Too Soon For That Second Deep Breath

Too Soon For That Second Deep Breath

The Fight Is Not Over

Thank God for a successful, if not peaceful, transfer of power. I, for one, felt as though the weight of the world lifted from our shoulders as we watched our country’s deliverance from evil. I’m afraid, though, it’s too soon for that second deep breath. We have more work to do.

I wish I knew where to go from here. Even though many of us have left the Evangelical Church over their support of Trump, I hope with all my heart that we have not left Jesus. I know I have not. His actions and teachings as they are recounted in the Gospels leave us an almost impossible “to do” list. I don’t know how to forgive those who claim to follow Jesus and yet continue to support Donald Trump and his agenda of treason.

Prayer Is Always An Appropriate Response

There is one thing, however, we can all do. Honestly, I’m not up to praying for my enemies yet. But we can pray for those who have been, and are, in the midst of the fight that continues. Yesterday, the Department of Homeland Security issued a Domestic Terror Alert. Anyone who’s paying attention knows that Trump’s thugs were just getting started on January 6, 2021.

Like those who lived through the aftermath of the American Civil War, we have a tragic “new normal.” Treason seems to be acceptable, at least to many Republicans. My God. I simply cannot believe it is true, but it is. The majority of Republican Senators are ready to dismiss the accused criminal without even participating in our judicial process. Like rats, they are scurrying to save their political party, curry favor with their QAnon constituents, and avoid infuriating the evil man who set it all in motion.

So, dear readers, please forgive me for the snail’s pace of my recovery.  I will bounce back, and I’m hoping our nation will do the same. We have always had evil elements afoot, as does all mankind. Cowards, villains, and heroes weave the tapestry of our human story. The Villain won’t be conquered today or tomorrow. His minion Trump will machinate from the golf course. The cowards will conspire to hold onto their power, truth be damned. But from among the Republicans, a few demonstrate courage, integrity, and honor. It is only right that we recognize them, and pray for them.

Pray For Those on the Front Lines

Ten Republican US Representatives, who bucked their party’s pressure and jeopardized their own safety as well as their careers, voted yes to the second impeachment:

Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming
Rep. John Katko of New York
Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan
Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler of Washington
Rep. Dan Newhouse of Washington
Rep. Peter Meijer of Michigan
Rep. Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio
Rep. Tom Rice of South Carolina
Rep. David Valadao of California
Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois

Five Republican US Senators who, as of Jan 27, 2021 declared their willingness to at least participate in the impeachment trial:

Senator Mitt Romney of Utah
Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska
Senator Susan Collins of Maine
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska
Senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania

Our Democratic Congressmen and Congresswomen who, by their very party affiliation, are targets of the right-wing Neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and false-conspiracy theorist QAnons.

Many of our state governors, who have endured intimidation by the Trump administration whilst trying to secure COVID-19 vaccines and economic assistance for their struggling citizens during a worldwide pandemic. A special shout-out to Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who’s doing a bang-up job for his constituents.
Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx: Welcome back! We’ve missed you. They and their families are suffering persecution and threats for trying to save the rest of us.
Many Capitol policemen fought a brave fight against men and women acting like animals. Two have died in the aftermath of the insurrection on January 6: Capitol police officers Brian Sicknick and Howard Liebengood. Let us pray for their families, and for the others who faced what was surely a terrifying mob.

What Is God Calling You to Do?

In addition to praying for those in the fight, I encourage all of us to pray for God’s direction in what He would have us do. This present darkness is far from over, so we are not done. I would love to know what you are hearing from God, so please leave a comment at the end of this post. Let me know if you would rather I not post it publicly.
I thank you, my subscribers, for your support. I am praying for you, for the heroes in the fight, and for the United States of America. Some day we will be able to take that second deep breath. May God bless and keep us, and deliver us from this present darkness. Amen.
©2021, Rachel Ophoff, Coconut Mountain Communications LLC. All Rights Reserved.