Regardless of our individual political affiliations, 2016 has been a year of frustration and struggle for many.

I’ve never seen this country so divided in my lifetime. I’ve voted in elections for the last 16 years, and yet, this is the first time I’ve ever witnessed such a chasm between people. There’s a total disconnect between the two sides, and I’m wondering what kind of history we’re watching play out, and what we’ll all say about it 16 years from now.

Many of us woke up reading the election results with a feeling of discouragement or even fear. Regardless of which side won, half of the country was inevitably going to feel this way.

How can a country so divided go forward?

First, let me say I am so proud of the fact that so many people came out to vote and to participate in their civic duty. There’s something wonderful about that, whether or not we agree with the results. Finally, people are recognizing that they actually have a role to play in our political process.

Many of us may be in need of hope to offset the darkness we’re feeling today. The world is watching, and none of us know where this country is going right now, or how it will impact us on an individual level. That sort of uncertainty can bring its own fears and insecurities, and at times like these, we need to find and hold on to hope.

Here are 13 quotes to hold onto when it seems like the darkness around us is complete. May we all find a way to be a light to others and to bridge the gaps this year has created.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul—and sings the tunes without the words—and never stops at all.” ~ Emily Dickinson

“It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

“People are like stained=glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” ~ Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

“At the end of the day, we must go forward with hope and not backward by fear and division.” ~ Jesse Jackson

“There can be hope only for a society which acts as one big family, not as many separate ones.” ~ Anwar Sadat

“Sometimes when you’re overwhelmed by a situation—when you’re in the darkest of darkness—that’s when your priorities are reordered.” ~ Phoebe Snow

“You make choices every day and almost every hour that keep you walking in the light or moving away toward darkness.” ~ Henry B. Eyring

“You must stand for something! It does not have to be grand, but it must be a positive that brings light to someone else’s darkness.” ~ Anthony Carmona

“Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content.” ~ Helen Keller

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us.” ~ Marianne Williamson

“Darkness comes. In the middle of it, the future looks blank. The temptation to quit is huge. Don’t. You are in good company… You will argue with yourself that there is no way forward. But with God, nothing is impossible. He has more ropes and ladders and tunnels out of pits than you can conceive. Wait. Pray without ceasing. Hope.” ~  John Piper

“When life knocks you down, roll over and look at the stars.” ~ Unknown 

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Relephant bonus:

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Author: Crystal Jackson

Image: Ben Chun/Flickr

Editor: Caitlin Oriel