Something's Happening Here...

Since (actually it started before November 4, 2008) Obama's election, there has been a notable tone of reconciliation running around. At first, I thought I was imagining it. I was wrong, it really is out there!

With this in mind, watch this wonderful CBS video (2:44) but listen carefully to the very end statements from the commentators.



I think I might have missed it since before Christmas because of the Rick Warren flap (and a well-deserved flap, at that).

But, For What It's Worth, it seems that the reign of terror associated with the last 8 years is, at least in our minds, coming to a close. Thanks Be To God for this!

If you close your eyes and listen to these lyrics (no matter how well you may know them) and put them in the context of the Bush Administration and even the 2008 Republican Convention where people of all stripes were arrested, including media, versus the late 60's, I think you will see what I mean. I sang this song for years along with We Shall Overcome (usually a capella) at protests, demonstrations and political events.

For What It's Worth (Stephen Stills, see song history here)


We Shall Overcome (see history here)


Eight frigging long years of social, military, environmental and economic tyranny, soon over. The battles before us will be fought differently as we may not shout as we climb the mountain, but listen and talk as we wend through the hills.

We shall overcome and begin again on January 20th.

We have high hopes and sometimes we may be disappointed. But this is going to be a new era amid serious economic challenges. This will be the time we must learn to talk, learn to compromise on some things and try to work, for once, together. Yes, it will be challenging.

But today as I look out my window at the beautiful blue sky and the distant red sedimentary cliffs and listen to the sounds of the birds and little else, I have been reflecting on what it will mean to be living in 2009 and the serious challenges we face nationally and internationally.

We have to keep our heads on straight because many will try to turn them away from the goals we see before us. There are generations behind mine (and no doubt yours) that now depend on each of us, as elders, to assure their future and a good future at that.

Let us pray that we are strong in will, kind in heart, open to hearing, capable in thought, and gentle in action.

Lord Hear My Prayer.