If you voted–no matter how you voted–you were part of an historic day today.
This election season has been one of the most dramatic I’ve ever witnessed. So many twists and turns and edge-of-your-seat moments, we could all probably use one good stiff drink. Hollywood couldn’t have written it any better.
I love history. I think it’s very important to learn from history–something we don’t always do, especially when we stop teaching history in our schools. But that’s another post. Today–we lived history.
I could feel the historical significance as the moments passed by. The record numbers of voters standing in lines to make their mark on history. The sense of anticipation that despite the poll numbers, maybe–just maybe–the underdog would pull off an upset. And that deep-rooted moment when you first heard the news that we’d just elected our first black president. And even McCain’s inspiring, gracious concession speech that ought to make even his opponents respect him, and watching him walk off the stage into the darkness–knowing that due to his age, this was his last chance at winning the office.
History. All of it. No matter how you slice it.
I have very mixed emotions tonight as I see Barack Obama becoming America’s first black President. I wish with all my heart I could feel better about his achievement than I do–that I could fully rejoice with the people celebrating in Chicago tonight. I can honestly say my voting against him had nothing to do with the color of his skin. I cannot help the apprehension I feel about where he might lead this nation; it’s nothing personal, and a lot of it is subjective. I hope with all my heart that I am wrong. With all my recent ranting on this blog, you might find it difficult to believe this–but I would absolutely love to find at the end of four years that Barack Obama was everything his voters hoped he would be. But that’s history yet to be written. Tonight, we made history, for better or worse; we have made our choice, and we will now see where the path leads.
Tonight we may have taken a political “left turn” that we might soon regret. But it cannot be denied that tonight we also broke through a huge racial barrier. And that’s something in and of itself.
It’s history. And we lived it today.
Wayward Son
Musician. Composer. Recovering perfectionist. Minister-in-transition. Lover of puns. Hijacker of rock song references. Questioner of the status quo.
I'm not really a rebel. Just a sincere Christ-follower with a thirst for significance that gets me into trouble. My quest has taken me over the fence of institutional Christianity. Here are some of my random thoughts along the way. Read along, join in the conversation. Just be nice.
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Jeff,
I have kept my political thoughts to myself this season, although I did finally open up about them today. And you are right – history was made. That was exciting. As was watching my apolitical/apathetic 23 year old vote and actually be excited about the outcome. A new generation is coming down the road.
Anyway, don’t worry, life will go on!
Jeff,
Sigh…how I wish I could be “happy” about Obama’s win. But, simply, I am not.
I think the nation has made a terrible mistake. That may sound harsh, blunt and opinionated. It is.
I just cannot rest with the knowingness and feeling in my heart that something big (not good at all) is going to come out of his win.
Anyways, I do believe it was awesome that the racial injustices were overcome by his win. That, I can rejoice about.
Blessings,
~Amy 🙂
http://amyiswalkinginthespirit.blogspot.com
Jim,
When you see history happening, there’s an almost indescribable sense of gravity about the moment. Especially if you love history. Regardless of my opinions about Obama (which I have sadly *not* been silent about)…that’s how I felt when I first learned he was the President-Elect. I felt the gravity of the moment.
Amy,
The good news is…we didn’t *really* elect a Messiah. Jesus is still Lord, no matter who the President is. And God will use Obama to accomplish His purposes for this nation.
Whatever those purposes might be.
Jeff,
I am right there with you, thought for thought!!
Those that did not vote in your country were part of an historic event this day as well – many choose in their freedom not to vote and these “non votes” created ripples in eternity as well.