Inauguration Day

Yesterday was Inauguration Day. While I have no intention of making this a political blog I wanted to post...well...something. But I had no words of wisdom, no deep thoughtful response.

I didn't vote for Obama, I wanted to but ultimately couldn't bring myself to check that box. There were a few fundamental differences in our beliefs I felt I couldn't overlook. Though I think he has some great ideas for our economy and government in general I felt I had to vote as a Christian first and citizen second. That's not to say you can't be a Christian and still love Obama, I just felt that McCain better represented my core values (even though his "core values" changed before running for office again-but that's another rant...er...uh...post). So I voted for McCain and was secretly excited when Obama won.

My blog was silent Inauguration Day, but others weren't and I read many reactions. It seems to me this country is still so very divided. There is very much a love him or hate him mentality circulating.

We have the left screaming:

"Salvation!"

And the right shouting:

"Anti-Christ!"

Now we all have the right to our own opinions but this seems so dangerously closed-minded to me. I've read the arguments, he's either inexperienced or refreshing, Christian or Muslim, Kennedy or Fidel, visionary or sneaky, worldly or obstinate. All extremes. So my advice is this.

To the Left:

He is a man, and only a man. He cannot single handedly save this country. He may lead but it will be the work of many that saves this nation. It will take more than hope. It will take patience, perseverance and commitment from all.

To the Right:

He is a man, and only a man. He cannot single handedly destroy this nation. He may lead but it is the corruption of many that causes a nation to fall. If you prayed about the outcome of this election then I urge you to trust in the Lord your God who allowed Obama to come to power.

Lastly I have to say we should put our faith in no man; only in God. I don't presume to think that I always hear God clearly and correctly, I could have voted for the wrong man. Or I could have heard him correctly and still, the wrong man was put in power. Either way God is in control. If we allow our faith to lead us rather than fear our country will survive. God can move mountains so influencing one man's heart will not be a challenge.

"And he said to the woman: Your faith has saved you, go in peace" Luke 7:50

"As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people." Genesis 50:20

"So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom." Colossians 1:9