Voting with Our Lives: Everyday Solidarity

Today is Election Day, a pivotal moment for our nation. I invite us to reflect on embodying solidarity with the oppressed by living out values like justice, mercy, and humility. These ideals demand action in every facet of our lives, especially today.

As I welcome Casa Alterna’s newest resident, an asylum-seeking woman who fled the oppressive violence of a theocratic regime, I witness her incredible courage in seeking safety. Her journey reflects the countless stories of those enduring oppression. We will watch the election results together tonight, reminded that our choices carry immense weight—not just for ourselves but for the most vulnerable.

While how we vote today is critical, it represents just one act in a life that should reflect the highest values of the Golden Rule. Our engagement as citizens matters, but we must recognize that our actions extend beyond the ballot box. Living out our values means embodying compassion and justice every day—in our communities and in our broader world. Regardless of who emerges victorious, we must commit to a path of justice that uplifts the marginalized and champions human dignity.

The ideals enshrined in sacred texts and the Declaration of Human Rights remind us that every society has a responsibility to treat the vulnerable with respect and compassion. We must ensure that those fleeing violence and those facing scapegoating are not statistics or issues to debate but fellow human beings deserving of our love and support.

I approach this election with peace regarding the potential outcomes. Whether we welcome America’s first female president or return to one of our most polarizing leaders, my commitment to justice remains steadfast. This commitment compels me to act—through radical hospitality, advocacy, civil disobedience, or other forms of resistance—against injustice wherever it appears.

I will not remain silent.

If the genocide in Gaza continues—or if scapegoating of our immigrant brothers and sisters escalates—I will not remain silent, regardless of whether a Donkey or Elephant occupies the White House. We must hold firm to our commitment to justice and the sanctity of every life. This stance is not merely political but a moral and spiritual imperative.

We respond to our calling as agents of peace and justice in a world that seeks to divide us. Our true allegiance lies with the marginalized, who cry out for dignity and respect.

Let us cultivate hope—not as a fleeting emotion but as an active force driving us to embody love that crosses borders. May our hope shine through our actions and solidarity with those who need it most. Together, we can create the Beloved Community our hearts know is possible.

Today and every day, let us remember our call to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly.

Today and every day, let us remember our call to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly. Together, we can stand for a world where everyone is valued, love triumphs over hate, and justice flows like a mighty river, uniting us in our shared humanity.

by Anton Flores-Maisonet

Image: “Democratic Donkey & Republican Elephant – Caricatures” by DonkeyHotey is licensed under CC BY 2.0.