Fierce urgency of now..

Initially, between reaching for the tissue box and changing channels from MSNBC and CNN, I began to write this post before today's Inauguration celebration. Then I got so caught up in watching all the televised events that I decided to wait until after the swearing in of the 44th President of these United States.

There is something so profoundly amazing and empowering that I am joining thousands upon thousands of people who are either glued to their television or attending in person events to share in this auspicious day. It is a wonderful opportunity to be watching so much media coverage on something positive for a change (for a change..., get it?) instead of watching a national tragedy. We are watching a national positivity.

Never before have I felt such a combination of humility and jubilation. It began yesterday with having the electronic privilege of viewing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s full speech that he gave August 23, 1963 in front of the Lincoln Monument. We have all grown up watching or hearing the "I have a dream . . ." excerpt but rarely, have we been able to hear the entirety of the speech. My gratitude to the King family for allowing this. No doubt, they were influenced by the enormity of historical significance of the inauguration particularly when juxtaposed to the 24 hours that separate the two unique days; and inextricably link the two men.

As a kid back in 1963, I am sure that I watched or heard that speech but I had no real understanding of its depth or meaning. Given the history that has taken place since then, it would be safe to say that for most citizens--black or white--that this speech has new meaning and increased significance.

Being an adult at this particular time in history is awesome. I am so grateful and blessed to be alive, awake and aware. I dwell in deep, abiding gratitude that the shift in consciousness has taken place that made it possible for this man to be elected at this time. Sharing tender and sad moments of thinking about all the people who I wish could have been alive to see (and feel) this extraordinary event--Dr. & Mrs. King, Rosa Parks, Obama's parents and grandmother...and makes me wish I could have shared this with my mom, too.

Listening to the political pundits and reporters who are regaling in the once-in-a-lifetime qualities of what is taking place, I realize that not everyone on this planet shares the same enthusiasm or respect I have and feel for President (Ooooh, I finally get to write and say that!) Obama. Many not only did not vote for him but many still do not trust or wish him to be holding this high office (my aunt would be one of them). Yet, I cannot imagine that even the staunchest of naysayers and disbelievers can ignore or deny the outpouring of support, hope and even glee, that the millions of people are demonstrating around the world. You can see it, hear it and even feel it through the television screen.

While watching the swearing in, it was the only time that I appreciated the lower screen digital message (which usually distracts and annoys me) that told me that Obama became our president at noon even if he had not been sworn in as yet. My eyes flowed tears, my lips spoke prayers. It had finally happened... yes we can became yes we did and yes we are. Praise the Law (Lord) Praise the Love.

Small confession: I had only one moment where I succumbed to "downstairs" (old-paradigm) thinking -- when the then Vice-President Cheney was wheeled out for the ceremony, he reminded me of old Mr. Potter from "It's A Wonderful Life." In my head, I said a quiet apology and then I gave thanks that both George Bailey and Barack Obama prevailed.

Oh, and the first time hearing "Hail To The Chief" played to herald President Obama was truly music to my ears and my soul. One of the commentators said he loved hearing that old piece of music as it reminded him of an old dollar bill; our political anthem with a Yankee flair. I agree.

Godspeed George W. Bush. Peace be with you and your family.

I am including a piece from yesterday's Panhala. The editor, Joe Riley intended it to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. However, as I read it today, as well, I think it serves for to honor both Dr. King and our new President:


Psalms 15


Lord, who can be trusted with power,
and who may act in your place?
Those with a passion for justice,
who speak the truth from their hearts;
who have let go of selfish interests
and grown beyond their own lives;
who see the wretched as their family
and the poor as their flesh and blood.
They alone are impartial
and worthy of the people's trust.
Their compassion lights up the whole earth,
and their kindness endures forever.


(A Book of Psalms, translations by Stephen Mitchell)