A 12 step plan for Election Stress Recovery (or Jesus is not running for President)

by guest blogger Kim Thames

I confess I am really anxious about this election- losing sleep, sweaty palms anxious.  The headlines tell me I am not alone.   I could not ignore this as I prepared to write for our Across the Bridge recovery group right on the eve of this election.   I should not be surprised that reflection on the 12 Steps is giving me some hope and healing.  Here is how it has worked out in my mind.   Maybe it will work for you as well.
 
Step 1-
Realizing that I am powerless reminds me that God does not need an election to be Master of the Universe.
 
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”  Revelation 1:8
 
Step 2&3 - 
No earthly government can intervene with my decision to allow a greater power to restore me.
 
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.  2 Corinthians 4:
 
Step 4/10
Love must be the basis of any searching and fearless inventory because God is Love.
 
If I speak in the tongues[  of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.  I Corinthians 13: 1-3
 
Step 5-9
If I have belittled, humiliated, trolled, or otherwise been hateful to anyone because of their political leaning, I need to stop, apologize, and make every attempt to repair our relationship. 
 
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18
 
Steps 11/12.  
God can work his will in us no matter the result of this or any election- and we need to share that good news.
 
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  Romans 12:2