For days I tried to devise a profound sentence of which to begin my editorial, the editorial that would follow President Barack Obama’s historic Inauguration Day. However, when the morning of January 20 arrived, I had yet to decide exactly how I wanted to begin this column. Instead, I opted to simply let things be and waited for inspiration to hit me over the head. Coincidentally when inspiration finally hit, it wasn’t by words I’d thought of on my own, rather it was three simple words that Obama used at the beginning of his Inauguration speech.
The three words: humbled, grateful and mindful, resonated deep within my being.
One of the things I’m most grateful for regarding President Obama is perhaps the leader’s greatest attribute; his persona. Obama has the ability to not only relate to people, but also make them feel valued and wanted — even during difficult times. He has the distinctive skill to make people feel needed. Such a skill is ordained by God. It’s an innate instinct and characteristic you have to be born with. This country is in the worst state that many of us have seen in our lives, yet President Obama is effectively able to motivate people. But be not fooled, Obama’s motivation efforts go beyond the most simplistic form of the word and actually gives people the desire to act and strive to be better individuals. It’s during challenging times like the current condition of our country that we need a person like Obama leading us. We need to feel valued and wanted. We don’t need overly authoritative leadership that behaves harsh and hastily with no or little regard to the way in which people will be affected. This is why I’m grateful for President Barack Obama. I’m grateful for his ability to be compassionate, yet effective; charismatic, yet focused; considerate, yet unwavering. I’m grateful that President Obama acknowledges all people regardless of race, socio-economic level, or political acclaim. I’m humbled by the fact that he is ordained by God and that God has afforded us the blessing of our new president, Barack Obama. I’m also mindful because I realize we don’t have to be in the fortunate situation that we now find ourselves in. We didn’t have to be blessed with a leader like Obama, but God showed us mercy. Rather than give us four more years of “much of the same” in regards to the president’s focus, God has allowed us a chance at renewal…what greater gift could we ask for at this time.
Skeptics may dismiss my overt affinity for Obama’s ability as infatuation or blind allegiance, but I disagree. Obama’s ascend is the work of God and I’m proud to not only voice my opinion, but to also have the opportunity to do so in such a public fashion. Nothing but the work of God can produce a person of Obama’s caliber and have him accomplish the things that he’s achieved over the years. While I acknowledge that Obama isn’t the “end all, be all,” or the Messiah who will fix all the world’s problems, he is the best person that I’ve seen suited for the job in a long time. Obama being the 44th president is a great thing for all people and we should cherish this celebratory time, but we also have to be mindful that Obama is only one man. One man who, while he seemingly carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, can’t do it alone.
Now is the time for us to be proactive, get our hands dirty and do the work of the people. An encouraging aspect of Obama’s campaign was how he motivated ordinary people to get involved. Never before have as many people galvanized during a presidential campaign as what was evidenced during Obama’s bid for the presidency. It took millions of people throughout the United States to get Obama elected and it’s going to take just as many of us to help him accomplish his goals. It’s imperative that we not become complacent with Obama’s new role…we must keep the momentum alive and continue to fight the fight. As Obama says, America will not restore its grandeur in one week, one year or one term, but I’m optimistic that we will get there if we all put forth an effort. During his Inaugural speech, our president made a plea for Americans to get to work…it’s our duty to oblige and make him proud.
