I was very pleased today to learn that our entire high school and middle school would be called to assembly to watch the Inauguration of President Obama. I believe it was something that these kiddos really needed to get to see - a moment in history. A defining moment for our country.
Political party aside, I would like to take a second to express my beliefs regarding our nation... under God. Our Nation was founded on a belief that there is a God - simply read the Declaration of Independence:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
I was incredibly downhearted to read online all of the criticism of the Invocation before the swearing in of the VP and President. Rick Warren, pastor at Saddleback Church, as well as author of "A Purpose Driven Life" gave the invocation at the ceremony. His prayer was uplifting and all encompassing - going as far as to be thankful for all of the "well meaning people" or something to that effect. Why is it, that I am reading now that "Prayer has no place at a public gathering"? This is the swearing in of the 44th president of the United States and there have been prayers each previous Inauguration! Why was his prayer so offensive? Was it the fact that he prayed in "Jesus Name"?
I don't think that I can answer this question, but I do know that I too am praying for our Nation, and our new President. I pray that he really observes history and sees that nations that turn away from God crumble. I pray that he has health and strength during this time, but more importantly, I pray that he has Wisdom. Proverbs 29:18 says that "where there is no vision, the people perish." I pray that his plan for us would be guided by God so that we do not perish, but thrive. I pray that there would be a continual growth toward a nation where race and gender are not the defining characteristics of a person. Yes, I do believe that "religion" is important - but that word has so many negative connotations. More so, I believe that a relationship with God is important, and in the end, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that there is a God and that he does still move in this world.
2 comments :
I am so incredibly proud of you, my sweet daughter! God's place in your life and in your heart truly make you beautiful - both on the inside and out. Never lose your faith, Marcie, even when the world around you seems to have turned their back on God. Stand strong, continue to pray for our President and the other leaders of our country, and live your life as if God will come back today. God bless America! God bless us one and all!
I love you,
Mom
I thought the prayer was wonderful. I was pleased that Obama chose Rick Warren; I thought he was a 'uniting' choice, being known by many as a more conservative pastor.
I tried to figure out what all the hooplah (sp?!) was about. Later, I watched The View, and they were saying that people were upset Barack had chosen him to say the prayer in the first place; I guess he had compared homosexuality to pedophilia + incest? What?! They went on to say that he has worked to change that attitude (I don't think politically, necessarily, but the attitude that made the comparisons).
So, I googled it and found this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdeub37MGBc&feature=related
I like what Obama's spokesperson saying that this is him finding common ground, moving forward.
I'm undecided. But, the prayer? I definitely thought the prayer was beautiful and very fitting....and he spoke about inclusion and tolerance, too.
Messy, huh?!
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