“I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one.”

—John 17:21

Last weekend, Lori and I went to New Orleans. I was officiating at a wedding, but we and the 80 people gathering with us for that event were a definite minority in the Big Easy. Music superstar Taylor Swift was offering three concerts at the Caesars Superdome over the same weekend. Thus more than 100,000 of her fans descended upon that city of 300,000. Their presence was unmistakable as was their joy. 

When our plane landed, after the usual welcome announcements, the intercom system began to play songs by the artist. Passengers waiting to disembark sang along. Hotels everywhere had signs welcoming guests, restaurants advertised Swift-specific specials, and the sidewalks were filled with fans of all ages wearing The Eras Tour shirts. Homemade friendship bracelets were freely swapped and concert-goers wrote “13” on top of their hands because it is the artist’s favorite number. Even on Bourbon Street the music changed from Dixieland Jazz to ones by that visiting entertainer.    

Our daughter began to follow Taylor Swift when her first song topped the charts in 2006. Our oldest granddaughter is a fan as well so in my family alone, the age span of admirers is 25 years. I cannot think of many other artists who continue to write new music and still pack arenas over a span of two decades with fans young and old. As we chatted with people who attended the concert and heard stories from hospitality employees who encountered them along the way there were consistent themes of happiness and kindness. The TSA agent who screened our luggage before departure proudly wore a friendship bracelet given to her by a fan on their way home. While I would not call myself a Swiftie, I was struck by her ability to bring together all kinds of people; one person who evoked broad unity.

In a prayer that fills the 17th chapter of John’s gospel, Jesus sums up his earthly ministry and asks God to protect his followers. He then says “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one.” It’s likely Jesus was speaking primarily of unity in the church, but his words apply to other settings, too. I hear it as an especially relevant and poignant petition for our nation. 

As these words are posted, the Presidential election is only two days away. Given the closeness of polls, it’s possible we may not know the winner immediately. Whatever the outcome, half of the voting public will be upset.  Passions are high and the issues before our country are challenging. The vitriol of the campaign has been harsh and the divisions in our land are deep. Thus, I would hope that whoever becomes our 47th President sees a top priority as bringing our country together. That as she or he takes the oath of office and begins to act on all of the needs–domestic and international–we face that they will also seek to re-unite this land. 

I don’t have a clear idea of how that can be done, but a friendship bracelet might be a good first step. 

God of all nations, we pray for America. Guide us in the decisions to be made on Tuesday and infuse our next President with your Spirit. Help him or her lead in a way that heals the wounds of this campaign and moves us closer to being fifty united states again. Amen.