Like many of you, I was deeply grieved, horrified, and even angered by the violence and protests in our nation’s capital this week. It’s not the American way. It’s beyond wrong. It’s tragic and evil.

Violence and radical protests are not the answers to what troubles many Americans. As Alliance Defending Freedom President and CEO Michael Farris stated late Wednesday:

“America is not defeated by one election. America is defeated when we stop believing in and following our constitutional system. We still believe in America.”

Our nation needs to find ways to heal and once again pull together as Americans.

May each of us be the one to show the way forward; to set an example for how to speak with, and love one another as neighbors; to have civil discourse.

I’m profoundly grateful for voices like Michael Farris’s and others this week who remind you and me that we needn’t despair, even in a tragic week that started with the U.S. House of Representatives concluding a prayer with “Amen and Awoman.” Of course, Amen is an expression of agreement. It means, “it is so” or “truth.” It has nothing to do with gender.

From the absurd, to the outrageous, this week has brought many people to a place of reflection.

This is what I posted on Facebook the other day:

Our nation faces many significant challenges in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead. It is not a time to grow weary in well doing. It is not a time to give up hope.

For those who call upon the name of Jesus and are Christ followers, it is a time to keep our eyes focused on Him and to take even more seriously the biblical call to be ambassadors for Christ. It is a time to know more deeply than ever that God is sovereign over the affairs of man. And to know that we are here for such a time as this.

There is much around us to be troubled about. Yet we are to count it all joy when encountering trials. May God grant us peace in the midst of this turmoil. May God have mercy on us. And may His grace abound. Most of all, may God send us real revival for the heart of man to turn towards Him and live out our biblical beliefs in a Christ-honoring way.

By God’s providence, I spent part of the week with like-minded colleagues from many states that share our mission and hope. To a person, all are committed to advocating for our beliefs and forging ahead in all circumstances. That is part of our hope moving forward.

Chuck Weber, Executive Director of Kansas Catholic Conference quoted Mother Theresa that we are , “Not called to be successful but called to be faithful.”

Another, Karen Bowling, Executive Director of Nebraska Family Alliance shared the  Corrie ten Boom quote : “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future with a known God.”

Greg Baker of The Family Leader in Iowa wrote, “When Americans make government their source of hope, they make government their idol. Government is important, but it must never be our idol. There is a King that we can rest our hope in, that we can worship, but He does not reside in Washington, He resides in heaven.

The “transfer of power” was not at true risk today. Our institutions held. A new Congress was formed and a new president will be sworn in. But if the current heart and American spirit continues, this may not always hold true.”

And Bob Vander Plaats, CEO of The Family Leader finishes with this: “In all circumstances, even today, Jesus’ still, calm voice reverberates, ‘Fear not.’”

Bob has a saying that has become a staple around the office at Center for Arizona Policy:

Think Bigger. Look Higher.

In closing, consider this National Prayer for Peace from the Book of Common Prayer (1928) and let’s join together in praying for our nation:

Almighty God, Who has given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable ministry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people, the multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endow with Thy spirit of wisdom those whom in Thy name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth. In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ICYMI

• Read Al Mohler’s thoughtful analysis of the run on the Capitol here.
• Read the Daily Signal’s reminder of the costs of mob rule here.
• Watch Vice President Mike Pence speak at the Capitol Thursday after order was restored here.

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