Learning from the Present

People often say that you look back on the past and use the outcomes that occurred there to direct your current and future decisions.

When I look at the history of America I see the birth of a nation that was different from any other. One that was founded on principles that gave freedom, liberty and equality to all. One that beat the unlikely odds of separating from an oppressive king and established a government that was run by the common man, for the common man. Throughout many periods of hardship America progressed. The darkened stains that once set back the country were overcome with undeniable evidence we are all able to see today. This prosperous nation that worked its way through the world’s sinful nature of persecution, slavery and discrimination made a statement of a new era of government in which citizens can happily live under.

But where is that country standing today? Reports after reports taint the image of America as political, social and international dilemmas continue to come our way. Growing up, I thought that America was finished with its years of racism and that war was unlikely because everyone worked together for a common good. But as I have matured and experienced life changing situations, I am here to say that it is not finished. The problems with our inner city gangs blast murders all over the news. Political enemies widen their gap of partisanship with each other debate (or should I say fight) after interview after discussion.

The recent 2016 presidential election left a mark on my life. One that I am neither sad nor happy about (let’s just say  indifferent).  There are so many factors, much more than I expected, that have contributed to my thought process of this historic event. The ongoing debate between conservatives and liberals, and their closed minds to the opposing party. The reactions of adults whom I looked up to following the election results. The ongoing hatred towards certain party supporters. And this is just what I witnessed personally. I could go on about the hurtful actions around the county being communicated by news sites on a daily basis.

Yet I don’t blame a certain party, person or belief group. The handing off of power to a drastically different party platform was bound to happen after 8 years of sovereignty under a liberal president. The problem lies in the American people as a whole: their stubbornness, unwilling attitudes and binding views of a “better America”. While seeing this all around me and as we approach the swearing in of a new president, I was hit with a realization of this election. It is a learning experience for the United States. And for me. An experience that teaches not only on politics, social rights, international relations and economic affairs, but on how to be an American. An American that is civil, open minded to the future and supportive of the new approach to bettering our nation.

Regardless of political view, the ensuing problems of our country affirm the point that God planned the outcome of this election for a reason. There is a lesson behind the madness surrounding our republic, and one that will need to be brought upon every human being. No person can rule the world and make it a better place on their own. So many believe that one person can really make all the difference. In reality, we are sinful humans that are greedy for power, ignorant towards anyone or thing that tells us we are not the success stories we want live up to, and oblivious of the one true God who through His omniscience, is looking down and waiting. Waiting with a merciful, open door to forgiveness and a promising life of eternal hope.

A prayer that is constant in my heart for 2017 is that our nation will be compelled together through the likeness of faith. Although I know there have been moments of trial in the past and ones that will continue throughout the future, I look at my present surroundings as an American and strive to learn from today. To survey today and tomorrow and the days that follow, so that I may be equipped for the impending life ahead of me through the wisdom being discovered by these current hardships.

Learn from the past, and learn from the PRESENT. Because the present experiences are what will remain engraved in your mind for the rest of your life, lending a hand of discernment for the future.

 

I hope you enjoyed and took something away from this read. Tell me your thoughts in the comments below! 🙂

 

Rachel Anne

 

 

James 1 19-21

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

2 Timothy 2:23-24

Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

1 Chronicles 29:11

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours.

Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.