Yes We Can!

Today history is in the making and I am honored to say that I will be watching the inauguration of Barak Obama with my dear friend, Ebony Lovely and her son Canaan. Not only is she one of my best friends, but my precious sister in Christ. I remember when she asked me what I will tell Sadie if she asks how her "Auntie" is black. I told her we all made out of dirt, just different colors and that was that. Now we plan our children's wedding:-). We're not sure if Canaan can handle Sadie though, so we've eased up a bit until future notice or at least until the terrible twos are over!

So while tomorrow marks for many the victory of their political party, tomorrow celebrates for me friendships that would not be possible without great leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. whom delivered one of the most profound speeches that paved the road to positive change in America, my mom whom taught me that racism is terrible, and for my pastor and God whom taught me that we are all the same race; the human race, just different colors.

And while I cannot pretend to know or understand the depths of politics, I can tell you that regardless of our political orientation or shade of the human race, God says to honor our Presidents past and future for, "The authorities that exist have been established by God (Rom 13:1b)" and "he is God's servant to do you good (Rom 13:4a)."

Romans 13, New International Version Bible

"1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.
7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature."

Happy 2009, Yes We Can!