My Inauguration Experience


Alderman Van R. Johnson, II displays his Inaugural ticket.
Alderman Van R. Johnson, II displays his Inaugural ticket.

I was blessed to have the opportunity to personally witness the fulfillment of the time-honored provisions of Article II and the 20th Amendment of the United States Constitution and the orderly and peaceful transition of power during the Inaugural Ceremonies of Barack H. Obama as this nation’s 44th President and this nation’s first African American President.

I am convinced that this moment was again proof-positive of God’s providence and omnipotence, as this entire process had God’s fingerprints all over it. As the number 40 is theologically significant as the generational number, I am reminded that it rained 40 days and 40 nights during Noah’s flood. The twelve spies surveyed the Promised Land for 40 days. The children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Eli, Saul, David, Solomon all ruled for 40 years. Jesus spent 40 days and 40 nights fasting in the wilderness before he was tempted by Satan; and 40 years after Martin King was taken from us, the dream that he spoke of 45 years ago was fulfilled in part as a man was elected to the highest office in the land not by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character.

While I was in awe of the history and the significance of this moment of time, I was so mindful of the many Savannahians, both white and black, well known and unknown, who sacrificed their time and the very best of their efforts and service to help this day be realized and I was mindful that many of these pioneers did not live to see this day.

Ultimately, regardless of who occupies of the White House, I believe that real and sustained change cannot occur until change first occurs in our houses – in being responsible parents, by supporting our schools, teachers and law enforcement officers, by properly managing our finances and most importantly, by showing unparalleled agape love and concern for our neighbors, near and far, to those that are impoverished, hopeless, sick, physically and mentally challenged and taking a special interest in our elderly and our youth.

That is change we all can believe in.

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