I was thinking a lot last night and this morning how I would put into words my feelings about the incredible statement our nation made yesterday. I just read a post from a friend from community group and loved how she put it. So instead of stumbling over how to say how I'm feeling, I'll just refer you to my friend.
Two of my favorite quotes from Obama's victory speech in Chicago's Grant Park:
"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."
“The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there."
So this is what patriotism feels like.
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6 comments:
I'm so flattered for the link! :-) It really is hard to describe the joy because it's on so many different levels. Just the energy and excitement of everyone voting yesterday was amazing, but then to be able to part of this momentous day in history - wow. And, the reaction around the world was really moving, too.
I love those quotes from the speech.
We have definitely seen democracy at work in an historic way. I share these very important words of reminder that I received in an email today for all of us to consider in the days/years to come:
"It is our solemn responsibility to pray faithfully and consistently for him (President-elect Obama), his wife, his family, and his advisors. We must pray for their safety, their wisdom, and their discernment. As the Apostle Paul teaches so clearly in I Timothy 2:1, "I urge that entreaties, prayers and petitions and thanksgivings be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity."
Our leaders have unbelievable responsibility; I'm glad it's my role to simply pray!
It is a historic event indeed to have elected the first black President and it is exciting to see so many people passionate about politics. For me however the election had nothing to do with civil rights or gender it had to do with voting for the candidates I feel match my values as a Christian the most. I was not behind Obama because of his pro-choice and pro gay partnerships stances. With that said I will pray for Obama as he takes on this task of leading us.
Just to make my stance clear, I did not vote for Sen. Obama at the polls on Tuesday. You clearly stated my reasons as well, Heidi; these are clear black-and-white moral issues that I couldn't support. But now I pray for him and all that is ahead for the nations.
Dearest friends and family, I appreciate your comments and feel I need to respond in order to clarify my stance. I definitely do not support either abortion or gay marriage. And if I believed that one of the candidates was truly committed and would be able to actually bring about real heart change in those two areas, I would have been greatly prone to support that candidate as well. However, living in Turkey for a few years shifted my priorities politically. Living in Mass has made an impact on this as well. Living in both of these places has exposed me to other needs and given me the freedom to say that I believe more issues than abortion and gay marriage are worthy of affecting my vote. I voted based on the needs I have seen of the people in our city, in our nation, and around the world. I chose who I thought showed the greatest concern for, awareness of, and strategy for tackling issues of great impact and importance to me as a Christian. I highly respect those Christians who voted differently than I based on your political priorities and circumstances. I hope that you all will respect my decision to vote differently than you based on my political priorities as a Christian in my circumstances. All my love...
Kim, thank you for your bravery. I too voted for Obama for the same reasons...that you articulated so well.
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