Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Obama Makes History



Barack Obama was just named the winner of this year's Presidential election. How far our nation has come to elect the first African-American President of the United States. I have to say that I surprised myself tonight when I "really" realized Obama was black. I mean, yes I know his race, but I just have never really thought about it much with this election. To me Obama was never "black" and McCain was never "white". They were just two men running for President.

I love that our country has come so far and race is not such a huge issue anymore. Sure, we have a ways to go, but look how quickly we are growing up and realizing that people are people no matter the color of skin. It was such a short time ago we were so divided. In fact, my own mother went to a segregated school as a child. I commend her for never pushing racial views on me. She taught me that we are all God's children and he loves each and everyone of us. Including Barack Obama.

I hope and pray that tonight's outcome will only continue to bring us closer as a nation and as children of God. I pray for Obama as he takes over our country, that he will be guided and directed to do what is right for the people and for our home. I pray that we will unite with each other and that God will see fit to deliver us from these trying times. May God bless America.

(And I hope and pray that I have offended no one with this post.)

21 comments:

Natalie♥ said...

Wow you really made my night! That is so comforting to read. I am also so glad that I was raised in a home that was never racist, everyone was always treated equal.

asplashofsunshine said...

Well said.

Oh, by the way, this is my first time on your blog. Excellent post.

Camille said...

Wow. You have such a willing spirit! I am going to have a very hard time praying for him. In fact, last night, I sat there before my prayer wondering if I could actually get the words out. I couldn't. I am going to have to work on it, I guess. I'm afraid of the man, to tell you the truth. I've had nightmares for weeks. I just hope I don't feel the effects of his "changes" as closely as I'm afraid I might. Well said, though. You're a good example!

Deanna said...

It's not what's on the outside that concerns me. It's whats on the inside. It's his beliefs and what he stands for (or DOESN'T stand for). I, too, am scared, and pray earnestly for our nation to uphold its moral values, for this nation is what we are giving our children. Excellent Post, Elena. You are a wonderful example to me and I look up to you!

Wendy said...

Very well said, Elena. It is a historic moment. Our country should be very proud of how far we've come.

Deanna, I echo your sentiments.

becky ward said...

great words from you heart elena! god bless america.

becky ward said...

ps i love your family picture for november. so cute on the stairs.

Tamie said...

y'know, i kind of feel just as you do. obama was not my choice for president, but then as i sat there and thought about how amazing it really is that he is a black man and he was elected by the popular vote to be president is amazing in the least, considering not just 150 years ago we were killing each other over the civil rights of black men and women.
i actually got a little teary...how far we have come! (and how far we have to go....but we'll be ok in the end, eh?)

"The Queen in Residence" said...

It was an interesting day yesterday as I voted and then went to the Temple which is normal for a Tuesday. But I think there were many that had the same idea but were there to pray. It is am amazing time and also a time where we need to be strong. I will try to pray for him but I agree with Camille, he scares me and there is something..... something that makes you wary. But I was not offended, nor was I surprised. You have always struck me as a lets make lemondae out of the lemons kind of person. So save a glass for me....:)

Lee Ann said...

Yes, it's time for us all to unite, no matter who we voted for. I do feel we all need to pray harder than ever for our nation. It could get "interesting" :-)

Anonymous said...

I am a socially conservative Christian (LDS) who voted for Obama last night.

I hope all of us can separate the political/campaign rhetoric that we have been hearing from the truth about the character of each candidate. Either side would have you believe that the opposition is horrible. Both political parties rely too much on fear... They purposely try to make us fear the opposition by saying things that are simply not true, blowing trivial things out of proportion and context and sometimes just plain lying. This happens on both sides.

I studied the issues and the men. I believe they are both honorable Americans who truly want to see their country prosper. There is no need to be afraid of either one of them. If you peel back the rhetoric you can hear trusted voices from either party saying the same thing.

I don't agree with the entire democratic platform - I didn't vote down party lines last night -in fact I probably voted for more republicans than democrats... However, I think the two most URGENT issues our country must address are the health care and energy problems and I think that Obama will press those issues more.

I don't mean to force my opinions on anyone - it just makes me a little sad to see how sincerely fearful so many of you are - when I don't believe that we need to be. I believe Obama will govern to the center - many republican pundits have even said that - he will "disappoint the left"... That is what we need - a president who governs to the center - where 80% of America lives... :) God bless America.

Anonymous said...

Dear Anonymous,

Of course, there are lots of important issues to be focused on, including health care and energy. However, don't you think the issue of abortion might be slightly more important? I care more about protecting innocent lives than I do my health care plan... Maybe that's why so many people are apprehensive of this man....because he sees nothing wrong with legally killing babies if they are "inconvenient".

Anonymous said...

Dear Anonymous II,

Abortion is indeed a really important issue. I am raising my children to know that I believe it is wrong and why. I would never choose that path and I hope my children never would as well. If my daughter found herself contemplating that option, I think I would have much bigger fish to fry than to worry about if it were legal. I think this is an issue I a can address in my own home. However, I can't really do anything about the health care or energy crisis on my own.

I believe this issue too divisive right now for major changes to happen. Again, I think he will govern to the middle (and I pray he does).

Elena said...

Woooooahhh folks....I certainly believe in free speech and I understand that people feel passionately about political issues, but confrontation makes me want to run and hide. Run away, I tell ya, run away!

I take no offense to either Anonymous I or II and don't mind hearing both sides of the argument. However, this is literally my journal, I print and bind it for future reading. (Comments included.) So if things get too out of control or uncomfortable for me, I'll have to disable comments for this post.

Just remember the real reason of my post is to remind us that we are God's children and that I am proud to be American.

Brandy said...

Perfectly said!

Jennifer P. said...

Offended us?! Ha ha ha ha ha!!! I think this message is probably the perfect thing to say----find the good in the man and pray for him. It will be an interesting next 4 years, but the voice of the people have chosen....

Fun to see you dip your toe in the political water :)! (you should check out Jon's blog today--now THAT one might be a little offensive!)

Deidra Smith said...

I had a really hard time deciding who would be best for our courntry. But, that not being the issue anymore, I'd have to say I'm intrigued by Obama. And curious to see what happens.

Nichole said...

don't worry about offending. as my blog title says
"say nothing, do nothing, be nothing" total truth. way to step out there.

Lula! said...

Great post...you didn't offend me at all. Because God is in control...He always has been and always will be. I take comfort in that. And I'll pray for our new president--our new BIRACIAL president (why is he called "black?" He's biracial, plain and simple!). Not because I want to, but because God mandates it in His Word.

And that, as we say here in the country, is the mainest thing. I'm thankful to be American, even when things don't go my way.

LouandAngela said...

Wow Elena, didn't realize you were opening up your comments to such a discussion, did you? Yikes! I love your view and I'm so glad that you shared it. I wrote something very similar to your last paragraph in my journal last night.

Regardless of people's opinions on the MAN, the historical outcome is an encouraging step for America--and quite personally for my children. I say, God Bless America too!

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

Ugh...I am sooooo far behind in reading! But I am here. I am sure that you were missing me.

And look at the controversy you didn't even know you would spark. Do you know who your anon commenters are??

Anyway...it was truly a historic day...and I just hope that everyone realizes that he cannot perform miracles - and that change takes time. But I really hope we are at a new beginning...