Dear President Trump,
I’ve tried so hard to figure out how to articulate what I need from you, what I believe the people of the United States and the rest of the world need, from you. I can’t find the perfect words, but what I do know is this: It’s not about policies, it’s about character. I won’t presume to judge what’s inside of you, but I believe that, in the long run, a leader’s character is more important than his policies.
You rode to office on a tide of anger, and anger can serve a purpose when it’s directed toward things, rather than people. So build bridges, not walls, sir. Temper your outbursts. Cease to ridicule those who disagree with you. Instead, look to persuade. And find the humility to admit when you’re wrong. Seek counsel from those with other perspectives. Don’t just listen. Hear. Model in yourself what is so desperately lacking in our culture: civility.
When a young man saunters across the street in front of my car, forcing me to slam on my brakes, never deigning to even glance in my direction, I worry. Not about his hostility, but about his indifference. Because differences can be resolved, but indifference can’t. Indifference doesn’t care. It refuses to acknowledge the rights or even the existence of the other.
I beg you not to be that person, sir, but instead to find the root of civility within you that says to others, “You matter. And so, although I disagree with you, I will build a bridge, not a wall.”
I began by saying I didn’t know what I needed from you. I now realize this letter should have been about what you need from me. And so you have it, sir: I pledge to pray daily for your success in modeling and drawing out of the American people—of all people—not just greater material success, but greater civility, greater compassion, greater character.
This is my pledge to you, and I will keep it.
MT
I hope we actually get down on our knees and pray for this president. We really didn’t with Obama. We just seethed. Let’s not repeat that mistake.
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Amen.
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I beg to differ. I prayed for Obama every day. (I still do – force of habit, I guess.) I got the feeling, though, that my prayers were often cancelled out by the hatred coming from “Christians,” and I begged them to stop hating and start praying, as we were commanded to. … So I guess I do agree with your general statement. Until we (collectively) learn to pray for our leaders, this country will continue its downhill slide.
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For the record, not all of us seethed at President Obama.
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Mitch, you offer what it is we each can do. Prayer for national elected leaders down to the local elected leaders is so important! Thank you for such a great reminder on such a historical day!
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Thanks for this–we have similar impulses, so I will post the letter I wrote here. I do want to note that President Obama, as a fellow Christian, and Hillary Clinton, as a fellow Christian, had my daily prayers as well. And will continue to have them, as we face what we’ve done in this election.
Dear President Trump,
Congratulations on your win. It was spectacular, and will, without a doubt, go down in history, no matter what comes next. But it is no longer about winning. You won. That’s over. It is now about governing. You have a chance to make history again—but not by continuing the tactics that helped you win. That’s what everyone expects. You will not be remembered by who you make richer, but by the balance you strike. You won’t be remembered by hanging with your cronies or fulfilling the far right’s agenda. That’s what everyone expects. Surprise them all again. Use your many gifts to govern wisely, fairly, and with an eye to future generations. They are the ones who will remember you. Let them remember you well.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers daily. You have the future of the world in your hands.
Rita
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Well said, Rita!
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Great letter, Rita – thanks for sharing. Unfortunately he WILL be remembered if he hangs with his uber-wealth cronyism approach – just not fondly or with feelings of respect. I join you in urging him to govern in a way that will allow him to be remembered well.
xx,
mgh
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Thank you Madelyn–I’m new to the blog world, so I especially appreciate the encouragement–and your wisdom.
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Thank you God for putting Trump in office.
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Thank God for Trump.
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Thank god someone said it -Civility is what he needs. And I appreciate the way you differentiated between differences and indifference.
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Thank you, Pradita.
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Thank you for posting this open letter. Although addressed to President Trump, many of us need to heed your words and apply them to our thoughts and actions.
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Mitch, do you realize that right now tens of thousands of DC protesters are charging barricades of riot police, and were being met with heavy pepper spray, riot batons and flash bang grenades.
Under the circumstances, your open letter to a psychopathic liar seems so naive, kind of like believing the sky god will make everything okay, so pathetic…
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So you’re suggesting I not pray for Trump because he so badly needs it? Or that prayer is only effective for those who don’t need it? Or that prayer is pointless because there is no God? In which case prayer for a bad person would be no less rational than prayer for a good person.
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Right, it’s not rational, no matter whether or not you protest against riot police on the streets of DC or pray for bad person to be a good person, it’s not rational to believe that someone who can’t tell the same story twice, with a capitalistic government of psychopathic lying politicians that take bribes from multi-national corporations, will ever make America Great Again… imo
I know you want to believe, but it’s not rational, don’t forget what happened to Abraham, Martin, Bobby and John… https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham,_Martin_and_John
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Did Someone Say Dracarys? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9ihSLCw9_0
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Perfect letter, Mitch, filled with truth and grace. You’re speaking my language.
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Thank you for your beautiful and meaningful letter. You said it all, my friend. ❥
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As repeated from earlier today: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty…” ~1 Timothy 1:2 (KJV)
Encouraging post…
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Amen, Stormie. And of note: Paul wrote that at a time when “kings and authorities” meant Roman rulers who were openly hostile toward the people he (Paul) was writing to.
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Yet, appropriate today…
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“I worry. Not about his hostility, but about his indifference. Because differences can be resolved, but indifference can’t. Indifference doesn’t care.” Yes. Well said.
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Yes, THIS!
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He, like all Presidents before him, can use all the prayers they can get.
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Beautifully stated.
I extend my prayers to the American people, that they will continue to protest the injustices that are likely to come, but always in a peaceful fashion. And to the uber-rich, that they might speak up to support a more equitable distribution of wealth through tax reform.
And to our Senators and Congresspeople: may they find within them the courage to use those checks and balances still in place, to encourage all currently in power to consider how policies will affect ALL Americans.
And to those dispatched to “keep the peace” – may they do so peacefully.
And to *anyone*considering dispatching incendiaries that they might think again, considering consequences carefully. Marshall Law and curfews would decimate First Amendment Rights.
Violence is never the appropriate answer – and will be unlikely to yield a solution.
xx,
mgh
(Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMore dot com)
– ADD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder –
“It takes a village to transform a world!”
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Well thought and well said, Madelyn.
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Thanks. It usually takes a great many prayers for peace to overcome even a little bit of hate-mongering. Hate tends to breed more of the same. Ditto fear.
xx,
mgh
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Loved the way you ended your letter (lots of great stuff before that). It’s time we become the change we want to see in others. Let’s create change by serving others like Jesus did then, and still does today!
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Amen, Randy!
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He definitely can use a few prayers right now. It’s tough because we should respect our leader…and he doesn’t really exhibit much class. We try to raise younger generations to behave the exact opposite of how he behaves sometimes, so it’s hard to follow a leader who doesn’t live by those same principles. All we can do is pray and wait…
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Exactly.
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AMEN!!
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Brilliantly written.
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I’m afraid that talking an impulsive person with anger-management issues out of that behavior is like trying to talk someone out of alcholism or heroin addiction. About all we can effectively do is pray.
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I agree, Vernon.
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A powerful letter, Mitch, filled with common sense and wisdom. Why don’t YOU run for president?! Meanwhile, I, too, will be praying for our current president as I have for those who’ve already served–Democrats and Republicans alike.
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I would expect nothing less of you, dear child of God.
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Great post, Mitch! Like you, I have vowed to pray for all leaders — especially our President. I’m hopeful that we will see a transformation as evidence of God at work. I truly enjoy your posts.
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Amen, Michelle!
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Did Someone Say Dracarys? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9ihSLCw9_0
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We need fewer rants and more rational discourses with others. As I read this, I heard it spoken to individuals with whom we have contact every day. I was also reminded of the words of St. Francis: “May I not so much seek to be understood as to understand.”
I came to the conclusion years ago that my prayers really can change another person because of what God can do in their lives. So my prayers can actually change another person. In cases where it doesn’t happen, then at the very least, my prayers change me.
Thanks again, Mr. Thinker-about-stuffer.
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Couldn’t agree more, Paula.
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When I begin to doubt that God could change an evil leader, I only have to recall what He did with Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:28-37).
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Good point!
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Well done . Yes I will also commit. Thanks
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Hello Mitch,
Amen, brother. Let’s pray together for our nation and its leaders. I did pray that the Lord would create the right climate for hearts to open to Him. Let’s see what He has planned.
Keep on praying,
Gary
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Greetings Mitch,
I enjoyed your post. As one of the “deplorables,” I often had reservations about then Mr. Trump’s presumptive ways but support(ed) most of his stated goals. I understood that and now he is (and at age 70 unlikely to change much) a non-politician businessman and the better choice of candidates (my opinion). It has been my hope and prayer from the beginning that he would temper some of that verbose attitude; too as he reminds us daily “Make America Great Again”.
I was encouraged at the inauguration with the many prayers and referenced to God. I stand with you in “prayer every day for your success in modeling and drawing out of the American people—of all people—not just greater material success, but greater civility, greater compassion, greater character.” Could you imagine the impact those who have been shouting hateful things at President Trump (and his family) could have if they would only begin to calmly in a confident low voice begin to suggest changes that benefit all.
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Although our politics may differ a little, Michael, our hopes and hearts are clearly set toward the same destination.
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Mitch, How eloquently and beautifully stated….thank you, dear man for expressing a part of what is in my heart. If I may, let me express the other part: As an older, gay woman, there are many concerns/fears shared by those of us that his words were directed against. So, may I add that not only do we need to pray for him and those of us who disagree with each other, but that we need to make it known to those among us who see this administration as a “free for all” to direct hatred against those of us that are different (i.e.gay/transgender, Muslim, Mexican, African-American, etc.) that IT IS NOT! That discrimination and inequality are things of the PAST and that we will not stand for discrimination of any kind. That IT IS NOT OK! The woman’s marches that were held here in CA and all over the nation, I saw as just that:: a reminder that we are marching together to show the nation/world that there are those among us that DO NOT and WILL NOT tolerate discrimination and injustice against anyone of us – that we will stand up and speak out against hatred and discrimination under any and all circumstances. And that we will do so (as often as time and circumstances allow) in a kind, peaceful, rationale manner. I am happy for your readers who voted for him that feel that they have “won”, but worry that the “change” that they voted for is someone who exhibits hatred, and unkindness and everything that personally, I do not stand for. My heart weeps on a daily basis and I pray that those of us who are “different” are not subjected to the hatred and cruelty of years passed….that’s just my humble opinion and how I look at this “looking at life from my shoes”….<3
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You’ve articulated the very purpose of peaceful protest, Lucie. It can be a very powerful tool, indeed, as MLK and others have demonstrated!
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Amen
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I have only now found this and it sums up the needs of this country.
I have reblogged you so many times, I’m embarrassed but you keep
saying important stuff in voice that is understandable and identifiable.
So here I go again!
My thanks!
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Honored, as always, Sarah.
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Reblogged this on Pitching Pennies Poetry and commented:
Of late it seems I have been reblogging a lot of posts. Guilty as charged!
I think of this group of bloggers as family so when I find informational posts that really knock my socks off, I share them. This is one such post.
Again my thanks to Mitch Teemley for having the ability to think and the courage to speak.
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Mitch,
I just read this today. Your view of the times then was what many felt and believed. There has been a severe disconnect between how some view Donald Trump, the Donald Trump some prefer to make you believe, and the non-ideological Donald Trump. Looking at how the history has unraveled and maintaining the faith for the future, please consider the following:
1, In the beginning, Mr. Trump began with a blaze that touched the Hearts of many in the US
who were not able to express their true feelings.
2. He emulated the frustration of the dislike for the status quo.
3. The people spoke in November and the opposition huddled to attack.
4. The reaction of the opposition, and still today, gave in full view the frustration of the people.
5. He and his staff have been bombarded with incivilities from the opposition as if they receive
daily instruction from a central control.
6. Mr. Trump is not and has not promoted incivility in any form. He is not an ideologue and
moves with his Heart and the guidance he receives from his Creator.
7. The problem today is not with Mr. Trump but with those who refuse to believe that their
ideal is flawless.
I myself have had the undying FAITH, that Donald J. Trump would be the 45th President of the United States. That same Faith is knowing, had things gone the other direction, there would not be The United States of America.
Thank you for your letter. Let us all try to see the good that is in store for the World led by the ONLY CHRISTIAN NATION.
John
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Reblogged this on Mitch Teemley and commented:
I posted this Open Letter to our newly elected president two years ago. I am re-posting it today, in part, to confess publicly that I have failed far too often to pray for him and for other world leaders, and in part to renew my pledge to do so.
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I really like this letter. I try to pray for him daily. One can readily see that he is not a perfect man, and that he needs a lot of help. Many times, he is his own worst enemy. He also needs wise counselors around him; men who will not pressure him to try to please his base for political purposes. He needs men who will show him how to navigate the political seas so that he can work together with our elected representatives and begin to solve the problems our nation faces. Thank you for the post.
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As an Anglican we prayed for years for “the President of the United States and all in authority”…. not because we necessarily thought that they were wonderful, but because, whoever they were, they were going to need help… and for God’s hand speaking to their hearts, and shaping their hearts.
Well said Mitch.
Len Freeman
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Excellent post, Mitch! Did you, or would you actually send this letter to the President? I know it seems like a long shot, but if God wants him to get it, he will.
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PERFECTLY written! I definitely have to pray for him more; he needs it. Great post Mitch.
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Reblogged this on 2 R Better Than 1 and commented:
Mitch penned a promise that I have also vowed to keep. I sincerely hope that you’ll join us. America is depending on us. May blessings abound.
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Wow, well stated, Mitch! Amen! I really appreciate your approach. It reminds me of the scripture exhortation that our speech be gracious, seasoned with salt. Your letter was a perfect example of that.
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Aw, thank you, Barbara.
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2 years later from when you wrote this and we have an uncivil toddler in office that has only gotten worse.
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