Juneteenth: Part II

I awoke today with a sense of impending history in the air. The fresh fallen snow helped to hide the barren gray ugliness that winter can have. But we must winter before rebirth in the spring. It is no mistake that our culture's most momentous and extravagant holiday falls within days of the solstice, within days of the darkest day, we celebrate the warmest of virtues. So the snowflake laden branches and white buried grass seemed to reach out and beacon a respectful silence from the land itself. What a brilliant contrast, what a beautiful blend: that a man who is both black and white, who is of this nation, and but a step removed from humanity's nursery; who has been raised here and abroad, that this man is now the leader of the free world. The Free World...

It is exciting to be an American in these trying days.

For the first time I find myself inspired by a leader, a leader we chose as a people. We take our peace and stability for granted, we Americans. This is why we quake when Wall Street fumbles bounces and flutters. That we have a peaceful transition of power every four or eight years, without the threatening shadow of violence or upheaval; that is truly unique and amazing in the history of cultures and nations. I never realized until today that one of the things celebrated in an inauguration is PEACE! A peaceful transition. What a luxury; what a blessing.
Today I also felt inspired, encouraged, reassured, and excited. It struck me, Why, that's what a good leader does. In times of trouble, she/he leads, sets an example, reassures, and takes action. Our nation has ached for true leadership.
Yet, with all the jubilation, all the excitement, the satisfying departure of a bleak chapter of our history--I am not disillusioned. He is still a man, and he is fallible. My heart goes out to him and his family. So tonight, before I take my weary body to bed, I will do something I have never done before. I will pray for our new president and his family. I will pray that he take sustenance and strength from the trust and faith the America People have in him, that he will continue to seek guidance from the wisdom of leaders past, that he will find in himself that which he needs to overcome doubt and cynicism.

WE are America.
WE are the people.

And as the People have chosen to put him in power, so he is bound to answer the needs of his people.

I will also pray that we all may live up to expectation and fulfill our unbridled potential.

May we seek in each other and in our deeds that spark that makes us great.

Congratulations, Mr. President, your presence is much appreciated.