I woke up this morning and turned on the news per my morning routine. The station was busily broadcasting the day’s events and schedules. It shared road closures and security measures. It shared photos and videos, snapshots of social media wishes. Today is the Inauguration of the 46th President of the United States. The nation stands hopeful. Perhaps peace, in time, will be ushered in as well.
It would be inauthentic of me to not acknowledge the history that surrounds today’s festivities. Vice-President Kamala Harris is the first woman Vice-President in our nation’s history. Likewise, she is also the first woman of African-American descent to sit in that role. She’s an HBCU graduate like me and has stomped around some of the same streets as a Howard alumnae that I have as an NC A&T Aggie. I recognize that when my daughters discuss History and Government studies, they will someone that looks like them. That is not lost on me at all and I am happy to see it.
But I am also weary. If January 6, 2021 taught us nothing, it showed us that the nation is still hopelessly and heavily divided. I watched men with shirts and banners proclaiming harm against other ethnicities and nationalities walk across the Capitol Hill floor in a rage. I saw the tweets and videos of former President Trump and felt such disappointment. That feeling wasn’t limited to our nation, but to our humanity. I saw hateful tweets and comments from so many on both sides of the political spectrum. That isn’t going to go away overnight.
Still, I hold fast to my faith and the reminder of 2 Chronicles 7:14 which states clearly “ If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Guys, we have got to turn to Jesus in this. Seriously, there will be no lessening of the hate-filled rhetoric that fills our screens on a daily without Him.
I was heartened to see one of the events surrounding the Inauguration was a Virtual Gospel concert. Words and songs of worship are always appropriate, especially in today’s world. I was disappointed to see that there was a price tag attached, but count it no different than the countless Inauguration balls that have dotted the DC landscapes in presidential events past. I was also disappointed, but not surprised, at those who complained about the concert. I genuinely hope that from the metaphorical ashes of hate comes a spirit of love, kindness, and peace.
Today, I plan to sit and watch President-elect Joe Biden become President Joe Biden. I plan to watch the class that Vice-President Mike Pence will display as he wishes best wishes to the incoming administration. I will say exactly what I say for all of the Presidential administrations regardless of political party. May they be richly blessed, covered by God’s wisdom and grace, and surrounded in wise counsel by those who love and worship Him. Today is a new day. May it lead to an eventual unity and may the hatred that simmers beneath the surface for so many be quelled.
-K
