3 Things Stacey Abrams Taught Me About Life This Week
3 Things Stacey Abrams Taught Me About Life This Week
Whether you’re from Georgia or not you’ve likely heard of the potentially history-making gubernatorial race between Brian Kemp and Stacey Abrams. Just in case you have been living under a rock this week, Stacey Abrams has the opportunity to become the first black female governor, not just in Georgia, but in the entire COUNTRY.
Yes, we’re that behind as a country.
But the social worker in me digresses.
On Wednesday morning, I searched for the results online and with about 99% of the votes counted, Stacey announced she would not be conceding until every single vote was counted. A CNN article detailed a speech she gave where she said, “I’m here tonight to tell you votes remain to be counted. There’s voices that are waiting to be heard.” When I read that I immediately caught chills.
It resonated with me so deeply I chewed on it all day at work. Democrat or Republican, here are 3 things we can learn from Stacey Abrams’ speech and refusal to concede in this election.
1. The race doesn’t always go to the swift.
As I sit to type this, there has not been an official winner declared in the state of Georgia. It is possible for Stacey to win, but it’s also possible for her to lose. However, I guarantee you she will never regret her patience during this time. Often, when we encounter hard situations, unexpected outcomes, and close calls we are QUICK to give up and find the next easiest path regardless of direction.
Patience gives us and God the opportunity for the unexpected and miraculous to occur. Patience builds our endurance for a thing and reminds us that as sons and daughters of the God who created time and lives outside of it, we can run our race at our own pace. Once every single vote is counted, if Stacey Abrams is declared the next governor of Georgia, not only would she be grateful she achieved something so great, but she will set off a series of shockwaves that will change the political landscape of a country for generations to come….all because she waited.
When you run your own race at your own pace, you empower others to do the same and forge a path towards what was once seen as unattainable.
2. There is a Voice yet to be heard
Whenever I feel my back is up against a wall, I tend to go immediately into what can only be described as straight up panic mode. However, one thing God has been teaching me season in and season out is to seek Him FIRST; to quiet my soul and see what He has to say about the situation. Often the voices I hear loudest are the ones that matter least. The voices of fear, anxiety, perceived responsibility, and doubt always have something to say. Yet the Voice I need to hear most, the voice with the final say, has yet to have my attention long enough to give me any direction.
Stacey is adamant about not giving up her opportunity at a lifelong dream because she knows the unheard voices are literally the difference between winning and losing. As she waits for votes to be counted all across the state, I am reminded to wait for the Voice of the Lord in my day to day. His Voice is the difference between Hope and Despair.
3. DO NOT CONCEDE
In races all around the country, while candidates were accepting and announcing their defeat, congratulating their staff and volunteers on a fight well fought, Stacey was announcing her decision to dig her heels in deeper. We can so often be encouraged by others, especially those who love us, to simply give up the fight because we tried our best, affirming that you’ll have “Better luck next time.” However, I contend that Stacey likely decided well before election night that should the outcome be undesirable she would not concede until every reasonable action was taken.
See, the decision not to concede is never on a whim. It is a decision we must make long before the result of a risk or trial is ever presented. The decision to be tenacious and steadfast is the result of a heart that is already not easily persuaded by outward conditions. Before you ever face an obstacle, choose not to give up, choose to fight until the very end and beyond because you never know what is waiting on the other side of your decision.
Do not concede to the pressures and trials of life, friends.
God is within you. You will not fail.
Got any thoughts? I’d love to hear them! Comment below!