end of the story. I’m praying that as more of the ugliness gets exposed, more decent people will step up and say “No more!”
the last 6 years have revealed so much . . . that as you said, has always been here. I'm most heartbroken over where the American church is . . . and isn't . . . in all of this.
I would love to see evangelical republicans take back their party and do better. I think Jerry Falwell Sr and the moral majority ruined evangelicals. We all were under the spell. Me included. I just hope there's a way that we can take capitalism and power out of the church. Maybe someday. I still have hope.
What I posted on insta today:
“ As I'm no longer eligible to vote in US elections and, thus, have no right to comment, I'II only say this once:
My home state of GA is a dumpster fire of manure governor-wise. But at the tiniest least they did not elect the football player.”
I now live in Ontario, Canada, which is trying its damnedest to become the US 👎🏻
Also in Ontario and equally disgusted with the Premier (like a governor, Americans) and proud of and encouraged by the public pushback he's receiving!
Yeah.... Canada is facing a lot of nationalistic ideology these days too I think because of the US. Sorry for that.
I live in Wisconsin. Things are turning out a little better than I expected, although it looks like we will now be represented by an insurrectionist and election denier in congress. That said, I worked the polls yesterday at a site that is on a university campus and we had lines out the door to register and vote. Watching first time voters put their ballots in the voting machine was so exciting. Handing out the “I voted” stickers was so fun. I’m feeling buoyed by these young people 💜
Oh my goodness! Thank you for being at those polls and what an amazing day for you to help so many young folks!
Grateful for you and the wins. I have a tendency to be anxious and depressed, and the past few years are taking a toll. I haven't figured out a way to mitigate my distress. I have been very involved with local races, (another source of stress for me), and try to do a lot of self care, but any advice is welcome. Peace Shelley
Shelley you are not alone! There is still a lot of good in this nation! We just have to be on the lookout for it and celebrate all the wins, no matter how small!😀😀😀
Shelley... I am easily overwhelmed with emotion over these things. My advice is to take deep breaths and.... I dance A LOT. I goofy dance so much that my husband is threatening to video tape me doing it and post it! I ride my stationery bike when I'm anxious while watching terrible stupid shows like the Real Housewives and great dance shows like Legendary and So You Think You Can Dance. And, I take a lot of walks and talk to a lot of trees (I really talk to trees) and I pray and pray and every night I listen to The Collected Stories of Winnie-the-Pooh. There's a production on Audible with Stephen Fry and Judi Dench and bunch of others Brits that's delightful!!! And, laugh myself silly to sleep with Eeyore. It's not a perfect life plan. But I think I'm surviving. I'm a little of this....😬 but also a little of that...🤣
That's great advice, thanks!
Or crazy 😂
Hopeful my state stays blue (Nevada) as we await results. Relieved there was no real red wave.
I've been keeping my eye on your state too. It seems that it's tricky there this time around.
I’m exhausted and discouraged. I didn’t expect to win most of South Carolina’s state and federal races, but a Democratic governor would have protected abortion access and a Democratic super of education would have protected our kids. We got neither.
I am not surprised Henruh won but Weaver?! That was a very sad surprise.
I agree. They would rather elect someone unqualified to guide their children’s education just because she supports hateful conservative ideology.
It's soooo exhausting.
I live in TX, and I just feel sad and heavy. I didn't actually expect TX to flip; I knew it was unlikely, but I "hoped" anyway. I'm thankful and encouraged. that it was not a mass "red wave". Yes, fingers crossed for Warnock and AZ too.
Heavy and sad to live in a state where people swing Bibles in equal if not greater numbers than they open carry guns, and yet, we collectively vote like we've never learned anything about Jesus. I'm sad for the oppressed and the marginalized, I'm sad for my daughter and I'm sad for my sons. I'm not at the action steps point, as the older two are in HS, but in the next 3-5 years think I will be leaving TX.
I've had to remind myself that God is good, and he is still in charge . . . but that was God and in charge when His chosen people were exiled to Babylon because of their choices . . . I'm weary and sad, but here for the long game.
Right here with ya.
Same. I woke up heavy. I went to bed heavy. So many churches and so much wealth...and so many disparities. I still tense up when the wind gets cold. I still cry over the children of Uvalde and the truck full of migrants who suffocated to death this summer. I still remember the cages at the border. I still remember the maternal morbidity rate for people like me--no matter our education or income. I still remember the massive numbers of uninsured (I am more often than not in that number), unhoused, and under-educated folks, doomed by zip code or skin color.
And with all the wealth and religiosity of Texas, it is still most ample with apathy or loathing.
There is an Eli song that says, "and I think that God weeps too" . . . I think about that line often, but just now reading your comment, and that last line too spot on. I lament.
I lament with you.
The Uvalde kids....and the migrants... I am so shocked that Beto didn't win.
I am deeply disappointed, but not shocked…grieving though.
I lived in TX for 12 years and I love so much of that state. I'm just sad for y'all. I always thought we might end up back in Texas.... but now. I'm not so sure.
Sad for residents of Texas, Florida, & Georgia. Disappointed in the citizenry who vote for cult of party instead of for the good of the country. Grateful for young voters, women, people of color, who made these races so very tight.
I want to buy every Gen Zer who voted a pony!
Relieved in Michigan that the 3 proposals passed & the Gov, SOS & AG were all re-elected. Sad for the places where that didn’t happen. Even sadder that truth and justice have become suppressed abs even demonized. We have much to do as people of faith called to do justice, love mercy, and walk humble with God.
Amen!
Yesss... that was very good news about the 3 proposals and Governor.
Saddened that Texas is such a shipwreck at the moment.
I still hold out hope for 2024. There's work to do for sure but I know so many Texans such as yourself who are pushing through.
I’m just sad. I feel defeated. How can people look common sense in the face and say “no thanks!” ??? The worst part is living inside of hypocrisy where people bless your heart with a gun to your head. In my city we elected a lot of republicans and I thought we were a little more purple than that at least. But no, towed that line. Like others have said, we are forming our exit strategy. In my city this year there have been several pushes to ban LGBTQ literature in our public library and our state elected a woman who was literally purchased her degree this year to be technically qualified to run for state school superintendent. No one cares if anyone knows anything about the jobs they’re being given, they only care that their power remains safely in their hands. ☹️
Exactly... I don't think people care if folks are actually qualified to do the job. It's bizarre!!!!
disappointed
A little numb but not devastated. In TX it’s hard to be too hopeful that the majority would make empathetic choice at the polls.
Will keep the faith and stay the course….but definitely will not be staying in Texas forever.
Oh Mina, I'm so sorry. I lived in Austin for over a decade and I'm grieved... Being in Chicago has helped but you know--it's not Austin. I'm sad that we probably won't have ever really live in Austin again.
Thank you Marcie ❤️ I’ll look at it as inspiration to experience a new place after a lifetime in TX. Thankful I live in Austin, so I do have a community here (albeit small), I have good loving caring friends to share this life with. ☺️ I’m also VERY thankful for the crazy twist time has put on the world, that even through some crazy shiii, I have access and have come across people like you and this beautiful community online to also share this life with!! As always, I appreciate the wisdom and love you pour out on us ❤️
I feel relieved we didn’t have the red wave that was predicated. But I also feel similar to everyone else who’s posted. Frustrated. Sad. Clinging to a tiny sliver of hope. Enraged at the inhumanity and lack of empathy and compassion. But mostly I feel ashamed. Ashamed that the white-American-capital-C-Church has chosen fear, exclusivity and self-righteousness instead of courage, love and humility. I read some in Amos yesterday and the parallels between Israel’s behavior and whites America’s behavior is uncanny.
I clinging to that tiny sliver of hope too!!! But don't carry anyone else's shame. I will not carry Kanye's or Hershel Walker's shame. You don't have to carry these right-wing, maga-heads shame.
So true. Thank you for reminding me of that 💛