Wednesday, November 5, 2008

History has been made

Yesterday I voted. I voted during a slow period at the polling place where I worked to protect the vote of others. I was number 182 out of 779 voters who voted at my polling place that day. I had a long but very rewarding day. From 5:30am to 7 pm I was surrounded by people who wanted to make a difference, who wanted their voices heard. I met a woman who in her more than 65 years of life had never voted. I saw a man who could not read elated after casting his ballot. I watched a man on probation urge his girlfriend to vote because he couldn't but she could make a difference. I was super tired when Will picked me up at 7 last night but I would not have traded my experience for the world. After staying up to watch the polls come in I had the pleasure of witnessing history. For the first time in the history of the United States of America an African American man is President elect. God knows I never thought I would see this day. A journalist commented last night that we (African Americans) had been lying to our kids all this time. We said they could be anything they wanted to be while knowing that there was one job, the Presidency, that they couldn't obtain, but last night that lie became truth. Praise God for He is good and through all things His will is done.
People are happy today people are sad today but no matter what people feel history was made last night. Like President (elect) Obama said this is a nation for the people by the people and the people have spoken. Yes we did. This morning I watched the world rejoice. I saw celebrations in Germany, Kenya, Iraq, Spain and other countries. The WORLD rejoiced over our choice in leadership, that is monumental. I pray that God will continue to work in this world and that people can put aside hate, fear and ignorance and unite. Regardless of who you voted for you have a new president today. A new face in the white house, a face that my ancestors fought to have there. This country built on the backs of slaves has arrived at a time where the hopes and aspirations of all men (and women) can come true. Yes, yes we can. Yes, yes we all can.
My children woke up this morning and I was able to tell them that Obama is president. My goodness that was historic. I told my children this morning that a man that looked like them was going to run the country. One of my friends posted scripture today that I assume she meant as solace for those whose candidate did not win, but I put a new spin on it. She posted this:

"Therefore we do not lose heart..For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

I read that and the comment "so true right now" posted by another of her friends, and I thought so not true right now. My people are finally coming out of that time. For generations we have seen struggle, trials, tribulations and seemingly insurmountable obstacles but yesterday we got our silver lining. Thank you Barack for running. Thank you for showing my generation and my children's generation and their children's generation that all people are created equal.

I could talk forever about this. I could even share my fears which are far different from those of some others, but I think I will end by saying that I know that my true home is in Heaven with Christ and that my first citizenship is the body of Christ. But I am grateful that I am able to witness history in this republic.

2 comments:

Amy said...

Your post gave me goosebumps. I feel a sense of peace/hope about our country today that I have not felt in a very long time...maybe ever.

Momma Shayla said...

Thanks for the comment Amy

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