Today, the world stopped and watched the inauguration of President Barack Obama. I was struck by the sheer enormity of the crowds, both gathered there in Washington, but also when CNN cut to scenes of crowds watching in Harlem, Los Angeles and other places. It’s like time stood still.
I was moved by the compassion and wisdom in Rick Warren’s prayer (and thought he did a remarkable job in spite of the tepid greeting he got by the crowd). I appreciated the conviction and strength on Obama’s acceptance speech. I believe he’ll be a fair-minded leader who seeks wise counsel as he faces enormous obstacles on virtually every front, and I will be in continual prayer for his safety and God’s guidance for him as he leads our country.
Seeing Obama and President Bush walk together to the helicopter after the ceremony was a surreal moment for me personally. In the last few months, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with both men. Until seeing that moment on screen, I don’t think the gravity of that really hit me.
Today was truly a moment that will define our generation. Whether or not you voted for Obama, you cannot dispute that few things few things of this historical importance have happened in our lifetime.
What did you think of the inauguration? What moment most stood out to you? Were you struck by the enormity of the historic moment? Were you moved by his speech? Or were you, like me, thoroughly confused by the poem?
