Change

Since the election November 4th, I have been pondering my feelings and realizing the true impact that it is having on our nation. Having children helps put things into perspective for you like that. My youngest children seemed less than phased that we, for the first time in history have a black president. Nor did they notice the little nuances if you can call them that that have and are coming with this historical event. I noticed as I am sure many of you did that when John McCain gave his speech he stood on a fairly regular stage with regular security surrounding him. (He did by the way give a very eloquent speech I thought). President Obama however was on a stage surrounded by bulletproof glass. In one evening I saw how far and how little we have come. My children don't understand the impact on history we are making just as we did not understand what our parents understood. To me this is good and bad. Good because it sets no limitations to what they can and believe they can accomplish. Bad because of my fear that what is forgotten may be repeated. I have no doubt the next 4 years will be an education for all us as to what we choose to see and not to see. I was very touched by a statement made by a black woman right after the election. She said that even though she was born and bread here in the U.S. she felt like she could finally put her suitcase down. Another mother shared that that evening when she put her son to bed she knew she could look at him and say to him, not what her family had said to her, that she would be nothing more that a postal worker, but she could tell him he could be anything he wants to be. There are no limitations. I realize also how little we speak to our children in detail about race. I teach my children that all are equal in Gods eyes and we should treat them as such as I am sure many of you do. For the first time though I had to go into more detail with one of my children. She was referring to a derogatory word sometimes used to refer to and African American person. What was hard for her to understand is that she has had the unfortunate event to hear this term used in music by black people talking about themselves. I gave her my opinion and asked her what the Lord would think was appropriate. What more can I do as a mother. It just reminds me that we truly are the parents, grandparent, teachers and role models of a chosen group of souls. I pray everyday that I can live up to the task because I know I can't do it alone.