The Long Haul Is Getting Longer

by

Perspectives

Oboedire | March 3, 2026

When the new administration took office a little over a year ago, it quickly became evident that it would be authoritarian in style and fascist in operation. It was clear that we would be in for a long haul of enduring harm and resisting the evils that “the dirty rotten system” (Dorothy Day) unleashes.

With the unconstitutional, unilateral decision of Donald Trump to commence warfare with Iran, the long-haul is now likely to be longer, more violent, and expansive than we initially thought. He ignited the smokescreen by saying he would be the “Peace President” who would not draw the USA into “forever ways.” Given that he traffics in lies, living in his delusional world, we should not be surprised that he has done the opposite.

The need for endurance spirituality increases.

I wrote Endure: Getting Through Hard Times to prepare myself for the long-haul and help others do so. It develops something my wife Jeannie wrote on her Facebook page when the need to endure became imminent,

“After a period of mourning, for however long it takes, may we rise up in love.”

I remind you that the manuscript is available for free. And if you request a copy, you can also duplicate it and pass it on to others. You may want to use it as a small group study in your workplace or church.

Some of you have already requested the it. If you would now like to do so, send me an email: oboediresite@gmail.com

The Rev. Dr. Steve Harper is retired seminary professor, who taught for 32 years in the disciplines of Spiritual Formation and Wesley Studies. Author and co-author of more than fifty books.. He is also a retired Elder in The Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.