Open letter to Evan McMullin | Guest Post

by Becky Turley Rasmussen
Here we are in the last stretch. A little more than 72 hours remain until Election Day polls close. This morning, at 9:00 a.m., my phone chimed and I dismissed a notification from my timer declaring, “Pray for Our Nation!” I stopped folding laundry, closed the door to my room, then knelt in prayer.

Nearly five months ago, my heart sank when the Republican and Democratic presidential nominees were announced for the 2016 Election Cycle. I felt a deep sense of sadness and hopelessness for both my children and this land that I love dearly. In that moment, I remember sending a silent heavenward plea, “Dear God, Please help us!”

A couple of weeks later, on June 30, 2016, I read an article about the possibility of Mitt Romney entering the race. "My wife and kids wanted me to run again this time, interestingly enough," Romney said. "I got an email from one of my sons yesterday, saying 'You gotta get in, Dad! You gotta get in!'"

Hope soared nationwide! Yet Mitt never announced a Hail Mary bid for the White House.

On the eve of Independence Day, I felt so sad. I struggled to muster enthusiasm for our upcoming 4th of July festivities. At church, we sang patriotic songs and I literally cried knowing that neither Hillary Clinton nor Donald Trump could provide America the future she deserves. I came home and posted this message on my Facebook timeline:

 "On July 4th 1776 it was necessary to absolve from the British Crown. In our day, July 4th 2016 it is time to absolve both the democratic and republican parties. You don't have to choose between a corrupt criminal and a fraudulent buffoon for your Commander & Chief. America, raise a worthy candidate for President and elect an Independent president for 2016! If you haven't read the declaration of independence recently, read it now. You'll be astounded at how we sought independence from Britain for the same tyranny that our two party system is delivering now."

I spent that day fasting that in some way our God would raise a worthy candidate to save this nation. Little did I know that a man named John Claybrook and a man named Joel Searby had quit their jobs and put their lives on hold in an effort to recruit such a man. I had no idea that two courageous men were fighting my battle as warriors on behalf of me, my children, and millions of other Americans. Their task proved more difficult than they expected. As John and Joel pleaded with former presidential candidates, well known congressman, and celebrity status household names they continually received rejection. Alas, by the end of July, John went home to Austin, Texas, in the face of defeat.

Early in the morning of August 4, John received a text message from Joel Searby announcing, “We have a candidate!” He immediately, booked a flight to meet and interview the candidate, Evan McMullin. In the process of clearing him as a man worthy to represent Americans, they learned that the only questionable detail in McMullin’s background was a speeding ticket from a couple years prior.

It’s important to note that I don’t have access to television in my home. We don’t subscribe to any local or national networks. But on August 8th, 2016 I walked next door to borrow an egg. While I was in my neighbors living room their television announced that, “Evan McMullin, a 40 year old CIA agent and Brigham Young graduate was announcing his bid for the White House.

I couldn’t believe my ears. I immediately ran home and searched for Evan McMullin’s website. I registered as a volunteer and donated money to your campaign. It wasn’t much, maybe $15 or $25. 

On Wednesday, August 10, I received a phone call from John Claybrook, your Deputy Campaign Manager asking me if I would be willing to contact all of the supporters that had registered in Utah and invite them to a campaign launch at the Hub in Salt Lake City. That day I rallied around the table with my children Giana (17), Alia (15), and Isaac (14). We called, text messaged, and left voice mail for everyone on that list.

A surge of hope filled my heart. John expressed so much gratitude and kindness toward our family. He demonstrated the kind of gentleman-like behavior that is missing in our society. As our family engaged in contacting your supporters we learned that so many of them had been praying for someone to save us from a Clinton or Trump presidency.

That night we assembled at the Impact Hub and began our meeting by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. I felt chills as our pledge thundered through the room with meaning. I listened to you address hundreds in a crowd at the Impact Hub. I stood nearby and listened to you take questions from skeptical and condescending reporters. I observed your brilliance and candor first hand with a new sense of optimism.

I brought home petition packets and engaged family, friends, neighbors, and perfect strangers in the effort to get you on the ballot in Utah. I felt so honored to act as a courier for the petition signatures. When I delivered Utah County’s petition signatures into the hands of Brian Henderson at the Utah State Capitol I felt like I was truly engaged in a great cause.

Over the next few weeks, I continually promoted you, but began to feel discouraged. It seemed like I was drowning in a pool of apathy and negativity. So many Americans were resigned to our terrible and awful state. At that point, I realized that only God could soften our hearts. I began to pray regularly asking God sincerely, how I could help this campaign. One morning after I offered a sincere prayer, I wrote a Facebook post, that elicited a response from an old friend. I sent her a very long-winded reply that was personal and genuine about why I felt like voting for you was not a wasted vote. That post went viral with more than 5000 shares in one week I had newspapers calling me and people all over the country asking me how they could get involved.

I shared this experience in a closed Facebook group, “Americans for Evan McMullin.” A fellow supporter from the south, meekly asked, “Would it be weird if we all started praying at the same time each day?” Hundreds immediately felt enthusiastic. One supporter from Hawaii said she would wake up at 6:00 a.m. each morning to pray as a nation with us. For the first time in so long we weren’t Mormons vs. Jews or Evangelicals vs. Catholics. We were Americans who loved God and loved one another. You brought us together in an election that has been so divisive.

Within just a few days the campaign started picking up momentum. Pretty soon we were leading Utah and getting national media coverage. Now, here we are just 3 days away from the outcome. I want you to know that no matter the outcome, I am so eternally grateful for the hope you gave us. This election has taught me that God hears and answers our prayers. Even if this election doesn’t end the way I want it to, I know with certainty that God fearing citizens are fighting for goodness in a society that is abandoning principles. I know that a loving father in Heaven blessed this effort and the hands of those who labored on your behalf. My children learned what it means to be latter-day warriors.

I’ll cherish memories of sitting in a conference room planning grass roots efforts with you. I’ll cherish the friendships that formed through this campaign. I’ll work to raise sons that demonstrate the courage that you Joel, and John demonstrated during this election. You are my friend. You are my hero! Thank you for doing what nobody else would.

I want you to know that I have contacted every man and woman in my contact list on your behalf. As I prayed on your behalf this morning I literally wept with tears of gratitude for how close we are to realizing our goal. As I typed this letter to you, I received a text message from my friend Cheryl that reads: Have you voted yet? Are you planning to vote Tues? I’m encouraging my family and friends to vote and make your voice heard!..... (I know you have, but I was inspired by your post and I am working my way down my contact list!) #GoEvan

My vote is my voice! My vote counts and I voted for you! We love you, Evan! I don’t know if I’ll see you on Monday because I have to set up electronic ballot boxes at Freedom Elementary School as the TST Election Worker on Tuesday, but I’ll be celebrating all that we have achieved with you on Tuesday!

When I walk into our Election Party, I will be #ComingHome #McMullin4President.

Comments

  1. We love and support you Evan and Mindy!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm with you Evan and Mindy may God bless you and our nation.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have never in my life been so consumed with a campaign. When I first heard of Evan in Sept, before any major news media, my heart instantly knew this was real, this was inspired, and very timely in the events of American history. I could quote prophesy here that came to mind, but I won't. Even more than the words of the prophesy, was the intense feeling that came over me and the excitement of the state of Utah being very key in this. I don't live in Utah, but felt the power and possibility. I immediately started posting all I could about Evan, and got a lot flack, as you can imagine. But I repeat, This is real, This is inspired, This is timely. Regardless of the outcome tomorrow and in the future weeks, there is a purpose here and we may not completely understand it, but we must follow that voice inside guiding each step, even if we don't know the reason or the next step.

    ReplyDelete

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