Lots of thoughts about yesterday’s events; I’ll share just a few.

Let’s be clear though, there is no question as to what this was: an unsuccessful attempt to stop the election results from being certified by both Houses of Congress.

The Capitol was stormed by a mob of domestic terrorists. The police that were there were either overrun while attempting to thwart the advance of the mob, or they were busy taking selfies at the front doors, holding the doors open, and hand holding them back down the steps.

This was planned and incited by the President of the United States. Let that sync in. This isn’t “fake news” or “mainstream media spin”. He planned this event back in December telling about his “wild” protest, he literally told them to do it during his speech, told them to “remain peaceful” while doing it, and when it didn’t go quite as he planned, continued his to spread his deranged lies about the election being stolen while telling the mob to, “Go Home. We love you. You’re very special.”

Where was the National Guard? Why were there so few police there? Why did it take two hours for the National Guard to actually get there? A stark contrast in the response from Capitol Police then what we’ve seen throughout the year, don’t you think?

Meanwhile, a number Republican Senate and House members are trying disenfranchise the votes of millions of Americans and violate the rights of States to carry out their own elections. The States in question all heard the legal challenges and threw out all of the cases. Why? Because there was no evidence for any of the claims. These weren’t Democrat judges; many were Republican and some were even appointed by Trump.

So where does that leave us? Honestly, it depends on what happens next. Trump and those trying to subvert our Nation and its laws need to be held accountable, but that is not what is going to bring about actual change. People are always looking at the top to make changes, to make the difference, but that’s not where change happens. Change happens with the people. You need to look at what you’re supporting, what you’re believing in, the sources you trust. You’re going to need to look at the symbols you put forth, what they represent, and how they impact others. You’re going to need to become conscious of the biases you have about other people groups and those with different socioeconomic backgrounds than you. But most importantly, you are going to need to really reflect upon the fruit you are bearing. Does it represent the beliefs you claim to hold?

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”

Matthew 6:24a

If the Republican or Democratic party or even “being American” are the foundation for your ideals, you’re going to be held captive to their ever changing whims.