Inauguration Day
Reflection
Today a new President and a new administration will assume responsibility for leading this nation. It is a nation that is in difficulty. The new administration can provide leadership, but they can’t solve all the problems. As citizens, each of is responsible and each of us can contribute to the renewal of this country. These words of a former president ring true for us today.
“So let us begin anew–remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof.
Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us. Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah–to “undo the heavy burdens . . . (and) let the oppressed go free.”
In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty.
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it–and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you–ask what you can do for your country.”
John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Inaugural Address (Excerpts)
Prayer
May our national leaders “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.”
May they have the blessing and support of God and this nation as they assume responsibility in this difficult time.
Action
Resolve to understand and fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Do your part in your own circle.to help unite America. try to keep an open and objective mind as we move forward.
Suggested Reading
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.
Matthew 20:25-28
Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.
1 Peter 5:3
Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.
Adlai E. Stevenson II
A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.
Rosalynn Carter
Leadership is a series of behaviors rather than a role for heroes.
Margaret Wheatley
Citizenship is what makes a republic; monarchies can get along without it.
Mark Twain
There should be no bitterness or hate where the sole thought is the welfare of the United States of America. No man can occupy the office of President without realizing that he is President of all the people.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.
Abraham Lincoln
Never was one code of morality for a public and another for a private man.
Thomas Jefferson
If ever time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin.
Samuel Adams
The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them.
Patrick Henry
Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.
George Washington
America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.
Abraham Lincoln