The Better Angels of our Nature

It's MLK day and not to out-do the choirpres on number of posts but I feel inspired to write a politically saturated post. With the culmination (imagine dude standing behind me repeating "culmination!") of the presidential inauguration and MLK day I feel bombarded by symbolism and past historical moments. Everything is mounting toward a potentially devastating or inspirational next 4 years. What I appreciate is Obama's continued use and reference to past historical speeches. This morning listening to MPR (yes, that's Minnesota Public Radio) and they mentioned one of his speeches quoting "the better angels of our nature." I am called to remember American History X (and the quotation at the end which closes the movie) which inspired me to memorize the last line of Lincolns First Inaugural speach:

"We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."

Considering what was to come after Lincoln made this speech and the mass death and destruction that would ultimately lead us where we are today, I wonder and ponder what Lincoln meant by "better angels of our nature." The daily evil that permeates our news. The thousands of years of fighting that has occurred in the middle east. The poverty that covers the earth. Better Angels of our Nature?

Was Lincoln oblivious to what was sure to come? Is Obama? I would like to think no. I would like to think that both men considered and understood that what they were inheriting as president was a world full of malice and can I say "bad juju". I think they both know and knew what was to come and understood that it was their ability to lead that was imperative for the time to come. Licoln couldn't stop the civil war. Obama can't stop the recession. For me the proof will be in the pudding. Will Obama's cool head prevail? Will he truly turn and listen to all sides to determine the best course of action?

If there was ever a time to call upon our "Better Angels" I think it is now. The future will surely test and tempt our deamons who lurk in the shadows of malice and judgment. But I hope and believe that the Angels will prevail. It's about time our purported 80% Christian nation began to embody it's moral fabric. The "Better Angels" I think is the love for our neighbor which Christ called the second greatest commandment.

I am exciting to hear Obama tomorrow and hear who and what else he references in his speech. I have my fingers crossed that he continues to lay homage to Lincoln and MLK. I think I will prepare by reading Lincoln and MLK's inspiring speeches. See you all on the other side of history.

Peace and Grace,

~soundguy