Feeling stressed about the Election?
Encouragement for Christian Women
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Boy, oh boy. Times are indeed crazy and they seem to be getting crazier by the second, don’t they? Don’t worry, Christian Sister! This post is not going to delve into politics, election stress nor the work of the enemy in this 2020 election. Nah, if you’re worried about the election, please let me encourage you in some real and practical ways.
Girl, when it comes to politics, we all know who is cuckoo, causing craziness, and testing the nation’s resolve. No mystery there. The last thing you need is for me to talk about that here on my blog for wonderful Christian women like you! God forbid!
Hey, in light of all the shenanigans of late, I just want to share some of the ways I am [personally] finding my “calm” amid all this unrest and chaos. Maybe it will inspire you too and help you stay peaceful as you navigate these worrisome days of election stress and global illness.
My harrowing election stress and the “honest-to-goodness“ truth!
First, I’ll be honest, when the election stress initially hit, I didn’t really run to the prayer room the way I normally do when life goes sideways.
Sorry. Real talk.
My first impulse was the same as yours likely was. I manically watched the returns and skipped through each and every news channel (even those I don’t agree with politically) to catch the latest update on which joker was going to be running my country.
Then, I’d think. I’d ponder and try to analyze everything myself in order to make sense of it all.
It wasn’t long before I realized I was wasting my time and just generating more stress for myself. That’s when I turned that mess OFF! O-F-F!
I’ll tell you the 3 things I am doing now to manage my election stress.
1. Social media calms my election stress.
Yep, social media is giving me some solace during this horrendous time of chaos. Before you roll your eyes, let me tell you how.
Anyone who knows anything about social media knows every social media outlet is different.
They don’t all deliver the same “feels.” For example, Twitter is akin to walking into that mental institution in the movie “One flew over the cuckoo’s nest.”
Every time I’m on there looking for political updates, it’s not long before I find a “Jack Nicholson” (i.e. nutcase) wanting to argue or spouting something stupid.
Honey Chile, as it pertains to politics, you’ll find every brand of “crazy” on Twitter, so stay away from it unless you’re promoting your blog or want to see what folks are saying about your favorite television show.
Similarly, Facebook and Instagram are distinctly different. On those mediums, you can actually find solace in friends with common opinions.
Especially on the “gram!” It’s the perfect place to mindlessly scroll to look at pretty pictures, scriptures, inspirational quotes, cute outfits, and cool hairstyles. Just be sure to scroll right past the political posts – they will only rile you up again and make your eye twitch!
Then there is Facebook. I love it for seeing funny stuff, family pics, and such. However, it can get a bit political too. In moderation, it’s ok.
No doubt I learn about good news updates and stuff on there all the time. I just have to minimize how much I consume. Facebook also allows me to post something funny, silly, and sure to make my followers/friends laugh in their day. I love doing that.
Everyone needs to laugh these days, that’s for sure.
2. Yay for Podcasts!
Why didn’t you guys tell me how soothing podcasts can be? OMG!
I’m loving them! To be honest, I’ve forgotten so much about American history. So, I’ve started following a history podcast that features mini skits on historical happenings. It’s edited by Ph.D(s) which means I trust it a bit more than some of the other history podcasts out there.
You know, history is like the Bible in a way. Sometimes, you forget how fascinating and relevant it is until you start exploring it.
The one I like most is a Wondery podcast called “American History Tellers” with Lindsey Graham (NOT that Lindsey Graham – but a different one). Check it out – you’ll love it. I promise you’ll get smarter and smarter with every listen and the best part, it will relax you a little.
Be sure to tell Lindsey I say “hey”. Just kidding, he doesn’t know me! *ha*
Another podcast I’m liking these days is “The Frugal Friends” with Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni. These two hip and fun chicks talk about money management and other fiscal literacy topics. Super interesting.
Check them out.
3. Doing brainless, silly stuff
makes me feel calm.
The other day while my husband was teaching Bible study, I got weirdly creative. What can I say? Being kooky keeps me relaxed too.
4. Being Grateful on (and for) my iPhone!
Full disclosure: I’m not a regular journaler. I usually just journal when my husband makes me mad or I have something heavy on my mind. Hahaha *Really that’s about it*
On a serious note, journaling has been related to decreased episodes of distress and depression. That’s according to the article called “Journaling About Stressful Events: Effects of Cognitive Processing and Emotional Expression” by Phillip M. Ullrich and Susan K. Lutgendorf from the University of Iowa.
Since I usually can’t read my own handwriting, I have opted to journal on my phone. I’ve found the coolest app simply called “Gratitude App.” Hey, Christian Woman, it doesn’t get any simpler than that name, right?
This free app prompts me to journal (or record) something(s) I’m thankful for each day. You can assign colors to the post and, as the days go on, you can see how grateful you are by the pretty colored posts.
You’ll love it.
My mom does something similar. She keeps a paper gratitude journal. It keeps her happy and thankful for the small, often missed, blessings Jesus gives her every single day. She loves writing; always has. Are you a journaler?
5. Of course, prayer helps too!
Clearly, in addition to all these things I do to keep election stress to a minimum, I talk to Jesus A LOT!
He is a “must-have” part of my days – especially since I’m working from home.
I love the fellowship with Him because He really does speak back to me and remind me all this will soon pass away. It doesn’t matter much in the long run (i.e. eternity).
After all, as Christian women, our citizenship is not here anyway. We are citizens of heaven and we best not forget it.
Philippians 3:20
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,
This means we vote (because we are responsible inhabitants), but, we leave our destiny in God’s hands and He’s so equipped to handle it! Amen?
Well. There you have it.
I’m waiting for this schizo political and “pandummy” season to be over. In the meantime, I’m staying social, listening, and learning from podcasts while staying grateful.
I’m convinced when this is all over, we’ll all be spiritually and emotionally stronger. Yeah?
How are you holding up? What are you doing these days? Let me know below!
A few good Bible verses
never hurt either, right?
Psalm 94:19
“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”
Matthew 6:25
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[a]?
James 1: 2-4
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Matthew 6:34
“Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
It’s ok if you need more help. If you feel in a mental crisis, you can text 741741 for help. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 1-800-273-8255. There is NOTHING wrong with getting help.
GodsyGirl is a Christian lifestyle blog featuring Christian faith articles written by an ordinary Christian woman blogger, Christian inspirational podcaster, and a pastor’s wife. GodsyGirl is about Christian inspiration and living your fullest life as a fabulous Christian woman. Explore GodsyGirl.com to find articles on everything from daily Christian living to hair, makeup, and living your absolute best life!
