This morning I woke to the sounds of the inauguration of our 44th President of the United States. I couldn't help but be reminded of September 11th 2001 when similarly I was awoken by the sounds of TV new noise. It is crazy to think about that day in light of today. It has been a long 7 1/2 years since that day in September. There is probably no other day in the United States history that will define our past President, George W. Bush then that day and what followed after it. With that thought I had to think to myself, what will define our new President Obama? Maybe, the color of his skin, as our first black President? Maybe, the way he brought a country together in a time or economic crises? Maybe, it will be how he never lived up to the expectations? At this point in time we will never know.
Yet, as I sat, watched, and listened to the inauguration of our new President I could not hope but be filled with optimism and pride for our country. Those of you who know me well know that I am not what I would call a patriot, believing that I belong to a kingdom greater this one, yet I was proud. Not only did the people of this nation elect a black man, but I believe this nation took a step toward bettering itself. There is no doubt on my mind that as Rich Warren said, "Martin Luther King and all other saints" looked down on Washington D.C. and were proud of the people of our country today. It was amazing for me to watch and see, listen and hear the voices of a long time oppressed people rejoice with pride. But with this in mind let us not forget, there is still a great number or black, Latino/a, Asian, Middle Eastern, Native Americans, and women who will face oppression under a country still run by white males. Today, yes, we have taken a step in the right direction, but our fight against racism is not over.
At the same time let me ecko a wise elder black man I heard on NPR tonight, "Obama will mess up, after all he is not the Messiah." Amen, my brother. As members of another kingdom let us remember that Jesus Christ is our first and only Lord, not a nation or a President.
No matter what happens during these next four years, no matter how President Obama is remember let us remember this, we are childern of the most high God and we are first of all called to a kingdom of love. I end with the a part of the prayer from Joseph Lowery:
"And now, Lord, in the complex arena of human relations, help us to make choices on the side of love, not hate, on the side of inclusion, not exclusion, tolerance, not intolerance.
And as we leave this mountaintop, help us to hold on to the spirit of fellowship and the oneness of our family. Let us take that power back to our homes, our workplaces, our churches, our temples, our mosques, or wherever we seek your will.
Bless President Barack, First Lady Michelle. Look over our little angelic Sasha and Malia.
We go now to walk together, children, pledging that we won’t get weary in the difficult days ahead. We know you will not leave us alone, with your hands of power and your heart of love.
Help us then, now, Lord, to work for that day when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, when tanks will be beaten into tractors, when every man and every woman shall sit under his or her own vine and fig tree, and none shall be afraid; when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness as a mighty stream. (from Amos 5:24)
Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around — (laughter) — when yellow will be mellow — (laughter) — when the red man can get ahead, man — (laughter) — and when white will embrace what is right.
Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen."
May we see the kingdom of him who's name is our breath.
For another great blog on today's inaugration check out Garret's words
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