January 21, 2013

A rather significant Monday in the scheme of things.

For some, it was a work holiday to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.  For others, it was a gorgeous day in Washington D.C. to throw an inauguration celebration for our once again, 44th President of the United States.  It was even the birthday of the founder of my faith and philosophy, Religious Science, Dr. Ernest Shurtleff Holmes.

Took advantage of the holiday and slept in.  Didn't realize the Inauguration broadcast had already begun.  Don and I in our jammies hunkered down on the couch and began to watch. It was almost brunch time by the time we finished and realized we had not eaten breakfast.

There was so much about the event that stirred my heat and fed my soul.  I was bursting with pride at being an American able to witness such glory.  I found myself tearing up numerous times starting with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.  And one of my favorite parts of the whole broadcast, was getting to watch Senator Chuck Schumer take such pride in his charge for the day.  He was beaming and the joy was palpable.

It was bold and right and true that the President was inclusive of civil rights-- not only with his speech but with the creative and non-secular representation in those presenting, performing, praying or poem-ing.

"We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths -- that all of us are created equal -- is the star that guides us still; just as it guided our forebears through Seneca Falls, and Selma, and Stonewall..."

For me, I once again reflected back to four years ago and how I felt I shared a new 'administration' along with President Obama.  I had just begun at my (new) church center.  We were both not the typical or expected choices for our jobs; and we both inherited more than initially met the eye. We weathered all kinds of political storms in a manner of speaking; as well as personal challenges along the way.  And yet, for me, in the past four months a shift had occurred.  The storm had ended and I was on the shore again feeling hopeful and confident.  Watching the inauguration today and seeing the wisdom and the victory in the faces of the presidential party confirmed for me that both our administrations had prevailed and were back on course to higher ground. 
There is still work to be done, yes. But it's different this time.

"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." John Quincy Adams

I am grateful for and honor the three men who were so significant this fine day:  Ernest Holmes who continues to provide me with the practical wisdom and spiritual tools for my life and work; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who continues to stand as a testament to compassion and peace; and to my president, Barack Hussein Obama.  Each of these men answered an inner call that may not have been popular, or may still be misunderstood or judged.  No small task to be sure. 

"Let us, each of us, now embrace with solemn duty and awesome joy what is our lasting birthright.  With common effort and common purpose, with passion and dedication, let us answer the call of history and carry into an uncertain future that precious light of freedom. "

Aye, aye, Commander.  I freely accept my charge with passion, purpose and awesome joy.

And so it is.
And so I am.
And so we are.
Amen.