Transcript:
Hello everyone, it’s Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank, and I’m coming to you from St. Simons Island, Georgia, where I’m at Epworth by the Sea, a United Methodist retreat center.
And I’m here with the Council of Bishops.
But I wanted to take a moment to say to you that I am with you after we have gone through this, uh, election, this the results of the election last night. And today I wanted to give you a word.
The first word I want to give to you is it’s okay to feel whatever it is feeling, the sadness, the grief, the broken dreams, hope stashed. It’s okay to feel that and to grieve and to let your soul be restored and healed in the next few days. Don’t rush that, that process. Let God work in you.
And it’s okay to grieve for those who are being harmed in this world, in this time and, and care, care for them continuously during this time. Those who are frightened, those are worried about their children and grandchildren, those who don’t know what their future holds.
And for those of you who are pleased with this election result, I’d like to ask for your kindness and your gentleness for those who are grieving in our country. Remember that, uh, winning is not bragging that in our way of thinking of the world we win by loving each other well. So in this moment, please, please be kind with your neighbors and with those who are suffering and grieving at this moment.
Our scriptures give us all kinds of things to remind us to stay hopeful and stay centered in who God is. And Jesus said, peace I live leave with you, not as the world leaves my peace I give to you.
So today I ask that in the middle of the storm or in the middle of the joy, wherever you are at, reside in God’s peace and, and may your life be surrounded by love so that other people can know who God is.
And remember, in our conference, we continue on.
We are working to end spiritual and physical hunger, and we will continue that work every day that we are together.
I’ll be home soon. I’m praying for you and my heart is with you. God be near you.
