So Donald Trump won the American elections; and a lot of people think he is a lot of things. Vile, uncouth, a bigot, a racist or even just a greedy man are some of the terms that personally I have come across. But I wonder if when many in the world appear shocked that Trump won; is it a shock where they would have put themselves in the shoes of an American? Or merely another one of those judgmental opinions humanity always tends to have without putting themselves in the shoes of someone who actually voted for Trump?
I live in a nation where it has been said by influential people that “There is no such thing as a white African.” I did not see the bulk of Africans crying out in repulsion when this happened. Trump says African Americans are not really American and all of a sudden Africa has ears and a mouth. Is that not Bigotry? A hypocrisy as bright as daylight? Today in Zimbabwe, is it not a common place to hear the term “tuma zhing-zhong” referring to all Asian people? Was it that long ago when Mozambicans were tumaMosken? and Malawian immigrants were branded maBhurantaya? Or have the sickening images of xenophobia in South Africa so quickly faded from our minds?You may wonder where I am going this but I encourage you to keep reading, I will get there soon enough.
Is the behavior of Trump different to what many really think in secret? Have we not come across such people in our own lives; made friends with even in spite of their less than perfect way of being politically correct? Is not freedom as the world would have us believe not the ability to simply do what YOU want? Or does it now differ because it is Trump? And while we were busy getting shocked and flabbergasted that Trump won; did we even bother to find out why the message he had could be resonating with so many? Why he even won the seat for his party in the first place?
Cynically it is easy to say that it is the money that won, not Trump but that would be a shallow way of looking at it. If you are a believer and this has worked you out so bad, may I remind you that you are in the WORLD. It is called the world and by nature it is worldly so please, relax a bit. This though is not an attempt to castigate Mr Donald Trump in any way; and if I had not mentioned it, personally I might have probably voted Trump. But before I make this into an endorsement speech, which it isn’t (available upon request lol…), let me try to cut straight to the point.
I think more often, we are quick to speak and slow to hear; quick to judge and slow to understand. So often our opinions never go beyond the surface, beyond what it is obvious to search for what is hidden. So I will ask, when the voters saw in Trump a man who was at least “what you see is what you get,” not merely a seasoned actor, do we recognize the desire for authentic and trustworthy leaders.
When the message of segregation, exclusion and more control appeals, do we realize just how insecure the world is? Just how in need the world is for something that will grant them peace of mind and rest? When the message to turn around an economy appeals, do we realize just how insecure so many are even in this modern world? Do we see the need for provision or at least a guarantee? Or all we see is a foul mouthed Trump? When it appeals to the voters that Trump talks about reducing America’s big brother role, are we then aware that America is not God and that as good a land it may be, it was never meant to provide for everyone?
You see my friend, mine today concerning Trump is a simple message: to be slow to speak, but quick to hear-to look beyond the surface and look at the undercurrent that drives the waves. For only then, I believe will we be able to start to be the people that we ought to be- a people wise, gentle, caring and capable of showing the world the goodness of God in and through our lives.
Selah.