November 5, 2008 12:19 AM
As we welcome President Obama
Friends, we have a new president. While he is not the president many of us wanted, he is the president God has allowed our country to choose.
I'm an optimist, which means I see the silver lining in every cloud. Yes, I know that's trite, but the reason cliches have a habit of sticking around is because they tend to hold true. For practical reasons - like having to run a house and raise a family - I cannot afford to wallow in discouragement and despair.
And then there's God's grace - which is the only thing I can credit for the fact that within minutes of having the election called for the candidate I worked tirelessly to defeat, I caught a glimpse of silver lining. And like any sensible person would, I grabbed it and followed it up to the clouds - to see things from a higher perspective.
And I saw that in this situation - though it was not what I would have chosen - there is much to be grateful for.
Let us be grateful that the election of our first African-American president has made so many of our countrymen happy. Let us not begrudge their celebration, and even if we don't feel like putting on our dancing shoes, let us see it through their eyes and feel the fullness of their hearts. Let us respond as the Bible has taught us - rejoicing with those who rejoice.
Let us pray that under President Obama's leadership we will finally see the end to the bitterness and hardness of hearts - on both sides - that has stood in the way of reconciliation and final healing for the sin of slavery. Conservatives voted for Sen McCain for political reasons, not because of racism. But we can all share in the pride at how far our country has come. May the reality of an African American family in the highest place of honor bring assurance to every person on Earth that in this regard the American spirit, with the grace of God, has triumphed over evil.
May we receive what many felt would be a catastrophe instead as an opportunity God has given us to let His light shine through the work He will do in our hearts - if we let Him.
Let us turn away from recriminations and turn instead to the future. Let us demonstrate our respect for the office of the Presidency and our love for our fellow citizens in the months ahead by forgiving every injustice committed during the campaign and praying that President Obama will be guided with wisdom from on high.
Our leaders need both - our prayers and God's wisdom.
We need God's wisdom too, as mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, friends and coworkers. Where relationships have been strained by political disagreements, we need to set aside our pride and set things right.
Let's face it: this has been the most excruciating campaign in our lifetimes. For our own health - emotional, spiritual, intellectual and even physical - we need to put it behind us. Let us breathe a sigh of relief and turn our focus back to the most important thing in our lives: our families.
I thank God that it was a decisive victory for President Obama - so that there would be no lingering doubt that this was the man the majority of Americans wanted to place in office. I pray that the confidence Obama takes from this triumph will be a confidence informed by gratitude and humility. I pray that God will give him the heart of a servant, as I pray each day he will give us the same heart.
May God have mercy on our country, our leaders, and each of us. May we continue to see His love abounding all around us - and may we be part of the way His love abounds.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Posted in Campaign 2008, Inspiration | Permalink
Comments
Thank you for inspiring grace and wisdom today!
Posted by: Lisa G. | November 5, 2008 5:00 AM
What a gracious post from someone who has been fighting so hard for a McCain victory. I disagree with just about everything Obama has said, and yet I'm also proud that America has come far enough to elect an African-American as president. I just hope that his policies will be moderated through the legislative process.
Posted by: Jennifer @ Here I Stand | November 5, 2008 5:06 AM
Thank you for your gracious and chariable post. I sent it to my children in college and will have my other ones read it today as a part of school. You have put into words what I needed to hear. You've inspired me to have a "sunshine day" despite the gray and cloudy weather. God bless your ministry to us!
Posted by: Ann in NC | November 5, 2008 6:10 AM
Thank you for this Barbara! I needed it. :) (((hugs)))
Posted by: kristy in england | November 5, 2008 6:20 AM
Your grace and forgiveness is admirable, Barbara. I admire how you immediately grabbed onto the silver lining and moved forward with the best intentions. You are in inspiration.
Posted by: Jill A. | November 5, 2008 7:05 AM
Thank you Barbara!
Posted by: Amelia | November 5, 2008 7:13 AM
Beautiful post, Barbara. Thank you.
Posted by: Renae | November 5, 2008 7:31 AM
What grace you just displayed. Thank you for speaking the truth the past few weeks and also today.
May God bless you!
Posted by: Renee | November 5, 2008 7:34 AM
Presidents come, presidents go, but Jesus Christ is the same
yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
Posted by: Kathy | November 5, 2008 7:47 AM
Thank you, Barbara, for keeping us informed during the election, encouraging us to vote, and giving us proper perspective following defeat. I so need your inspiring words, especially today. May the Lord richly bless you and your family.
Posted by: MrsD | November 5, 2008 7:48 AM
When I looked out the window this morning, I found it to be gray, cloudy, and windy--reminded me of Mordor. Perhaps God is grieving for our land--not for who was elected President, but for the constant road that has brought America to the place it is. I like the idea of a black man for President! Just not this man with what appears to be some radical beliefs and intentions.
I appreciate the silver linings you've found, and find myself almost rejoicing as well. I suspect things may change radically for our country. Yes, even in only four years, because current laws and standards may be ignored. But here's an additional HUGE silver lining. What this life is really all about is Jesus, and if we begin to lose our rights to worship and to use the airways to spread the gospel; if we lose the freedom to homeschool our children it will all serve as a blaring wake-up call to the church. We will stop being luke-warm Christians that God threatens to spew out of his mouth, and begin to be like believers in other countries whose faith is greatly strengthened because of the persecution under which they live. It is a fact that the gospel spreads more swiftly under opposition!
Posted by: Carmen | November 5, 2008 8:01 AM
Beautifully written, Barbara.
Posted by: Kathi | November 5, 2008 8:04 AM
After waking up this morning feeling uneasy about last night this made me feel so much better. All SO true. I was waiting to hear what you would say and you didn't disappoint. Liz
Posted by: Elizabeth | November 5, 2008 8:10 AM
As usual, you expressed yourself beautifully. This morning my children and I prayed during devotions for our new president-elect. My children were a little confused by my acceptance of the outcome but I explained, much as you did here, that we need to pray for our new president and trust that God's grace will carry us. Thanks for all of your election information and for leading us mommies in rejoicing with those who rejoice.
Posted by: Beckie | November 5, 2008 8:22 AM
Thank you Barbara, that is just what I needed to read this morning. As the results came in last night I decided that all I can control is what happens inside my home. That is what I will focus on, my home and my family and teaching them what is right, regardless of what anyone else thinks.
Posted by: Jenny | November 5, 2008 8:35 AM
Amen, Barbara! Well said.
Posted by: Kathleen Popa | November 5, 2008 8:41 AM
I can't yet see the silver lining for our country. The failure of prolife initiives sting just as badly as the election of Obama.
I do, however, see a silver lining for our family. All I want to do is run to God and to the church. For that I am thankful.
Posted by: lauren | November 5, 2008 9:16 AM
Well said Barbara. And thank you for using one of my favorite verses to close your post.
Posted by: Siobhan | November 5, 2008 9:18 AM
I agree, Barbara. I wrote much the same thing.
Love to you today.
Posted by: Holly | November 5, 2008 9:20 AM
Thank you for summing it up in a very Godly way and giving me the perspective to move on. Blessings
Posted by: Abiga/karen | November 5, 2008 9:32 AM
Thank you, Barbara, for this beautiful post. We are celebrating here in Arizona because our marriage amendment passed! Praise God!
Posted by: AZtwinmommy | November 5, 2008 9:37 AM
Our new president wants to bring change to America. Last night's election is indication that America has already changed. As you said we have become a nation no longer divided by race. That is wonderful change. That could not be said a generation or two ago.
Other changes indicated by this election include a clear lack of concern for the unborn, the economy as the most important motivation for voting, and charisma over character. American values have already changed.
Many Americans are looking for help. Times are tough and they want someone who can make it better. They are looking to man for solutions. We know that human government can never solve the problems we face. We must take our concerns to THE ONE who can. And we must share with others the hope we have in Christ.
Posted by: Elizabeth M Thompson | November 5, 2008 9:40 AM
I'm proud to be an American today. I could not vote for Obama; I could not vote against him. Images from the Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati keep coming to mind this morning. God reigns.
Posted by: Julana | November 5, 2008 9:58 AM
Thanks for a wonderful post, Barbara. I, too, am disappointed but I agree with everything you wrote 100%.
Posted by: Sue D | November 5, 2008 10:03 AM
Thank you for such a classy post! Yes....I was more than disappointed at the election outcome. I understand God is in control and I am clinging to that. He's never failed me! I trust Him.
Now, we must do our part....and pray for this new leader. We have much to be thankful for. We will definitely see change!
So will all those who are celebrating the win!
May God protect us and have mercy on us all!
Posted by: wanda | November 5, 2008 10:08 AM
I was hoping that if Obama won he would win decisively so this country could avoid civil unrest, so there is a silver lining. As far as racial reconciliation, yes, I definitely hope that is an outcome.
Posted by: Evergreen | November 5, 2008 10:19 AM
I too, made my first stop mommylife this morning. I found what I needed, hope and a new perspective for the day. Indeed, look how this has driven us all to our Savior! Again and again, I thank God for your influence for Him in my life, Momma C.
Posted by: Greta | November 5, 2008 10:32 AM
Thank you, Barbara.......Yes........I REALLY needed that......*sigh* I think that we as Christians have been called to pray...and pray a LOT........Our prayers will make a difference.
Posted by: Lisa | November 5, 2008 11:03 AM
Well said Barbara!!
This is my stance exactly. I don't want to spend time lamenting. I'm thanking God I have the assurance that He is still on the throne and He does place the kings in their places.
I noticed my youngest was very sad last night and when I questioned her I realized she was truly frightened. She had heard a lot of anti-Obama/pro-McCain talk. When I looked in her eyes I realized the importance that she know, that God is in command and that He allowed Obama as our president. I explained to her that we can trust God. He knows what this country needs far more than I. More than anything, we can trust God. After our talk she was at peace, and so was I.
Thanks for your balanced commentary here. It is much appreciated.
Posted by: Laura | November 5, 2008 11:07 AM
Let me add my thanks. As I saw the returns coming in, I looked forward to what you would have to say about the election because I needed the hope and optimism I knew you would share.
Posted by: Marisa | November 5, 2008 11:23 AM
Thanks again yet today for your wonderful thoughts. I was angry last night not because a black man won, but because this one did. His goals and ideas scare me. It is amazing how many people just don't seem to care anymore. I am glad that America has come far enough that we can vote in a president who is of a different race. YEAH!! I am glad I stopped by here before bloging today. You have made me think and I will not be blogging today the way I intended this morning.
Thanks again for your good reminders ; )
Amy
Posted by: Amy | November 5, 2008 11:25 AM
Great post! I linked to it on my facebook. Excellent thoughts, well stated.
Posted by: Shelley | November 5, 2008 11:26 AM
Barbara, I appreciate you post today. Beautifully stated. Last night as disappointed as I was, I had peace in knowing that our Sovereign God is in control and he can use even this situation for His own glory. Being the adoptive parent of a precious African American (bi-racial) little boy...I see the silver lining today and I can rejoice with those who are rejoicing for that reason.
I want to thank you for the tireless work you did in keeping your readers informed during this election. You certainly did your part and I am thankful!
God bless you!
Diane
Posted by: Diane | November 5, 2008 11:46 AM
Barbara,
You are a very very classy lady!!! LOVED this post and hope it is okay I'm going to put a link to it at my blog!!!!
THanks Again.......
Posted by: Monica | November 5, 2008 12:20 PM
I disagree with the Obama/Biden ticket on so many levels and voted and prayed for a McCain/Palin win.
My silver lining is that my 2 year old son will see a man of his same color in the highest office in the land. However, I can’t help but think that, had my son’s birthmom shared Sen.Obama’s opinions on unplanned pregnancies, that he’d never have been allowed to be born and we wouldn’t have the unbelieveable blessing of being his parents. I’m praying for a conversion of hearts for all that don’t recognize the true gift that every child is.
Posted by: Reen | November 5, 2008 12:22 PM
I woke up this morning depressed and your post made me think and made me smile. Thanks !!!!
Posted by: dee | November 5, 2008 1:04 PM
Thank you Barbara for the beautiful words and sentiments. I am really trying to adopt them as my own. It breaks my heart that a majority of Catholics voted for Senator Obama (and therefore against Church teaching on the primacy of the life issues), and that so many anti-life initiatives passed - including assisted suicide here in Washington state. But as you and so many others have said, "God is in charge" and His ways are perfect. In His mercy everything is designed to bring about repentence, conversion and the salvation of souls. I'm sure we will all be praying for our new president and vice president, as is Pope Benedict XIV.
ROME -- Pope Benedict XVI, the leader of more than 1 billion Catholics around the world, is praying that God will "enlighten" U.S. President-elect Barack Obama. The pontiff hopes Obama "can respond to the expectations and the hopes of those that look to him," Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi told reporters today, relaying the pope's message.
Benedict also wants the new American president to "favor human growth and dignity with respect to essential human and spiritual values."
-- Bloomberg News
Posted by: Anne | November 5, 2008 1:21 PM
I'll look for the silver linings later. Right now all I want to do is to mourn for our country's spiritual condition and for the unborn who will surely have little hope under this new president.
Posted by: Kim | November 5, 2008 1:22 PM
As someone who works in the pro-life movement, I feel particularly disheartened by an Obama win...I look ahead and see what seems to be the inevitable defeat in the next four years of every pro-life law my predecessors have worked so hard to pass over that last 30 years.
I really appreciate your encouragement and graciousness here, as well as McCain's beautiful concession speech last night. I am proud of him for his mature, uplifting concession, and I admire your positive outlook today! Thanks for giving us "something real, something with hope in it."
Posted by: Becky Miller | November 5, 2008 1:53 PM
Thank you for your grace and insight. You have helped me also to see the silver lining. In fact, that's what my post was about this morning after I read your blog.
Again, thanks.
Posted by: Courageous Grace | November 5, 2008 2:37 PM
Barbara I wish I had your level of maturity on this matter, but I simply don't. I went to bed last night and didn't watch the news, I just couldn't take the suspense of it all. I woke up around 5AM and it just felt like all the joy had been sucked right out of my body. I felt such a great and overwhelming sadness that I just got so choked up with tears. I just knew that this was the outcome, I didn't even need to go to the computer. When I finally did get up for the day, I looked on my homepage and it confirmed what I already knew.
It's not that I thought McCain was the end all be all of the presidential race, it was just that Obama's policies and opinions scared the living daylights out of me. As MLK wanted us to do I was judging the man for the content of his character, not the color of his skin.
I've prayed, I've wept, and I'm trying to keep a stiff upperlip, but honestly this is really hard.
Thanks for this timely message.
Posted by: Jen K. | November 5, 2008 2:49 PM
This blog is something I felt, but couldn't quite put into words. My first reaction last night was extreme disappointment, and I admit, some fear. But after pulling myself up and knowing that God is on the throne no matter what, I feel much the same way as you, Barbara.
Your eloquent way of writing and expressing yourself is truly a gift. I very much appreciate it! Blessings to you and your family!
Posted by: Nichole | November 5, 2008 3:04 PM
You are such a good example and encouragement to us, Barbara. Thank you.
Let us pray for one another. If we thought we prayed hard in the past few weeks, let us pray even harder now.
Posted by: Elissa | November 5, 2008 3:19 PM
Thank you Barbara! Your blog is always a blessing to me when I need a lift. THANK YOU! Bless you! Prayers for you and your husband; may our Lord bless him with a complete and speedy recovery. The Poor Clares in Arlington are praying for you, too! God Bless You!
Posted by: Mary | November 5, 2008 4:23 PM
You have class! I really admire you for this post. Thank you for being my go-to conservative blogger during this campaign.
Posted by: Anon | November 5, 2008 6:24 PM
I couldn't help wondering how you would react to the outcome, knowing how strongly you felt; it really encourages me to hear you sharing words of faith and grace with us. Amen, Jesus is still the Lord!
Posted by: Hannah | November 5, 2008 8:12 PM
Thank you for your gracious, encouraging words. They are exactly what I needed to hear today.
Wendy
Posted by: Wendy | November 5, 2008 9:01 PM
Thank you for your gracious and beautiful post. More Christians need to read this and do as you have advised.
Posted by: Julie G. | November 5, 2008 9:17 PM
Dear Barbara, Thank you for writing this. It is much like my own experience last night. You said it so well; I wrote a brief paragraph, and sent your link to say the rest, in an email to my loved ones today. I was almost afraid to come read here today. I expected an angry post for some reason, and I didn't want to be dragged down into that since I know we need to pray for our new leader no matter who. So I am thankful and admire your optimism and encouragement to move forward rather than sit in pity! :)
Posted by: Angela | November 5, 2008 9:40 PM
Wow, just WOW! Quite frankly,I have been barely able to read your blog lately. I am a Catholic Christian who has supported Obama all along (for those of you who wonder at my stance on abortion, I will NEVER believe it can be changed from the top down. I believe it must start with the individual and work up and so I look at other issues when I'm voting.) I can relate to the sense of despair and lack of joy some of you are feeling, because I, too, felt that way when Bush was re-elected. However, I was never able to have your exemplary attitude. I am truly thankful right now for your words of wisdom and hope. I wish we all could be so wise. Thank you!
Posted by: Rachel | November 5, 2008 10:39 PM
I have become more educated because of this election, especially on ProLife-thus finding this website, one of my favorites now. Currently my disposition is disappointment & defeat. I will accept & pray for our country & our leaders; however, I will not embrace or exalt this man. He has stated & shown what he stands for & it is built on sand. I too encourage & hope for joy but do not want to be disillusioned, let's be cautious & vigilante. God Bless.
Posted by: tfdurb | November 6, 2008 12:22 AM
That was lovely Barbara. Stated so elegantly and with class....Just what I needed to hear. May the healing begin.....
Posted by: Kim | November 6, 2008 12:50 AM
The silver lining i got from the election of a man who embraces a culture of death and destruction is that the eyes of many Catholics were opened to the blatant disregard of many so-called Catholics to the precepts of the church they claim to be a member of.
Now bishops will have to start holding themselves and their flock accountable, and I hope one of the things addressed are the CINO's who voted for a man who will try and usher in a holocaust on the unborn the likes of which this country has never seen.
Please go to http://www.fightfoca.com/ and sign the petition. The most vulnerable of us needs our help now more than ever.
Posted by: aine | November 6, 2008 9:59 AM
Barbara,
I just came across your blog today and given the topic I felt compelled to add a comment.
First I want to tell you that I sincerely appreciate your comments and prayers for our new president as I have prayed the same thing for him and his family.
As someone who is a strong supporter of Obama and, yes I did vote for him on Tuesday I wanted to give you a perspective from my view (a Black stay at home mother)
Regardless if you and I agree on Obama's political policies, there seems to be one thing that is very clear. He and his wife put their marriage and their family first.
Obama has said from day one that this election was NOT about him but about us (the citizens) and that is what I call a servants heart.
For the first time in American history African American men have a role model of a strong man, who takes care of his wife and children and also serves his country. Black women have a role model of a woman of color that takes time away from her personal aspirations to support her husband and care for her children. (isn't that what a Proverbs 31 woman does?)
Now I'm not saying that there have never been good black parents in our time. But I am saying that there have never been a pair of them in such a high place of honor in this country, and for that I thank God For.
The Black family has been disassembled and broken for many years. And I believe a lot of the problems the whole country faces is in part due to these broken households.
I'm sure you of all people understands what happens to children who are raised without a man around. And many black families (including my own upbringing) was this way.
So I am celebrating. With the hope that the first family can be a model of how our families can and should be. Because if when can fix our families, then the nation will follow.
God bless,
Keya
Posted by: Keya | November 6, 2008 2:36 PM
Barbara,
After feeling very gloomy on Wednesday, my friend led me to your blog to read this comment. Thank you for pointing my eyes back to the only true hope that this world has..Jesus. I can not accept that this is the man that God chose for us, but that he gave America her choice. I will pray for the new president that his heart changes in regards to life. As someone who made the fatal decision years ago to have an abortion, I know first hand the devastation that it brings not only to the unborn but also to women. I was so hoping to have Sarah Palin in Washington to show women that they can choose life, but God has diferent plans and I will have to rest in that. With that being said, thank you again for pointing me back to him and reminding me that our ways are not his!
Posted by: Anna | November 6, 2008 4:56 PM
Barbara, have you heard of www.presidentialprayerteam.org ?
Posted by: Lisa | November 6, 2008 5:50 PM
