Historic Election - What's Next?

On November 4, 2008 the United States of America elected Barack Obama to be the 44th president of the United States. This was a historic election on all counts - with the primaries and Hillary Clinton (a female) and Barack Obama (an African-American) running, and then with the General Election with Barack Obama running on the democratic ticket, and John McCain, with Sarah Palin (a female) running on the republican ticket. No matter the results of the election, it was one for the history and record books.

Now we sit and wait, as the media begins to hone its attention on the new incumbents, to see what this new chapter in American history will bring. The imaginations of many people have been running wild - from a horrid, ridiculous picture of what the US will look like in 2012 after Obama has been President by Dr. James Dobson, to tales of Fairytale Land predicted by very fantastical folks who at times sound as though they are smoking something they shouldn't be.

But the reality is, as with all elections and incumbents, we don't truly know. We live life one day at a time. So to put forward fantasy (for the good or the bad) pictures of what will be is both a waste of time and an attempt to distort the true present right here and now.

Right now we are in a position of tough economic times, of war, of human rights issues (see Uighurs story), and of failing education. All of these, each of these, and so much more will not change the day Obama begins to serve his four years in office. However, maybe with a focus on mutual respect and cooperation we could make this election and the days that follow truly one for the history books. When partisan politics, special interest lobbies, and simple bureaucratic nonsense gets put to the side and authentic and meaningful work for the people and the place of America is done.

This is my post-election prayer - I hope you will join me.

LWF - 60 years!

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is celebrating 60 years this year, and tomorrow ELCA churches are invited to reflect and pray together for its continued mission and ministry. For the children's time tomorrow I have taken a world map and marked all of the Lutheran Churches in the world that are members of the LWF, as well as the location of LWF programs and centers. The image is quite incredible for there are many, many dots, but I have noted another thing. There are entire regions (especially North Africa and the Middle East) where there are neither churches or programs. Not surprising per say, especially because of the regions and area they are and the predominate faiths in those areas, but it is a bit eye-opening.

LWF is a great collaborative organization and the multitude of communities that are a part of this group is inspiring. After looking over this map, I have decided to include 3 of the 140 member churches and their mission and work through LWF in my prayers each week. The connections are great and the opportunity to join in the continued work through prayer is the least I can do. I encourage you to check out their site.