Inaugural Tuesday

Regardless of who you voted for this past November, today is an historic day and I'm thrilled to watch some of the goings-on in Washington D.C. To see the ground where Barack Obama will be sworn in as our forty-fourth President, on the very ground where, three hundred years ago, slaves were auctioned. I am so proud that a black man will be our President. There's no other way to state it.

Have we arrived as a nation? Have we finally put racism behind us? Hardly. But this is a step. A huge one, and I'm praying for our new President and Michelle, their girls, Malia and Sasha, and their grandmother Marian Robinson as they all move into the White House this afternoon. And for Barack Obama as he takes first steps in officially leading this country. Wouldn't you love to be able to see that transition up close? Even more, wouldn't you love to see the look on Abraham Lincoln's face? 

So many people have contributed to this day. So many people have shed their blood, and had it shed, for us to enjoy the liberties and the privileges of living in this country. And of seeing this day.

The Gettysburg Address, given by Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, had a special place in my last book, From a Distance. And all morning long, I've found snatches of that brief, historic speech, returning to me, reminding me of all that's happened to bring this day to fruition. If you're interested in reading the Gettysburg Address again and seeing it written in Lincoln's own hand, click here. 

Oh, and an interesting tidbit--the Bible that Barack Obama will place his hand on as he takes the oath of office this morning is the very Bible that Abraham Lincoln used to do the same.

Blessings all,

Tammy