God Bless the President of the United States

The historic month of January now gives way to February in which we as a nation celebrate Black History month.

And never, again, will the celebration of African Americans contributions ever be the same.

At last, an African-American, Barack Obama, won the heart of the nation (and the world) and thus the highest office in the land: President of the United States of America.

Obama’s rise to the White House has come after years of toll and struggle by many who have sacrificed to push this nation in a direction where all its citizens are treated equally; and where all are given equal access and opportunity.

Obama’s rise, once again, proves that with hard work, faith, and perseverance that all things are possible.

Like the great freedom fighters of old, grandma and grandpapa believed that such a day would come. So many, however, did not live to see what Obama has accomplished.

We who are witness of this historic event, especially African-Americans, should be bubbling over with joy and pride.

For God has lifted us all out of the dark dungeon of slavery and the horrific injustice that has long plagued us as a people and has brought us into a light so marvelous that its reality seem surreal.

Obama’s rise is something many have testified that they did not believe would happen in their life time. Obama’s rise caught many off guard and unprepared for such a succession. So remarkable that Obama’s rise marks history like few events have ever done.

The history I have lived growing up in the 50’s and 60’s in Louisiana is a history of America that God did not intend.

Yet there were many things that gave me hope and inspired me to keep on keeping on: Negro History Week as it was called then is one of them. To sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” kept kindled in me a hope that some day a change would truly come.

Now with the rise of Obama and this year’s Black History Month celebration, I joyously thank God for moving in a mysterious way. I thank God for positioning Barack Obama, who happens to be a black man, in the gateway of change: change that America so desperately need, change that many Americans desperately want.

It is my prayer that the tidal wave of change that has managed to lift our collective boats of hope is the kind of change that is pleasing to God Almighty. For without God, president Obama will fail. Without God, we will fail. Without God, America fails.

Much of what was said on the campaign trail, in his acceptance speech, and in the inaugural address points to a president whose heart is seemingly in the hand of the Lord (Proverb 21:1). Wisdom to move forward and to make this nation a better nation for all people will take God directing the steps of our new president.

Obama cannot do it alone. National governance, need divine guidance and the prayers of the people. Therefore, as we celebrate this inimitable Black History Month lets not only lift our voices in song but also prayer.

Pray for our president, pray for our nation, pray for our world, and just maybe God will be pleased and raise us all up to where He would have us to be.

Happy Black History Month