Change

What an incredible thing the entire world witnessed today as the United States of America adminstered the oath of its new president, Barack Obama. Having been abroad for the last six months (exactly), I feel like I missed out on the huge political and historical waves his campaign and eventual election created. Typically, I love to talk politics. But I only got bits and pieces of what was going on in America and frankly had no real grasp of the debates and the campaigns of any of the candidates. I didn't even have the chance to vote as a result of my shameful lack of preparation to get my absentee ballot in. Even early this morning, I tried to watch the inaugaration on the internet (which would have occurred at 1 am Cebu time), but my interent connection crapped out, and I ended up having to miss it all. I feel like I missed out being part of shaping and witnessing history, a feeling that millions of Americans felt particulalry during this election.

But I do recognize that each of us - citizens or residents of this awesome United States of America - have a role and responsibility in making not only our country great but the world a more humane and just place. I was able to read the transcript of President Obama's speech and was struck by the following section. President Obama reminded us that the courage and honor that exists in soliders exists in all of us - even the ultimate humanitarian - mothers (!!!!). For those mothers right now who are reading this - let me tell you this - caring for your child(ren) right now is the greatest human right work and ministry you can perform. It is holy, God-given, and infinitely important. Imagine what our churches, our communities, and the world would look like if we just focused on Godly parenting.

Back to Obama's speech:

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"As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment — a moment that will define a generation — it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate."

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I don't care what your politics are, whether you believe that Obama is the anti-christ or today's JFK. But what he says is true. Real change happens inside-out. Real change is the revolution of the heart.