Aftermath

What an emotional week! For the past several months, the American people,have been bombarded with television commercials, candidate debates, news stories, and telephone polls all leading up to the election on November 4th . Now, the decision has finally been made, and with it, a monumental moment in American history.

I can't imagine what it must feel like for a person of African American heritage to see an African American elected to the presidency of the United States. The pride must be beyond measure. The success of President-elect Barack Obama in winning the majority vote speaks to millions throughtout the country of the reality of accomplishing one's dreams.

Despite his triumph, many Americans felt a grave disappointment on the evening of November 4th because the candidate they had voted for did not win. I was overcome with sadness for Senator McCain when he made his concession speech. I believe he is a man who loves this country deeply. He has proven that through years of service to America, not to mention a sacrifice few Americans are asked to give and the endurance of unspeakable suffering.

I felt I did my part to encourage the Republican ticket to those who were undecided. I talked to coworkers and friends, presented them with facts and statistics, based on information I had read with validated documentation. Some listened, some didn't. That's fine and that's the beauty of the American way of life, to be able to express one's opinion without fear of recrimination.

However, to be met with ridicule and sarcastic disdain for everything I believe in makes me angry. When I approached one family member in particular with what I believed and what I had learned, I was labeled an extremist who is easily influenced by the things I read. Never mind that what I did read was written by people who know a whole lot more about politics than I do.

Another family member, on the other hand, who supported Senator Obama as well, took the time to listen to my opinions, respected my views, and understood my concerns. Interesting how two people with the same blood can be so different. I'm grateful the more rational - and considerate - person also happens to be the younger one! It restores my faith in the potential of our youth.

I'm new at this political game. I never cared much before about who won an election. I voted, sure, but if the opposing party lost, it was not a big issue for me. This time, there was so much at stake, the very essence of what I believe in, that it became extremely important to me.

I believe in this country and will support our new president with prayer, just like I did our past presidents. I probably won't agree with many of his policies, but I will trust that our country is in God's hands and that whatever fate He holds for us will come to pass. I like to think that voters looked to their Creator for guidance before going to the polls, that they searched their hearts and cast their ballot for the person they truly believed would do the best possible job of leading our country into a bright and prosperous future.

However, I fear many responded to the current financial crisis, feelings of animosity toward our current president, and a simple lack of knowledge of where President-elect Obama stands on certain issues that should touch the heart and soul of every citizen.

I sincerely hope that our 44th president is the best president America has ever had. I pray that he restores economic balance to our nation, that he has the diplomatic ability to face down our enemies and that he can bring our educational system back to a high standard. Most of all, I pray he is humble enough to look to God for guidance through the tumultuous storms he will face these next four years.

I'm in that stage now of forgiving all those things that were said pre-election. For one thing, it's what Jesus tells us to do. For another, I never was the type who could stay angry for long. However, I can't help but feel a tiny bit of satisfaction as I wonder: did all that resentment of my view come, maybe, from a fear that I knew what I was talking about?

God bless America!