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When the presidential election returns are counted and a president is named, I wonder: how will people react? Some people will be happy; others will not.  I am concerned that there will be more of what we’ve witnessed this year: chaos, destruction and division.  I have worried.  I have prayed.  I have wondered what I, just one person, can do to promote care and kindness – no matter who our next president is.

Even though I am only one person, I do have power – the power to choose. One of my seminary professors said, “Every decision we make either lifts individuals and the world ‘up’ or pushes them ‘down’ into more chaos.” So, after this election, I will choose to offer “Care and Kindness.”

Whether the candidate I voted for wins or loses, I pledge to practice “Care and Kindness” in all areas of my life.

My pledge: “I will use the power I have to practice ‘Care and Kindness’ in my neighborhood, community and nation.”

Karen Mulder, founder, Wisdom of the Wounded

Some “Care and Kindness” actions include:

• Praying for individuals who are suffering and asking God to show me
  how I can care for those individuals, and then taking that caring action.
  
  
• Listening more than speaking. “Seek first to understand and then to be understood.” — Steven Covey 
  
  
• Assuming the best about those with whom I disagree and finding common ground.
  
  
• Remembering that every individual has unique experiences
  and struggles; no matter the circumstance, they are loved by God and are worthy of dignity.

Here are two other resources for you to consider for your “Care and Kindness” Pledge:

Download our free e-book, 122+ Ways to Care Well

Read these ideas for how to make a difference every day

Please consider joining me and pledging to not let the outcome of the election become a force for division, destruction, and more wasting of human energy and potential.  Instead, let’s choose “Care and Kindness.”

Photo by H. Michael Karshis; cropped and used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.