GlocalNet

Regardless of how you voted - Barak Obama is all our President now.  Some would predict gloom and doom - others hope and prosperity.  I don’t give in to either category.  God raises up who he will for what he wills - I sound a little reformed there!  I’m scarin’ myself!  But I really believe that.  God used David and Pharaoh.  I’ve also discovered all leaders at some time or another can be both David and/or Pharaoh depending on where they are in life.  I’m not a liberal; I strongly disagree with his position on abortion.  Life is the most fundamental value of all.  Having said all that - - - - here are some good things I’m happy about Obama.
First, he has a different worldview we desperately need.  He isn’t just African American - he has deep and strong ties to Kenya - a country on a continent we have to be able to both relate to and serve.  He’s lived in Indonesia for many years.  He was raised by a white grandmother.  These are things that you cannot learn in a classroom.  They develop your perspective and view in ways reading a book does not.  They provide you with a sense - a feel - for what’s going on in others unlike your own culture. 
For the most part our leaders have been in a deconstructing post WWII mindset.  We don’t need deconstruction - we need construction upon what now exists.  He will be able to frame it - if he will - in a fresh way.  The world is hungry for this - this is why they are so excited about him being elected. 
Second, he’s younger.  This isn’t always good - but in our current context I think it is good.  The millennial generation is far more global and change oriented than any generation in decades.  He will blaze a path for social engagement and responsibility like no one else who was in the primaries for either party.  The world is shifting - we need someone who is going to open up for our young people and give them a new way of thinking and engaging globally.
Third, it looks like he’s going to be putting some incredibly strong and exceptional people around him.  Let’s be real about this - he isn’t an economist or foreign policy expert.  NO PRESIDENT IS.  A President is only as good as the people they place around them, and how they listen and take what is said to make decisions. 
Fourth, his name doesn’t hurt.  The biggest challenge we face in the world today - is how we in the West relate to Muslims and the Islamic world.  Those who think he’s a Muslim don’t know much about Islam.  Muslims are every bit as opposed to abortion as we in the evangelical church are.  They are even stronger on marriage as a man and wife than evangelicals are.  His name will put others at ease.
Fifth, I love the fact that an African American can be elected President of the U.S.  Where else in the world can that be?  Obama has the chance to forever reshape the African American perception of what is possible and the Anglo American perception of “all men created equal.” I’d like to see Australia elect an Aboriginal Prime Minister or Israel a Palestinian Prime Minister or England an Indian Prime Minister or Kenya a White President!  I love the fact my President is a “minority.” In reality - he’s more like the world than Anglos are. 
Finally, as a follower of Jesus who wants to serve the world - he will open the door for better perceptions of who we are more than any candidate over the past 2 years that has run.  Like it or not - people view American as Christian globally - though they know other religions are here.  The result is when they feel injustice they tie that to Christianity. 
Sooooo . . . .
Father, be with my new President.  Guide his mind, his thoughts, his actions, and his heart towards justice and mercy.  Put around him men and women who aren’t just smart - but profoundly wise.  Give him courage to do what is right and not appease others.  Give him clarity to always have before him the big picture and how it all fits as opposed to trying to fit pieces that will never fit.  Holy Spirit, walk before him, behind him, above him, below him - all around him.  Jesus,bring him to your heart and keep him there.  May he know the depth of your love, which can be the source of his strength. In Jesus’ name - Amen.