A Political Event and A Spiritual Awakening
I do solemnly swear
that I will faithfully execute the office
of President of the United States of America…
It happened! It really happened! Barak Obama has been sworn in as the first African American President of the United States!
The moment we have long awaited finally arrived today at noon, and what a moment it was! After a beautiful Washington DC dawn welcomed thousands of flag-waving Americans gathered on the mall and while cheering parade watchers waited with their faces full of smiles and tears, it happened. As we all watched, a young man’s leadership moved us into a new era– not only beyond racial divisions, but also beyond global aggression, beyond financial thievery, beyond partisan politics and beyond business as usual. As Barak Obama took the oath of office, promising to uphold this country, we also took an oath to bravely follow him into our future.
Like the orator he is, he spoke words we have needed to hear. As a word lover and progressive, I delighted in the power of his speech. But, even with all he said, it was not his words, but our words that struck me most. Listening to the excited comments of those in the crowd today, as well as the conversations I had with friends and the commentary on blog postings, I am struck by the vocabulary we are using. While the inauguration of a new American president and the transfer of power to a new administration is an expressly political event, we are describing it in very spiritual ways using words like hope, faith, light, unity, trust, believe, change, renewal, transformation, awakening, new beginning. It is as if a clear, bright morning has dawned not just in Washington but in our hearts as well. Today we have become a nation of believers again!
It is not surprising. Many faith traditions hold sacred the power of such redefining moments. Old Testament Prophets, the Psalmist David, Jesus, Gandhi, Buddha, Mohammed, the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Rumi, contemporary pastors and native tribal spiritualists have all taught the importance of spiritual renewal, the healing power of reconciliation and the personal need for new beginnings. We need their wisdom now more than ever.
Now is the time to reflect on our shared humanity, to decide to begin again, to be refreshed by our experiences, to be unified as a people and, to believe we should “be more and do more.” If we can allow Barak Obama to renew our faith in man and God, we can have not only a new President but a new world!
Several years ago, I wrote and published a contemporary parable called Kevin and the Seven Prayers, about a young man whose country dissolves into war. Angry with God and defiant with his enemies, he is thrown into a jail cell where he realizes that self-centeredness is his real prison. Only by spiritual reflection and great personal sacrifice on behalf of another life is he able to finally be free: free to be to live in the blessing of God’s love.
Today, as I think about our country, I realize that America is like Kevin. For too long, we have been imprisoned by our own closed hearts. We have been angry with the world, indulgent with ourselves, impatient with God and blind to those who need us. Now, like Kevin, we must leave behind our “Me First” lives to embrace our spiritual selves and welcome the chance to sacrifice for each other.
Whatever your political leanings, make this a time of renewal. Begin to deeply embrace your spirituality. Become your best self. Try using Greater Good Thinking. Take a God’s eye view. Believe in the Politics of Possibility. Hug a child. Mentor a teenager. Commit to the Future. And send up prayers and meditations for our new president, Barak Obama. Make this day a political event AND a spiritual awakening!
When We Live as Spiritual People, We Can Be a Blessing!
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July 24th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.