Equality.

Today was a historical day. Barack Obama was sworn in as America's first African-American president. However, I don't feel that Barack's identity is his skin color of even where his ancestors are from. I feel blessed to have grown up in an era and part of the country where racism was not okay. I feel blessed to have been raised by parents who are open minded and accepting of all people. It's a powerful thing to think that 60 years ago there are many restaurants that wouldn't even serve Barack Obama for a meal, and now he is serving as our country's 44th president. If times can change that much in 60 years, it excites me think of the next 60. 

Something Obama said in his inauguration speech, hit me hard. He said:

"We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are EQUAL, all our free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."

WOW. Seriously. WOW. How blessed are we to live in a nation without religious persecution... with a leader who believes in equality and opportunities and freedom for all. I know he is only a man... and he can only do some much as a president. But as a Christian, I am reminded that Jesus also believed in equality and commanded us to treat all people with love. Although I struggle mixing church and state. I am encouraged when there is parallel between them.

I realize nothing will change overnight and that there are still many problems in our fallen world, but I am optimistic for the future.