Anchored Together

Many of us are yet reeling in the aftermath of this election. There is anger—anger that cuts deep, anger that feels visceral and raw. It may feel like a steady undercurrent, showing up as restlessness, edginess, or fatigue. We might notice ourselves feeling more suspicious, easily irritated, or simply drained. These are natural responses in the face of injustice, and they reflect the deep disruption we feel when we sense our values are under threat. Psychologists tell us that prolonged anger and stress affect our minds and bodies in powerful ways, shaping how we interact with the world around us, influencing our relationships, and impacting our well-being.

It is healthy to pause and be honest with ourselves about these feelings. Anger can be righteous and clarifying, but it can also distort and consume if left unchecked. Unprocessed, it can push us into isolation

or make us sharp with those around us, turning frustration inward until it feels like it’s seeping into everything. Left alone, it can settle into fatigue or numbness, closing us off from the very people who help us endure.

We must remind ourselves and each other of this truth: we are not alone in this. Our strength, our resilience, our very survival lies in our community, in the way we hold each other through hard times. This is the power of our connection. Each of us has a role to play in sustaining our shared spirit, in being a source of strength for one another, even as we grapple with our own emotions.

It is essential now that we practice self-awareness and self-compassion. Begin by taking an honest inventory of where anger is showing up in your life. Are you finding it hard to connect with others, feeling more on edge or irritable? Are you more fatigued, or even struggling to find hope? Be vigilant in observing these signs—not to judge yourself, but to care for yourself.

Healthy responses to anger involve acknowledging it without letting it take root in bitterness or cynicism. This means expressing our emotions in safe spaces, taking time to process what we’re feeling, and letting trusted friends and family support us in carrying these burdens. It means stepping away from conversations or news cycles when we feel overwhelmed, breathing deeply, and grounding ourselves in activities that restore us. It may also mean rethinking some of our routines, as prolonged stress can sap our energy, cloud our perspective, and make us feel more reactive.

Unhealthy responses—like isolating ourselves, lashing out at others, or letting anger fuel resentment—will only deepen our fatigue and wear us down. We need to stay vigilant, knowing that anger, if turned inward or outward without thought, can divide us from our closest support system.

Now more than ever, we must prioritize the strength of our community, leaning into this powerful connection that sustains us. We hold each other up, we create space for each other’s feelings, and we remind one another that our shared strength transcends any one election, any one leader. Let us hold close to each other, offering grace and patience, recognizing that everyone here is navigating the same complex storm. Together, we have the courage and resilience to resist despair, to turn anger into clarity, and to build a way forward with strength and love.

May we be anchored together in this season, finding strength and steadiness in each other as we navigate whatever comes our way. Let’s be the grounding force that brings calm in the chaos, a steady presence through all the changing tides. Anchored together, with the power of the Holy Spirit, we will navigate these uncertain waters.