I long for the day when politics can transcend race but we’re not there yet as a nation. There are many whites who still harbor racist attitudes towards blacks and the opposite is also true. Let’s not forget, the civil rights movement is only a couple decades old and black people are still struggling for equality in many ways. How does this affect Barack Obama? If you were to open your eyes you would realize you’re starring at a black man. Yes, he is half white and he has shown no remorse for this fact (he is on his way to visit his white grandmother). But Obama can no more deny what he represents for civil rights and the black community than he can his own racial diversity. It’s a burden he understands and has embraced wholeheartedly. And just as your children will face similar identity issues as they age, they are to embrace their heritage just as strongly as they should embrace the likes of others. That’s the type of hope I desire for our country’s future and that’s what Obama brings to the table.

This is a big challenge to pray for those that persecute Christians though not doing so can make it worse. The Holy Spirit can help move those in a way that can help them to be more open to accepting Christ themselves. As always I enjoy your posts and appreciate your take on things.

Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing. To you, alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.

Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.

Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have made them, precious and beautiful.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and all the weather, through which you give your creatures sustenance.

Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water; she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom you brighten the night. He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.

Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth, who feeds us and rules us, and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.

Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of you; through those who endure sickness and trial. Happy those who endure in peace, for by you, Most High, they will be crowned.

Be praised, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whose embrace no living person can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those she finds doing your most holy will. The second death can do no harm to them.

Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks, and serve him with great humility.