Well, we now know who our President will be in 2009. Sigh. Finally, the election is over. The conservative media and talk radio junkies are already saying Obama is a communist. They think that 50 million Americans hate the Constitution. Some conservatives that would consider themselves the Christian Right are talking about the end of the world and what it means to have a Muslim in office. The Democrats are ecstatic that they have power and can finally make everything in the world right (or left as the case may be...).
Here are some random observations from last night's affairs...
1) John McCain was gracious and humble in his concession speech. He could have done more to focus his followers on supporting America for the next 4 years and pleading with them to cut out the hate and cynicism, but he was gracious.
2) Barack Obama is the first President of my generation who is a great orator. I don't know if there is significance in this yet or not, but the man can give a speech! Last night, by the end of his speech, he was "preaching"! Right now, America needs an inspirational leader to bring us together and cast a vision of hope for everyone. Whether or not Obama will do this remains to be seen, but last night made me hopeful that he might be able to accomplish it.
3) I was amazed at how "presidential" Barack Obama looked during his speech. Up until a week ago, I really thought McCain looked more presidential (whatever that might mean).
4) This was truly an historic night. To have an African-American elected President is a major step toward racial reconciliation. It does not end racial issues in America. It does not put to bed all racial tension. But it is a huge step and I am proud that I was able to see it.
5) I feel bad for Barack Obama - he already has on him unrealistic expectations. Ultimately, Barack Obama will not enrich my life or give it meaning. My life will not be more fulfilling because of him. My "hope" is not in Obama, it is in Christ (and Barack is not Him!). No matter who won last night, my life's purpose and meaning was not going to change.
6) America spoke. The election was a powerful reminder that "we the people" get to determine the course of our country. And we did. Now I am called to figure out what it means to be a follower of Jesus and a shepherd of His people in this changing world.
7) People wanted change. I have to ask myself where else people want change. Do they want change in their personal lives? How? What role can I play in helping people create change in themselves and the world immediately around them?
8) Change and Hope are new buzzwords. These words have been in the Church's vocabulary for 2000 years. Will we let the political empire of this day co-opt them? I will not let these powerful words lose their meaning! Only Christ brings true change and true hope.
These are the first few observations I had. There are a ton more - many much more profound than the ones I've listed. But I just had to process some of these for a minute.
Under the Mercy,
Jason
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