This Is Your David Moment

If you are anything like me, you are looking at these election results and wondering: “How did we let this happen?” How did we let fear drive our country to select a “leader” that doesn’t reflect the values that actually do make America great.

I started out election day with great optimism. I was feeling very confident that we were on the verge of having our first Madame President. And so with enthusiasm, I announced my first book that will be coming soon.

I watched in disbelief as the tide slowly begin to turn, as swing states were swinging in the wrong direction for a Clinton victory.

I want to be clear; this is not a Democrat versus Republican rant about my candidate losing. This is about how we watched our country become the Divided States of America. Yes, we knew that there was a much bigger system of racism, sexism, and other isms at play here, but I don’t think we ever really thought that this would be the state of our union…

As I drove to work that next morning, looking for an ounce of motivation to face this outcome, I turned on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, in hopes for at least a laugh through the tears. It happened to be a time when Jeffrey Johnson (aka Cousin Jeff from his BET days), reminding listeners that there were still record numbers at the polls for marginalized groups, which shows that we can mobilize. He talked about how this should be our sign that for the next four years, we need to be organizing and planning to parlay our strengths for action. And that can show up in a lot of different ways, not just a political election.

And then it came to me: “This is our David moment!”

You know the story of David and Goliath, right? Goliath, a giant taunting the people of Israel, sure that nothing or no one would defy him, let alone defeat him. David, believing that God was on his side, stepped up to battle the giant in what seemed like an impossible matchup. Thank God, we know how the story ends and how with no fancy armor or weapons, just the tools he was used to, David slayed the enemy.

This is a Goliath moment in our country’s history, but I know we face Goliaths everyday. Every day that you go to a job you hate, Goliath wins. Every day you spend time in harmful relationships, Goliath wins. Every day that you fight off the conviction of God’s calling for your life, Goliath wins.

Goliath wins because of fear. Fear cannot win in our country or our minds. More now than ever, I feel compelled to push through that fear and do the work it takes to change hearts, minds and spirits. I feel compelled to inspire women and girls that don’t realize just yet that they themselves are the leader they are seeking. Hear me: “You yourself are the leader you are seeking!”

This is our moment to prove that we will defend ourselves and the values of this country. This is your moment to prove to yourself that you can defeat any Goliath that comes your way.

P.S.: Tell me about the Goliaths in your life. How do you want to individually or collectively defeat the Goliaths? Click reply and tell me what’s on your heart and mind.

Stephanie