Tuesday, January 20, 2009

What's wrong with this picture?

Remember those puzzles we stared at as kids? The ones where you compared two pictures to find all the incongruities between them? Even when they weren't easy to spot, you could just FEEL something wasn't quite right.

I had that feeling all day today. I watched all the inauguration festivities online with Kathryn. I saw Aretha Franklin belt away in her big bow hat, Bush blinking back what looked like tears as he entered his plane, Rick Warren pray in the name of Jesus, President Obama and First Lady Michelle waving cheerily at the thousands upon thousands of people. So I thought I'd share some thoughts with whomever reads my ramblings...

1. I really want to like this guy. I mean, it's such a pain disliking someone so affable with such a classy, elegant wife at his side. He has great oratory and a nice smile. And a horrid voting record and self-proclaimed ideals that devalue others. So as nice as he looks, actions speak louder than words. I think those of us who embrace Christian values may have a real legal fight on our hands.

2. So I turned to Christian radio instead of secular media for a more 'biblical' view of the events. What do I hear over and over? How we are to pray for those in authority regardless of how we feel about their policies (I agree, of course!) and how this is such a momentous occasion for African-American citizens, specifically Christians. This is another place where I get the feeling that the cat's tail is off to the wrong side or the tree is missing a branch. If I was a black Bible-believing Christian, I would be very bothered right now. As exciting as it may be to have a fellow African-American in office, it is more disturbing that the evangelical black church is obviously not basing its societal views on the Word of God. I say this because so many of them voted for a man who stands opposed to Christian values. Any child of God should first be loyal to the Word, not to his cultural group or even his family.

3. Have I come to any conclusions after my ramblings? Obama's election is obviously historic. I will respect him as President for he occupies a position that is to be respected. I believe God has raised him up for this time in our history. (To clarify, He has allowed both good and evil men to come to power throughout history. Some to expedite His judgment to bring those He loves to repentance and some to continue leading a godly people in a godly direction) Back to Mr. President. I will pray for him faithfully. That being said, I think today has re-emphasized some of the concerns I have for the African-American side of the Body. If we as a Body don't respect the Word of the Head, Jesus Christ, how can we ever be effective to minister to a lost world? And if we are to judge (discern true and false) fellow Christians by their fruits, there may be some rotten fruit on the vine...

5 comments:

Raylin said...

I had some of the same weird feelings yesterday... I just kept thinking that Americans truly don't know what we are in for... thank you for a thought provoking post!

Holly said...

I agree. Part of me would love to be excited and just enjoy the hoopla...but I can't. So instead I'm praying and trying not to worry, remembering Who is really in charge of my country.

lauralavon said...

Appreciate your thoughts. I share many of them. I have a sense of being in "the waiting."
I did my duty to vote and tried to convince voters of what I thought was truth before hand. Now, I just watch and wait, and of course, call & write my congressmen to express my concerns, but mostly... prayerfully watch and wait.
I refuse to be captivated by appearances and to an emtional level of living. I want what is real. I don't want to be fooled. You refelct this same desire in your post.
Thanks again for sharing.

Jamie said...

I understand the strange emotions. I have felt happy, sad, depressed and a mixture of everything! :) What would that be called?

Mary Ellen said...

I hear ya girl!