A New Chapter in History

Well today is an interesting day in the life of the good ole USA. I watched the election returns come in last night and as widely predicted, Obama won handily. As I watched some folks celebrate and some lament, I couldn't help but think that this was a bit of a victory for all of us, even those of us who did not vote for Barack Obama. I hedge this by saying I have some big disagreements with some of his domestic policies, specifically in the economic arena. But that's another discussion for another day.

I think this was a victory for all of us because the United States, just 40 or so years after the Civil Rights movement began, elected an African American President. And it's not as if he won because of minority voting, he won because white people voted for him too. It doesn't mean that racism is fixed, but it does mean that this country is an amazing place to live because it can change, and its people do not hold on to hatred and bigotry. We change, we grow, we mature, and ultimately we recognize that we have failed at times in our past and that we must learn from those mistakes in the future. I can't help but think that Martin Luther King Jr. is looking down on this and marveling at what he helped to begin.

What happened last night is historic. It, I believe, does herald the beginning of a new day for this country. The wounds of the past are still there, but clearly this is a huge part of the movement forward. I hope and pray (literally on both) that Obama is a leader who pursues God's will and heart at every decision. I also hope and pray that those of us who did not support him will be kinder to him, more merciful to him, and more patient with him than many people were with our current President, George Bush.

I think we should be proud, America. I think what happened last night was a tremendously important event and no matter how we voted, we should take a moment to reflect on the magnitude of the event. John McCain and Barack Obama both did wonderful jobs in their concession and acceptance speeches of recognizing this very thing and I echo McCain's desire to move forward, to unite, to disagree when necessary but to do it with humility and grace.

May God not only continue to bless this nation, but may He teach us through our families, churches, and even government how we might bless others.