The Era of Responsibility

Yesterday I sat alone in my sublet living room crying throughout the inauguration of President Barack Obama. These were like many others, tears of joy and hope. I don’t think my expectations are unrealistic. I don’t fear that my hopes for a miracle will happen because it already has, not that we elected an African American but that we as a people are claiming our collective heart. I was awed by all those people and all the people everywhere celebrating together and I did not feel alone at all.

I kept thinking about my daughter each time “God” was referred to. I would imagine her railing and my own inability to undo our past associations and convey to her how much bigger my concept of the divine is than the word, history or connotation of “God.” Some may think it trite to sum it up as “Love.” Elizabeth Alexander stated it so beautifully today in her poem, "What if the mightiest word is love?" was I’m sure thought of as sentimental by some, the cynics. It seems to me that people are craving not only for political change but a new concept of love and yes, god.

My favorite part of his speech was when he talked about “the era of responsibility.” I let out a hearty YES!! It is time to explore the dynamic of love in self responsibility. It is possible to set aside our “childish ways” and grow into a more mature relationship with ourselves, others and the world.

I welcome these days of heart opening. It is not for the feint of heart, it is sometimes very painful and challenging but it is the path to freedom.