This week was historic. In the capitol city of our country, a ceremony was held. For many reasons, it was not like any other inauguration in our history. But the same pomp and circumstance, the same traditions were still present.
Regardless of whether the candidate we preferred was being sworn in, the peaceful and respectful tone of this day was so important. This time, with a violent insurrection still fresh in our mind, what we might have seen as boring was actually refreshing and exciting. We so needed to hear the familiar words, the dedication to unity, the promises that work would begin immediately.
Because the word that is guiding me this year is “Beauty” I have been noticing the beauty that is all around me each day. During the inauguration, I was impressed with the bright colors worn by the women on the dais. Because we have a female vice president for the first time, the women present seemed to physically shine. Where in years past they might have chosen respectful black, navy or possible white, this time, bright reds, blues, purples and even yellows seemed the order of the day. The colors in their clothing was only outshined by their smiles each time they uttered the words, “Madame Vice President”.
Even the artists that performed at this event continued the idea of beauty. Lady Gaga showed her distinctive style, and presented a wonderful rendition of the National Anthem. Jennifer Lopez stirred the crowd with a message of unity in the song “This Land is Your Land”. Garth Brooks touched our hearts when he asked not only the crowds that were present, but even those of us watching from home to join him in an a capella version of Amazing Grace. With emotions at their height, my tear-filled voice would not cooperate.
Then, in the opinion of this wordsmith, the most beautiful picture of the entire day stepped forward. Amanda Gorman, a beautiful young woman in a bright gold dress with a red head band presented her original poem. The music of her words, the heartfelt emotion behind them, even the way she gestured and the expression on her face was literally poetry in motion. Her words touched me deeply, and I will definitely want to save a copy of the poem for future inspiration. More than anything else, her words and her presentation gave me hope for the future.
Although this was a secular ceremony, God was definitely present. In every “So Help Me God”, in the invocation and the benediction, in the biblical references in the new president’s speech. There is beauty in everyday life, and I am so grateful when God gets my attention to show it to me.
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