The Election

Tonight at Bible study, there was much conversation about the election. Everyone was glad it was going to be over tonight. I know that sitting in that room were people who strongly supported each of the candidates. I suggested that the way we should approach it was to ask God to guide us in the voting booth, and that the outcome reflect God's will. I suggested we should be praying that God would guide those who are elected, and trust God. I said I had a candidate I was supporting, but I wasn't going to say that my choice was God's choice. There was agreement around the table.

Now I am sitting in my recliner watching history and wiping away tears. Over 20 years ago I was involved in a church based community organization through the inner city church I was serving at that time. Barack Obama, a law student, was a consultant who did training for us. I was very impressed by him. He taught us about how to bring opposing sides together and work for the common good. When he decided to run, I had mixed feelings. On the one hand, I wanted him to have more experience, on the other hand, I didn't want Washington to ruin him.

It has been hard to not actively campaign. It has been challenging, remaining silent when I've heard lies spread about him. I did point a young man to information about Obama's background after receiving another email feared with fears and lies. I encouraged him to continue to support McCain, but to do it on the basis experience and issues. I haven't heard from or seen that young man since.

I was pleased tonight with the graciousness of Senator McCain's concession speech. I hope that as a nation we can set aside our differences and find our common ground. I will continue to pray for President-elect Obama, that God will guide him and give him the wisdom and courage he will need to address the many challenges we face now and will face in the future. I hope and pray that our next president will be able to change the culture of Washington, and that people who disagree will actually sit down at the same table to find common ground and the best solutions for all of this country.

I sit here reflecting on all that I have seen in my life. I am 50. I remember the Newsweek cover that showed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dead in his coffin, as Coretta Scott King stood over him. I remember asking my mother about it, and she told me that some people thought that African-Americans (though she probably said coloreds back then) weren't as good as white people. I remember saying, with the innocence of a child, "But that's stupid, skin color doesn't matter." She was silent.

Daughter has watched this campaign with great interest. Now she's seen that race does not have to see a barrier. Now she's seen that someone who looks like her can be President of the United States.

I'm tired, and I'm not sure any of this makes sense. It's time to go to bed, and to pray again for the man who will be our new president. He will need God's wisdom and strength for the challenges ahead.