After participating in the State of Formation Fellowship retreat designed for young faith leaders to reflect upon and explore their faith, I had an amazing realization that compelled me to think deeply on what my faith asks of me. The following is a letter I was compelled to write…

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Dear President Trump,

As you know, it is the Lenten season for Christians. Across our country and the world, Christians are spending time deepening their faith and exploring how we might be closer to God and to our neighbors.

That is exactly why I am writing to you today. I am in need of your help to heal and to deepen my faith by humbling myself fully before you. It is this deep humility and conviction that drives me to ask you for a mutual encounter and a chance to deepen our faith.  

I’d like to wash your hands and your feet.

The truth is, Mr. President, I didn’t vote for you. I don’t agree with many of your policies, nor do I think our country is headed in the right direction. I am exhausted by both sides of the political spectrum and have become disillusioned by the constant backbiting, the unkept promises and unmet needs of the American people. I have almost given up hope.

I see a divided America. I live in a divided America. I have seen firsthand how families and friends have been torn apart because of our derisive political climate—and how good people on both sides of the political spectrum have been hurt. It saddens me that there is more fear than hope and that our people are quick to find fault in one another than seek to understand or see the good all of us possess in us.

I think we may agree that our country is divided and could use some healing. I wonder if we can cast aside our differences for a few brief minutes and set an example for our communities. Because we both identify as people of faith, we choose to see the world differently. People who suffer from and impose blind ignorance, racism, bigotry, and violence against others—Republican and Democrat—suffer from a deep sickness. We know that the pains and wounds of this world cannot be remedied fully through conventional means. As Christians, we know how dangerous anger can be when practicing our faith. We are compelled to heal, and sometimes that healing is spiritual. The power of this healing is derived from deep humility, respect, and hospitality that goes beyond political persuasion, race, or creed.

We have a unique opportunity to begin that healing together, you and I.

For me, the act of washing another’s hands and feet is a way to right the wrongs we have committed and begin anew. It is one of the most solemn and holy acts a Christian can do. In an ultimate act of humility, the night before his crucifixion, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. He commanded them to “love one another as I have loved you.”

To be honest, Mr. President, this is where I struggle the most as a Christian. I fall short everyday to love all of my neighbors. I have have not loved you as I was commanded to do.

I was quick to judge you rather than to understand. I have been uncharitable and fearful of your policies because I have seen them directly affect my community, friends, and family. This has led to anger, and I know that anger should not be allowed to fester and turn to hate in my faith. You are in many people’s eyes the least worthy of having your feet washed by another. Yet, to my amazement and sometimes terror, my faith informs me that it is the least of us who should be the first in line to be honored.

President Trump, I have wronged you. I was angry with you and many of your supporters. I’m ready to to heal and be healed. And before God, you, and the nation, I’d like to begin anew with you.

I can share with you that I am no one special. I carry no titles nor great honors. I live in a small apartment in Spokane where I spend time working for a small nonprofit serving others. I am simply an American of faith who tries and fails everyday to be a better person than yesterday. I need your help in being a better Christian. I need your forgiveness. Perhaps we can set an example by coming together.

President Trump, I believe in this so much. Do you?

As you and your family observe Holy Week before Easter, please consider my humble offer. If and when you have a few moments, I have earnest hands, a bowl of water, and a willing and hopeful spirit.

Thank you for your service and for shouldering the burdens that come with your office. I can only imagine the stress you must feel, and I thank you for carrying it for us all. I am grateful to live in a country where anyone can become president. Please give my love to your family and those who work with you. I pray for you and them everyday.

Sincerely,

Skyler Oberst

Photo by Sebastiaan Stam from Pexels