About the Author

A writer of faith by day and mystery by night, Patricia Raybon is an award-winning Colorado author, essayist, and novelist who writes top-rated books and stories at the daring intersection of faith and race. More at patriciaraybon.com

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  1. Thanks for sharing your message. I so needed this. I’m afraid to turn on the news. I’m very scared. I moved to America because of Freedom. Your post calmed my fear. I will trust God and move on in faith.

    • Amen, Rita. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7). Praying His peace on you — and on all of us today! ❤️

  2. Patricia your voice of calm and reason, of hope and love is much appreciated this morning. Your voice is so necessary.
    Mending as we go…

    • Thank you so much, Andrea. We write our articles about three weeks ahead, so I had to trust God’s leading on what to say. I’m so grateful His inspiration blessed you today! ❤️

    • Blessings, dear Jeannie! So great to hear from you today. (I was blessed to see you on the chat on a recent Zoom event.) Warmest thanks for your feedback today. I treasure your affirmation. With kind thanks and much love.

  3. I had to go 3 years without contact with my daughter, I was out of state but have moved back and thank God got to see her a few times but since June, I don’t hear from her, she is an addict, I say that’s the reason but it doesn’t help the pain in my heart, how can I reach out to her?? I’ve sent love over and over, no response…

    • Oh, dear Karen. I’m so sorry you’re going through this confusion and hurt with your precious daughter. What an ordeal. The pandemic – plus the grueling election — just adds to the problem and complications. As you keep praying and trusting God for your daughter’s healing and recovery, and keep reaching out to her with love, I pray you also ask the Lord to minister to your own pain and worry.

      It can be so hard with grown children because they’re on their own now, living their own lives. A wonderful book addresses the challenge that you’re facing. It’s called “Doing Life With Your Adult Child” by Jim Burns. I hope you’ll consider it.

      In the meantime, I urge you to keep praying His mercy, care, grace and healing over your daughter — then leave your prayers at His feet. One day at a time. Be assured that the Lord sees, knows and hears you. I also pray He encourages your spirit as you wait on Him to move.

      In fact, this morning, I noticed this passage in the Book of Lamentations. It says this:

      “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
      To the soul who seeks Him.
      It is good that one should hope and wait quietly
      For the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3: 26-27).

      Karen, further down, it adds:

      “I called on Your name, O Lord,
      From the lowest pit.
      You have heard my voice:
      “Do not hide Your ear
      From my sighing, from my cry for help.”
      You drew near on the day I called on You,
      And said, “Do not fear!” (vv. 55-57)

      Karen, as you cling to the Lord’s promises — trusting less on yourself and more on Him — I pray you find ways to keep serving and loving others in His name, believing He has not forsaken you or your daughter. As the psalmists say, “Hope in the Lord!”

      Oh, I know it’s hard. But may you keep hoping in Him. Then may He bless you with new mercies and compassion every day. You are not alone! With His love and peace! ❤️

    • Karen,

      Sweet sister-asking God to help mend your broken heart. May His peace & calm rule in worried weary soul. So sorry for what you are going through. Trust completely in God to answer your prayers for healing & reconciliation. In time He will answer your prayers.

      Sending ((((((((((Hugs from Watauga, TN))))))))))

    • Blessings on you today, dear Rhonda. Thank you so much for your feedback. During these confusing times, may God bless us all with His assurance and peace. His love to you today!

  4. You always have such calming and powerful advice. I appreciate your words & will strive to embrace them. Though I have no close friends or relatives that I’m in a dispute with over the election, I am so devastated that this country has turned it’s back on God & He has decided to give us what we deserve (collectively). Nothing will ever be the same, it has been permanently damaged and this may be God’s will for us. We wouldn’t let go of our idols, our need to BE God, so we will suffer the consequences. Followers of Christ will suffer right along side of the atheists, the idol worshippers, as we are not without our own sins. I pray I can come out of this despair I feel right now about our future, but when I look at who is still being voted in to power in many places in our country, I am not hopeful. Morals and character mean nothing anymore.

    • I hear you, dear Suzanne. These times have been so confusing, upsetting and disappointing. Through it all, however, we’re certainly learning to trust not in people — but in the Lord. He never changes. That’s so important as even some religious leaders are following after politics and politicians. May we each watch ourselves carefully, giving God and this world our very best, regardless of what others are doing.

      Meantime, don’t lose hope. I love what the prophet Jeremiah, “the Weeping Prophet,” said in the Book of Lamentations. At the lowest point for Judah, when the city of Jerusalem had been vanquished and God’s people exiled to Babylon, Jeremiah remembered to praise God, recalling God’s goodness. Then he said:

      “This I recall to my mind,
      Therefore I have hope.

      Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
      Because His compassions fail not.
      They are new every morning;
      Great is Your faithfulness.
      “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
      “Therefore I hope in Him!” (Lamentations 3:21-24)

      Indeed, may we hope in God. Praying His blessings and encouragement on your heart, soul, mind and spirit today. And on my spirit, too. Much love! ❤️

      • Thank you so much for your original post and for your response to this dear lady. The only hope for this country is for Christians to behave like Christians.

  5. Patricia,
    I don’t know if I can string together a coherent thought on 3 hours of sleep. I will just say “Amen!” Whether it is Jesus speaking, or Paul, or Lincoln’s interpretation of both, the truth is that the enemy comes to destroy and he destroys by division. Let’s not let the enemy win, and instead, seek unity, mending, and love. It’s the road less traveled, but it is the only road.
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

  6. Patricia my Dad not saved. With all the wrong he done to me and my late Mum in the past. If I wanted I could have never forgiven him. Even if not saved. I still would have forgiven my Dad. Because he my Dad and I Love him. I do have two prayers for him that I like answered. I want nothing else from him. When he leaves this earth but to know he saved plus him to say sorry to me. What he did to me was not as bad as some people have been through. But I just would love sorry from my Dad for it. I might never get it. Plus he should never have done what he did to my late Mum. It all in past. I have prayed to God. Asked God to help me forgive my Dad. If I didn’t. I know in my heart today. I never speak to my Dad. Especially as follower of Jesus. That would be wrong. I love my Dad way to much not to forgive him. I can’t tell him he has hurt me. As he not listen to me. He have answer for me. It’s like telling my Dad he need Jesus. I get don’t preach to me. So I just pray for my Dad live my life as follower of Jesus in front of him. As God showed me and told me this. Dawn say nothing just live your life as follower for me in front of your Dad. Pray for him leave him in my hands. As your Dad will not change until he get saved. As people like your Dad only think of themselves. As long as they are ok nothing else matters. So I am doing what God told me to do. Plus loving my Dad. You Patricia I know it hard watching your Daughter follow another religion that is false. But like me all you can do is pray for her. Plus her Husband and her kids. Live your life as follower of Jesus in front of her. Know that in God perfect timing she will see the light. Come to know Jesus again. Along with her Husband and kids. As like a Mother once I read about in Our Daily Bread she prayed for her son for over 20 years and never gave up praying. One day the front cover of the Our Daily Bread was on the Kitchen Table. The son walked in to the Kitchen. The words on the Cover of the Our Daily Bread that day through the Holy Spirit convicted him. He got saved. So see never give up Praying for your Daughter and her Husband and her kids. Like me and my Dad. That gives me hope still. As I believe with all my heart my Dad will get saved one day. So will your Daughter and her Husband plus her kids. I am praying for them also. As well as my Dad. This how we mend one of many broken fences. With the power of Prayer. Plus trusting the word of God the Bible and the promises in it. Love today reading Patricia. Love you all incourage. Pray for you all. Dawn Ferguson-Little xxxxx

    • So well said, dear Dawn. We mend our broken fences with the power of prayer and by trusting in God and in His Word and His promises. Thank you so much for your beautiful reminder and God’s blessings on you and your Dad as you continue to lift Him to the Lord in prayer. Blessings on your faithfulness! With His peace and love, Patricia

  7. My soul needed your reminder today of Jesus’ words. I choose to turn off the noise and listen to God instead. I choose to let God guide my morality. I choose to be decent and kind because that is the only way to show God’s glory.

  8. The answer is to pray for Our President and other leaders of this country. And to pray that all of the hate, violence, confusion, disrespect against someone simply because they are not the right color or Creed. And in this time of separation, social distancy, and fear of the unknown and sadness because we cannot see our families our friends we CAN see you and remember that wherever there are two or three gathered in your Holy,Powerful Name You are always with us. And the gift you freely give us, Your Grace and loving kindness will bring us together with our loved ones through our Memories. We can close our eyes and see their faces, hear their laughter and remember something they said bringing smiles to our faces. Even though we cannot be together in our bodies which can be seen we can embrace each other in a Spiritual Hug!

  9. Yes, Patricia! Just what I was thinking. Let’s take these “lemons” and make “lemonade”. Let’s put love in place of anger.

  10. Thank you Patricia. As I read your devotion this morning, I felt the sighs. I felt the prayers. I felt the forgiveness. I felt the division close up a bit. We do “have to look to Jesus not to politicians for direction and help to forgive the hurt this election has elevated”. We have to gently nudge “the Jesus way”. It will probably be a long week for many…
    Let us, as you suggest: “Mend. Then let us turn – on this day after – to neighbors and former friends. Then let’s reach across our broken fences and try this: love”

    • Blessings, dear Janet. I appreciate your words so much. I’m so grateful this reflection helped close the division up a bit for you. As God’s people, we have to follow that road and not let politics divide us again so deeply. Thank you for agreeing that the best path is love. The Lord will surely meet us there. With His love!

  11. Ms. Patricia, good morning and God bless you. I can only imagine the struggle in your thoughts and the racing in your heart as you sat and began to write this piece three weeks ago. For who could know just where we would be the day after? Our God, who changes not – that’s who. Living in a country where the battle really does seem to be about good versus evil, may this Master’spiece, written three weeks ago, serve as a rhema word for us today, reminding us as Christians to be the example and to love and to do good.

    P.S. sadly, Paul’s letters were written to the church to administer and/out to reprimand because it was the people in the church who should be doing the good, were the ones practicing the evil. Help us Lord

    • I hear you, Tammy. May God bless His church to repent, recover, heal, and restore. Help us, Lord, to be a witness to the world of Your love — and not of division and hate. Thank you, dear Tammy, for affirming that path! Many blessings today!

  12. Hi Ms. Raybon, after reading one of your writings in ODB about a year ago, I have followed you since and you have been a constant encouragement to me. And today is no exception. I would like to share with you the words of encouragement that I shared with my family and friends yesterday and hope they may be an encouragement to others as well.

    “I have been following you I am trusting that God’s sovereign will will be done regardless of the outcome of today’s election. I’m reminding myself that the LORD is not governed by legislature and the politician is not all-powerful — he can only do what God allows. So we cannot trust them to save us. It is through his divine power that all we need for life and godliness is found in Him. It is God who “changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” (Daniel 2:21)

    My prayer for you and me today: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let our requests be made known unto God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Amen. (Phil 4:6-7)

    • Amen, dear Cynthia! You’ve share vital reminders here. The Lord God alone is in control. He always is — and always will be. Thus, the Scripture passages you highlighted are right on target. May we be anxious for nothing as we pray the peace of God in our hearts and lives. Thank you so much for encouraging and sharing. I’m so glad you’re a part of this community!

      • So am I! I also shared your article with a small group that I am involved which focuses on racial reconciliation. Thank you for your inspiration.

  13. Thank you Pat. This was comforting for ‘The Day After’ and I will use it to get through the coming days and months. I pray you, Dan and your Family are well.

    Blessings, Love and Peace.
    Loretta

    • Blessings, beautiful Loretta! It’s so good to hear from you today. I’m so grateful my humble article was comforting. May we all lean into the truths it tried to convey — to let the Lord’s peace rule in our hearts and put on His love. Thank you for affirming that path today! Much love!

  14. Hello Patricia:

    Love your work as usual. Thank you for allowing the Holy Spirit to use you. God is still on the throne and Jesus is still King of Kings and Lord of lords. We must learn to love God and love others as we focus on Jesus.

  15. Thank you, Patricia, for sharing these healing words. It is now a time for hugs (real & virtual) and listening ears (to God and each other).

    Lord give us the courage to walk this out!

  16. Patirica, You are so right. We Americans, all, need to rethink our core values and act on them with a smile, a hello, a heartfelt greeting to all no matter who they are or how they voted. Easier said than done…of course. One day at a time we can heal. One smile at a time.

    • So well said, dear Kerrie. One smile at a time. One day at a time. It’s always a choice to love — or to withhold it. May the Lord bless us all to love. His peace and blessings on you and yours today! ❤️

  17. Patricia – you are beyond amazing! I thank you for these words with a heart filled with gratitude – like never before!
    I could not sleep last night, so I prayed, and with each prayer I thought of all the horrific leaders in the past, all the injustice and all the pain. But God kept telling me “I will never leave you.” And a calm rested over me. It isn’t over yet, and I remain hopeful but I know God is with us no matter what. His promises are true and that is what I cling to.

    • Amen, dear Donna. I can imagine many didn’t sleep so well last night. But, you are right, as we pray and release our concerns to the Lord, He is faithful to promise: “I will never leave you.” May we all remain in His peace and calm — today in this election season and always. He is still God. Hallelujah! Thank you for sharing the truth of His faithful power! ❤️

  18. Thank you Patricia. This has been such a contested time in our history, and we need our God to bring healing. Seeking to mend relationships is key. My brother and I are at different poles politically, but decided awhile back that our relationship was more important than our differences. Now to live that out, whatever the outcome of the election! Bless you.

    • Blessings and thank you, dear Carol. Your agreement with your brother is a beautiful example for all of us. These political divisions seem to bring out the worst. Instead, may we each find ways to sit with each other, put aside judgements, listen to different views and try to love. Warm thanks to you and your brother for showing us exactly how! ❤️

  19. Thank you and thank you and thanks again for your words and reference resources with exact scripture to draw strength from. Yes, I feel the hurt and unity being divided within my church family and it breaks my heart.

    • I can relate, dear Joy. We’ve been torn asunder. It’s past time to heal. With God’s help and intentional commitment, we can move this mountain for the good. God’s blessings on your family and church as you walk this healing journey. With His assurance and hope! ❤️

  20. Patricia,

    I’ve not listened to the news for a couple of years. Don’t get me wrong-I stay informed. Just can’t listen to all the rhetoric they spew. The best way to mend broken fences is to love others as we love ourselves. First off don’t talk about political views. Pray hard & ask God to help the next president. God already knows who He will put in charge. Shower this country & world with more of God’s love. After all God is in complete control of this universe. Love conquers a multitude of wrongs.

    Blessings 🙂

    • Amen, Beth. Your prayer prescription is right on target. Pray hard, ask God to help the next president, and then shower this country and the world with more of God’s love. You covered it well! Many blessings and many thanks!

  21. We have to”live a life worthy of the calling [we] have received,” by being completely humble, gentle, patient, and bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:1-2). Perhaps a bit more walking in love and less talking in defense of our political views would help mend a broken fence or two.

    • Indeed, Nancy Reugg. You capture a time-tested godly approach. “A little bit more walking in love and less talking in defense of our political views.” May God help us to remember His marching orders. Warmest thanks and blessings.

  22. Great article Patricia!

    Blessings on your work

    Alistair & Helen
    JOHNS RIVER
    AUSTRALIA

  23. Patricia,

    Wow, thank you for such a great post and message. It is so true. I’m so weary of all of the fighting. I think many people have forgotten how to be kind. It reminds me of a saying I heard from somewhere. “Not forgiving someone is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies.” My prayer is that reconciliation will happen before too many hearts get hardened.

    I always enjoy your posts. Thank you for sharing your heart.

    • Blessings, dear Jennifer. I so agree. This political season has been exhausting. To see Christians at the forefront has been especially dismaying. We’ve been a poor witness for Christ. All of us. (Myself included. Getting angry with people.) May the Lord point us back to us peace. Thanks so much for affirming that path. Now, may we all walk on it!

  24. I appreciate your kind, peaceful and life giving thoughts. Very good points to ponder…and then put into action. Thank you! :):)

  25. Thank you for sharing your heart!
    It echos the sentiment that those of us with humility, empathy, and compassion feel for all humanity, regardless of race, color, religion, or creed.
    May you be continuously blessed with handsful of the Father’s favor on purpose as He grants You success and divine protection in all your endeavors!
    Shalom, ❤️sSalle

  26. I just read this timely piece of instruction. Thank you so much. I recieved it in the name of Jesus.

  27. Amen sister Raybon, voices like yours need to raised all across our nation, and may those of us who call ourselves Christians, humble ourselves, turn from our wicked ways, and ask God to heal our land

    • Amen, Sister Carol! Help us, O God, to humble ourselves and turn from our wicked ways. Then please heal our land! Thank you, Sister Carol, for this reminder! With His peace and love!

  28. Thank you so much for being an encouraging person. I being letting people that want to discuss politics. My goes to Jesus we have been thru so many Presidents. Yet an still Jesus has made a way for all us to survive. He will never leave us nor forsake no matter who u are.

  29. Thank you, thank you for your gentle, loving reminder of the “only thing that counts” (Galatians 5:6).

  30. Excellent article! When everything is said and done, “political” views won’t count. It’s whether we honored God through obedience, and were of service to Him. It’s not who’s in the Whitehouse, it’s about whether God’s in our hearts.❤

  31. Good morning Miss Rayburn. Thank you for this eye opening, heartfelt, humbling read. I just started following you on fb. I want to say I’m happy I did! I’m going through a rough time with one of my adult son, who lives with me. Just very confrontational on almost everything! Reading your words this morning has encouraged me with “a house divided cannot stand”.
    Thanks again.
    I’ve always been an avid reader of the daily word, and enjoys your submissions there as well.
    God bless you as you continue your purpose in life.