Published on July 18, 2024, 12:37 am

A mere inch. An inconsequential measure in so many contexts, yet on a chilling Saturday, it stood between life and death for Donald J. Trump.

The only way to correctly see the fact that Donald J. Trump is alive today is as nothing short of a miracle. His assailant had an unobstructed view, poised 135 meters from the former President. Multiple rounds were fired.

And Trump was struck—merely grazed in the ear—but enough to produce significant bleeding. Yet, he mustered his strength and rose from the ground, pumped his fist in defiance and rallied with a shout of “Fight!”

In that pivotal moment, marked only by a slight turn of the head, divine intervention saw fit to spare Mr. Trump’s life—a testament to fortune or fate that demands our attention and introspection: In this crisis-ridden world where real news can be hard to distinguish from fiction, can we unify as Americans? Should we face such sobering realities with maturity rather than panic?

We must recognize that there are serious implications if circumstances had been different if that bullet had shifted by one tiny inch—it would have spelled catastrophe not only for Mr.Trump but also for our Nation. The unprecedented crisis would have been triggered by an act of politically-charged violence against a man who has faced more opposition than any figure in living memory—broadcast horrifically on national television.

What could follow such an abhorrent act? Could unity prevail amidst palpable crises of faith within our institutions, amid evident failures of Secret Service anticipatory measures? Or would such an incident mark the start of escalating violence in politics—the dissolution of societal bonds—the harrowing breakage of our unifying national ties? It seems plausible to suggest that God’s action wasn’t solely about sparing Donald J. Trump; perhaps a broader act in preserving United States itself.

Now is high time for all Americans—including news sources trusted across all spectra—to recollect our commonalities. As compatriots sharing a shared future, we must dismiss the detrimental rhetoric characterizing presidential wins as sports-style victories or defeats, signaling the erasure of further elections.

I am an ardent supporter of Mr. Trump and his principles, and I firmly believe that despite Joe Biden’s presidency being criticized heavily, it was never going to herald the end of America itself; nor is any presidential candidate aiming for such drastic outcomes.

Following the chilling attempt on Trump’s life, Biden missed an opportunity to deliver a crucial unity message. His call to ‘lower the temperature in our politics’ feels rather hollow without including himself in this collective action.

Lastly, this week also holds potential for Mr. Trump as he has expressed his intention towards fostering national unity—no doubt drawing from his recent near-death experience. By highlighting policies rooted in reason—not fear—he could silence negative rhetoric and demonstrate that even though there may be disagreements with Joe Biden, it wouldn’t spell doom for America.

We shall continue to live together, working hand-in-hand toward ensuring a Christian worldview helps guide our nation’s path.

Let not Saturday’s miraculous grace go unused—it may be another chance granted by God to us all. Let us seize this moment wholeheartedly towards cultivating understanding and harmony among fellow Americans so that we can respond strategically and compassionately to all breaking news incidents moving forward.