I didn't expect to tear up as much as I did.
I was so happy that my girls watched the inauguration at school. I was so proud of them for understanding the significance of the day. I was proud that they didn't mind watching it again with me when they came home from school. I was proud when they started reciting(!) lines from the inaugural poem.
I was touched listening to the beautiful musical selections, especially the John Williams arrangements of "Simple Gifts".
I was moved by the prayers of Rick Warren and Joseph Lowery. Even though they use a different language and tone than I do, they spoke the hopes and goals I have deep in my heart for our country.
For the 44th time, our country had a peaceful transition of power, and I am proud to be an American.
5 comments:
I whole heartedly agree. Thanks for putting in words what I could not.
After further reflection... I thought the prayer of Mr. Lowery was offensive. How can we unite when people are still put into negative categories? Yellow will be mellow, white will know what is right, etc.. Time will tell if change will come. Talk as they say is cheap.
I think you're missing the point and the context, Mom. Rev. Lowery has earned the right to gently mock the prevailing attitudes of far too many people. Look at the proceeding sentence.
"Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around — (laughter) — when yellow will be mellow — (laughter) — when the red man can get ahead, man — (laughter) — and when white will embrace what is right."
He's asking God for his help in eliminating the categories that divide us, and there's no logical reason on earth why you should be offended by that.
And besides, this wasn't talk, this was a prayer. And since when is prayer "cheap"? ;)
I didn't know it was proper to laugh during a prayer. I am sure the gentleman was not trying to be disrespectful.One does not encourage unity by gentle mockery or categorizing.Why not say work for the day when all will be truly united states.
You don't think prayer can be humorous?? You don't think God understands and appreciates humor, even in the middle of a benediction? I do.
And again- *he* wasn't doing the categorizing. And we will never really, truly be a united country unless we acknowledge the fact that there are still people who want us to be categorized. There is no point in pretending that it's any other way.
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