Beyond the Vote: Why Americans Are Truly Devastated in 2024

The devastation people feel today runs deeper than a single election loss. Many have lost family members to COVID after it was dismissed as a hoax. Women are dying because they’re being denied treatment for miscarriages and complicated pregnancies after healthcare rights were overturned. Families brace for potential mass deportations that could mark a tragic chapter in our history. We watched in horror as, on January 6, a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, scaling walls, shattering windows, and attacking officers to block the peaceful transfer of power—even calling to hang their own vice president. For four years, we’ve witnessed anger-fueled trucks flying Confederate flags, and we’ve heard racist rhetoric aimed at spreading fear and division. We’ve been told that the deaths of children from gun violence weren’t real and that Black lives didn’t matter. And the hardest part? Many Americans seem unmoved. That’s why some of us are devastated.

For older generations, the issue is no longer just about isolation or individualism; it’s about realizing our world is interconnected and interdependent. For younger generations, it’s about questioning beliefs, envisioning new possibilities, and creating change. Between these perspectives lies a diverse community whose well-being depends on shared social norms, security, and freedoms.

In 2024, America grapples with a pervasive complacency. We lack critical thinking, and the time or drive to discern truth is often missing. This curiosity—the willingness to question and explore—is essential if we’re to understand the roots of our thoughts and beliefs.

Money plays an undeniable role. While it brings comfort and opportunity, it can also lead to bypassing personal and spiritual growth. As 1 Timothy 6:10 warns, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." It’s not money itself that’s harmful, but the ways we seek and use it. And today, money has become a weapon in the hands of a few to rule the majority, undermining the greater good of humanity.

We need empathy, critical thinking, compassion, and robust educational foundations. These foster shared experiences and help us imagine a sustainable future that includes everyone. Our frustration with our shortcomings doesn’t call for consolation but understanding and meaningful action.

Here’s the truth: We admire those with platforms on social media who use their influence to share accurate information and build community. Yet, countless people feel overlooked while viral figures amass millions of “likes-turned-dollars.” Despite years of effort, many Americans still feel dismissed by those who have the power to amplify their voices. After this election, with so many efforts seemingly unnoticed, it feels as though even those who claim to represent the people aren’t letting everyone into their “circle.”

There is hope, even in unimaginable circumstances, though times like these can make it feel like a moot point.

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash