One Year Later

January 20, 2026

Today, one year into the second term of Donald Trump, we are a country in distress. Today is not a day to celebrate, but to mourn and to prepare. In another immature and bullish post (Epstein files, Venezuela, and ICE aside), Trump spewed about invading Greenland because neither Greenland nor Denmark awarded him the Nobel Peace prize. Even if they had wanted to, those countries have nothing to do with any of the Nobel prizes. Trump is insane and we have a mad king. Worst of all, the Republican Congress has shed all moral and ethical responsibilities in regard to our country and is complicit in tightening the noose around our Constitution and contributing to the suicide of this very country.

On the other hand, Martin Luther King, Jr, whose martyrdom we remembered yesterday, was awarded a Nobel Peace prize in 1964 for his ceaseless work toward civil rights. He accepted it “with an abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind.” What a stark and compelling difference between these two men.

What to do besides sink deeper into despair and fear? I’ve given this question considerable thought, prayer, and reflection, and here’s one answer: Do the complete opposite of whatever Trump and the Republican Congress do.

*Instead of threatening someone, reach out a helping hand.

*Instead of seeking retribution, seek reconciliation.

*Instead of dehumanizing someone (ALL are made in the image of God), practice empathy.

*Instead of lying, speak the truth.

*Instead of hoarding what you have, share it.

*Instead of making everything about you, do something for someone else.

*Instead of collaborating with what you know to be wrong, peacefully resist and contribute to what is right.

*Instead of taking what doesn’t belong to you, give what you can.

*Instead of flouting yourself and your achievements, work for and recognize the achievements of others.

*Instead of breaking the law, support those who uphold it.

*Instead of seeking war, work for and practice peace toward others.

*Instead of spewing hate, choose love.

*Instead of stealing joy, embrace and share it.

Most importantly, instead of sticking our heads in the sand, let’s face this reality and be proactive. Contact your Congress-people, especially if they are Republicans. As the pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer so aptly stated in his resistance against Hitler and Nazi Germany: “Silence in the face of evil is evil itself. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”

What does the Lord require of us? To seek justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). Every counteraction to this present administration’s unconstitutional and unloving (and un-Godly) actions increases the power of the good. While it might sound trite, it is also true: Be the good. Don’t let the bad guys win.

And now, heading out to relish the bright blue sky and brisk air. Peace and love to you this day. ~ Rosemary