Dear President Obama,

Who would have thought this day would come? Against all odds you were elected the first African-American president of the United States. And with a name like Barack Hussein Obama, I do mean against all odds! Five years ago I could have made a lot of money taking bets that anyone named Hussein would ever be elected to office!

I don’t judge a person based on the color of their skin, but in your case, your skin color represents a new milestone for our Nation. Millions of African-Americans watched their televisions back in November with tears in their eyes. Some of them were old enough to remember being denied privilege and dignity because of the color of their skin. And yet here we are, a mere 45 years after Dr. King’s passionate speech, finally beginning to bury the hate and prejudice.

You’ve got quite a job in front of you. You’re taking over a country facing huge economic, moral and political decisions. I’ve got to ask you, why in the world would you want this job? So much stress. So many people criticizing and analyzing every move you make. Even the tiniest decisions you make can affect millions. How do you deal with that kind of responsibility?

You have the hope of millions riding on your shoulders. Campaign promises to live up to. Decisions to be made that will affect the future of our nation and our world.

I have to be honest with you B, I don’t really see eye-to-eye with you on all the issues. I believe in the sanctity of every life and long for the day when the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is extended to the millions of unborn children whose lives are cut short by abortion every year. I’m a little worried about the government-run health care system you’ve talked about. I think less government, not more, is the answer.

Sure, we have some things we disagree about and time will tell the full extent of the decisions you make in office during the next four years. But these next four years also hold tremendous possibility. Your election is a testament to the hope you inspired in millions of Americans. You rallied a nation behind you and fanned the flames of change.

Today is the first day of the hardest four years of your life. It will take a toll on you physically, mentally and emotionally. Your work will never be done. There will always be some crisis, some world-shaping issue that needs your attention. I can’t even begin to imagine what it will be like. I can’t put myself in your shoes but I can commit to surround you with prayer.

I pray for wisdom to guide your decisions and the ability to discern right from wrong.

I pray that you will be surrounded with the counsel of wise and godly men.

I pray for your protection from the schemes and plans of evil men.

I pray for the ability to make the tough and unpopular decisions.

I pray that you would be able to see through the lies of those whose desire is only for their own gain.

I pray for your heart to be filled with a love for peace but also the strength to stand against the forces of injustice in our world.

President Obama, thank you for being willing to lead our country in this time when a strong leader is needed. I celebrate with you and the rest of our country this monumental day in our nation’s history.

Sincerely,

Brad Ruggles