A Bright Day In America Still Requires Good Choices

This is a very bright day in America. The dream of Dr. King is alive and well. There is both an electable woman and an electable black man running for the highest office in the land. As a black man, I could not be more excited or elated that this country has the opportunity once again to show that a person can be judged by their ability and the content of their character rather than the color of their skin or their gender.

  However, I must bring my exuberance under control to remind myself that we are electing the President of the United States. We are not electing the female president, the black president or the oldest president. We are electing a president for all Americans. Do these surface distinctions rate significantly in the greater context of choosing the leader of the free world? Is either Hillary Clinton or Barrack Obama the best candidate for the president regardless of their sex or race respectively? Does McCain’s age really matter in this context?

  There are those who say that America has not been ready for this day until now. I disagree. We have been ready for this day for many years. Unfortunately, the right candidates have not stepped up until now. Geraldine Ferraro was not a viable or electable candidate when she ran for vice president. As she has recently displayed, she probably would not be a good candidate today. Neither Jessie Jackson nor Al Sharpton was viable or electable candidates when they ran for the nomination. It would not have mattered if either of them were white or older; they both carried too much baggage. What is happening today, wheather I agree with their politics or not, is that Hillary Clinton, Obama  and McCain are capable and competent enough to create a strong national campaign to be nominated for the office of President. They are at this historical crossroad because they possess enough leadership ability and personal appeal to convince enough Americans to support their individual campaigns.

There is little argument that sex, age or race can make a difference in one’s perspective, one’s world view and one’s mass appeal. That can only take one so far in leading an organization or a nation. What happens when sex, age or race takes back stage to national and international challenges? The President has to lead the country for four years. Will we still be focused on the female president, the white president or the black president if in two years we are still at an impasse on health care coverage, illegal immigration, rising interest rates, aging infrastructure, crowded highways or $5.00 per gallon gasoline at the pump? Will we still be so excited of our historic achievements if taxes increase and college tuition grows by double digits?

When all the excitement dies down and the historic markers are securely in place, I hope that we will elect best candidate for president who will help us continue to create a better America where everyone, regardless of race, age or sex can become the best that we want to be while living in freedom and prosperity.

 

When Getting Older Becomes Painful

I remember the time when I so much wanted to be older. Being young was too restrictive; too many things that were not for kids; places we could not go. I wanted to be older; to be free. My dreams were calling me. I could not wait to finish school and get on with it. I never really wanted to leave home. I had a poor but great home and friends and was in a good band. To pursue my dreams I had to leave.

I got through college and got married. We started our home and family together. Our kids came along and have been hugh blessing. My wife improved my life tremendously over the years. However, one secret of getting older evaded me until recently. As I got older, my parents, mentors and spiritual leaders also got older. I was not prepared for that. I think I expected them to stay the same because I needed them to stay the same. They were my pillars of strength. How could they get ol? Some have even crossed over.

My mother is the strongest person I have even known. She has more faith than anyone I have ever met. She has survived the pain of unfaithful men while raising siblings and eight children. She has survived severe hardship. Yet she never gave up, she loves her Lord, evangelized an entire community basically by herself. She has fed and clothed more people than some non-profit organizations.

Today, the ravages of age has invaded her body. Her walk is now slow, her physical strength is fading, her mind wanders to places that bring her joy, her heart they say is weakened and cancer is is migrating through her body. I wish I could be twenty again. I don't really want to grow up. Being under her direct rule would be a great thing right now.



My father (not the sperm donor but the one who fulfilled the role) used to run races regularly. He mentored and discipled over one hundred and twenty young men. He shares in our lives, knows our wives, our hurts, our joys and or struggles. He found me in a church on the island twenty six years ago and planted the words of a dream maker in my heart. My life has never been the same. He is a man of integrity, a faithful father and husband. His spiritual strength would cripple Samson.


Today, the ravages of age has invaded his body. Though his invasion is not as extensive as my mother's, he stills experiences his symptoms.


Solomon says that there is a time for everything under heaven (Eccles. 3:1). Maybe we can find a way to freeze time. If they have to grow up too then let's stay young.