We Have A Black President!

Posted by Scott Williams
28 Comments
November 5, 2008
Church Diversity | I'm Thinking | Leadership | Politics

As the pages of history are being so eloquently written, we get the opportunity to take a first-hand look over the authors shoulder.  As we look over the shoulder of the author we have the opportunity to inspire, affect, create, manipulate, lead… what’s being written on the pages ahead.  The title of the book is a reflection of the past, and an understanding that we’ve made a leap over the precipice of history… “We Have A Black President!”

  • My mom used to have to go to the back door of a restaurant, she was called a n$#@*%, attended segregated schools, was not allowed to vote, she had dreams for her children’s lives to be different… “We Have A Black President!”
  • A nation disagreed, fought like two battling heavy-weights, can’t agree on all the issues, wanted their candidate to win, disagreements crossed racial and party lines… “We Have A Black President!”
  • Sunday is still the most segregated day of the week, diversity in the church is an after-thought, not many people want to talk about it nor address it… “We Have a Black President!”
  • A good man of God ran for the highest office in the land, he was voted in for two terms, he led out of his convictions, he stands at the exit doors of the white house facing a nation in which the majority of the people disapproves of his work… “We Have A Black President!”
  • I can look my two boys in the eyes, whom BTW will never know this country without a Black President and say without question you can be whatever you want to be… “We Have A Black President!”

My friends, those of you who have read my blog for some time know where I stand on The Issues; however that is not important… What’s important is that our nation has and will continue to make history.  Let’s embrace where our nation has come from to the fact that “We Have A Black President!” We have work to do; let’s work hard, lead out of convictions and imagine what could be.  Win or Loose, Our God is So Good!

I’ll close with a quote from President-Elect Obama’s speech: “Our stories are singular, but our destinies are shared.”

Share Your Thoughts… Transcend The Isms’

  • http://preacherpen.wordpress.com preacherpen

    It is my firm belief this is a very sad day in America, and I will endeavor to explain. Up front, I want to make it clear it is not sad because a black man won a media-run campaign. No, it is sad because this particular black man won the media-run campaign.

    The Illinois senator’s ideas, associations, lack of experience and a whole laundry list of important issues are just wrong, IMHO. A black man for president is not a problem, just not this one. What if he is faced with the kinds of issues other presidents have faced almost as soon as unpacking the family’s bags? Will he answer “that’s above my pay grade?”

    This is the wrong man. Our country is already in trouble; we are spiritually and morally bankrupt. We know so little about him; it is quite evident the media didn’t do as much digging for dirt on him as they did for Governor Palin, who was exonerated of the Troopergate issue, BTW. I know people can change, but this man’s past was not fully explored – it was glossed over.

    He will bankrupt the coal industry. Higher corporate taxes means more jobs will undoubtedly move to other countries. The stock market has already shown its dislike for an Obama presidency as much of it was sold off to avoid paying stiff penalties under his administration. That’s according to news reports.

    As I’ve said before, you get what you pay for, and my prayer is “please, Lord, don’t let us get our money’s worth here.” Our country has turned its back on God and needs a revival in a big way.

    I’m happy for you, Brother Scott, but I’m also sad America was so blinded by this man’s charm and charisma they failed to see what kind of man he really is. This reminds me of the time Israel asked God for a king so they could be like all the other nations around them. God said they could have a king but they wouldn’t like what they got. Sure enough, God’s word was true. I’m afraid we won’t like what we got.

    Be blessed, brother, and enjoy those things you wrote about in your well-written post. BTW, I would think having a black president would not be as important as having a more qualified, grounded black president with conservative values.

  • Scott Williams

    Preacherpen- I so appreciate your passion and I agree with so much of what you write… I would have loved to have seen former congressman J.C. Watts to be the First Black President. Moving on, pressing forward, taking the cup half full approach and praying for the days ahead. Amen to your last paragraph!

  • http://www.withoutwax.tv Pete Wilson

    Great points!

  • http://www.dustytakle.com Dusty

    Scott, I know where you stand on the issues. But when you wrote last night “what a huge night for my boys”, I cannot tell you how touched I was. How far we have come when this nation elects a black president.

    Let me also say, this man is NOT evil. It is not our duty to judge how and when he prays. It is our duty to pray FOR him. It should still be the most respected office in the land. And, I will teach my children nothing less.

    Great post.

  • http://doulikeapples.blogspot.com jason

    I don’t know that I can add anything here that you did not say Scott. While I agree with Preacherpen on most of what he said, I sat there last night very proud of our great country and how far we have come. I can’t imagine what must be running through your mind. It was a historical day, and I am glad I got to watch it unfold. Now we must pray for him and support him, he is our leader now. BTW, I also agreed with your take on Bush. I have always felt he is a good man and tried to lead by faith. Let’s just hope the new president is not (politically) who we think he is..

  • http://www.everydaycookin.blogspot.com Darius T. Williams

    I mean really – what’s there to even say?

    History has been made.

    This is a great day in America.

    A great day!

  • http://www.tippingdinosaurs.com Brian

    Before last night I thought the election was much more about the issues than the color of one man’s skin. Watching last night and reading what I have so far today, it seems that was the only issue…certainly it is being made as the most important issue.

    Side question: did you believe before last night that your boys couldn’t become President of the US because a black man hadn’t been president yet? I pray there are many things that haven’t been done yet that we will inspire our children to do and believe that they can do it. Doing that which has never been done is the ultimate dream.

    Final thought:

    The historical nature of Obama becoming president has consumed us to the point where the issues have become secondary. Now that American has shown it will elect a black man as president (I think America has been willing to do so for a while) I hope the real issues at hand can come back into focus.

  • http://www.leadHership.net LeadHership

    Even though I’m pastey white, I grew up w/ parents who wanted me to marry a black man. God had other plans. But growing up w/ a mom and dad who ran around w/ alot of blacks, I’ve always felt a deeply embedded love and affinity for them/you. I am so thankful that my eyes have never seen color. And I am so happy for the blacks who have fought hard and are alive today, getting to see the fruit of their sacrifices.

  • http://www.kevinbussey.com Kevin Bussey

    I wanted JC Watts to be the one. But I will support President-Elect Obama with my prayers.

  • http://cyndiakadisneyqueen.blogspot.com/ Cyndi

    Scott thanks for the post. I so respect the fact that you held to your beliefs (but also that you respected those who may have felt differently). I watched my daughters last night scream, and shout that they had a black president. My daughter actually got up this morning asking if she had dreamed it all. Because yes, many of our young people (and a lot of our older folks) before this moment didn’t think it was possible. My girls went off to work today with a mind set that yes we can.

    Several months ago my adopted Pastor talked about Praying above the political Frey:

    Prayer changes things. We change public opinion by the way we live our life. (Daniel 2:21) There is no government in the world that God can’t change. One prayer may be all that it takes. We must pray with focus for: A. Freedom B. Righteousness C. For our leaders (their character, regardless of party) – their integrity – humility – compassion D. Pray for influence of those around our leaders E. Pray for their personal needs – their marriage (you wouldn’t want the president sleeping on the couch with the red phone beside him/her…lol), – their health. God’s purpose can come through during unlikely ways. Pray that God’s will be done. (Ezekiel 22: 30) Keep a Kingdom Perspective!

    Last Sunday he picked up where he left off with ” From Battle Ground to Common Ground”:

    God is calling us to be humble, we need to be careful about defining our own opinions. There is nothing wrong with being passionate. Passionate people thirst for God, hunger for truth.
    No political system can ever be perfect. So how do we find common ground? 1) We must move to higher ground, 2) keep our face to the ground, and 3) find the middle ground. Jesus Christ is our common ground. We must have humility and believe in God. Christians will be going to the polls on Tuesday and pulling different levers.
    When we wake up on Wednesday morning people will still need to be saved. At the end of the day take off the donkey and the elephant and put on the cross. Put your faith in Christ! On November 5th their is no us or them. Your brother and sister in Christ is never your enemy. Jesus can heal our land. Let the will of God be done.

    My prayer today is for safety for our new first family, healing among our people and our nation and peace in the world. My messiah is not Obama, my Messiah is Jesus Christ and through him I believe all things are possible. So I say…with God on our side…”Yes, we can”!

  • Scott Williams

    Dusty- Thanks for the comment and I really appreciated your post today as well.
    Jason- Great Thoughts “Let’s just hope the new president is not (politically) who we think he is..” Nice
    Darius- Thanks for the comment.
    Brian- I defintely don’t think race was the only issue and the reason race is talked about so much is becuase of the history, the story… it’s kind of a big deal. I defintely thought that and believed that my boys could have been President; however the without question part was still unanswered. My mom thought one day black people would be able to vote… when she saw it for the first time it was real… It’s so awesome to be able to point and say look what he or she has done, just like we point, encourage and live by look what Christ did. This same glass ceiling question will be kind of a big deal when we have the first female President. The headlines would have been almost identical if Hillary were elected… women would have been blogging about the conversations they can have with their daughters. Dream what has never been done… absolutely; however perception can become reality and it’s amazing to see someone pave the way 36 years before my oldest son is eligible to run. Unfortunately there are some things in this country that a person is limited from becoming simply because of the color of their skin… I believe this election will pay many of those limiting opportunities forward.
    LeadHership- Thanks for the comment and I too enjoyed your post today and your perspective.
    Kevin- I’m with you, maybe in 2012! He would have a better chance then most!
    Cyndi- Thanks for your story and your perspective… I have always believed that “Yes We Can!” however there is something a little intriguing about “Hmmm, Wow, He Just Did!”

  • http://whosreadsthisstuff.blogspot.com/ K Ford

    Yesterday, Obama was elected to the highest office in the land. Today, Jesus Christ is still Lord. While Obama was not my choice, all Americans should celebrate this historic moment in our nation’s history. As believers, we should come together in prayer for our country and for its leaders.

  • http://abeautifulimageblog.com ~abi~

    i have been experiencing a range of emotions since yesterday: i am so proud of our country for electing a black president–even though i voted for mccain; i am happy that it happened during my lifetime; i am nervous about the future of America; i am secure in my faith in God, that He is in control…wow, what a lot to digest, process, and pray about!

  • Rodney

    I was talking to my youngest son Evan and he told me he liked Obama because he looked nicer. He didn’t see the color of a man’s skin. He felt comfortable with him. Even though the person I voted for did’t win, I was very proud of my son and you know what I was proud of myself, my wife and my country for not putting color first in their decision.

  • lori

    I have to say for those who believe that the President is responsible for the nation’s “moral fiber” – during the last 8 years under a “Christian” Leader, we saw teen pregnancy rise, child abuse is still rampant, abortion is still legal, gay marriage was approved in 2 states……I think we lay the responsibility on our President to “fix” these problems….when in fact it is our job as disciples of Christ to lay those foundations in our children and young people, speak the truth, speak the Word, love, serve, engage with those who don’t know Christ. The change will never come from the top down….it needs to come from the bottom up. Just my thoughts. I’m excited and anxious to see the changes that are ahead for our country. Good or bad, God is still in control. Never forget that.

  • http://www.journeytolive.com Patrick Scott

    Obama’s speech last night was great. I am proud of my country and the history that was made last night. I dont know about you guys and ladies but I have been one that takes praying for our country’s leaders for granted. This was a great reminder that I should not do that any longer. Last night is why it is great to live in a democracy and be an American.

  • http://cindybeall.com Cindy Beall

    I must say that what moved me most last night while I watched Obama deliver his speech was not his charismatic and charming delivery nor was it his eloquent word and phrase choices. No, what moved me deeply was to watch tears stream down the faces of young and old black men and women as they watched the truly magnificent happen.

    Lori said that we often lay the responsibility on our president to fix problems. She is right. He cannot fix them all. He will not fix them all. We have to stand up and be a part. Each of us. Do our little part, if you will.

    One at a time.

  • http://www.movingthroughlife.com Joseph

    Great blog…found you through Pete.

    Really cool post.

    I think what I found interesting about this election and Obama, is that most people did not see him as white or black…at least very few people I ever talked with.
    I think most people viewed him as someone who they could relate to or not politically. To me that is the greatest victory in all of this.
    I have never understood how people can be opinionated based on color but then again I try to avoid the idiots in this world.
    Although my political stance varies in many ways to Obama, I will pray for his safety and support him as our next President.
    I hate that the office of President has become a joke in the past 16 years but it has. I think America and all sides of the isle need to respect the office and who is in that office no matter what we believe.
    It is time for Democrats and Republicans alike to stop attacking the other side because of a varying opinion.
    It is time for us to stop supporting a biased media, either right or left because they too should respect us and our intelligence.
    It is time for all of us to start acting like Americans and understand that what we have is unique in this world.
    The people have voted, and it is now time to respect that decision.
    God bless this new administration and the challenges they face.

  • jimmy paravane

    I can’t help myself. After all, I am the paravane(grin).
    I can just see your God saying “hate the sin, not the sinner? Oh really? Let’s just see how you handle this one.” (grin)
    And of course: Barack Obama is black! (yes, I know this is obvious. Ask Scott for the personal history.(grin))

    Seriously though, I hope this makes all you aliens extremely uncomfortable. You have to pray for a president who is pro-choice to the point where he has actually stated he would rather have his daughters not be forced to live with a “mistake”. He’s too young, too liberal, too black culture christian, too inexperienced, too everything that pushes every judgmental bone in your christian culture club bodies. Yes, this should make you all extremely uncomfortable. And I bet that’s exactly where your God wants you. Deal. (grin)

  • mssc54

    Just wondering if there’s a line… a degree of “blackness” present in any person to still be considered “black”.

    President Elect Obama’s mother is white and father black. So I guess he is “half white, half black”.

    What if a person “half-n-half” married another white or even a Native American; would their child(ren) be considered black or what?

    I just pray that the President Elect was truthful when he spoke about “uniting” America.

    I also think it will be telling to see what he places his hand on (if anything) when he is sworn in in January. I wonder who will hold the item he puts his hand on.

  • chingram

    the religious right has destroyed this country. the extreme conservatives look for every excuse to call this man everything but what they mumble underneath their breath.

    for what it matters, which i personally think it doesn’t, barack obama is a christian, an honest man of god. he is a breath of fresh air, what this country needs. true christians don’t abuse this man the way they have. so hypocritical.

    for the first time in a long time i can be proud to be an american.

  • http://joniruhs.wordpress.com Joni Ruhs

    I can echo many of the comments here. I would have preferred seeing what McCain could do. I’ve liked him for years. I didn’t vote for Obama but it’s still pretty cool that he won on a variety of levels. And I’m finding people in my sphere of influence feel similarly. I like the shake up factor.

    He was pretty smart to publish two memoirs prior to running. He put it out there early for people to rummage through. I also read some Christian comments of fear and near hatred and what an awful mess we’ve gotten ourselves into. Seriously, did God step out for awhile and come back to the election returns thinking, “What the? I couldn’t leave you guys alone for 5 minutes…” Come on. I didn’t realize how much ranting is in my brain. Excuse me while I compose a post on my own. Or maybe I’ll just make some popcorn, watch the Law & Order season premiere(on DVR) and get on with my life.

  • Pingback: I Rant Because I Can « Joni Ruhs - Observations and Testimony

  • Scott Williams

    Thanks for all the heartfelt comments and thanks to all the new folks for stopping by.
    @mssc4- check out my original post “The First Black President” and read through the comments, I shared my thoughts to your questions there… for someonelese obviously. :-)

  • tony

    how come if a guy/girl is half black and half white he/she is consdiered black by blacks and whites alike?

    i thought we just elected another white prez – but you all say differently

  • JUDY

    Scot,watched Will Smith today tell about how he and all his family carried video cameras all day to document what they did on the day the first black man became president….Smith’s wife woke him up videoing his very first reaction to the day…he sat with his family around him as history was made election night…it was a great interview and very moving…Smith said one of the greatest things about the day is that the excuse is gone because now a black man can hold the highest office in the nation and talked of how he loved his country and had always been raised to believe he could do anything….amazing…seems this was much more than an election

  • Scott Williams

    Mssc45 & Tony- It can come down to a number of things; including culture of the particular individual; however the “quote un quote” wrtitten/established rules in the U.S. are/were as follows:
    “one drop rule” if an individual has one drop of black blood, that individual is black. Also known as “traceable descent” “discernable rule” “traceable amount rule” “hypo-descent rule.” The Supreme Court Case “Plessy v. Ferguson” speaks to this as well.

    Judy- thanks for sharing, I will try to find it and check it out.

  • http://michaelhigh.com mikehigh

    Scott,

    That is an interesting point. Let me give you some of my experience as a person of mixed race. My father is black and mother is white. Most everyone I am around has no idea that I am black, although most black people correctly identify me as mixed. I get everything from Indian, Mexican, Native American, Greek, just about anything. You are correct, part of the reason for the misconception is that I grew up in a white home and predominately white culture.

    As far as the “one drop rule”, I haven’t heard of that. I married a white woman, so our kids are 1/4 black. Both of my boys have blond hair and blue eyes, though my daughter looks more like me. This makes for some funny stories. Of course, I let them know what their heritage is, and they talk about being black, though it is done somewhat tongue in cheek. Without any instruction to do so by me, one of my boys actually filled out the “black” box for their race on the SAT which I am sure freaked the teacher out!

    Anyway, love reading the blog and enjoy the discussion!

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