Farewell, Mr. President!

So tomorrow is the inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama as President of the United States. I've been noticing the conspicuous absence of his middle name in all the flurry of coverage. I notice it not so much for what his name is, but simply because it's such a departure from all previous Presidential coverage for things such as this. Every President in my re-collective memory has been referred to by their name in full. I guess I can understand his not wanting to use it, but I do feel it's rather contrived on the part of the media in attempt to wipe it from our collective consciousness. One more quick thought here: Bernie Goldberg has a new book coming out later this month entitled, "A Slobbering Love Affair" referring to the media coverage of their darling. I just think the title is deliciously wonderful, and I hope to read it at some point!

But enough about Obama...there will be plenty of time for talk of him in the years ahead.

Today my thoughts are really on the man that I have spent the last eight years praying for. The man who causes me to stop what I'm doing, and listen when he has something to say. The man who has caused me to take a second look at what it means to stand for principle and conscience...even if it means standing alone. The man who often causes my eyes to sting with tears or a lump to form in my throat, when he appeals to the deep love of liberty in us all. The man that I have proudly supported and called "Mr. President".

History will sort out what mistakes were made by Mr. Bush and when. Of course I am confident that he made his fair share. But I also sincerely believe that History will provide somewhat of a vindication of this good, good man. He is not the villain that many would have us believe.

I have felt as safe as logically and humanly possible under his leadership and care. I have felt like I had a voice in Washington to some extent. (Did you stop and read his proclamation on the National Day of Sanctity for Human Life?)

And I guess more than anything, even when nagging doubts or fears would come knocking, all it would take was the chance to hear him and look in his eyes or even watch him wrestle so gracefully with the press corps, and he made a believer out of me all over again. When I look into his eyes, I see honor and integrity that is profoundly inspiring.

I think even had the election turned out differently, and were we to witness the inauguration of Mr. McCain tomorrow, I believe I would still feel this sense of sadness and personal loss knowing that President and Mrs. Laura Bush would no longer "be there". It just feels like a sad day no matter what.

I'm sure some will read these thoughts and disagree, others may read and think it's way too overdramatic, others will think I'm completely nuts, and some of you share my feelings! I always welcome comments and thoughts shared on this blog. This may be the only time that I make this request: please refrain from sharing ugly criticisms of Mr. Bush today. I think he's earned a little respect, even if it's just in my little place in blogger-world. That's the least I can do for a man who I feel has done so much.

Blessings, my readers, and tomorrow I hope we rise up and begin a chorus of prayer for our new President that all of God's grace and guidance and wisdom will rest upon him. He will surely need it for the burden he's about to take on his shoulders.