Wednesday, November 5

Please Hear My Heart...

The way it looks now, at 10:15pm EST, is that in just a few hours we will be celebrating the first African-American President of the United States (he needs only 70 electoral votes to win at this point). And, because of that, I really want to share my heart. Whether or not you agree with me, I hope you hear the sincerity.

First, as an African-American man, I never thought I'd see this day. Sure, I'd always hoped it would come... but I never really thought it would happen. It was just 40 or so years ago, that blacks were trying to gain legitimacy as human beings. Dogs were let loose on us, we were lynched, beaten, unlawfully arrested, and so much more. It's hard to even watch footage from those days without feeling the rage well up inside of me.

I never thought I'd see this day.

Second, to all my white brothers and sisters, I love you. Although there are times when it's very hard to forget the past, I do forgive you (as a race). The past has made many of us stronger... wiser... and more determined to rise above the hardships enforced upon us. The past has made me, in particular, more passionate to see both sides - black and white - unified. That's one of the main reasons I started Mosaic Church DC. We're seeing it happen in our church... and not just black & white, but also Latino and Asian... it's a very beautiful thing. And I'm thankful.

Third, although there are many who think the country will "go to pot" with Sen. Obama being elected as President of this great country, I'd like to submit this to you for your consideration: if God is still on the throne, what is there to fear? We often preach "the sovereignty of God", but many times we don't live it. Let's keep our eyes on Jesus, for He alone is King... and we bow to Him, not Obama nor McCain.

Fourth, we have to acknowledge the fact that our country is changing. No longer do many Americans of any race want a "majority-rule" country. The election is an awesome mirror of the fact that, as far as the racial divide, things are changing. DON'T GET IT TWISTED: IT'S NOT FIXED YET. Maybe it never will be. But it is changing.

I never thought I'd see this day. I'm thankful to God that He's allowed it to happen. And for what it's worth, I'm proud of this country. Whether or not you agree with the outcome, you have to be proud. This election won't be easy for some to accept... but it shows we're really a nation of many different peoples. I know some might try to "blast" me for focusing on the "race" issue... go ahead, you're free to do that. I'm just sharing my heart.

I never thought I'd see this day... but it's here.:-)

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

well worded D! U are too nice though...read my blog!

nathanhyde.com said...

Hey Darren! As a white guy who didn't vote for Obama, I appreciate your well-expressed post. Regardless of Obama's policies, it is definitely a historic occasion and hopefully a step forward in race relations and equality. Thanks again for stepping out and sharing with us!

Anonymous said...

D, I am proud to be an American today. I am proud of the voters that came out and I am proud to say we have an African-American president. He got my vote! I cried when they announced victory-this is historical and I will never forget this day! Love you!

Anonymous said...

Thanks D, Can't wait to me you too! I feel like we already know each other through that guy Jim!

DARREN PLUMMER: said...

"That one" named Jim, huh? LOL! :-D

Kevin said...

Well said. As a white guy who idolized MLK - this was a great night for me and I celebrated with the many (both white and black) that struggled and hoped for a day like this to come.

I'm not a Democrat, but I'm also not a Republican - I find it hard to find my voice as a Christian in our 2 party system - but I'm over joyed for this historic moment in our countries history.