History In The Making
POSTED IN: Culture, Leadership, Makes You Think
Last night was a historic night.
Regardless of who you voted for you can’t help but appreciate the significance of the events that unfolded.
There were people who voted yesterday who have lived long enough to remember when women and blacks were both denied the right to have a voice in the electoral process. 40 years ago there were still schools that wouldn’t accept African American students. Within one generation our country has come out of the civil rights movement of the 60s to see our first African American President Elect. History was made last night.
You can also say what you want about John McCain but he gave one hell of a concession speech last night (transcript). I only wish his supporters in the crowd at the Biltmore in Arizona shared his gracious attitude and maturity.
Here is one of my favorite excerpts from his speech.
In a contest as long and difficult as this campaign has been, his success alone commands my respect for his ability and perseverance. But that he managed to do so by inspiring the hopes of so many millions of Americans who had once wrongly believed that they had little at stake or little influence in the election of an American president is something I deeply admire and commend him for achieving.
Regardless of where your political affiliations lie there are some very important leadership lessons to be learned from this election. Obama’s brilliant speech last night was the culmination of probably one of the best political campaigns ever.
One of the things that stood out to me the most was Obama’s ability to inspire such a response in his followers. Was it his charismatic personality or his well-laid campaign strategies? Those elements certainly come into play but I don’t think that’s completely it.
Even if you don’t agree with Obama’s policies or political views you can’t help but admire his ability to rally followers to his cause. To borrow Seth Godin’s marketing concept, he built a very strong and loyal tribe.
What drew millions of Americans in was his ability to tell a better story. A story of change.
But most importantly, it wasn’t a story about Barak Obama. It was a story about you and me. A story about how together we can bring change. Yes we can.
The very essence of leadership can be summed up in this quote from Obama’s web site:
You see, a leader doesn’t stand up and say, “I’m going to do something amazing. Come follow me!”.
They say, “Let’s do something extraordinary together.” And that’s something every leader needs to remember.
By this point you may have drawn your own conclusions about who I voted for.
Incidentally, I voted for the other guy.
But you’re not going to hear me whine and complain about how terrible the next four years will be. I refuse to live out of the fear of what could be and choose to remember where my trust really lies. I will also choose to surround President Elect Obama and his cabinet with the same prayer that I would have given to John McCain if he had won.
Here’s something to think about for those who voted for the “other guy.”
What if it’s not really as bad as you think?
What if, instead of our nation falling apart like some of you think, it actually does ok during the next 4 years?
What if Obama becomes one of our best Presidents yet?
Can you be ok with that?
I’ll leave you with this extraordinary quote:
Confirm it in your heart and soul that the day after the election, God is still on His throne, and Jesus is still at His right hand. Certain things are not on the ballot, and the sovereignty of God is not.
When Christians react to elections with despair and panic, they are demonstrating that their faith is in the wrong place. If the election goes badly, do not soak your hair with lighter fluid, set it off, and then run in tight, little circles. Be a Christian. If the election goes well, do not act like you have just been saved. Salvation is not something that Caesar holds in his hand, whether to give or withhold.
- Douglas Wilson (ht: inWorship/JoshuaBlankenship)
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November 5, 2008
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One of the best posts I’ve read today. Thank you for your thoughts Brad!
Mud Puppys last blog post..It’s A New Day
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November 5, 2008
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Haha, dang. Strangely enough, I put up a post with the same title almost at the exact same moment! Brilliant minds think alike, I guess.
Really great post.
Stephen Barrys last blog post..History in the Making
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November 5, 2008
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Great post, Brad!
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November 5, 2008
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I guess the issue I have with all of the glee about history being made is that the man now has to inform us of how he is going to have to ditch 1/2 of his promises and actually live this out. It’s not the color of his skin that concerns me. My God is big, but He has also called us to “rebuke the swine and shoot the wolves” in spiritual terms. It’s always what follows a historical event that matters most. I’ll be the first to say that I’m ready for Obama to succeed, but I’m also ready to stand for my faith if he goes against it. Good post, Brad. You definitely brought up some good points. We can only pray and be focused.
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November 5, 2008
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thisis is great Zak. I am posting it on my blog also. Well said. I honestly think this is a proud moment in US history.
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November 5, 2008
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Great post.
This will be like a marriage, the honeymoon is great, but eventually you have to work to make it work. Here’s to hoping that the prez elect will move to a centrist position, willing to work with ALL, instead of following the same hard-left pattern he’s exhibited in his limited experience. It’s possible, and like you, I’m now an Obama supporter, I might ot love it, but he’s the man, and I’ll pray for him every day.
Great post!
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November 5, 2008
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Smooth transition of power is one of the many things I admire about our Country. Nice Post.
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November 5, 2008
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Great thoughts!
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November 5, 2008
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Brad,
Thanks – now I don’t have to type my own post-election blog post, I can just link to yours!
For the Kingdom,
Fred McKinnon
http://www.fredmckinnon.com
http://www.theworshipcommunity.com
Fred F. McKinnons last blog post..Gratitude – Mr. Potato Head Version
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November 5, 2008
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Great post. Couldn’t have said it better myself.
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November 5, 2008
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Great post Brad, I feel the same way and said something similar on my blog. We have to support and pray for the Obama Administration. The beauty of our democracy is that in 4 years if we feel he hasn’t done the job or delievered on is promises (as Gabe stated) is we get to voice our opinions by voting again.
patrowlands last blog post..Giving Support
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November 5, 2008
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I love and appreciate your attitude. And hopefully, as you have with me, you positive attitude will be catching to others who have not yet had the ability to look at things as you have chosen to.
Great post!
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November 5, 2008
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Very well written. I listened to McCain’s speech this morning on CNN and I was kindof sad to hear his supporters booing at any chance they could get. I know John McCain will be very instrumental in the next 4 years.
I did a post on change yesterday and I am excited to see what this time will bring us. But like you said we need pray for Obama the same way we would pray for McCain if he won.
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November 5, 2008
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Thank you for this post! I could not agree with you more Brad.
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November 5, 2008
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I have similar thoughts. I posted yesterday after I voted with some random thoughts.
http://joystickjunkie.blogspot.com/2008/11/so-i-voted.html
Really, a total shift in my thinking. Having been raised with the mindset of “those bleeding-heart, tree-hugging, tax-and-spend liberals,” I was at a huge decision point in my life–to believe what I’ve always believed because that’s how I was raised, or to think for myself and evaluate things objectively.
I also posted a day-after post; many of the same thoughts as you, incidentally.
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November 5, 2008
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Well said truths.
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November 5, 2008
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Good thoughts. I’m interested to see how the transition goes. And what “change” actually happens. I think too often men promise things to get elected. And they honestly aim to. But the system bogs them down.
I hope our country thrives under him. And I hope he looks to Jesus every day.
Blakes last blog post..You Can Vote However You Like
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November 5, 2008
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I am ashamed to admit that I was one of those people who thought the world was going to come to an end when GW Bush was re-elected. It came real close, though!
Ha.
I learned my lesson. And I hope that everybody else can learn a lesson too. We’re all in this together and we need to work together to change our communities and the lives of those around us. We can’t count on 1 person to do that for us.
I agree. I thought McCain’s speech was very classy and heartfelt. And Bush’s live comments this morning were also surprisingly gracious.
Great post, Brad!
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November 5, 2008
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Regardless of whether you liked Bush or not, or voted for Obama or not, we as Americans, and as Christians have got to stop putting so much of our faith in a human being. The ONLY one that can give me HOPE or bring REAL CHANGE is Jesus Christ. I am being reminded of that every hour today. Thnk you for this post.
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November 5, 2008
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Well said, Mr. Ruggles (as usual!)
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November 5, 2008
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[...] Brad Ruggles [...]
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November 5, 2008
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Very nice Brad!
Someone else said they didn’t have to write a post on their blog now-they were just going to link to this one…
Well, I have some email to send
Looking forward to this ride.
Mollys last blog post..Today, History was Made
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November 5, 2008
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Great post.
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November 5, 2008
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I’ve been encouraged today by the hopeful, mature attitudes of so many of the bloggers I admire — many of whom were vocal McCain supporters. With one voice, they have called for unity in our nation and prayer for our President-Elect. You’ve said it very well, and I will be linking to you from my blog today.
Lisa @ put-it-on-the-lists last blog post..And Now, For Something Completely Different
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November 5, 2008
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i am finding myself seeming defending what God ultimately did last night in a historic event to fellow believers. I have passed this blog along to others in hopes that they can prevent forest fires in there lives (or on their heads).
we are called to support authority….we are called to more then what some have been displaying…..
thanks for the post.
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November 5, 2008
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So glad to see some people like yourselves eschewing the fear and cynicism that is coming out of the people who claim the God of Hope as their God.
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November 5, 2008
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[...] of what I also want to say Brad Ruggles says very well on his blog. Rather than parrot back his ideas, I’ll point you over to him. But he’s right. [...]
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November 5, 2008
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so good! thank you for this.
aleces last blog post..straight talk to men
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November 5, 2008
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I believe that the office of President should be respected no matter who is in office.
I think over the past 16 years, that has been lost.
This is a position that not one of us would probably want but yet we find it easy to demonize those who get it.
I pray for Obamas safety and success as our President.
I applaud his victory and the inspiration it has brought to new voters from both sides.
I hope we learn something as Americans..and that is to educate ourselves in this process and be invloved.
I dream that we begin to revolt(not in the violent sense) against partisan politics and partisan media, and make sure that what happens in our government is a reflection on our beliefs not those we elect.
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November 5, 2008
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I heard something interesting at Catalyst. I forget who said this but they were talking about the difference between honor and respect. We’re supposed to honor those in authority over us (1 Peter 2:17), pay taxes (Romans 13:6–7) and obey the laws of the land. We’re also told to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1–2).
However, respect is something that is earned. It’s important to note the distinction.
As with any president, they will have authority over us but will EARN our respect throughout their term as they past just laws and honor their word.
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November 5, 2008
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Even one step further, I think there’s a difference between “respect the person” and “respect the position.”
Respect for the position is something that is innate. Respect for a person’s persona is earned.
For example, you respect the authority that the police have. If you are speeding and the lights start flashing behind you, you pull over because you respect the authority of the position of the police officer. You may find out later that the officer in who pulled you over is rude or mean–or is the most friendly person you’ve ever met in a uniform, which changes the respect you have towards their persona, but it still doesn’t negate that authority that he has.
The fact that someone has been entrusted with the most powerful position in the world should engender a certain level of respect. How he wields that power will determine the respect he deserves as a person.
IMHO, at least.
Cheers.
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November 5, 2008
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Great post Bruggles!
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November 5, 2008
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Great post. God hasn’t been caught off guard. Our hope is not in who is or is not our President.
I believe that God holds the hearts of kings in His hands. President Obama, I salute you. I will pray for you. I will speak blessings over you.
God bless President-elect Obama! God bless America!
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November 5, 2008
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Thank you Brad. So many others out there have already given up on Obama before he’s even had a chance to start making a difference. You obviously haven’t and have an open attitude.
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November 5, 2008
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well, there you have it.
i think that was quite possibly the perfect post election blog post. i won’t even try to write my own. i’m just going to post…
what he said….
no, not really. i won’t.
well – - maybe.
how ’bout i keep the option on the table in case i can’t think of a clever topic of my own in the next week or so?
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November 5, 2008
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I like how someone said that when Bush was president (or after 9-11), we all thought the world was coming to an end and God was coming back. And so many people felt that way with Obama being elected. I will admit, I am nervous that so many people are hard core “followers” of Obama. Worshipping him, for lack of better words. But I know one thing.. GOD IS NOT SURPRISED. Only GOD knows what this country needs. GOD is my ultimate leader. The best thing we can do is pray and support. Like you said Brad, do what we were told to do. Pray, pay our taxes, and obey the law. No matter what, God will be pleased. I only want what is best for us, and if this is it then ROCK ON!
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November 6, 2008
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i voted for the other guy. but i am extremely hopeful for what this guy can do. and i hope like mad in 4 years i, we, can all stand TOGETHER and say, “wow – WE ALL brought about change under a great leader!”
that would be awesome!
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November 6, 2008
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Well said Brad! This is probably one of the best blog posts I’ve read on the subject so far! I think you put words to my thoughts! Just wanted to say “well done”! I hope you don’t mind but I enjoyed you post so much that I referenced it on my blog.
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November 6, 2008
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Another great post. Now I don’t have to post about the election.
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November 6, 2008
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Wow. The best post on this process so far. If things dont work out for you on the Planter/GFX Design side, you could always start writing books
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November 7, 2008
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[...] It’s the best I’ve read so far. There are some great comments after his post as well. Click here to check it [...]
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November 7, 2008
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Truly an amazing night. I am so grateful that I was ble to live at this time in history.
Thanks for the love
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November 9, 2008
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[...] from Kelli who urged the church to rise up! and these from Kevin, Abbye, and this one from Brad Ruggles. I appreciated all of your posts and your spirit! Possibly related posts: (automatically [...]
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December 1, 2008
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Election night was a sad day in history for me. I grieve and my heart aches.
Our leader supports the killing of God’s precious ones…….the unborn. As a Senator, he was the most liberal on abortion law. He did not even support a ban on partial birth abortion. Barbaric to say the least.
Life used to be the most basic right of Americans. What good is “liberty” and the “pursuit of happiness” if you don’t have life?
God hears the cries of the unborn being aborted on a daily basis. America may have turned a deaf ear but our Creator has not.
A sad day in American history.
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July 11, 2009
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Well said Sue. This is a good post and we do need to pray for our leaders. But now, 8 months after election, he has possibly caused more damage than any president is history!!! God is on the throne and THAT is our hope. But in a democracy, we do have a responsibility to stand up and fight for the things this country was founded on. Also as far as christians praying, we also need to repent, turn from our ways, seek HIM and pray, then He will heal our land.
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August 4, 2009
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@Teresa Varney, I agree about the damage, but as the United States is not a democracy, we have even more influence than most realize. The United States is not a democracy, it is a Representative Republic. As such, we put our representatives in place, give them power, money and the ability to do what they do, all in the name of representing us, their constituents. In a democracy, it is that the majority rules, and if we all think about a true democracy, how much more harmful would that be, where mob rule would wash away all of our best efforts?
As of this week, with Congress being in recess, many, many members of both the House and Senate have refused to hold Town Halls or meet with their constituents, supposedly out of fear for their safety. It is in all actuality out of shame of their decisions. They know we do not agree with what is happening.
You want Hope? Know Jesus. You want Change? Know His Father. You want Peace on Earth? Look to Heaven.
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August 4, 2009
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Alan, you are right. I did not mean a true democracy where mob rules. My son is constantly correcting me on that also and he’s only 14!!! LOL Anyway, I meant that we have a government where we elect those in office and therefore have a responsibility to let them know what we think of what they are doing. Thank you for the correction as we do need to understand the difference. I apologize for not being clear. And, yes, God is in control and thankfully He knows the end of the story!!!
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October 4, 2009
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Man…he’s not looking so hot anymore is he?
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November 20, 2009
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excellent post! an excellent reminder for us to remember where we should really rely.