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What We Can Learn from Mike Pence's Response to the Crowd

  • Debbie McDaniel

    Debbie's HeadshotDebbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, and mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's Facebook page for daily encouragement in living…

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  • Updated Nov 22, 2016

As reported on Christian Headlines News, news of Mike Pence and his reaction towards the cast of a hit Broadway show swept headlines this weekend.

"On Friday night, Vice President-elect Mike Pence attended the hit Broadway show Hamilton, and was met with both boos and cheers from the crowd. But his reaction to the audience and to actor Brandon Dixon’s statement after the show is what is drawing so much attention.

Pence says that he doesn’t want an apology from the cast of “Hamilton,” and that he, his daughter, and her cousins, “enjoyed the show.” In a Fox news interview on Sunday, he shared his response to the crowd’s boos and cheers: “I nudged my kids and reminded them, that’s what freedom sounds like.”

Actor Brandon Dixon, who, ironically, portrays Vice President Aaron Burr, delivered the statement on behalf of the entire cast, saying, “We, sir, we are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights.  We truly hope that this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf of all of us. All of us.”

A few things that strike me about Mike Pence's response in light of this weekend's events: 

  • He took his daughter and her cousins to see the hit Broadway Show "Hamilton." And as a theater mom, of a theater-loving kid, I love this. 
  • In response to the audience's reception of him with loud boos and a few cheers, he took it all in stride, telling his kids, "This is what freedom sounds like."
  • When actor Brandon Dixon, who plays the role of Vice-President Aaron Burr in "Hamilton," shared his heart and statement at the end of the show, Pence didn't bolt out the door, he didn't become enraged, nor did he retaliate with harsh, cruel words. 
  • He stayed, and he listened. When asked in interviews, he said he wasn't offended, doesn't want an apology, but is aware of the anxiety and fear that so many are living under right now. He sought to understand what others are feeling and facing. 
  • Actor Brandon Dixon thanked him for stopping to listen. Pence told reporters that they "enjoyed the show and everyone should go see it."

You know it's so true, one can always tell the true character of a person when they're squeezed, under pressure, or put on the spot. I think his response speaks volumes in the midst of this heated political climate. Whether we agree with who won or lost this election, I think many may agree on this: Pence is proving to be a man of wisdom, kindness, strength, character, and humility, who is able to listen and knows when to speak, and how to respond with grace.

May God help us all to do the same.

And to pray for unity in our nation. And be thankful for our freedom.

"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;" James 1:19

"Let all that you do be done in love." 1 Corinthians 16:14

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:6

Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's facebook page, DebbieWebbMcDaniel, for daily encouragement in living strong, hope-filled lives. Find her also at Web Site and Twitter.

Photo courtesy: Wikipedia

Publication date: November 21, 2016