Standing at a Crossroads

This week as a nation we stand at the crossroads. A new president will be inaugurated. That president, Barak Obama, will bring a democratic administration into power and usher out a Republican administration. But as we all know, there is a far more significant crossroads before us than a change in political parties. President Obama will be a man of color in the White House – representing the will of the people to govern in difficult times. These are truly remarkable times.

Mr. Obama’s path to the White House is a reflection of this crossroads. It is a coincidence of the calendar that he will take office the day after we celebrate Martin Luther King’s Birthday. Dr. King’s work in many ways led to this moment. It is a symbolic choice that the President elect chose to retrace the Illinois to Washington train route taken by Abraham Lincoln when he took office nearly a century and a half ago.

It would be a great gift to this country if Barak Obama could, in the months and years ahead, rise to the stature of these men he is linked with through coincidence and choice. Let’s pray that this is exactly what happens. And may the following reflections on the character of a leader be found in some measure embodied in our new president.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and conveniences, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. (Martin Luther King)

It often requires more courage to dare to do right than to fear to do wrong…. Nearly all men can stand adversity. But if you want to test a man's character - give him power. (Abraham Lincoln)