The Morning After The Election – Initial Thoughts
This post was originally posted on 11/5/08 … I am moving it to this date to help tidy up my archives. It was originally published on my old blog Everyday Thoughts Collected.
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Albert Mohler has an *excellent* article for conservative Christians. My favorite part is below. You have to read the whole thing. (more after the jump.)
That victory is a hallmark moment in history for all Americans — not just for those who voted for Sen. Obama. As a nation, we will never think of ourselves the same way again. Americans rich and poor, black and white, old and young, will look to an African-American man and know him as President of the United States. The President. The only President. The elected President. Our President.
Every American should be moved by the sight of young African-Americans who — for the first time — now believe that they have a purchase in American democracy. Old men and old women, grandsons and granddaughters of slaves and slaveholders, will look to an African-American as President.
McCain Bloggette, John McCain’s daughter, has a transcript of his *excellent* concession speech. Here is the video as well.
And here is Obama’s acceptance speech
While the future is uncertain, in my eyes, I think it is important to take some time and really reflect on Dr. Mohler’s insights with regard to this historic election. I am not jubilant to have Obama as President, not by a loonnngg shot. And yet, I smiled and was deeply moved watching my African American neighbors rejoicing in the streets. My problems with Obama have nothing to do with his race. On that level, I am THRILLED that this racial barrier has fallen.
It is a wonderful moment.
At the same time that I am praying for Obama to have wisdom and peace, I have no doubt I will be opposing many of his social policy issues. I will hopefully do so civilly, sacrificially if necessary and within the context of my afforded rights. I will hopefully do so with the balance of grace and truth in my heart.
I’ve never questioned the patriotism of those who opposed President Bush. To a limited degree, I agree with them on the underlying principle that to be a citizen of the US carries with it the responsibility of engaging the government to make it better. It’s our inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness which compels us to work toward freedom as we see it. Notice it says “pursuit of…” not a right to happiness. The “pursuit” is the freedom that the US has excelled in facilitating where many nations throughout history have not even attempted. I agree with the “Left” on pursuing happiness even though our methods and definition of such are usually opposed.
An example: I love that we live in a country where mean gay activists ::: grin … kinda’ jokin’ ::: can speak up, organize, write, run for office, vote … I am proud of a country that exhibits such tolerance. However, I am going to oppose most of their public policy efforts. Not all because I don’t think public policy is limited to the issue of homosexuality. That may not be the clearest example but I think it is adequate. I rejoice knowing that while we may exercise our inalienable rights differently … we do have that common freedom.
Welll… those are my initial probably incomplete thoughts … what are yours?
Congratulations President Obama
This post was originally posted on 11/5/08 … I am moving it to this date to help tidy up my archives. It was originally published on my old blog Everyday Thoughts Collected.
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I promise to pray for President Obama and seek new ways to deal with old issues. I am going to be honest, I am very concerned for the next four years. Even so, I commit to prayer, service and pressing on.
I can say that I am very proud of our country on the level that we can say we have elected our first African American President. Given our history, I love that we have come to a day where that is even possible.
So… congrats President Obama. May God bless you with wisdom, peace and a revelation of His will for your time as President.
Amen.
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