This morning anABC reporter recounted a moment last night on Times Square. He was standing next to two African American women and saw their legs buckle under them as they gazed upward. He looked up to see on a huge monitor with all the US presidents - and Barack Obama. The reporter said to them , "Twelve of those men owned slaves." And one woman responded, "That stain is now washed clean." Wow. That touched me deeply. I hope it's true. I hope we are entering an era when Americans truly begin to understand the beauty and unique value of our diversity.
I watched Obama's inspiring acceptance speech with fifth graders today and I was emotional. Maybe because I spend my days with mostly black, mostly underprivileged children. These children are typically surrounded with white teachers and administrators for all of their school years. We are always telling them they can succeed at anything they choose. But I've often wondered if any of them believe us. Maybe now they will.
Maybe their parents didn't believe that they could be Dr. Cliff Huxtable or lawyer Claire Huxtable because that was just a TV show. Now a man brought up by a single mother and grandparents, not rich, not privileged, has achieved the ultimate dream right before their eyes.
I hope that Obama feels the collective weight of our hope. I pray God protects and guides him. And no matter who you voted for - let's go back to being the UNITED States of America now. Let's experience together the audacity of hope.
7 comments:
Gosh, that's an inspiring story. I hope it's true too.
That post brought a tear to my eye. Very well written, and bravo to you for watching that acceptance speech with your students.
My hope is in God. And through that hope I pray our president will seek God's Will for this country.
It's been a long time since I've seen this country have hope. It's amazing and inspiring and hopefully infectious.
Nicely said, Diane. I think you speak for all of us.
One of the things I would like to see him do - is set a good example for ALL fathers to do the "right" thing - be a good example for their children.
People yell, holler and jump up and down about needing better schools, more police officers, etc. - but let's face it - it ALL starts in the home. Good examples need to be set.
then we won't have to fret
Amen to hope ... and faith and love too, a la 1st Corinthians: 13. I think this country needs 'em all.
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