(Reminder... I do not post political things on "Daily Gratitude". This Facebook page is for developing attitudes of gratitude...but today I will mention the significance of a collision of three historic happenings... long post warning)
Honor is a noun and a verb. Honor is powerful. It can build relationships, trust, and recognize those who give their all to a purpose or a cause. I am struck by the significance of this moment.
Today, we honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for his life and his work. His "I Have a Dream" speech is so often quoted, because it was beautiful, articulate, and powerful. Evaluating a person on the content of their character is illuminating and humbling, as no one is perfect. His leadership called for change. He called for peace. He called for hope. He called for people to love. He called for light. This is one of my favorite quotes from MLK:
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." -MLK
Well said, Dr. King.
Abraham Lincoln said: "I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have."
Today, we honor the beginning of a second Presidency. President Trump will be remembered as numbers 45 and 47 in the history books. A split presidency has only happened once before. (Grover Cleveland was our 22nd and 24th President.) It is unusual and noteworthy.
While we remember the tragic assassination of MLK, we have a new President inaugurated today after two failed assassination attempts. It feels noteworthy.
There is pomp and circumstance around any "changing of the guard" in the leadership of a nation. It is full of boundless excitement for some and devastating disappointment for others. For all, it is a new beginning. It is a chance for new leadership to respond to our nation's hopes, needs, fears, desires, and dreams. It is a chance to reflect and reset the compass of a nation, when something is not working. It is an opportunity to take what was learned from the forty-six previous presidential terms and build on their successes while avoiding the failures of others. It is a huge responsibility.
Both President Trump and Vice-President Vance will have Bibles given to them by their grandmothers. President Trump will have a second Bible used by President Abraham Lincoln. Rev. Franklin Graham will offer the prayer.
We are to pray for our leaders:
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." -1 Timothy 2:1-4
Today, we are still in the 30 days of mourning following the death of former President Jimmy Carter. I have heard it said again and again, his life became even more remarkable after his presidency. He remained humble, kind, God-seeking, and committed to serving those around him as a Sunday School teacher, as a community member, and as the face of Habitat for Humanity. He build others up.
President Carter used his influence for good. He was kind and gentle. He sought Godly wisdom. Our flags will be raised from half-mast to full-mast today. It marks the inauguration and celebration of a new President elected by the people. The flag will return to half-mast tomorrow. The raising of the flag to full-mast for Inauguration Day exemplifies how Jimmy Carter lived his life. His honor for "the people" makes me think it would not be hard for him to vote on raising the flag for Inauguration Day. He loved "the people" more than anything that might divide them.
"Honor is better than honors."-Abraham Lincoln
Another wise quote from the 16th President is:
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." -Abraham Lincoln
Honor is better than honors. I am grateful for those who choose to act with honor in the dark and in the light.
Today, I am grateful for "honor."
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