3 S.R. Johannes: Singing my own Song of Hope

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Singing my own Song of Hope

I was touched today by the inauguration, as many people around the world were.

But what I loved most was knowing during Obama's inauguration speech that millions of people around the world were watching and hoping at the same time I was.

I know tough times are ahead but I am so full of hope about the future and the possibility is enough to carry me through those tough times.

Surprisingly, besides the millions of people and hoop-la-la, it was the little things that touched me the most:

  • The two of them dancing at the first ball
  • Jo Biden taking a picture for Sasha
  • Obama trying to help the Chief Justice get the words right
  • Mohammed Ali's face
  • Reverend Lowrey's - "...we ask you to help us pray for that day when black will not be asked to give back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead man, and when white will embrace what is right."
  • Aretha Franklin's fanciness
  • Ted Kennedy's smile
  • Michelle tucking a blanket around Malia
  • Poet Elizabeth Alexander: "In today's sharp sparkle, this winter air, anything can be made. Any sentence begun, on the brink, on the brim, on the cusp. Praise song for walking forward in that light."
  • Obama's grace to Bush
  • Jill Biden's fancy black boots
  • The car or tank Obama rides in that he calls The Beast
  • The girls wearing JCrew
  • Obama trying to look excited at his new crystal dish
  • The people running down the sidewalk along side Obama's motorcade
  • Obama saying "his wife is good-lookin'
  • Sasha's thumbs up before Obama takes oath
  • Obama's smile (this is why my daughter says she likes Obama)
  • The children crying in the audience

Obama is like no one else and sings a song of hope. (Robbie Seay Band)

All things bright and beautiful You are

All things wise and wonderful You are

In my darkest night, You brighten up the skies

A song will rise

I will sing a song of hope

Sing along

8 comments:

Lauren said...

I think that the whole world was watching us yesterday. Here's to the future.

Anonymous said...

I'm also incredibly proud and thankful for our previous president--despite the negative opinions of him. He did well with the circumstances he was given and contrary to popular belief and the media hype, he was not all to blame for our current problems (that blame can be passed along to many others).

He too was graceful towards Obama and the transition was smooth.

Though I didn't vote for Obama, I am hoping he does help unite the country and help us to become more bi-partisan. But as always time will tell.

Sherrie Petersen said...

Yesterday was the first time I ever watched an inauguration. I love to hear Obama speak. He manages to inspire us to do better and to offer the hope that everything is within our power.

Good choice with the Robbie Seay Band. I love them and that is a great song. And thanks for pointing out the details...those are fun :)

Shelli (srjohannes) said...

Hey Lauren - me too.

Shelli (srjohannes) said...

Write Mid - I appreciate your comment. Thanks for stopping by! :)

Shelli (srjohannes) said...

Hi Solvang, I love this song.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this recap. I've been so busy and stressed-out lately that I was watching with half and eye and working with the other eye-and-a-half. I missed so much, and now I regret not slowing down to take it in. Thanks for giving me a second chance to take a look, and also for reminding me to focus on what matters.

Anonymous said...

I'm just hoping the negativity that so many people thrive on do not seriously chip away at all the hope and optimism we all have for Obama...