I wrote a letter to Melania Trump a few days ago declaring a promise to pray for her. As she walked onto the stage for her husband's acceptance speech as president, she clearly looked burdened and anxious even though she wore that bright smile.
I highly doubt Melania will see my letter. I mainly wanted to express the compassion that I had that increased upon hearing some of the awful things the public has said and further, things that have been done (think death threats and setting Trump dolls on fire) toward the Trump family.
Some of us haven't been on our best behavior.
This election week has made me ponder two important questions.
- Why do people act so crazy?
- In past elections, when I haven't gotten my way, has my response been appropriate?
I was reading a post on Facebook the day after the election where someone had mentioned that we should pray for the Trumps. A lady, who I adore, asked if the same people who are promoting prayer support for the Trumps, prayed for the Obamas.
Gulp.
I prayed for them maybe twice.
I disagreed with them on many viewpoints and thus had little desire to see them succeed. Nevermind that they're human beings with feelings. Forget that they have had the weight of the world on their shoulders.
They needed our prayer just like the Trumps will.
You see, prayer is hardly ever about the person your praying for being deserving of the prayer. We pray for people because people need prayer.
I've been convicted.
So yes, my great idea to pray for Mrs. Trump when I indeed didn't extend such kindness to Mrs. Obama exposes my late act of grace, if not my hypocrisy.
It's never too late to try and do better.
I had a lady comment on my letter to Melania. She asked to see the same nice letter I'd written to Michelle.
In my regret and in the spirit of second chances here's what I'd say to Michelle Obama.
Dear Michelle,
Thank you for dutifully serving our country for eight years.
Your work through the "Let's Move" program was a needed reminder to get kids off the couch.
Thank you for your involvement in the "Joining Forces" program helping military families across the country.
I have admired the ease with which you speak in front of a crowd. You're confident, something I'm not.
I certainly didn't lift you and your family up in prayer as I should have during your stay in the Whitehouse. I know you needed it. What an enormous amount of pressure you've been under. And I know many people were unkind.
I pray for the chapter your family is approaching. I pray first, that you will be able to experience rest that is unencumbered by a strangling schedule.
I pray that you will be able to enjoy a date with your husband without paparazzi.
I hope that you'll be able to better soak up Sasha's last years at home before she spreads her wings. I know that time must have evaporated with Malia.
I pray that you'll find more time to pursue those things which you are passionate about and not just be busy completing a list that has been formulated by staff.
Maybe most important, I pray that you will forgive those of us who were confused. We could have easily supported you in prayer without having to agree with you.
Praying bright days are ahead.
Kindest regards,
Kristi
A reformed pray-er
Deborah Adams Hixson
I have prayed some but not nearly enough for the current first Lady. Praying she will have God's peace and rest after the White House and in these last few weeks while preparing for after the White House. Blessings on you for writing such prayer filled notes to both Ladies. Transition is always difficult.
Kristi Burden
Post authorWe'll pray for her together. I agree. I bet this transition will be difficult even as it provides new freedom and rest.
Lynn
Thank you for opening my eyes, as well. Yes, we ALL need prayers.
Kristi Burden
Post authorAbsolutely!
Dawn
Thank you for reminding us that we should pray for all...even when it's hard because 'self' gets in the way. I'm just a sinner saved by Grace!
Kristi Burden
Post authorAbsolutely! But for the grace of Jesus...
Thanks Dawn!
Suzanne Winton
Your letter indicates this is what you would say, so my question is so did you ever send your letter to Mrs. Obama the First Lady?
Kristi Burden
Post authorYes ma'am. Though I doubt she'll ever see it, it was written in all sincerity. Thank you for reading!
Kristi Burden
Post authorJust wanted you to know that I received a gracious response from our First Lady. Thank you again for taking the time to read and comment. I've posted Mrs. Obama's letter on my blog. I do intend to more faithfully support all of our leaders in prayer in future times. I know they all need it.
Sue King
Did you, in fact, send this lovely (if late) note to Mrs. Obama? I know it would mean a lot to her to realize that those who disagreed with her husband regretted that they hadn't prayed for him to receive God's guidance while he was in office. Just posting your letter here, where your followers can read it, isn't enough. She needs to know this, too.
Kristi Burden
Post authorHey Sue. I sure did. Thanks for reading and responding.
Kristi Burden
Post authorI had indeed prayed for the Obamas, certainly not enough. I never had any ill-will toward them, I just lacked fervor and frequency in my prayer for them. This is something I regret.
Kristi Burden
Post authorJust wanted you to know that I received a gracious response from our First Lady. Thank you again for taking the time to read and comment. I've posted Mrs. Obama's letter on my blog. I do intend to more faithfully support all of our leaders in prayer in future times. I know they all need it.
Kathy
Thank you Krista for your reminder to pray for our sisters, in Christ and out... we never know another ones heart. Thank you for your transparency. Thank you for being honest enough to say "I didn't, and I'm sorry." More of us should be willing to admit our shortcomings. None of us are perfect. Thank you for reminding us that even those in the public eye are individuals and oh, so much more than what the public sees them to be. I'm praying blessings on you right now. Bless you for your sweet prayers. I know that God must be smiling at you, His daughter!
Kristi Burden
Post authorThank you Kathy for your gracious response.
Jenn L
I love both your letters to Melania and Michelle. What a fantastic revelation for not just you but for ALL prayerful people to remember to pray for all, even if you don't agree with them. Probably it's more important to pray for those you disagree with, just remember to pray for both them and yourself. Sometimes it helps and brings a little clarity into what they think. Thanks again for posting these.
Kristi Burden
Post authorThanks Jenn. I'm so glad you said what you said. I agree with you totally on praying even more for those with whom we disagree. It's like asking God to work in their hearts and lives and in ours at the same time. He broadens our perspective and strengthens our ability to love, I believe, when we submit to prayer.