The Duality of the Day

Before you read this post, please take a deep breath. I'm going there today. I feel this burning fire to share a few things, and I'm not PC or sweet and nice about what needs to be said. Please read to the end before you comment or anything. Let me make a disclaimer. I am a Christian, conservative, black woman. I make no apologies for my beliefs. I actually stand firm on them and rest in the knowledge that I am doing what God has for me to do. I'm not going to defend being a conservative today. It's another post for another day.

Today is Inauguration Day here in the USA. We have a new president - the first African American president in our history. I am filled with pride that our country has come so far that we finally elected an African American for president. I am not a person who has lived her life searching for racism and racists. Unless it's overt, I don't think that every bad thing that happens to me is because I'm black. My husband is white - Scottish, Irish and French. That's about as white bread as you get. lol DD is actually my step-daughter. She's white, very fair skinned and flaming red hair. My ex-husband, Michael's father, is black. So, race hasn't really played into how I live my life. I just don't let it. That doesn't mean the historicity of today is lost on me. I am filled with pride that my son can see someone who looks like him as president. My son knows that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him. But, it's still nice that he can see this man fulfill so many people's dreams.

However, how I wish it wasn't this man. President Obama was rated the most liberal senator. His views honestly make me almost worry. My rest is in the Lord, so I'm not going to really worry. I just can't agree with what he stands for. More than that, I honestly can say, after this whole election process, I don't know him. I don't know anything more than the biography put out by him and his people, the company he keeps, and the scary adulation that people seem to feel for him. I've read newspaper articles and blogs comparing him to the new Messiah (Um, nope. There's only one and he isn't it) to the anti-Christ (I have no idea and we won't know for a while who is, although many keep guessing). I'd like to give him the benefit of doubt. I'd like to get fully behind him as our president. I just can't. Michael asked me yesterday to tell him about Obama. I couldn't answer. I mean, with every other candidate, there were all kinds of investigative reports and digging up of dirt that didn't happen with Obama. It was almost like everyone was too scared to say anything that was remotely questioning or negative.

Where are his childhood friends and relatives? Where are the inane interviews with his mother's cousin's uncle's best friend twice removed? Shoot, they had that interview about the pilot who did the successful Hudson landing. Why not the man who is leading our country?

Our country and world is at a crossroads right now. We are facing challenges that were unthinkable just a few years ago. I hope, and pray, that Obama makes wise choices for our country. We are commanded by God to pray for our leaders. We have no choice, or we are disobedient. We are also to be respectful of those in authority over us. I didn't vote for Obama (big surprise). I wasn't really wild about McCain, but I love Palin, and have done so since before she was nominated for VP. I don't like what's happened to the Republican party. Too many RINO's, but that's another post for another day.

The biggest problem with the country (no, it isn't Obama) is that we have lost our first love. We have lost our heart for God. Turn on the TV. There are shows celebrating all kinds of depravity. There is one channel that is geared to teenagers that I would be embarrassed for my mother to see. I don't think that it matters who is leading the country at this point. If we, as a nation, don't get on our knees and repent before God for the mess we're doing, this nation is sunk. For that matter, we already know how the end is written. I shouldn't be surprised by the things we're seeing. The financial crisis and the loss of common courtesy and the downward slide of decency shouldn't be a surprise. It was foretold. This is not new! This is prophecy fulfilled. We are living in interesting times. Part of me is sad to see what's happening, and know the outcome of so many people's eternity. Part of me is happy because I know that no matter what, I get to see my Savior face to face. I am determined to take as many of my family, friends, acquaintances, passersby, and strangers to Heaven with me as I can.

For today, I'd like to close with this. President Bush was treated with incredible disrespect. I think that, more than anything, contributed to the disrespect of the world to our country. I see it with my children all the time. If I get mouthy with my husband (and I do. Let's just keep it honest here), I notice the kids get more mouthy with him. The same holds if he's disrespectful to me. John and I had a talk with the children before the election, during the election, and after the election. God says we are to respect those in authority over us. It is still ok, and even expected, for us to call our leaders out if they mess up or if they are going in the wrong direction. But, it must be done respectfully. I will be watching. I am incapable of keeping my mouth shut. Please join me for the study of Revelation with the book The Vision of His Glory by Anne Graham Lotz. It's not doom and gloom prophesy. It's joy and hope and faith. It's God's promises to His people - that's us. It's knowing that there is a purpose in all we do. It's encouragement. Spread the word! Have a friend join us for the study. I can't stress enough that we are running out of time. There is far less time in front of us than there is behind us. We need to be bold in proclaiming our faith.