This morning, while meditating and praying, I was overwhelmed with the magnitude of what I've been a part of the past few months with this election. I've shared before how I never was motivated or inspired (or invested) in participating in a political campaign until this year. I've learned a great deal about myself - and others. Some of it I like and some I don't. I still learned.
I believe that I'm part of history in the making. Not because a black man is likely to be elected President of the United States of America for the first time but because I have witnessed an experience of the people that I don't quite have words for. My journey has been my own, granted. I've listened to people talk of their hopes and fears. While many people were focusing on having "their God" put back in the middle of government and others were riding the wave of greed and corruption, and others were pouring money into a war that needs to end - millions of people were organizing at grass root levels and registering millions of voters. Much of that work has been silent and powerful - just moving ahead day to day. I look for tomorrow when that effort will come full circle and the benefits of the past 21 months can be realized.
It's like being in a holding pattern for the night before a wedding. There's been planning upon planning and effort and more effort....but the event that happens tomorrow is the beginning of the rest of our lives. It has the potential to be the new direction of healing and empowerment and hope for all people, not just wealthy people that have friends in high places.
Something happened to me today that I will never forget as long as I live and it certainly will rate in my top 10 Experiences of my life. Today I spoke with a black woman who is over 100 years old and watched her bite her lower lip as she was overcome with emotion at being able to cast her vote for Obama. There was nothing to say at that moment. I just said a prayer of thanksgiving for being able to be a part of it. It means something to both of us - but I readily acknowledge that it means something different for her. She's recounted to me how she watched women gain the right to vote. She marched with the civil rights movements and alongside Dr. Martin Luther King and today, she voted for Obama. She wanted me to believe that she didn't vote for him because he was black but because she wholeheartedly believes that he has the leadership and direction to bring about the positive change we need in this country. She shared with me that she had a dream too....and hopes to see that dream fulfilled on Tuesday evening when Obama is declared with winner.
The election is not over. Obama has not won yet. I'm nervous about what kinds of tactics will be pulled - no matter what side or outcome people are holding on to. The Republicans don't hold the title to corrupt when it comes to elections.
I'm committed to the "process" of making it possible for people to exercise their right to vote. I'm committed to people being able to vote without intimidation tactics. I'm committed to the process.
I know what outcome I want - but I'm more committed to the process. I want to be able to tell my grandchildren one day about the role that I played in the election that made history. I feel such a momentum of hope but at the same time it's tempered with reservation because it simply is not a done deal. Click here to see a message from Obama.
Who ever you want in the White House - please go vote on Tuesday. People died for your right to stand in that line and cast your ballot. Don't let them down or dishonor them. Most importantly, honor yourself and future generations by participating in the election.
Go...be a part of the magnitude of the election and all that it can mean for our country.
No matter who arrives on Wednesday morning as the future President of the United States. We are all part of the magnitude of history in the making. Go Be a Part of it.
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