“Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid…” – Micah 4:4
If you’re a big fan of Hamilton the musical, you may recognize this Bible verse as a line quoted by George Washington in “One Last Time.” The real George Washington said it too, and in fact, referenced the line several times in correspondences during the Revolution and the birth of our nation.
Some believe he was referring to the influx of immigrants seeking their place in the world. He used it as an analogy for the peace and prosperity he foresaw for our democracy. Now that you know how historically significant it is, go back and read it again. Got it? Okay, good.
President Trump was inaugurated last week. I, along with many people of the U.S., am dismayed. I am frustrated with the election results, but I am especially concerned that a man who taunted and derided so many different demographics now presumes to represent us all. It is difficult to stomach such rhetoric after eight years of being led by a man who rose to prominence mainly on his inspirational oratory skills.
Trump made many well-known offenses to a number of different groups. Though they were well-documented and upsetting they did not impede his ultimate election. I was stunned.
But I want to remind you of something. President Trump may be the face of the nation now, but he is not the nation. We are. This is our country, our home, a place we and our families and our ancestors have shaped.
The political pendulum has swung to a new extreme, but it is a force in motion. Sometimes the tide turns in your favor, sometimes it ebbs away.
In the midst of it all, you have to hold your own. Stake out your corner of the country. Whatever you are passionate about, pursue it now with tenfold determination.
Write letters to Congress and call your representative. Start a petition to put something on the ballot. Attend a religious service of a faith you know nothing about. Learn a new language. Make something creative. Donate to the arts and to public, unbiased media. Teach a class in something you do really well, so others can do it, too. Join the research on climate change. Recycle and plant a garden. Keep bees and share the honey with your community. Give to those less fortunate. Write without ceasing.
The greatest and loudest protest in the next four years will be to live your life well. Show your neighbors how great America already is by showing them some love.
With a lack of inspiration stemming from Washington, I challenge you to be inspired anyway, from whatever source that may be; whether it’s musicals, founding fathers, scripture, or your own reflection. Be passionately patriotic by doing everything you can within your circle of influence to make this nation what you want it to be.
Find your vine and fig tree, and go after it – and no one will make you afraid – for that is the American promise.
