Historically, there have been periods of specific times when Americans have stood together, a united front, daring anyone that might come against us. Often in response to significant circumstances or during a national crisis, America has stood her ground. Just like the first time when she stood to declare her independence from British rule during the American Revolution, then during WWII when Pearl Harbor was attacked, and yet again during the Civil Rights Movement when challenging racism and equal rights. Americans have proven to rise to defend their freedoms time and time again and they did so again this past Saturday, June 14, when millions marched in over 2,000 cities protesting “No Kings.”

Though many Americans seem to be torn between what’s right and what’s wrong today, most still know pure evil when we see it. We have been fed so many lies and half-truths it is hard to know who is telling the truth anymore and whose side we need to be on. While some gathered to support our military because it was the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army which played such a critical role in the Revolutionary Army that actually gave the United States its freedom, others protested in the streets against the current leader in the White House who is so caught up in his own ego that he thinks he can dictate his authority across the country and even the world and we will just follow. But I’m sorry, Mr. President, Americans still have a brain, a choice and hopefully a conscience.

I’m not surprised that everyone in our country is divided on all these issues because even my own family is split down the middle. I do my best to live in peace with a Navy veteran husband and a Trumpsupporting son while showing compassion to my daughter who formerly worked in mental health and knows what it’s like to suffer at the hand of a domestic partner that is supposed to love you until death we do depart. Unfortunately he took that literally and this mama took it into her own hands to stop him and with God’s help, I did. And even though our family has many differences of opinions, we can still stand together on common ground because I refuse to give up on the hope that there can be unity for all. We just have to declare that “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord” and then America needs to get back to being “One nation under God” again.

So I dare to ask the question, was this parade for the U.S. Army or was it for Trump’s ego on his birthday and his way of showing our military presence to others? Of course, this is the same military he has never served in by the way. Though I personally support our military being a veteran’s spouse myself, I find it hard to swallow the cost of an estimated $40 million military parade while Trump has blatantly cut grants for mental health agencies and for programs in the U.S. Dept. of Justice that have proven successful in preventing gun violence itself. Seriously, as you take away grants, loans and financial assistance for mental healthcare and say it’s for “our good” I am still trying to wrap my head around the loss of my 31-year-old loved one less than three weeks ago to someone who definitely needed mental help not just a mandated 12-step program.

Now three weeks later, our whole community is feeling the familiar pain I have been experiencing for weeks as another member of our community has died violently at the hand of her own family member. When will this senseless killing stop? How can we keep closing our eyes to these injustices? Who will stand up for those who cannot?

We have watched in horror for months as your ICE arrests have made me cringe at your inhumanity. Don’t tell me that you are a God-fearing man when you believe in being “the biggest bully on the block.” That’s not leadership sir, that’s dictatorship and I bow my knee to no man. And finally millions are rising up to say the same thing “Enough is enough!” We will not sit idly by as you run our country into the ground. We will not go quietly into the night.

Even though you say there is “no earthly force more powerful than” an Army soldier because “our soldiers have poured their blood out by the bucket load.” I know there is “no earthly force more powerful than a praying mama filled with the Holy Ghost.” That Mr. President is a force to be reckoned with! Those prayers are why our soldiers have been saved on the battlefield and were able to tell about it when they returned home.

It’s my mama’s prayers that have kept me for such a time as this and now my prayers will keep my own children from the enemy’s schemes. For I know that I don’t wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness in this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

I have laced up my devil-kicked boots, Mr. President, and I am prepared for this spiritual battle. My loins are girt about with truth and I have on the breastplate of righteousness. My feet are shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace and I have the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. I have put on the helmet of salvation, and I am armed with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. I am praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit that I may speak boldly as I ought to speak.

Don’t worry, Mr. President. You have awakened the warrior in me and I’m in contact with the One in the tower where I run to and I am safe. I know the ONE, TRUE KING and He will be showing up any day now. And you don’t have to worry about ushering in peace for He is the PRINCE OF PEACE and He will reign and rule. Yes, every knee will bow including yours, Mr. President to the Name Above All Names – JESUS! So I pray that you receive the same measure of mercy and grace that you have given to others less fortunate than yourself. For Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Americans – united or divided? Just like sheep and goats. I pray God has mercy on all our souls.