This Tuesday, January 20, the Prestonwood Christian Academy campus will come to a halt as students, faculty and staff witness a historical moment come to pass in our nation: the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States.
Some of you may be asking “why”? Why are we interrupting a school day? Or, why are we getting involved with “politics”? I understand the questions and want to briefly share my heart on this issue.
- First of all, without reservation, the compelling reason to capture this moment is because of its historical significance. Barack Obama is the first minority, the first person of color, the first African American to be sworn in to the office of the President of the United States. However you say it, this is a monumental occasion for our country! This is not about whether you agree with president-elect Obama. Personally, I do not agree with many of his stated positions, and I am certain that I will disagree with many of his future decisions; but January 20 is about much more than politics and policies, it is about the unity of our great nation, the peaceable transfer of power, and the respect for an office and an individual elected in a free and fair process. As Christians, we are called on to respect those in authority and pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-3), and on Tuesday, January 20, we will do that together as a school body.
- Barack Obama represents one of the core principles of our great country-that every person in the United States has an opportunity to pursue their goals, dreams and life purpose. In our life time (for some of us), we have seen great strides in the area of civil liberties; for women, for the disabled, and for ethnic minority groups. Our great country is certainly not perfect, and there are many issues that we will continue to deal with, pray for, and engage. But, the fact that this country elected an African American is truly historic, symbolic and meaningful.
- I believe strongly that our country is in desperate need of taking steps towards unity. I don’t think there will ever be unity on the many points that separate us, but I do believe that the Union that George Washington fought for, and Abraham Lincoln died for, is something that unites us. Without the Union and the Republic that we now are so concerned about, we would not even be allowed to express our concerns or even disagree. Isn’t that ironic?
We must model for our students that even in the midst of disagreements, we still are citizens of the Kingdom as well as of the United States. I am looking forward to Tuesday.
Parents, you are invited to join us in the Prestonwood Worship Center at 10:45 a.m. as the swearing in of the president and his inaugural speech is streamed in live.
Warmly,
Larry
