Hungry Enough?

Hunger from Nuru International on Vimeo.

The New Prez

Well, what a day!  Yesterday was one of the most pivotal events in the history of our country, as our 44th President, Mr. Barak H. Obama was sworn in (in front of a MASSIVE crowd).  It's good to see that we've come to a point as a people that a person with a minority background can still have a shot.  We're finally seeing equality at work.  

Now don't get me wrong; I live in Alabama for crying out loud.  There is still a TON of work to be done.  And, I don't think having a minority President will change the deep-seated racist worldview of so many in our country.  Only a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ can do that.  BUT, I think it does show that our country is moving in the right direction in terms of how we relate to people who are different from us.

Do I agree with everything that Obama stands for?  No.  Do I disagree?  Absolutely not.  Just like ALL of us, he has his good qualities and bad.  Guess what...he's human.  He's going to make some mistakes and make some good things happen.

As the 44th President begins his OVERWHELMING task today to lead our country, let's remember our task: to pray for him and his family, to pray for our country, to pray for people whose lives are being destroyed by sin.  And let's remember where our hope, faith, and comfort come from:  JESUS CHRIST!

God bless America!

Proud to be an American

With the way things ended yesterday, I must say that I am still proud to be an American.  Not so much just because an African-American is in the high office (though this is HUGE!), but because of what didn't happen.  There was no rioting.  No coup-de-ta (spelling?).  George Bush didn't surround the White House with tanks and thousands of troops refusing to concede.  John McCain didn't lambast the president-elect nor the American people.  No, we once again have had an arms-free transfer of power from one man to another.  And though the actual transfer is still a few months away and there will be criticisms and maybe even threats, I'm proud to live in a country that doesn't burst into Civil War every time a new president is elected.

I think we all owe a debt of gratitude to Senators McCain, Obama, and Biden, and to Governor Palin.  Though we may have substantial disagreements with some (I have pretty big disagreements with all of them), they still are the ones who have sacrificed their time in service (and hopeful service) to their country.  And they will continue to do so, no matter what office they hold.  These are true Americans, who love our country, and who are dedicating their lives to make our country work.  Let us pray for each of them--and all our leaders, everyday.  The weight of leadership at that level is next to unbearable, and they need us--the Christ-followers in America--to lift them up in prayer everyday.

God bless America (and the whole world too)

The best (?) and WORST of the Presidential Race

Well, the day we've all been waiting on is here.  I must so I couldn't be more relieved that this election is over.  I hate campaign season.  It's divisive and usually ends with people (particularly Christians) making themselves look real shallow, dumb, and hateful.  In celebration of this day, I want to take some time to look at the best and WORST of this election year in regards to the church.

The best:  I got to vote.  This is my first time voting in a presidential election (well any real election--I just registered a month ago!).  I must say, that despite my cynicism, I really enjoyed getting to go to Vincent Town Hall and casting my ballot.  And yes, though my vote--especially for President--doesn't really count (thanks Electoral College), I still had a great sense of pride and responsibility.  I am truly thankful that God has placed me in a country where freedom reigns (mostly).  I believe that God wants to use our country and our vast freedom and resources to reach the world, within and without.

With that being said, I believe that we as Christians missed a great opportunity to set an example of Christ before our own nation.  Citizens of the United States, I apologize for the actions of my brothers and sisters in Christ.  I have been very disappointed with the muckraking, bickering, and overall lack of love in this election.  The group that is supposed to bring peace and unity is the main reason for so much division in our country.  It really is no wonder at all that people don't want to be a part of our faith.  If you were always told how horrible, stupid, classless, cold-hearted, misguided, lost, depraved, rejected, anti-everything, etc., you'd probably feel the same way.  I don't think there is anything wrong with Christians voting the way their conscience leads them--that's fine.  But don't abuse someone who sees things differently than you.  God put us in a position to shine His light and tell His story and WE BLEW IT!!!  America we're sorry.

  I really hope that no matter who wins today, that Christians will take the lead in restoring unity within our country and with our fellow humanity around the globe.  Our leaders need our prayers, no matter what political agenda they have.  Remember, God is our Hope and Saviour, not a politician (or any other man/woman for that matter).  This nation is starving for a real relationship with God and they need us to share that with them.  We can't do that if we draw party lines and aren't willing to cross it to reach people on the other side.

God bless America (and the whole world too)!