...so that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” Of all my days, one that will always be with me is November 4, 2008. 

I consider myself to be a  “tweener.” Which is to say, that my grandfather (who raised me with my mother and grandmother) was born in 1899 and my son was born in 2001. Therefore, in my life, I have touched the 19th century and the 21st century—both the past and the future. The past and the future touched on Tuesday night, as I watched Barack Obama become the President-elect of the United States.

My very wise teacher, Fred Moten, speaks often of the “ongoing project of emancipation.” The phrase became most real to me as I considered my grandfather’s life experiences in the United States and my children’s possible life experiences. Many people shed tears as they saw the election results and listened to President-elect Obama’s acceptance speech. I didn’t cry then somehow. The next morning, however, my tears surprised me as I awakened my sons holding the New York Times featuring a beautiful picture of the Obama family.

NPR interviewed a 95-year old African American man in Chicago who was out on the street celebrating after the election. This man told the reporter that November 4, 2008 was the second most important day to him in American history. The most important day, he felt, was the day that President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. He completed his reflections by saying that the Obama’s 21st century election was the evidence of Lincoln’s 19th century actions. It’s been a long time coming.

Importantly, because of the location of this blog, our congregation is right in the center of this movement. Not that this congregation voted for any one candidate in this election, but that Marble Collegiate Church has been a place of diverse coalition building.

I have heard people who were at Grant Park in Chicago speak about all the different kinds of people who were there: young, old, white, asian, native, black, gay, straight, affluent and struggling and so on. It sounds a lot like Sunday mornings at Marble. This is not a commercial, it is actually a simple observation.

This congregation may be an example to the United States that may develop in response to this election. And, likewise, Marble Church may have something to learn from the political context. Just as Paul told us that “faith without works is dead,” I think that “diversity without works (mission) is dead.” I guess that is the prayer that I am offering up to our Creator:

I praise you, God, because you speak every language and reflect every color. You made us and you know all about us. In this new season which is unlike any that I have ever known, teach us wisdom. Teach us to number our days. Show us your will for our community.

You have gifted us with variety and difference. Make us know how to be your “beloved community” by reaching out to the hurting and troubled and reaching in to grow deeper in our relationships with you.

The events of this week remind us that you are able to do “exceedingly, abundantly, far more than we could ever ask or imagine.” So use us, Lord—as individuals and as a Christian community. Use us as a sign of your grace and love in this world. In the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.