TABITHA: I recently reread Pilar’s post about her reaction to the election results. It made me think about boundaries in friendships, particularly in the context of one friend voting for Donald Trump while the other could not comprehend remaining friends with someone who supported putting a sexual predator in the White House. Over the past decade, I have established my own boundaries regarding friends and family whose values lead them to enthusiastically support Trump. However, Pilar’s post prompted me to consider other aspects of his supporters, especially women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints community, that I find difficult to understand.
I don’t understand why women members of the Church of Jesus Christ would vote for a man who has been adjudicated as a rapist, someone who boasts about sexually assaulting women and has committed adultery with each of his wives.
I don’t understand why Christian women support a man who places himself above God and prioritizes loyalty to himself above all else.
I don’t understand why Christian women would vote for someone who attempted a coup while these same women claim to rejoice in democracy.
I am baffled by their support for a man who denigrates American prisoners of war.
I don’t understand why Christian women would support a man who constantly lies and bears false witness.
I don’t understand why Christian women can back a leader who seeks to eliminate health insurance for millions and revert to a system that routinely denied coverage for pre-existing conditions, resulting in poorer health outcomes and higher costs for families.
I struggle to understand how Christian women justify supporting a man who has spoken about imprisoning those who oppose him.
I hear rationalization as their explanation but not rationality.
I hope my friends who are navigating new boundaries can find peace in their friendships. I hope they can come to terms with the grief that arises from realizing someone holds values that differ greatly from their own. Being a peacemaker does not require maintaining friendships that do not align with your values. True peace can come through Christ, and I hope they find that sooner rather than later.
~Tabitha~
Watch for upcoming articles from SQ writers on other ways value systems between voting blocks differ, including:
The Value Difference Between Trump Voters and Non-Trump Voters and Why It Matters, by Deborah
Post-Election Thoughts of an Abuse Survivor, by Pilar
Sisters Quorum would appreciate hearing your stories. Feel free to leave a comment or see our Submissions page to send in your story.
Please like and follow Sisters Quorum on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. Shares on any platform are appreciated.
Sisters Quorum 