Brace yourself

On November 4th we elected a new president. Regardless of your view, Republican or Democrat, it was a day to be remembered. I haven’t spoken much about my views for this election, due mostly to the fact that I don’t follow politics much. But I also choose to stay quiet because I live in a red state where most people begrudge the fact that I have a different viewpoint.
But in light of what is being said on tv and radio, and sadly, amongst our Christian brothers and sisters, I feel like I need to voice it now. I read Allison’s blog earlier about standing together for change in our country and communities, embracing the fact that we live in a country where we get to CHOOSE our leaders and keep them from absolute power. That’s a great thing, and something to be proud of.
I have had a significant interest in Barak Obama for a good while now. I really believe he’s a good man, a good father and husband, and that he wants what’s best for our country. What he sees as best may not be what you do. And at times, what he votes for and stands for are not what I think is best either. But since when can you please everyone all the time? And…is there anyone besides yourself you can agree with always? I mean, we chose our husbands, but we don’t always see eye to eye with them either!
While I can’t argue with you Newsweek reading republicans who know all the ins and outs of every vote and issue, I can tell you why I am proud that America has voted OBAMA and why I was among those who did.
1. He stands for change. I have no problems with McCain. I think he is a good man and God bless him for what he has done in service to our country. But we have spent 8 years with a president who has been less than great, and while McCain supported him most of the time, Obama did not. He is ready to make a change. Change for the good? We hope so. Change is scary. No one likes it. Most of us would rather go on living our lives with no twists and turns. But it’s time. Our country is low right now and we need someone to lift us up.
2. He’s inspired a new generation to vote and care about its leadership. I’m always shocked when people don’t vote. I know we live in a red state that will never be blue, but how awesome is it that I have a say in who the most powerful person in the world will be? Every time I hear Obama speak, I am on the edge of my seat. He’s a powerful speaker and knows what he’s talking about. He has definite ideas and goals. He’s decisive. I could hear him talk about dirt and still applaud his fervor.
3. Race. Some will admit it’s an issue. Some won’t. But it is. And for me, if I’m really honest, it was one of the biggest reasons I voted for him. As Jeremy said on election night, “Yeah, you love black men. We get it.” (that I do…my cute husband in particular). But here’s the reason having a black president is so huge in my life.
a. I work in a school with mostly minority children. They have hard lives. Parents who don’t want them or can’t take care of them. No money. No food. No shoes sometimes. Their view of America is very different from mine. They see it as a place where white people make the rules and we have to try and find a way to live within them. They can’t see how they will ever be better than what they are now. It is such an amazing gift to them to be able to see the highest office in the land being held by a man of color. They are so excited. It’s one thing they can rally behind and their families can be proud of for once.
b. It DOES affect my family. Joe and I sat and talked as Obama gave his speech on Tuesday about how our children will live in a country where there is no question “can I be president when I grow up?” The answer will be yes undoubtedly. They will never know a time without a black president. I’m so proud to be able to say that years from now when my kids ask me about that night in history, I can tell them I was thinking of them.
Now, sadly, some of you are going to think less of me since I voted Obama this year. I’m sorry we disagree. But I won’t apologize for exercising my right to vote. I’m proud to live in a country where we now have a black president. Let’s pray for him and that he is able to do wonderful things for our country these next 4 years.