HOPE – and its origin!

Today is an exciting day in America, and no matter what your political persuasion, this day is what makes America so different than any other country in the world. The people have chosen a person to lead them; and in one single moment in time and in a peaceful manner (no coup, violence, or war), the exchange of power happens. This is a beautiful thing from a political perspective.

The other thing that is refreshing, is that Martin Luther King’s dream is finally being realized on a national level, and despite the small factions of hate that still permeate our landscape – this is a day to celebrate! Color is and should never have been a distinguisher of people – but the integrity and character of a person should be the benchmark of how we look at each individual.

However, one thing that is somewhat disturbing to me is that even Martin Luther King understood that neither he nor any man were the makers of change in this country or the world for that matter. As a pastor, Martin knew that true change and true “HOPE” came from God the Father, His Son, and The Holy Spirit. I find it interesting and again somewhat disturbing that even folks who are followers of Jesus think that today should be different from any other day with respect to future “HOPE” and change. God/Son/Spirit are the true orchestrators of change – no man! The spirit led writers of the original story of mankind – the Epic Love Story of God and Man reveal to us over and over again that man left to his own will falter, but with God all things are possible. Martin Luther understood that; and it is about time that all who profess faith as he did, understand that too.

Nehemiah was a man in the Old Testament who was called by God to restore the city of Jerusalem. He had a vision that was placed in his heart by God and he knew that it was not his power that would make this restoration possible. There is this scene where Nehemiah instructs the priest to read the Law of Moses to the people and explain it to them. As they do – the people begin to weep and grieve because they see how they have fallen short(Nehemiah chapter 8). Well.., there is a line in verse 10 that states – “the Joy of the Lord is our strength”; which clearly states as Martin Luther King understood that our Hope and our Joy is in God – not man.

I am thankful for a father who taught me as a young man to be a person who did not see color; and I am very hopeful and thankful for today! However, as a follower of Jesus, I am thankful and hopeful every day! Everyday is an opportunity to show Love in a big or small way to those around you – quite honestly, why should today be any different?

I pray for President Obama and the direction of this country, but I also pray that we as a nation and as a world would look to God and not man for our direction and hope.

Until the next time – Just go and show some Love to someone (random acts of Kindness and Love) - just because you can! :-)