Hey Blogosphere! What are you up to? Me, I’m glued to my couch, watching nonstop inauguration coverage. Kinda wishing I was there.
(If it weren’t for the below-freezing temperatures. Cold weather gives me hives.)
Anyway, I’m all about this historic event, even if I didn’t vote for him. And even if my giddiness puts me in a minority among socially conservative bloggers.
I’d write more about that, but I’m too busy following Twitter and ABC News’ coverage, reading blog posts, and pausing to discuss the whole thing with Charlie.
Some thoughts that I can get out:
- I don’t think we need to agree on politics to recognize today’s symbolism.
- It’s a milestone for racial minorities AND the majority because it changes the complexion of our country’s leadership.
- There’s no going back. From this day forward, our history will contain a president who was not 100% Caucasian.
- I’m really really really proud to witness this transfer of power.
- I want to reserve my judgment of President Obama to what he actually DOES, rather than the platform that got him elected or what his supporters expect him to do.
- FINALLY… I’m thankful to serve a God who uses us in spite of, not because of, our personal character.
I read this last night, and it reminded me that I am truly grateful for Martin Luther King, Jr. and what he did in our country 40+ years ago.
Sorry I’m kinda scattered.
But just in case I didn’t say this clearly enough,
THIS IS REALLY COOL.
Read others who’ve blogged the inauguration on 5 Minutes for Mom.
14 responses so far ↓
1 Helen // Jan 20, 2009 at 3:53 pm
#5 is really close to my heart. I am praying that God turns his heart away from FOCA. Oh, and my inauguration post is a link to you, Katdish, and Sherri. I can't say it better, so why don't I just link up.
2 @ngie // Jan 20, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Wow wow wow!!! I wish I could knock on your door with my own Elmers in hand to spend a hiveless day with you SSBBBFF!
3 Steph // Jan 20, 2009 at 5:37 pm
@ngie – I wish you could visit too!
Nick- I agree with you in a lot of areas. I want our future to hold inaugurations that don't mention race at all. But I truly believe that only a day like today can pave the way for those days in the future. There has to be a first. And I'm still thrilled to witness it.
4 gabrielle // Jan 20, 2009 at 5:39 pm
I agree with Nick the geek. Also, what did you say, Steph? God uses us in spite of, not because of our personal character? So you admit that he doesn't have character?
5 Steph // Jan 20, 2009 at 5:59 pm
gabrielle- Thanks for the comment and question.
And um, no, that's not exactly what I meant. I'm not addressing his character specifically, positive or negative. I'm unwilling to spend much time questioning someone else's character when mine has so many flaws.
Instead I'm expressing gratitude that God does not NEED for us to be perfect for his will to be done.
I'll explain it this way: I read MLK, and I'm struck by the amazing beliefs he espoused and the ways he acted on them. Those seem in direct contradiction to his known sins.
But God was not limited by King's imperfections. Just like he's not limited by mine. (Thank God!) And I don't believe he's sitting up in heaven wringing his hands about any flaws in this country's leaders or their beliefs. If he could fulfill his promise through Abram and Sarai as they misinterpreted his promises and did what seemed right to them, I believe he can use Obama and any other of today's leaders.
I think many Christians were disappointed by Bush and how his actual service contradicted some of his promise for them. I'm willing to wait to see how Obama's actions play out from today forward.
6 MrsNaz@BecomingMe // Jan 20, 2009 at 6:13 pm
I loved reading your list and related to your thoughts. I too am moderate to conservative with my political views but I was truly swept up in todays events and moved to teats many times.
7 sherri // Jan 20, 2009 at 6:31 pm
I love your thoughts here Steph.
God also chose to use a Harlot, (gulp) and a donkey (could have been representational of the future Democratic party-who really knows!?) Just to clarify, I was speaking of the DONKEY not the harlot being representational of the democratice party.
King Saul ended up one messed up evil king but God said, "Don't touch my annointed!"
He still considered him to be annointed. Interesting.
8 Elizabeth // Jan 20, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Wonderfully stated! Thank you for the post.
9 the domestic fringe // Jan 20, 2009 at 10:12 pm
I've watched more TV today than I have all month. I even found myself wishing I were standing out there in hopes to catch a snapshot of the president or first lady. Truly it's history in the making.
10 katdish // Jan 21, 2009 at 1:32 am
"No time to post"? What was this? (It was a very good "not post".) I listened today while I was painting someone's nursery. It is a very big deal. I pray that everyone (all races, creeds and color) re-reads Dr. King's speech in its entirity, and takes his words to heart. His words bring me to tears every time I read them.
11 Nick the Geek // Jan 21, 2009 at 11:45 am
Personally I live close enough to go but I'm not going to think about the traffic much less attempt it. crowd freak my out in ways you don't want to imagine.
The thing that bothers me the most about our first African American president is the fact that we are still so hung up on race that this is actually an issue. We will not overcome racism until such a time as both sides stop playing the game. I believe this is a historic event and don't begrudge you for mentioning the historic significance. I don't see that as the basic problem.
It is the people that make comments about how this is teaching "them rednecks" a thing or two. I have heard this comment and similar comments.
I believe the day we should look to is the day a man or woman can be elected to office and their race never be mentioned because we recognize that we are in fact the race of humanity created in God's image.
12 thefarmerfiles // Jan 21, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Your post echoed my socially conservative thoughts beautifully. I LOVED the inaugural coverage, and so did my 4yo. We lived in the Beltway for 5 years. I went to an inaugural ball last election, and I would have LOVED to have been somewhere on the Mall this year, even for someone who was not MY candidate. Even more than your post I thoroughly enjoyed your responses in the comment thread. Answered beautifully.
13 elizabeth channel // Jan 22, 2009 at 2:06 am
Excellent thoughts and perspective–particularly #5. I think we are quite like-minded politically and I couldn't figure out how to write about this. Kudos to you!
14 Elizabeth // Jan 22, 2009 at 2:09 am
I'm so glad I read this today because I have had a bad attitude since November when Obama was elected. The inauguration was significant and today is historical and important! Thank you for the reminder.
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