Dear sweet girl,
This morning I expected to wake up, greet you with a hug and a kiss, and show you proof that one day you could be president. But instead I woke up to the news that our country has elected a future leader who is fueled by hate, fear, and disrespect. I picked you up out of your crib this morning, kissed and held you tight, and prayed for you. And I prayed for your brother. And I prayed for our country.
I am sad. I am sad for me. I am sad for you and your little sister in my belly. I am sad for your Gigi, who went door to door and encouraged all people to vote. I am sad for your big brother, and your daddy too.
So today, and all days moving forward, I will remind you that you can be anything. You can be president. That you deserve to have a voice. That you deserve equal pay for equal work. That you deserve access to affordable healthcare. That just because someone is different from you it does not mean that they should be feared. That your value should be judged by your heart, your love for God, your kindness, the things you do for others, and the things you contribute to this world. That you do not deserve to be judged by your looks or your body.
And in four years I’ll take you with me to vote for a new president. And I’ll show you how we can do better. And how every vote matters.
But most importantly my little girl, I will remind you daily that we live in a broken world. It is our job to be a light in the darkness. It is our job to love our neighbors as ourselves. To give of our talents and our time to those who need it most. To look for the good in all people. To be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. To fight for what is right, what is pure, and what honors God.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
Very well said! I am just speechless. 🙁
I love how you put this. It is so true. Thank you.
This. <3 Perfectly said, Julie!
I'm in complete and utter disbelief of the outcome for yesterday's election and am so saddened for our country. Your post is beautiful. Thank you.
Well said! I felt the same way waking up this morning. Lots of prayers for our future.
Thank you for this.
I love your post! I´m Mexican and I'm truly sorry for your Country and for all the people of my own country living there like you said It´s a leader fueled by hate and disrespect for women and for people in general, but I love your message it's true the most important is to teach the new generations to help, to love, to tolerate and to pray for a better world, thanks for sharing!!
Beautiful post Julie. I'm so saddened and disheartened today by the people of our country. So much to be worried about in the future, but at least we can focus on raising a better generation. One that of unity and inclusion and love.
My soul hurts! I could not agree more.
Explaining to our children is the hardest part of this outcome. We are who they look to making sure everything will be okay. I had to dig deep into my mommy heart to stay positive today…not an easy task. Four, four short year…we've got this!
bravo. couldn't have put my feelings into better words, thank you for sharing your mind!
Wonderfully, wonderfully written. My thoughts and sentiments exactly. My solace is that God is always in control… <3
Thanks for putting our feelings into words!
This is beautiful. I felt the same exact way this morning, but you said it much better than I could have.
The fact that Trump won is greater evidence that your daughter could be president one day. You should also consider your own advice that "just because someone is different from you it does not mean that they should be feared". We need to come together as a country, have an open mind, and not dwell on the negativity of this campaign battle.
Speechless. And I'm in tears. But don't feel too bad, I've been in tears since I woke up at 3:30 am, and saw what was happening…
Thank you for this letter. Today it was not only for your daughter but for another woman who desperately needed to hear these words of love and encouragement. Love and Light!
I needed to read this today. And I'm not even American. I can't imagine how you are feeling.
Love this. I wrote a post for my girls today, too. We will fight on.
Beautiful post. Agree with you 100%.
I have been in tears over the result, and I am a New Zealander watching from the other side of the world!! I really, really appreciate your words xoxo
I literally burst into tears, thinking about my own toddler daughter, when Hillary said this today in her speech, "And to all the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful, and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams."
In my opinion, both choices were not good. Out of all the people in this country, it came down to these two? However, the voters have spoken – and We need to keep an open mind! I think (hope!) he may surprise us. Let's give him a chance and hope this new leadership can help us remain strong.
Wonderfully said, Julie! Much love to you and your family. Thank you for being brave enough to put this out there.
Couldn't have said it any better and will share your words with my own family tonight. God bless.
Thank you so much for this. Brought tears to my eyes.
Beautifully said.
Well said! Thanks for writing it <3
— Lisa | Naptime Chai
Very thoughtful words. I too had hoped to wake my 1 year old son up this morning with the good news. Going forward feels hard at the moment, but your words give me hope for the lessons I can teach my son as he grows into a young man who loves and respects all people.
Well said, my friend.
Thank you for writing this. I feel like picking a side and voicing it has become kind of taboo so as not to offend someone and I appreciate you being willing to be so open about your heart. I've been told so many times to just get over it and let's all get along now which I agree with but for some of us we just need to get our disappointment and sadness out first before we can really start to heal and move on.
Beautifully written!