Yes…we…can…

First, let me say, this is not a political blog (and the thoughts and views are just my own opinion), but we find inspiration and courage from many avenues. 

Unless someone was living in some incredibly remote part of the world,  you would be hard-pressed not to know that President Barack Obama’s inauguration ceremony occurred this past Tuesday .  (video link below)

Many of the political pundits were dissecting the text, looking for that one phrase that they could pull out and pronounce as ‘the’ one phrase that would be remembered for years to come – something to motivate the masses.  Even those who were not old enough to remember the inauguration ceremonies of former Presidents Kennedy or Roosevelt, will often recognize phrases taken from their inaugural addresses .

- Kennedy’s “ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”

- Roosevelt’s “…the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

But, what many of these analysts neglected to notice is that the masses had already been motivated.  The words had already been said well before this day began.  All one had to do was look at the crowds – rumoured to be between one and two million people along The Mall in Washington.  And in that crowd, there was hope.  Without hope, there would be no change.  How apropos that the inauguration ceremony of the first African-American President of the United States came on the day following Martin Luther King Jr. Day – he ‘had a dream’, a hope for change.

As Democratic leader, Barack Obama’s campaign focused on change.  His election to the role of President came from hope.  His time in office will need to galvanize his role as a good leader, and his success will depend on America’s courage.

His inaugural address may not be riddled with ‘motivational’ phrases to be found in books of quotations in years to come, but it is the ‘moment’ that will be remembered.  It was the day millions of Americans (on the Mall or watching it live on TV or through the web) were invited to have the courage to effect change, knowing that they are not alone in their journey.

In our own lives we often hold back from taking risks, trying something new, effecting change.  Why?  It is usually out of fear.  Status quo is easier – more comfortable.  Do we lack courage?  Do we worry about being ridiculed for unpopular or even unexpected choices? 

The following is attributed to Peter McWilliams:

Come to the edge,' he said.
They said, 'We are afraid.'
'Come to the edge,' he said.
They came.
He pushed them...
And they flew.

So, what is it that inspires us to take the next step, get out of that comfort zone?  What, or who, is going to push us – to inspire us?

(The following is a YouTube video link from CSPAN coverage (full inaugural address including oath of office – his speech begins approx. 2min 35sec into the video)).