A Message from Bishop Bickerton: Reflections On The Day After

November 6, 2024

On the days before the election, I stated publicly that no matter who was elected, there would be deep feelings and raw emotions expressed.

On this day after the election, it’s true. Today is a somber, sobering day for many. It is a day when there are few words to salve the wounds of some or to temper the strong feelings in others. Some feel defeated. Others feel emboldened. We are and will remain divided.

Today is a day to be careful with our words, gentle with one another, and sensitive to the vulnerable state in which we find ourselves. In the midst of all that needs to be sorted through, I write with special concern for many who feel diminished, lessened, and even frightened today: Women, especially women of color, who are deeply gifted and blessed with extraordinary leadership skills, yet often deemed not enough, immigrants who worry about their safety, their families, and their future; all people viewed as “other” in this fractured political environment, leaders who have taken a different path who, today, worry about retribution. The list is long.

Today is a day to be careful with one another, sensitive to raw feelings and personal pain in our midst, and prayerful that somehow, some way, there may be a day when we will pursue unity rather than division, when grace rather than retaliation will be the driving force, and love, not hatred, will the standard.

Today is a day to be careful with one another because there is someone today who is afraid and in pain.

But tomorrow is a day to begin again the work of creating a just world for everyone, working tirelessly to eliminate racism and gender bias that seeks to diminish the gifts of many, creating a pathway of hope for those who have none, and navigating a channel of love that will make the world a better place for our children, our grandchildren, and, in fact, everyone wherever they are in the world.

Today it’s okay to be reflective and somber. But staying that way will only feed those who hope to keep us down. Tomorrow it’s time to let the presence of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit guide our steps and inform our words going forward.

Today the General Board of Church and Society posted this prayer written by Rev. Allison Mark and Bishop Julius Trimble. It is titled, “A Prayer for our Country after Election Day.”

Spirit of the living God, guide us in the way of peace, keep us on the path of justice, and the way of love for the whole of the human family.

We pray for those who weep today as our elections reveal winners and losers.

Our hope for a more inclusive and unified country remains our prayer, and that the Gospel and the church bring healing and help to those in most need. Amen.

At the Council of Bishops meeting today, a chorus quietly emerged as a part of our worship. It was the old Bill Wither’s song, Lean on Me:

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain. We all have sorrow. But if we are wise, we know that there’s always tomorrow.

Lean on me when you’re not strong, and I’ll be your friend

I’ll help you carry on …

May it be so. Oh Lord, our God, may it be so.

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