We are witnesses of triumph and tragedy this first week in November. What is seen as triumph and what is seen as tragedy is not always agreed upon by all. Sometimes it is obvious, such as a beloved co-worker's home that burned to the ground late this week, and the sister of another co-worker that lost her battle with cancer earlier in the week. Sometimes the conclusion is not as obvious and becomes a matter of one's perspective. This historic election was certainly that. Triumph or tragedy?
I know, myself, that I was moved to tears starting on Monday evening, after viewing a special by Frontline, The Choice 2008, and the tears came and went over the course of the next two days. As a result of Barack Obama's moving victory and the shocking tragedies that struck many families throughout the world this week, definitely a rainstorm of tears (of overwhelming joy and piercing loss) was shed throughout the world.
I see (along with many others) Obama's clear election win, securing the popular and electoral vote (as a biracial/African American) as the historic event it is. Over the last two decades I have spent numerous time researching the history of African Americans in this country, from the early days of slavery through the early 1970s, particularly the Civil Rights Movement. I know that when Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed, he was just beginning the fight against economic inequalities in this country. Since his and Malcolm X's assassinations, there has not been a powerful, far-reaching leadership of black/African Americans or minorities, in general. That is why I believe the comment "Is he the one?" was brought up again in reference to Barack Obama. I found some anti-Obama rhetoric on-line regarding this remark that suggested people were looking for "a messiah or savior" in Obama. I do not believe that is the case, in a spiritual sense, but I do believe people were hoping for powerful, persuasive leadership to come to black americans for direction and motivational change beyond what occurred in the 1960s.
My personal opinion is without the move of God on people's hearts, this man would not have been elected to serve as president of our country. I realize that some may strongly disagree with this opinion, believing either that Obama had some sort of "mystical" impact on people-a cult-like following of radical socialists and naive idealists "deceived more by what Obama didn't say than by what he did say" or that he won simply because he ran an effective, well-organized, deliberate campaign. But it is too hard for me to believe that he won on his campaigning, ideas, and character alone, because I know that racism in this country is truly alive and well. I have had the unfortunate, eye-opening experience of witnessing it, firsthand, on quite a few occasions mostly since the 1980s. People may now know, for the most part, what is racially politically correct, but that does not mean that the heart of the matter has changed substantially. The amazing thing is that Barack Obama is a man born from the union of a caucasian american and an african, and despite the fact that some Americans, at times, continue to frown on and disapprove of interacial, and interreligious relationships, he was somehow able to connect with voters, all across our nation. I do not view Obama as a savior (political or spiritual), but I do believe his election and position, as President of the United States, will make a powerful positive impact on many people who see themselves as disenfranchised. I believe that he has not only the voters of America to thank, but the Creator of the Universe.
I encourage you to view the Frontline program, if you can find the time. After watching this documentary, I was reminded of why I hold great respect for both McCain and Obama. Frontline provided historical background and a non-partisan view on both men. I know the election is over, but here's the link if you are interested: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/choice2008/
In the last 4-5 days I have heard much naysaying, and yes, there is reason for concern about our world in many aspects. Everyone seems to have their own passionate agenda. And we can all run around pursuing our own "issues" with much abandon, blaming others for what we can and can't accomplish, possibly spinning our wheels or rhetoric, or we can heed this truth..."if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (I Chronicles 7:14). I was truly humbled by what happened on election day, and compelled to seek God's face diligently, not only for what change may come out of and to Washington D.C., but to our own lives and how we, personally, can impact those around us daily.
Now to the original reason I wanted to post my opinions this evening. Positive viewing experiences!!! I hear many complain about the erosion of TV viewing, and, yes, there may be much to complain about! But we all have a choice to watch (or not watch) what is on...be it network TV, cable, or DVD/movies, etc. In fact there are many interesting and positive TV programs out there. One of my favorites is Extreme Makeover: Home Edition! This program is awesome and a testament to making a positive difference in people's lives. We are all responsible to do more than just sit on our butts in front of the TV or computer. (Possibly if you are complaining about the lack of quality programming, you need to invest your time elsewhere...for example the world around you.) I have to say that Obama's election has placed in me a conviction to do more to make a difference in the world around me! Not to mention guys like Ty Pennington and all the people who come out to help build homes for deserving families/families faced with unusual challenges or committed to making a difference in their community/world! I encourage you to check out a little history on Ty on Wikipedia and to check out the show, if you haven't already.
Here are the links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ty_Pennington
http://abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/index?pn=index
Also I watched a cool show this evening on PBS. It was a documentary on penguins in Africa. I had watched the March of the Penguins earlier this year. It was incredibly informative and stunning! The PBS documentary tonight - Wild! Penguin Invasion
When penguins takeover a popular South African beach resort, laughter, fun and conflict ensue - was more light hearted and actually pretty funny. One part, showed the impact (again) that everyday people can have when coming together to address a potential tragedy. (I tried to find a link to the show, but was unsuccessful.)
You can't convince me that one has to compromise one's values in order to be entertained! There are many good programs out there. It depends on where you are looking!
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