UNITY…OR ELSE

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

“I pledge to be a President who seeks not to divide, but to unify.…The Bible tells us that to everything there is a season — a time to build, a time to reap, a time to sow. And a time to heal. This is the time to heal in America.” – Joe Biden 11/7/2020

Saturday afternoon in New York. A certain gentleman and I were out on a bike ride. It was a simply gorgeous day — 74 degrees, partly sunny. One of those days that feels like it should be in early September, rather than the second week of November.

And while we were out, all of a sudden, all the car horns on the Upper East Side start honking — drivers just laying on their horns. And people came pouring out of their apartments onto the sidewalks and streets: cheering, yelling, chanting. Apartment windows flung open and tenants leaned out, banging on pot and pans. And in that moment, all of Manhattan erupted in a frenzy: “GO BIDEN!!” But truthfully, what I heard more was, “F#*% TRUMP!”

Strangers on the street, literally high fiving, giving each other thumbs up, cheering in glee: “Thank God he’s gone!” For the last eight months during the pandemic, New Yorkers have been avoiding eye contact and shunning interactions for fear of contracting COVID-19, but in that moment, everyone was on the same winning, anti-Trump team: Biden’s.

It was surreal.

And to be honest, it was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. Despite the fact that the driving force behind the camaraderie was a shared hatred of one President Donald Trump, the tangible spirit of “oneness” was overwhelmingly inspiring. There was an air of electricity and joy flowing through NYC that I have never experienced in all of the nine years I’ve lived here.

It was a wonder to behold.

Later that night, as my friends and I ate celebratory pizza and watched Joe’s (premature) acceptance speech, I found myself fixated on the rhetoric of his words. Particularly about unity.

That was the buzzword of the night. Unity. We’re not red states, we’re not blue states, we’re the United States.

And looking around at streets full of boarded up shops, and seeing people high fiving with “F-Trump,” and listening to the righteous indignation from blatantly biased anchors on cable news organizations — that literally cut off Donald Trump mid-speech, claiming he was spewing “lies” — it made me honestly question…what does Unity mean?

Or rather, what do they think “unity” means?

Unity…

Here you’ve got AOC’s terrifyingly radical tweet, calling to blacklist anyone who worked for, or supported the Trump Campaign, sparking the Trump Accountability Project. I guess unity means doxing anyone with differing political beliefs.

Or — how about this personal incident. My prolife post from last Thursday: “Sometimes We Have to Hit Rock Bottom” – where I expressed my deep concern over the pro-abortion reality of a Biden/Harris administration — was censored on Facebook. This is my fifth pro-life article that was censored on Facebook. FIFTH. So I guess, unity also means silencing any voices that hold differing view points or beliefs. Just add me to the list with the Washington Post.

It’s beginning to feel like, unity…or else.

Unity — on it’s face, it’s exactly what the country needs. After eight months of devastation from the Coronavirus, and the summer of civil unrest, and the demonization of political opposites here during election season, America really does need a “time to heal” — as Biden so angelically put it in his speech — accepting the media’s proclamation as President Elect.

Which is absolutely true. Walking around NYC post-announcement this weekend, it was a phenomenal experience. People had a joyful energy. Strangers were kind. Exuberant, even. There was love in the air. And a lightness.

Biden closed his speech last night quoting from the Bible…a bold move coming from a self proclaimed “Catholic” that not only supports abortion, but late-term abortion: up until the moment of birth.

He quoted from the third chapter of Ecclesiastes: “The Bible tells us that to everything there is a season — a time to build, a time to reap, a time to sow. And a time to heal. This is the time to heal in America.“

Which is a very very interesting choice for this pro-choice President. Because read just a few verses later, beyond the quippy one-liner that sounds really good in a speech, and you will come across this little doosey:

“God will bring into judgment
both the righteous and the wicked,
for there will be a time for every activity,
a time to judge every deed.” Eccl. 3:17

I will certainly be held accountable for all the horrible things I have done in my past. Hello, anorexia is full of lying and manipulation and deception, and self-destruction. And I am guilty of all of it.

And like me, so will Joe, and Kamala, and every single one of us. We will all be called to account for every deed we did, said, stood for — or voted — for.

Image: Life on the Ballot

So. Unity.

Where does this leave us?

It is my deepest prayer that in these coming weeks — where things are surely going to get more interesting, election-wise — that we may come to appreciate that “unity” does not mean steam rolling everyone into submission and blacklisting or silencing any dissenting voices. But rather, a true, earnest spirit of cooperation. Where we can compromise. Where a difference of opinion will result in conversation, rather than riots and protests that require businesses to literally board up their windows and doors.

Unity – where we can all feel seen, and heard, valued, and protected — especially the most marginalized and vulnerable.

And this is the last thing: Also in this Ecclesiastes chapter that Biden pulled from, in verse 11, we are reminded that “[God] has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart…”

Therefore, let us remember that God is in control, and will work everything for good in its time. But that perhaps, we can unify with our hearts set on eternity.

And perhaps, unity can be found in our efforts to help one another on our walk with Christ, towards eternity.

That we can spur each other along in our quest for goodness, for holiness, for rightness with God. So that when we do come face to face with our Creator to be judged, He can look at us and say, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’

“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5

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201 thoughts on “UNITY…OR ELSE”

  1. I love where you went with this post toward the middle and end but frankly the bad mouthing Trump —the cussing from Biden supporters — isn’t at all a testimony of unity. Had the democrats not gotten their way there would be no celebrating, just more violence/rioting …interesting to me that even in the midst of what “they” feel is a win they still made time to shout obscenities….ugly and far from REAL unity.
    Praying God’s mercy and grace for us.

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    1. Aw thank you so much Ali! Yes you’re right about that – the bad sportsmanship isn’t a very good demonstration of unity at all! And also, funny how, even with over 70 million trump supporters, that there was not one incidence of violence or looting after the news of Biden’s electoral victory?! Yes- joining you in that important prayer for His mercy and Grace! Hugs and love xox

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      1. Yup that’s probably the best part about Biden getting it— rioting is hopefully over, if it had gone the other way I’m certain there’d still be that mess.

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    1. I so agree, Alice! It cheapens the argument, and is a very simplistic way of expressing a point. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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  3. Every person on earth is a self-centered sinner. Me included. The Bible confirms it. Therefore the only “unity” that can exist for any group of people is the unity that comes from humbly repenting of their collective and individual sinful nature and acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord.

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  4. There is a different, spiritual experience of unity. The Focolare founder Chiara Lubich lived, “Unity is better than a good idea” and the call to this way of holiness is hard as it means a radical setting aside of what I want for what is prayerfully discerned as best for the community. What is being touted here, as best I can tell is “uniformity” or more to the point a “conformity of will” to that which is decided by a select few as good for the entire community. Living unity is both an act of the personal will bending it towards that which God desires of us and listening in to the needs around us. Living unity is a difficult thing. This “conformity of will” being touted as unity makes it clear that as individuals we are incapable of not only exercising our free will but that the framers of the constitution were incorrect in their understanding that capable of pursuing life, liberty and happiness. These pursuits are noble and when pursued well they allow each of us to experience the freedom we so much desire. As a pro-life Catholic woman I have come to understand that while I may not like something, and have deep suspicions about all of this going on in our country right now, in this current age, I know one thing with great certainty, “All things work together to those who love the Lord.” There is more to this from Paul’s letter to the Romans however it sums up this moment. It is ugly, I don’t understand why God is allowing it however I trust that this is part of our call to holiness as a nation.

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    1. Hi Teri, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! You’re so right / pursuing goodness and noble endeavors bring us to true freedom!! And I agree, all we can do is just trust in God’s ultimate plan! Have a great afternoon! Hugs and love xox

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    1. You’re so right Penny – it all boils down to love. And I love how you put that: Gods love for us, and love for each other in response! Yes! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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  6. I hope and pray your voice is not silenced or drowned out in the coming years. Stay true little sister. You have a powerful message that needs to be heard. Like Christ, we must be full of truth and grace. One without the other leads to chaos, not unity.

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  7. Dear friend,

    Unity should not just be seen for groups, organizations, villages, cities, states, etc. Unity should be like the drop in the Ocean, being one in the One – as we are all are human beings, however, we do not behave like humans, are under control of our minds in all its all facets. So the drop is not separated from the Ocean, it is our mind that separates us… We should learn that we all sit in the same boat with respect and dignity among each other. When God created His creation, then we all are part of this creation (the drop), thus we are all brothers and sisters in Him. We have to live, each of us, this unity, this oneness.

    Thanks for sharing, my dear friend Caralyn
    All the best to you 🙂
    Didi

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    1. Thank you Didi for this beautiful reflection. Yes! Being one in the One! I love that thought so much! Hugs and love xox

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  8. Unity from Biden…you’re a lot more optimistic than I am. After four years (perhaps more if you count the Obama years) of being slandered for my beliefs, my race, my faith without knowing a thing about me, I might be able to forgive, because it’s what God calls me to do. But forgetting is a whole other story. Guess AOC better just go ahead and add me to her “enemy list” because my King is on the throne and not in any white house. God bless.

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    1. Thanks Lisa, I appreciate your thoughts. I’m sorry you’ve endure that! I agree – our King is on the Throne! Hugs and love xox

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  9. Hi Caralyn, thank you for this post. I just pray that one day you can become a mother so you will feel more like you are responding to this heartbreak and you can have a little one to love and care for. I think you would be such a great mother…

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    1. Thanks friend – yes! Oh my gosh one day I pray that will be the case! My goodness, that really means a lot. Thank you for saying that. God’s will be done!! Hugs and love xox

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  11. Beautiful analysis Caralyn! I really do hope that Biden does the right thing if/when it’s officially called (I think they are still contesting it but who knows). He needs to turn to the Lord and live for Him. We all do. In John chapter 3 it says we are all condemned until we come to the truth of our sins and put our trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. We have to walk away and become new. You’re a new creation my lovely friend. I hope to encourage you that all guilt is gone when you are washed by His blood. 💙

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    1. Thank you so much Emily! I’m so glad it resonated with you. Amen to that – we have to become new! How grateful am I for His forgiveness and grace! Hugs and love xox

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  12. 🤔 Funny how right-wingers always claim “oppression” when THEY are the ones constantly threatening everyone’s lives with guns because people say “Happy Holidays” during December.

    Y’know what US conservatism is? It’s the false idol-worship that Jesus (a brown-skinned, socialist ✡) warned about in Matthew 6:5-9.

    Trump spent the last few months denying the existence of a deadly virus, refusing to wear a 😷 until (and everyone around him) got infected (and he still won’t wear one), and destroying 📮 to secure his victory… which he STILL lost.

    Right-wingers aren’t real Christians; they’re con-(wo)men who use the bible to do EVERYTHING opposite to what Christ preached. Period.

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  13. I pray with you, May we “… spur each other along in our quest for goodness, for holiness, for rightness with God.” And may we truly exercise the real meaning of UNITY as we stand together as Children of God … seeking His will in our own lives as well as in our communities, our nation, and our world. ❤

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  14. This is a very interesting post. A lot of excellent points made by you Caralyn that put into question what will happen. They’re still lying about some of the votes that got Biden elected. They’re still withholding information. Probably shouldn’t have been so quick to project him the winner. But that’s how the mainstream media operates. Lame stream. They live by the motto ABT. Anyone But Trump. Yet all these people prove is how dumb and ignorant they really are. A point I made in my gym post yesterday. Hugging and not avoiding crowds or social distancing. I didn’t watch his speech. Actions speak louder than words. I agree with you regarding abortion. And the Bible. You are very informed and intelligent. I wish more people were like you. I try to be more positive each day. It’s increased my fitness and writing. I’ll share this post. Shame on FB and all these left leaning social media outlets.

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    1. Thanks so much Derek. At the end of the day, I just want the truth to come out. I doubt it will impact the results of the election, but the American people need to have faith in the election system. Thanks for your kind words and for passing this along! Hugs and love xox

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  15. At a very busy intersection in my city, a group of women (maybe 35 or so years old) stood with “F-Trump” signs on Sunday afternoon. I couldn’t help but wonder at just how very inarticulate these women were. I would like to have asked each of them to articulate a specific policy that President Trump has that they disagree with and come up with an alternative. I highly doubt that they could have or anyone else could who has limited their comments to “F-.” I am absolutely stunned at the vulgarity our country has spiraled down into. May God have mercy on us all.

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    1. Oh gosh, Jenny. That is just so not what unity looks like!!! I agree – all the vulgar profanity just highlights that they don’t have the vocabulary to express how they really feel. It is quite illuminating. And cheapens the message. Me too. Stunned! Lord have mercy, indeed! Hugs and love xox

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  18. So well said! As believers in God we must view every action with Eternity as the back drop. This is 4 years and they go by so fast. Things will be different but is different always better? That is why I like knowing that God never changes, He is the same yesterday, today and forever. You have such a great look on life, thank you for your willingness to share. Some will love what you say and some will not, few liked what Jesus had to say and He is our example.

    Steve

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  19. Just a quick note from me. GOD loves us all. GOD prays for all of you and me to Love One Another. More people are holding themselves more accountable for what they have done in their own world. GOD has no need to punish. GOD is your strength, GOD is your protector, and JESUS is your friend. Praying for us all on our way to find unity. It will not be easy, but we all know how.

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  21. Beautifully put Caralyn! I am always so impressed with your straight forwardness and strong belief in God and His Son Jesus! It amazes me how these followers of Satan’s rebellion will use their false professed belief in the Bible and quote Biblical passages to try to convince people how sincere, honest and Godly they are when, in truth, they are deliberately working against God’s laws and His original design for mankind. It greatly saddens me, especially when I see innocent people falling for these lies. But, as you quoted “God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.” Eccl. 3:17.
    We must, also, remember that “National Media Outlets” do not determine the results of the Election, as we are being told by the media and those who are claiming victory. There are several processes that the States have to go through and, then, the Electoral College will casts it’s votes in December and the results of the Election will not be finalized until January. Check out this article for the facts:
    https://www.cnbc.com/2020/11/10/heres-when-the-results-of-the-2020-election-will-be-finalized.html
    Thank you, Caralyn, for sharing your convictions and your courage to speak out.
    In great admiration, Delores

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    1. Thanks so much Delores for sharing your heart. You’re right – the media does not determine the election! Hugs and love xox

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  22. I hope for unity too… you have every right to whatever your opinions are.

    Trump was not a president of the people. That’s my opinion anyway. He was too harsh for me to handle. I’m glad he lost – it was a HUGE sense of relief to me

    And regarding the pro-life … the problem there is that it is a sensitive issue. It could be hurtful to some people? So that is probably why is censored

    It is a VERY sensitive and hot topic. Can be offensive either way to someone.

    I do hope it gets better and we come together – I also LOVED how excited and happy everyone was ❤️❤️

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  23. I applaud you for your courage in the public square. You are thoughtful and kind in an electrically charged time. Even when people disagree with what you have written, you display generosity and welcoming hospitality. I don’t respond regularly — but I am impressed with what you have accomplished. Thank you! Ann

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    1. Aw thank you Ann, I appreciate your encouraging words. And thanks for your readership! Yes – I am all for healthy dialogue. Respectful communication where people can come together and share differing ideas and beliefs is how bridges are built!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  24. Amen, Caralyn! There is no unity with darkness. The unity they want is total submission, or else they get violent. Their call for unity is fake, & everyone will see that once they realize Trump won. Praying for our country. God bless!

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    1. Thanks so much Ryan. You’re absolutely right – our country needs prayer for sure! Whatever the outcome, we need truth to come to light so we can have faith in our election system! Hugs and love xox

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  25. Great post! We all live in glass houses. It may take awhile, maybe after I am long gone from this planet, but I do believe we can live as ONE.

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  26. For most of us in the LGBT community, The Trump years have been a nightmare. The winking and nodding at neo-Nazis, KKK, “Proud Boys”, and assorted supremacist organizations were nothing to be interpreted cavalierly. Not to mention Trump’s proclivity about chronic lying, and bearing false witness. Then there is the issue of him making everything about himself and the liberal use of superlatives in regards to everything about himself. I don’t understand how authentic Christians could give Trump a pass.

    Much of the nation breathed a well-earned sigh of relief when the final tallies indicated Mr. Biden was the presumptive POTUS-Elect. Count me among those who are sleeping better and feeling optimistic and positive about the United States once again. By the way, Biden is not planning on “killing babies”. He is a Roman Catholic and personally abides by his faith which is anti-abortion. The question of Roe v Wade is really up to the Supreme Court, which has been packed with Republican-friendly conservatives.

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    1. Thank you for sharing this powerful insight. I do pray that this next season is one of inclusion where every single person feels safe, seen and celebrated! Hugs and love xox

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  27. I’ve grown suspicious of the way politicians use the term “unity” these days too. At one time, it meant that you had two parties that disagreed about some things, but they would often compromise to work out an arrangement that was somehow mutually agreeable, because the people of our country needed it.
    Now, it means “Shut up and get on our side. We won!”
    Once upon a time, there was a newly elected head of state who demanded unity. He even at times used religious–even Christian-sounding language–to promote that unity. His supporters occasionally resorted to violence in the streets to get their way. That was in Germany in the 1930s. I hope we can learn some lessons from history before it’s too late.

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    1. Hi Michael. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I know – I definitely am weary of the unity they speak of. I agree. I hope we can learn from the past. Hugs and love xox

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  29. Hi Caralyn, I happened to read this blog post…That’s exactly what Castro stated when he took control of Cuba to lead it to it’s destruction. He mentioned unity, or else…Church scensoring and closing, government control of the people is what followed. He claimed to be a Catholic but didn’t practice the principals and sensored those that did. Our present reality sounds familiar. Oh, and I forgot…the right for responsible citizens to bear arms, which is rightfully in the US constitution. We know the pattern caused we Cubans have lived it. Lord have mercy on the USA and open their eyes of it’s blind. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen!!

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    1. Hi Giselle, thank you so much for sharing that! oh wow – yeah the restrictions on worship — whether actually mandated or “spooked” into us, are so incredibly sad. I would say that i have a healthy fear of COVID — nothing drastic, but a healthy respect of it — and even I am afraid to worship in person for fear of contracting covid. The fear mongering of the media has certainly done what it set out to do. You’re right – our present reality sounds eerily familiar indeed. Amen – Lord have mercy on the USA!!! Thank you so much for this powerful insight! Hugs and love xox

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  31. I liked reading your perspective on this. While I share your optimism of the idea of unity I have a feeling that Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris want the exact opposite. This is part of the deception. Even the devil can quote the Scripture. I would much rather have someone in office who fights for children’s rights to be free whether in the womb or not. I can already see the handwriting on the wall with the vaccines ready to be administered soon. Conform or else. Be prepared and prayed up for what will be ahead. God is building His church His army and we will stand strong with Jesus on our side!

    Remember the Scripture in John 16:33-NIV-I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Hold onto His Word and that will be your armor, your weapon. God bless you. 🙂

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    1. Hi friend! thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this! you bring up some very VERY powerful points. I’m afraid you’re right. so true – we must be prayed up, and rest in the peace knowing that Jesus has overcome the world already! Hugs and love xox

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