Build a wall

A Baptist minister's reflection on Donald Trump's Presidential victory

"Build a wall," he said, "let's keep the problem out, let's make ourselves safe by barricading ourselves in...."

"Build a wall" he said, "build the foundations on fear; the other, the different they are not welcome here..."

"Build a wall," he said, "and trust in me, I'll stand up for you and fight with hatred and lies...."

"Build a wall, " he said, "then I'll make it great. Look at me... just look, aren't I great, yes I am...."

"Build a wall," he said, "keep the women in their place; get your own way, it's the same as my way, don't you see....."

"Build a wall," he said, "send that black man back home. He's a liar and a cheat. I'm RIGHT, look at me...."

"Build a wall," he said, "send that woman to jail. She's a liar and corrupt. I'm right, look at me...."

"Build a wall," he said, "and keep the guns, ready loaded. We'll be safe, don't you worry, look at me...."

"Build a wall," he said, "let's barricade ourselves in, I'm your saviour, I'll protect you, look at me, look at ME...."

"Build a wall," he said. 

So they did. 

Lord have mercy. 


Today we woke up to the news that Donald Trump, who ran in one of the most divisive and, frankly, ridiculous presidential races in the US, has been voted in as the next President. I'm gutted. I really am. I don't know what will unfold in the days to come, but Trump's record in his campaigning on how he spoke about 'the other' - Mexicans, Muslims, women.... and others has been awful. 

I'm not sure how to respond at the moment except to pray... for the future, for America and for the impact on the world. 

"God is our refuge and strength
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, 
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in uproar, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge"    Psalm 46:1-7 

The Revd Claire Nicholls is minister at Christ Church, Ramsbottom. This reflection first appeared on her blog Claire'n'Fish and is republished with permission.