The Election of 2008

I get home from bible study and turn on the tv. Katie Couric is broadcasting on CBS. In some states, the polls haven't even closed. I glimpse the electoral vote count and head to the kitchen to grab a bite for dinner. With many things to do in the kitchen, I keep an ear out for key phrases. I am partly listening and partly thinking of the things I needed to get done tonight. Glancing at the electoral vote numbers, I feel like it is still early to declare an election winner so I mute the tv and busy myself to get things done.
As I finish up all my tasks, I sit on the couch and realize that they have declared Obama as president. Surprised at the speed, I watch as image upon image is flashed upon the screen. Ebenezer church in Atlanta, GA: a church with a long history of civil rights. Howard University where thousands of black students have gathered, chanting, "Yes we can! Yes we can!". And as a CBS reporter moves to interview one of the faculty, the professor is overcome with emotion, only getting one word out before bowing her head on the reporter's shoulder, tears streaming down her face. I watch a white CBS guest correspondent share about his thoughts. The first African-American president. Just a little over 100 years ago, slavery and segregation ruled and divided this nation. People who were from that era are still alive and voted today. Who would have even believed it to be possible? Who would have even thought it could be true?

And as I watched Obama give his acceptance speech, I cannot help but feel what I felt when I first saw the attacks of 9/11 on the tv screen in my high school French classroom. I felt the world changing. I felt history being written. As I watched Obama, I knew, without a doubt, that I would remember this day. I would remember where I was, what I was doing. And this time (unlike on 9/11), I am truly proud to be an American and proud of my country. Not because I voted for Obama or because he is a great speaker and could be a great president. All political beliefs aside, as I watched the tv screen, I saw a people and a country who had looked beyond their differences and the color of someone's skin and instead, voted for substance and character. America gave respect to someone who did not look like them on the outside and who's background wasn't like them...and they did not fear that. Yes, it was so very clear. I saw on that screen, the strength of the American people. They are a people willing to take risks and change. I saw hope. I saw inspiration. And my heart was touched. I was proud to be a part of that culture and people.

And yes, there was a tear or two from the overwhelming significance and emotion of it all. And now, one of the most important things to do is to continue to pray.