On JANUARY 21, 2009 I shared the following blog
commemorating the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Also sworn in that day
was Vice President Joe Biden. On
Wednesday, January 20 Joe Biden will be sworn in as our 46th president. Although this inauguration will be different
due to the COVID protocols and threat of violence, I felt it was appropriate to
share my thoughts from 2009 that still are relevant.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2009
Strength, Humility and Hope
It is a grand time in our country. We have a new president
moving into the White House. There is no other country on the planet now or in
history that exhibits the civil transfer of power as does the United States of
America. No matter how one voted, this is and should always be a time of great
celebration of our freedom and unique strength as a nation. I hope our new
president finds a special place in the White House. I read that there is an
unpainted section of the White House on the Truman Balcony. It is exposed
charred wood that was burned when the White House was occupied by the British
and burned in the war of 1812. History can be quite interesting. This section
was left exposed as a reminder of that occupation for three reasons that we
should always remember as a nation and as children of God today.
As is often indicated in the Old Testament, and today, we
are still people of a short memory. We frequently need historical reminders of
God’s grace and providence in our spiritual lives as well as in the life of our
nation. As we stand at another significant time in the life of our nation I
thought it would be appropriate to remember the three reasons for the exposed
charred wood on the Truman balcony.
First, it is a reminder of STRENGTH. The United States of
America was strong enough to be established as a free nation where people could
live and worship freely. This freedom gave us the strength to come back from
the British invading and taking the capital. We were strong enough to regain
the White House and rebuild it and it remains a symbol of strength today. We
must never forget that strength that comes from freedom.
Second, it is a reminder of HUMILITY. We must always
remember that we can fall. We must never take our sovereignty or strength for
granted. We have previously had foreigners invade and burn our capital. We must
never become too proud.
Finally, there is always HOPE. No matter how dark the days
may seem there is always hope when men seek freedom. That is the American
dream. Even when the President of the United States of America had to flee and
run for his life as the White House was invaded by a foreign power and burned
there was hope for the future. All was not lost. The war was won. The White
House was regained. The country became stronger. We must always have hope.
As a follower of Jesus I find eternal strength in Him as I
can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13), I seek to follow His eternal
example of Humility (Philippians 2:1-12) and I find my hope for eternity
through faith in Him (John 14:1-6). As an American I ask that you will join me
in praying that our elected leaders will find and follow that same trinity of
Strength, Humility and Hope.
