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Keep hope alive

My anguished misgivings about our new President were suspended in the flood tide of history today as I sat alone in my living room, crying and cheering like an idiot. But then, tucked deep into his magnificent inaugural address, one statement gave me even greater cause for hope. Speaking of the foundational faith and determination of ordinary Americans, he said:

"It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate."

Okay, call me a delusional optimist, but I believe in answered prayers, and I know that I have not been alone in storming Heaven to open the eyes of this gifted and inspiring new leader (and loving father) to the sacredness of human life at every stage, before and after birth. During the campaign, he famously waffled that such determinations were "above his pay grade." Could it be possible that today, as his pay grade increases to that of leader of the free world, President Obama slipped in a reference, conscious or not, to the heroism of those who choose life for their unborn children? Do we dare to dream that he will reverse or at least modify his stated determination to tear away every remaining legal protection put in place for the unborn generations whose legacy he will shape?

As today's events bore witness, our nation is caught in a sweet moment when anything—anything good—seems possible. Can we hope for an administration that will support both women's health and rights and the right to life? Yes, we can. Let's keep praying.

P.S. Michelle, j'adore those celadon-green gloves, and the girls looked enchanting. In my current state of infatuation with the entire family, I feel like Frankie in A Member of the Wedding.

 

Images: Top: Thad Posey via msnbc.com; bottom left, Antonelli, Daily News; bottom right, AP.

Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 01:07PM by Registered CommenterBrenda from Brooklyn | Comments7 Comments

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Reader Comments (7)

I doubt you will see him change his stance on abortion. It is indeed sad, but considering his record, he is one of the least likely senators to flip over to the life camp. It would truly take a miracle from God to do that.
January 20, 2009 at 02:24PM | Unregistered CommenterShane and Casey
I. Believe. In. Miracles.
January 20, 2009 at 02:25PM | Registered CommenterBrenda from Brooklyn
I think the operative word there was "willingness." The last thing any child needs is a mother who is unwilling to nurture. I'm sure you would agree that every child deserves to be wanted.
January 20, 2009 at 04:30PM | Unregistered CommenterWhy S?
Indeed, every child deserves to be wanted, but how badly someone wants us is a poor yardstick for determining our human right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Every newborn child in this country IS wanted--even the handicapped ones--by long waiting lists of adoptive parents. Those unable or unwilling to nurture can still give the first thing every child needs--the chance to live.
January 20, 2009 at 05:13PM | Registered CommenterBrenda from Brooklyn
I believe in miracles, too. On the other hand, I'm also jaded and hurt by the treatment the members of the president's party have given the outgoing president and those of us who support him. I'm tired of hearing how I'm an idiot and a bigot. As a Christian, I need to get over it, but it's not easy, and those who've suffered the same disrespect but lack the perspective our loving, suffering Savior gives are going to have an even more difficult time. Pray for all of us, please!
January 21, 2009 at 05:58PM | Unregistered CommenterLenise
Sadly, there is ZERO chance Obama will favor the rights of an unborn American child over the contrived and contorted rights of the child's mother.

He will, whenever possible, dodge responsibility and stay far away from offering his beliefs on this subject, as his "above my pay grade" response demonstrated.


Meanwhile, as an adoptee who has been reunited with my birth families, I can tell you that relinquishing a child to the adoption process is traumatic and takes immense strength. No matter how well things go for the adoptee -- things went well for me -- the birth mother usually lives her life anguished, knowing only that she gave away a child she will most likely never see again.
January 22, 2009 at 11:28AM | Unregistered CommenterDavid
I think the following news item says it all.

Officials: Obama to reverse abortion policy

Associated Press … WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama plans to sign an executive order ending the ban on federal funds for international groups that promote or perform abortions, officials told The Associated Press on Friday.

The move, long expected in the Democratic president's first week in office, will be welcomed by liberals and criticized by abortion rights foes.
January 23, 2009 at 11:58AM | Unregistered CommenterDavid

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