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This is a reaction piece to the inaugural speech made Jan. 20 by just-sworn in President Barack Obama. Some have said they aren't impressed, nothing stood out or particularly inspired or stirred them.
My view differs, as I was impressed. That's not to say I was blown away, or moved to tears by his words. I'm not black, and can't fully appreciate what the moment means to so many of our country's population who are. Knowing the history isn't living it. Obviously, it's meant the world to so many as it should.
But it carried on a message he's been saying since Day One of his campaign - that it's all about us, not him. I saw a continued message of inspiration and hope, tempered by reality. In comparing to other past inaugural speeches throughout history, the message was pretty consistent with those - no matter the party affiliation.
Some inaugural addresses are known for their soaring, inspirational language. Like John F. Kennedy's in 1961: "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.''
He didn't have any JFK keynotes, or FDR, or Reagan, or others. As the Detroit News described in an editorial, his address was less stirring, perhaps, but it was also more candid and down-to-earth. This was the right message for this moment in time.
In tying this in with our new journey of faith and religion, I see it as equivalent to the question of "Does God exist?" Some share stories of distinct, "A-HA" moments that they can point to and know that's when they found God and/or Jesus. That can be compared to the historical and social significance our president's rise.
However, just because you don't have one of those moments, does that mean God doesn't exist? Once, we had profits who could part water. Miracles happened in front of people's eyes. There were "clear" signs that God existed. Then, with the New Testament, those moments faded. Throughout the Bible, we have examples of people questioning God because they can't see those examples, and yet God responds - it's the Footprints poem. He's always there.
So, I say, is the inspiration and hope portrayed in our political leader's speech. If you aren't stirred or inspired by a line in a speech, does that mean it wasn't inspiring or hopeful? No, in my opinion. It's more like a whisper - if you're awake, and have the mindset to hear and watch for that message, it'll strike you. God is always here, always speaking to us, and always sending blessings our way. Just because we aren't able to see or hear one, doesn't mean it isn't there.
People were waiting for that moment, an instant gratification that could quench the desire built up too much by media and other hype. Many waited, and waited, and waited.... And when it didn't come to them as anticipated, that nixed all impressiveness and inspiration that may have been there.
Have some faith, I say. The message was clear, and it was the right one, and we'll see things play out as they're supposed to. It's not about a miracle moment or a line in a speech. There's a bigger picture.
That's my thought, as it relates to both religion and our recent political happening. This is by no means a suggestion or implication that our new president is to be compared with the Almighty. No, of course not. It's simply a parallel I found to be particularly interesting, and one that may be able to connect dots for others as to why I see this as "impressive."
4:59 PM
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