from my heart...

Yesterday was the first time that the candidate that I voted for won the presidential election. I have been voting since I turned 18 back in 2006. I remember my mom's enthusiasm for voting and at the time she was way more excited for me to vote than I was for myself. It was through her enthusiasm that I learned how important it is to vote and be a voice in America.

In 2008 I voted for John McCain. I remember the crushing feeling I felt when he conceded on election night. But I also remember feeling hope because McCain put his trust in Obama and said he'd work with him for the good of America.

In 2012 I voted for Mitt Romney. Again, I was sad but feelings of hope remained. I had seen that Obama was a good man and that he was doing his best.

After 2012 I started feeling like maybe the Republican party wasn't the party I aligned with. I remember going to the "I Side With" website and after taking the detailed quiz, was shocked to find out that I was...a DEMOCRAT? Being a member of the LDS church, I FALSELY was under the assumption that I couldn't be a good member and also be a democrat. Could I?

Often people like to joke that posts on facebook and social media do nothing to sway the opinion of others. I am here to tell you that statement is false. It was through the heartfelt and intelligent posts of my democrat friends that I started to realize that I could be both a democrat AND a follower of Christ. That I didn't believe in the republican party anymore, because a lot of what was making the republican party good was going away.

I watched in horror as more and more people supported Donald Trump. How could my friends and people I respected and loved be in support of someone so unkind, racist, with no respect for women? I couldn't understand and it brought me to my knees in prayer regularly.

In 2014 I changed my voter registration from Republican to Democrat.

In 2016 I voted for Hillary Clinton. I didn't love her but I knew she'd do a better job than Trump. I still 100% stand behind this belief.

Sometimes I find myself feeling upset with myself for not voting for Obama in 2008 and 2012. But then I stop myself because at the end of the day, McCain and Romney were/are good men. They have backbones. They believe in working across party lines. They believe in bipartisanship. They put America first, NOT the party. And I would totally vote for them again because of those reasons.

I have lost countless lifelong friends in my defiance against Donald Trump. I have been told by members of my own church that I am going to hell. I have had lifelong friends quote scriptures at me like, "the wicked take the truth to be hard." I have had people call me to repentance. I have had people tell me that I have a darkness about me now. How is this Christ-like behavior? Some of the most Christ-like people I know are Democrats. Shocking? You haven't been paying attention and listening.

At this time I beg you to heed the words of Dallin H. Oaks:

“In a democratic government, we will always have differences over proposed candidates and policies,” Oaks said. “However, as followers of Christ we must forego the anger and hatred with which political choices are debated or denounced in many settings.”

And to, "Peacefully accept the results of elections".

I know many of you are hurting. I have been in your position before. It might bring you comfort to know that our President-Elect is a man of God and quoted the Bible beautifully many times throughout his campaign and his victory speech last night. He loves our country, God and he wants to unify us.

But if you'd rather not look for the good, I beg of you to think before you throw vitriol at others. There have been many moments in the last 6 years where I wondered where my place was in this church that I love with members that seem to think horrible things about me for having nuisance in my political thinking. For thinking of me as a terrible person, when I vote in a way that is inclusive to all people. I'm okay now but I worry for my friends that quietly voted for Biden are now hurting as I did for many, many years. If you are a true disciple of Christ, think of who you may be hurting before casting stones.

And a final note, PLEASE check what resources you are reading for your news. Is it biased? Maybe look at a different source. Bottom line is that this election has been extremely transparent. There aren't "illegal" votes.

For those that didn't vote the same as I did and you are hurting or are afraid, I am praying for your comfort and peace at this time. God Bless.