I’ve been thinking about you and the weight of this upcoming election, and I wanted to share something from the heart.
As you sit there, reflecting on the U.S. presidential election that looms ahead, have you ever stopped to truly consider the power of your vote? You’ve likely heard it a thousand times – your vote matters – but, in a moment when your country feels more divided than ever, that statement has never been more crucial. The choice you make on election day doesn’t just set the tone for the next four years; it shapes the landscape for generations to come.
Take a moment to think about what’s at stake: policies that could either unite or deepen the divide in your nation, leaders who can inspire hope or ignite conflict. And here’s the thing -- the world is watching. The decision you make resonates far beyond America’s borders. Just recently, I found myself reflecting on the Philippine presidential election, and I realized there’s a good lesson in that election – one that you, as an American, simply cannot overlook.
So, what’s the good lesson? It’s simple: this time, more than ever, the future of America depends on how you decide to wield your ballot.
Narcissus and the Lake
Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, offers an unexpected twist on the myth of Narcissus – the young man so mesmerized by his reflection that he ultimately drowns in the lake. In Coelho’s version, after Narcissus’ death, the lake mourns not for the boy’s beauty, but for the fact that in Narcissus’ eyes, it saw its own reflection. This mutual admiration introduces a fresh take on the original tale – a theme of interconnectiveness that speaks to relationships of power, influence, and self-interest.
This story reminds me of the unique, sometimes controversial, dynamic between former U.S. President Donald Trump and former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Headlines, like Trump hails ‘great relationship’ with Duterte (The Guardian) and Duterte says Trump deserves to be reelected (Reuters), underscore how their connection mirrored a mutual fascination, much like Narcissus and the lake.
A Good Lesson from the Bible
Speaking of a good lesson, I took the liberty of drawing from a powerful line spoken by Jesus: No one is good – except God alone. While not diving deep into doctrinal meanings, I included good in this letter’s title as a nod toward seeking higher wisdom in making such important decisions.
I didn’t vote for Duterte, despite hailing from his home region of Mindanao. My decision was based on Luke 6:45: A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Duterte’s words, often highlighted by the international press, painted a picture far removed from the Christian values I hold dear. His inflammatory comments, like comparing himself to Hitler, and shocking remarks about women, journalists, world leaders, and even God, deeply troubled me.
On the other hand, Trump, too, has been no stranger to such rhetoric. From calling the media spies to inspiring hate with his speeches, the echoes of Duterte’s bold style are impossible to ignore. But here’s where the good lesson from the Philippines comes into play.
Who Should You Vote For?
In deciding who to support in the upcoming U.S. election, should Christian values be part of the equation? Absolutely. A recent analysis shows that 50% of Americans view the U.S. as a Christian nation, with the largest backing for this belief coming from white Christian conservatives.
So, here’s the problem: Who should you vote for in the upcoming election?
Let’s approach it with a system-thinking mindset. Consider the inputs, processes, outputs, and feedback we’ve seen before.
Input 1: Rodrigo Duterte
Process: Luke 6:45 – For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
Output: “Worst president ever?” (Inquirer columnist)
Feedback: The question mark awaits a potential International Criminal Court arrest warrant.
Input 2: Donald Trump
Process: Luke 6:45 – For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
Output: Labeled as “the most dangerous man in the world” by psychological experts and described as a fascist by a former U.S. Army general.
Feedback: Involved in thousands of lawsuits over decades, and still awaiting trial outcomes.
In closing, I leave you with this question once more: Who should you vote for in the coming election?
If you’re guided by Christian values, particularly as a white Christian conservative, then the answer may seem clear. But if you find yourself relying on the same inputs, expecting a different output or outcome, take a step back. As Einstein said, repeating the same actions while expecting a new result – that’s the very definition of insanity.
Whatever choice you make, let it be one made with wisdom, discernment, and a deep understanding of the future you wish to create for your country.
May God bless you, and God bless the U.S.A.!
Content and editing put together in collaboration with ChatGPT
Head collage photos courtesy of Amazon.com & American Philatelic Society
Still photos courtesy of The Indian Express, NBC News, Adobe Stock, CNBC, & Pixabay
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