Inaugural Thoughts

I've struggled with whether or not to blog about the inauguration. In fact, my thoughts have been swarming as I try to wrap my head around how I feel about today.

Don't get me wrong, I am excited for the potential that our new President brings to our country. However, my feelings are based more on emotion and less on facts and figures. I'm embarrassed to say that I feel like I don't have enough knowledge about President Obama's policies to have an educated opinion that should be shared.

All of that being said, my TV is tuned in and my ears are perked to the voices of the newscasters. This is, no doubt, an historic day.

Our first African-American president will be sworn in just a few short hours from now. I'm excited about being able to witness this significant event in our country's history and share it with my children. I don't personally care about his race. In fact, we just had a discussion the other night at the dinner table about how everyone in our family has different skin from one another. I think it's important to be colorblind. But I would be remiss if I didn't at least acknowledge that this is, in fact, a very important day in our nation's history.

Today is about so much more than race though.

I think one of the things that is the most poignant, that saddens me the most is that in the midst of the joy and celebratory commotion, is a divisive harshness between people on both sides of the political spectrum. It is impossible to ignore the quick quips and soundbites flooding the airways and internet. I think it's useless to be bitter about his inauguration. He is our new president. He needs our prayers. I also disagree with the angry celebration coming out of the Anti-Bush camp. He is leaving office. It is time to look forward. For every individual who is elated by today's events, there is another who is equally filled with anger.

President Obama needs our prayers. Whether you agree or disagree with his policies and positions, he is the new President of the United States. He is responsible for making very significant decisions, decisions that are incredibly weighted in this somber and troubled time that our country is experiencing. We are ALL being affected by what is happening right now.

Today marks a day of immense challenges for our new president. Our economic and social situation should be a sobering reminder that we are all facing an uphill climb. We cannot move forward without uniting in effort. I would like to urge you, regardless of your personal feelings, to take a moment to ask who or whatever you believe in, to watch over President Obama on this historic day and as he faces enormous decisions that will shape the future of our nation.

Love, hugs, and blessings,
The Mama