The Donald was elected despite what the polls and many experts and pundits predicted would not happen. This is a clear example of why one should not believe everything you see, hear or read. The pollsters got it wrong.

And, on this day, I have just come from doing my prison ministry before sitting down to write this column. The sun still rose in the east and apparently will continue to set in the west. The sky has not fallen and I am still alive, occupying until He comes, doing what He has called me to do.

No matter which side of the election results you find yourself today, some of you may lose your sense of balance. This column is an attempt to rein in your sense of euphoria or ameliorate your deep dark depression.

"Wait and see the great changes that this country will experience. This was God,” were the words of my Republican friend who voted for Donald. She emailed me on Wednesday.

 Shortly after, I received another note.

"That's what the Egyptians thought as they pursued the Israelites through the Red Sea. Instead they all perished!” said my Democratic friend who voted for Hillary.

Two believers and two different perspectives. Whose report will you believe?

Stop it, you all! You must stop, check yourself and restore your sense of equilibrium or you will go off the deep end.

When I heard Van Jones, a CNN contributor, say: “This was a white-lash against a changing country,” referring to Trump’s anti-immigrant platform, including his proposed ban on Muslim travel to the U.S., and that he has “Muslim friends who are texting me tonight saying, ‘Should I leave the country?’ I have families of immigrants that are terrified tonight,” I knew that there was still deep pain.

Still, we all know in part and prophesy in part but the complete story is only known to Him above who sits high and looks low and rules over the affairs of all men.

This is not the beginning or the end of the world, folks. We must get a grip on things and realize, "No matter who is president, Jesus still reigns." This is a sign on the billboard of the church at the entrance to my community. And, with that sentiment, I pen these words…

Dear Donald,

There is a time and place for every purpose under heaven.

59 million people did not vote for you or agree with you or your policies. That is a lot of people who are sad and unhappy today. This is your time to prove them wrong and lift them up out of the doldrums and depths of despair.

Instead of shouting, "In your face and the hell with you, I am going to run the country my way and if you do not like it tough.”

Instead of wasting time trying to lock her up in a case that the FBI director has already said is not there and unwinnable.

Instead of trying to sue your accusers in court.

Instead of trying to build a wall and deport 11 million illegal immigrants-- a logistically impossible task.

Redeem the time wisely. Take the time to bind up the nation's wounds. Listen to and respect your opponents’ ideas--even a broken clock is right two times a day. Only one person knows everything and capable of doing everything. That’s God.

Become a statesman and patriot and a revered leader for all Americans, something you said Obama was unable to do. Remember the game of politics is the art of compromise.

Demonstrate by your actions that you are not the leader of the "deplorables" or the man who happened to ride into the presidency on a wave of frustration, anger and discontent.

While one of your supporters writes these words:

"Hillary has to be having indigestion problems about now with all the red on the map. She thought she had it in the bag, and rather funny since she is an old bag. I am still praying for a Trump win, not because I like him that much but because I dislike her. She and Bill are a huge part of the corruption in our government. If nothing else, voting for Trump sends a clear message that the PEOPLE are fed up with corrupt policies. We want our country back. We want our citizens, our veterans to come before illegal undocumented, refugees, and criminals."

This is your moment to respond with grace. The eyes of the world and millions of Americans are on you. The decision is in your hands and you alone must choose the path going forward.

Do you remain petty, immature and vindictive with the goal of squashing all your enemies, accusers and opponents? Do you become magnanimous and deal with those against you in a fair and equitable manner? Do you rise up and become all that God created you to be and all those voters who ardently and passionately supported you, hope you would be.

Only you and God know. I am praying for you because, for better or worse, we are still in the same boat together. It is my hope that you do the right thing.

Neverthless, whatever you decide, it is still well with my soul.

Vince

V. Knowles is a husband, father and prison minister with an interest in penning issues that serve to uplift mankind. He melds his love for Classic literature, The Bible and pop culture - as sordid as it may be - into highly relatable columns of truth, faith and justice. Hence the name: Just Thinking. If he's not buried in a book or penning his next column, you may find him pinned to his sectional watching a good old Country and Western flick.