Historic Day

It was really something seeing our first African-American president's inauguration. Amazing. Someone commented to me that living in the north all her life (and, I would add, being younger), the gravity of this day escapes her to a certain degree.

I'm no expert on this, but my advice to her and others is that besides studying the historical facts, the emotions get touched through stories. Three "stories" I often recommend:

• Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor: Lois use to read this to her students every year during Black History Month when she was a classroom teacher.
• One of my favorite all-time movies that makes me choke up just thinking of it is "To Kill a Mockingbird."
• Two television movies that I loved but don't know if they have stood the test of time (regarding style, etc.) are Roots and a made-for-TV movie on Ruby Bridges. 

Do you have other recommendations?

Congratulations to President Elect Obama

It's an amazing thing for the member of a minority--a formerly enslaved minority--to reach the office of president! Whether or not you agree with our next president's politics or party, pray for him, for his safety, for wisdom, for him to be a just and godly leadership. And give thanks to our God for our country and the great privilege we have to participate in this process.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)