The Unity of Hope - Inauguration Day

On Tuesday, January 20, 2009 the United States of America swore in its 44th President - President Barack Obama. He's a man that I believe has experiences that are much needed. He has the ability to demand attention and results. He is diplomatic and will be able to work well as a liaison between countries and other diplomats. He loves this country and understands the challenges that face us, and he . He brings what he stands for - HOPE. He makes us feel like his slogan is real, because it is - YES WE CAN.

I couldn't help but feel that no matter who you were originally supporting, or how you feel about Barack Obama himself, one can not deny the power that was felt behind Tuesday's ceremony. I felt proud to be an American for many reasons, and I felt at peace about what was to come... the good and the bad. I feel that even though our country has problems - economically, socially, etc. - we have people (not just Obama and his office) that want to solve them. I am overwhelmed by our ability to break down barriers and overcome walls, and see us working toward overcoming other prejudices. If you think about it, we had a woman, black man, and a Mormon running - These are all large steps for America. Though I don't feel we have overcome all of our prejudice gender wise, racially, or religiously, I believe we are making the correct steps toward doing so. Today, I feel proud of American's.

As the speech was presented and the swearing in took place, I felt a sense of unity and comradeship... As Obama stated in his inauguration speech:

"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord."

We must keep this untied feeling alive. The sixth graders were talking about unity today in my mom's class because there has been major gossip problems lately, and they asked me to come talk to them about gossip and how it ununifies us... My quote was (I felt proud of this):

"It takes all of us to be unified, but it only takes one to start the process of unity."

My Bishop gave a little lesson at Family Home Evening on Monday night about looking forward, and not being able to let go of the past. He was relating more to us holding to our sins and not forgiving ourselves for our mistakes. However, it can also apply to being stuck in past experiences, and how staying stuck in the past can hold us back. I thought about the times I have held myself back because I have had a hard or bad experience, or even on tests how I get shook up when I know that I don't have any idea what the answer it and have, therefore, gotten one wrong and can't seem to do the rest of the test successfully.

We can not do this with America's problems... We must forge forward and not let the past determine our future. We are asked to learn from our mistakes and keep progressing - not to stay stuck in the mistake. We must forge forward... and I truly believe that from our options, Obama was, and is, the best one to help us move forward. Yes We Can - It's not fluff, it's faith.

I think Obama is a great public speaker & great with presentation... However, I think it is more than that. I don't just roar over a great speaker - I have to many friends who are good at it. I fell that I am good at it... There is something more to his speeches for me. I don't just feel like he is speaking hoped truths, though hope is a classic motto of his. I believe that he is speaking belief - he believes in the power of change that we can make, and the ability America has a a country, as well as the individuals within its boarders. Again - It's not fluff, it's faith.

I know what many of my friends are going to think reading this - and I understand that you might not all agree. That is why I was hesitant to ever write political feelings - or even relate back to the political arena. However, these are my opinions and I stand beside them.

Now, in relation to my personal life, I loved something that was said in the inaugural speech that inspired me and sparked the fire of dreams and ambition within me once again... That has been happening a lot lately. Obama spoke saying:

"The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling-for-less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things..."

I am working hard on my heart of golden stone... Haha! In other words, my desires require unique kindness and an ability to create relationships and friendships. Additionally, I must be strong enough to face the hardships and work with all my might. Gold is the purity of the heart's center, but the outer-surface is stone - tough enough to push through trying times.

I also love how this statement says everyone deserves their moment to "pursue their measure of happiness." Our "full" happiness... I believe that to. There are so many ways that we can achieve that happiness, but whichever path someone chooses to do so, they should be able to receive the fullness with good choices and hard work. My church believes that too... and I love that.

One more quote if you will:

"Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort.."

If only each of us, me included, could always maintain this form of thinking and be guided by the purity of our values.... We would each be better off and happier in our lives, as would the entirety of the world.

Song for today: In relation to changing the world and sticking to our feeling of unity, the song I choose for today is:
Brett Dennen's, Ain't No Reason - an incredible song about unifying ourselves and making a difference... (Check out the music video here, because THAT is the most amazing part of the song - this video is SO moving! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amwVyRH2B8A )


*muah*

(P.S. I was going to put "We're All In This Together" as the song... Then I thought about it.)