Rosie O'Donnell made quite the impression at the recent Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Media Awards ceremony. The event was held just this past Saturday, May 6, in New York and featured the former talk show host who had been specially requested to present an award to an actor. O'Donnell, however, earnestly used the opportunity to share her personal political views:
“Why am I here, truthfully? Well, first of all, I’m still vertical after Satan won. That to me is a major accomplishment for someone who suffers from major depressive disorder.”
By the end of the ceremony, in presumably comedic fashion, Rose O'Donnell held up her phone in a posture of feigned texting and recited aloud:
“‘F*** you, Donald. From the gays.’ Sent!”
This of course isn't O'Donnell's first verbal bashing of the president; before his election, she described him as "mentally unstable" "Mentally ill," and recently likened his administration to the 9/11 attacks. On March 1 of this year, Rosie paraded an anti-Trump protest across the grounds of the White House and, ever as indiscreetly, pronounced to her fellow colleagues-in-passion: “He’s going down and so will all of his administration. The charge is treason.”
"Treason" is a terribly serious allegation. And yet, I believe, Rosie believes it with all of her heart. This wasn't just a guise for show, a moment of heat, nor a momentary lapse in judgment. It confirmed the condition of her heart and the condition of all lost humanity.
How do we respond as Christians when it seems the whole world seems to despise even the faintest resemblance to legality? The Bible holds the simplest, most sensible, yet probably least obeyed command: Pray.
"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence (2 Timothy 2:1-2)."
Whether you personally like Donald Trump is in no way relevant to the respect that Scripture demands of Christian for those in authority. May we resist echoing Rosie in our possible dissatisfaction with, or disapproval of, Trump's personality, demeanor, or even actions and words, avoiding the distasteful and downright sinful attitude of our fellows in humanity. While we cannot change, as scary as it is, the prevailing opinion surrounding, we can ensure that our own behavior is an exemplary one, that we lead "quiet and peacable" lives.
Now, I am in no way inferring or implying that Trump is a modern Melchizedek. Before you designate me as a "Trump is Savior" supporter, please hear me out. He is a man more comparable to Cyrus than to King David. However, to a world which revels in dark deeds, even the palest light seems abnormally bright. In addition, Pence, a pronounced Christian and devout believer, attracts the flame of spiritual warfare in the Administration's direction by way of holy living. Satan is informally on the look out to "devour (I Peter 5:8-9)." May we rather cover these men in prayer and intercede for their discernment and continued strength as they make decisions for which they were appointed---by the One alone who appoints to authority.
