I don't claim to understand the will of God. I can't see the bigger picture. But somehow, today, I am able to realize something: change is coming. It's historic, yes. And it's life-changing. But it's not something that the new president-elect is bringing about ... not knowingly, anyway. Rather, it's what been spoken of since creation's earliest days. I've felt for the past month something stirring. Last night confirmed it. I really believe that we're on the cusp of the country we know, the world we know, even the church we know. I believe that in this election, God is pulling people closer to Him, and in the coming months and even years, we're going to feel that same desire that made the apostles risk so much. I think we're going to understand what it really means to be persecuted. Circumstances are going to rise — if they haven't in the last 15 hours — that are going to drive many of us to really strive to reach others for Christ ... to be (lovingly) bold, passionate, non-damning or oppressive, maybe even slightly urgent in offering true hope, real change and progress of the heart.
Last night, I saw something dramatic: humanity poured their passions into one unperfect man, one man they think will solve the problems of the entire world, rather than the perfect man who came to save the entire human race. I'm not discounting the glass ceiling Obama broke and what it means to African Americans. I do, however, think it's being slightly overplayed and discounting the accomplishments of those in this country who have already risen to such great heights: Oprah, Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Bill Cosby, Halle Berry, Morgan Freeman ... the list goes on. People have become mesmerized with the words of someone they hardly know much about, save for radical associations and an extreme voting history they have somehow ignored.
I teared up as the evening wrapped up. Not because I didn't appreciate a dream that had been realized for some, but because I believe we're staring at the beginning of the end. I know with Christ, we shouldn't fear what's ahead, but walk with faith. Still I can't help but be afraid of some things: a country about to let its guard down to terrorists; an unbalanced Congress; the already spoken endorsements from Al-Qaida, Ahmadinejad, Castro and Chavez; universal health care (maybe we should have a baby now before we'll either be waiting in line to deliver or unable to pay our bills); radical Supreme Court justices; and the gradual disappearance of the presence of God on money and in our national songs because we don't want to "offend."
I'm going to end this now ... praying for healing, understanding, patience and trust. I refuse to fall in step with those marching with and for Obama, but rather will continue to seek the call of Christ, to change for him and find change in him, to serve the poor and hungry — even those in spirit — in his name and for his cause, and to place my hope only in him.
Last night, I saw something dramatic: humanity poured their passions into one unperfect man, one man they think will solve the problems of the entire world, rather than the perfect man who came to save the entire human race. I'm not discounting the glass ceiling Obama broke and what it means to African Americans. I do, however, think it's being slightly overplayed and discounting the accomplishments of those in this country who have already risen to such great heights: Oprah, Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Bill Cosby, Halle Berry, Morgan Freeman ... the list goes on. People have become mesmerized with the words of someone they hardly know much about, save for radical associations and an extreme voting history they have somehow ignored.
I teared up as the evening wrapped up. Not because I didn't appreciate a dream that had been realized for some, but because I believe we're staring at the beginning of the end. I know with Christ, we shouldn't fear what's ahead, but walk with faith. Still I can't help but be afraid of some things: a country about to let its guard down to terrorists; an unbalanced Congress; the already spoken endorsements from Al-Qaida, Ahmadinejad, Castro and Chavez; universal health care (maybe we should have a baby now before we'll either be waiting in line to deliver or unable to pay our bills); radical Supreme Court justices; and the gradual disappearance of the presence of God on money and in our national songs because we don't want to "offend."
I'm going to end this now ... praying for healing, understanding, patience and trust. I refuse to fall in step with those marching with and for Obama, but rather will continue to seek the call of Christ, to change for him and find change in him, to serve the poor and hungry — even those in spirit — in his name and for his cause, and to place my hope only in him.
3 comments:
Amy, first time for me on your blog...thank you for the tough reminder that we live in an imperfect world created by a perfect God who loves mercy and sees the end from the beginning. I want to share a scripture below with you that has been my mantra for the past few months now. I love the message version..we are a blessed and chosen generation, that I know and realize more now than ever before...I also see the KING in the field waiting on us to begin a harvest, be a fresh drink to those in need of one and a ready people in and out of season .....love you very much...Faye
7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
7-11Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
You shouldn't have apologized for this post. It's really beautiful and honest. Whether anyone agrees with your opinion or not, everyone should appreciate the honesty of your opinion. I can tell how much you thought about things, and I'm glad I read it.
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