Fellowship United Methodist Church

Today a friend of mine said that we will celebrate the "end of an error" implying that the last 8 years with George W Bush as been a mistake.  My friend's sentiment saddens me.  I will say up front that I voted for Bush both times and that I did not vote for Obama in this election.  But that is just politics.  I hope that we as a people are bigger than politics.

I remember the racial tensions and protests and discrimination of the 60's.  I didn't think it was right then and I don't think it is right now.  The God I know and serve loves and embraces all people regardless of race, color or any other label that we put on people. 

Though I feel a sense of pride in our country today that we have come a long way in overcoming the racism of our past, I am also know that we have much further to go.  You see, I and some others at Fellowship were at one of the polling places last November handing out cookies and drinks and saying thank you to the people who came out to vote.  And you know what I say?  There were people who were voting for their candidate because of color.  Some voted for Obama BECAUSE he is black and others voted against him BECAUSE he is black.  I heard this same sentiment in the months leading up to the election.  It seems that politics has very little to do with qualifications and ability, at least in this little part of the world.

But today is a new day, a day that every American should stand proud.  For the first time we will have a black president.  This same man would have not been able to drink water from the same fountain as me in Gadsden, Alabama just 45 years ago.  Today isn't about race or color, it is about becoming a new people, a people who are more pleasing to God.

Today can be a new day for the whole world as other countries and governments watch us transfer power in a peaceful way and as we come together as a country in the coming months to overcome the troubles we now face, nationally and internationally.  On the television this morning I have seen hundreds if not thousands of people saying "God Bless America."  I think it is time to change.  It is time that we who follow Christ move past our nationalism and proclaim, "God bless the world."  America is the greatest country in the world and despite all our troubles and struggles, we are truly a blessed people.  That blessing comes from God.  But true Christ followers understand that blessing from God come so that we can be a blessing to others.

We each have a decision to make today and in the coming days.  President Obama has the hardest job in the world and he will do some things wrong.  But what would happen if every Christian in the world were to pray specifically for God to work through Obama to redeem this lost and broken world?  The power of prayer is the greatest power for change in history.  Will you be the change?