Hail to the Chief

At approximately 12:05 p.m. EST yesterday, America welcomed its 44th president, Barack Obama. 

In the speech that followed, Obama outlined a new agenda for America, one that requires us all to "pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America," willingly taking on "the price and the promise of citizenship."

As a relatively young citizen, it was exciting to watch history unfold and to be reminded of the great potential of America. At the same time, it is a sobering reminder that the efforts of individuals like me, God willing, power that potential. 

My hope and prayer is that the "new era of responsibility" will not only inspire us to consider with respect all the people with whom we come in contact, but will also drive us again to the knowledge that without God's grace upon us, our nation is as lost in 2009 as it has been in all preceding years.

You can read the text of President Obama's inaugural address here.

For a truly insightful commentary on the American presidency, you should check out my sister's Nov. 5, 2008 post "Hail to the Lord," on her blog.