Crossposted over at Street Prophets
Mr. President, I woke up this morning with you heavy on my heart, or as we say around the neighborhood "I felt you this morning" and I was reminded of a scripture in the bible...
The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live. I Timothy 2:1-3, The Message Translation
More below...
Mr. President, this is an extremely difficult time for you. Well, actually for you and this nation. I can’t begin to imagine how you must feel in this moment of history. The buoyant waves of optimism and glee that you rode upon as you ascended to this highest office in this land have receded and the angry, dark, tempestuous waves of pessimism and cynicism are breaking at your doorstep. Your longing to see this land healed and unified is still yet unsatisfied as divisions deepen and the scabs over the wounds of those hurt by this country’s racist past are torn open – townhall by townhall.
You’re away this weekend at Camp David. This is a great thing. I pray you find rest and solitude this weekend. You have to be tired. Heck, I’m exhausted just watching and reading about the storms of controversy swirling about. I can’t imagine what it must be like to live your existence right now. Gaze into the eyes of Michelle. Dance and play with Sasha and Malia. Please rest this weekend, Mr. President. We need your legs to be strong for the fight.
There are many voices of counsel in your ears, Mr. President, yet there seems to be a "fog of confusion" settling around you. I pray this weekend that among all the voices you hear, the still, small voice inside your spirit that wisely instructs you in the right ways to go will be the loudest voice of all.
"Then he was told, "Go, stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by. A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn't to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn't in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn't in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper." I Kings 19:11-23, The Message Translation
Mr. President, how unsettling and hurtful it must be for you when your most humble desires are not only misread, but lambasted. It is good and right for you to encourage the students in this country. I know you know this. I pray you continue to do those things that you know are right even in the face of accusatory screamers who seek to malign your character and derail your plans. On Tuesday, I pray your voice is strong as you address our children. I pray that your eyes will convey the convictions of your heart – the desire for our children to grow and succeed; to aim higher and reach farther. You are a fine example for the students in this country Mr. President
"A gang of cynics can upset a whole city; a group of sages can calm everyone down." Proverbs 29:8, The Message Translation
From birthers to birchers, screamers to shriekers, Mr. President you’ve see it all. In SEVEN short months. But I pray that your eyes see and your heart perceive those of us who daily think about your well being and ACTIVELY pray, meditate, and send good vibes for your success. Sometimes we aren’t as vocal. Some of us are quiet warriors. We’re on our knees in our churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques – on our mats and on our faces praying for you, Mr. President.
You’re facing some major decisions right now. From healthcare reform to economic crisis, the weight on your shoulders is great. You have a HUGE speech coming up on Wednesday. Mr. President, when you go to the podium that night please remember this:
"Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers. Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!" Proverbs 31:8-9, The Message Translation
Thank you Mr. President. And remember...I’m praying for you.