Dear President Obama

Congratulations on becoming our forty-fourth President, and leading our country at such a challenging time for world leaders. I write speaking as one who joins millions of others who applaud this historic moment in history and as one who is committed to praying for you and your family. While you have surrounded yourself with competent leaders to give you critical advice and timely counsel my letter is of a different nature.

As a pastor and Bishop in The United Methodist Church I write you this letter as an epistle of unsolicited encouragement. In short President Obama; Be Encouraged. The unrealistic expectations of a world fraught with real problems including, protracted violence and war, environmental self-destruction and economic instability is indeed cause for harbingers of hope to stand tall. You have already offered new hope and a commitment to give your best while calling forth the best of all of us. My prayer for you and Mrs. Obama is that at the end of each day you sleep well!

May you rest in the knowledge that as a husband and father you give glory to God and honor the global village as you care for your own family. I give testimony as one who was blessed to have my mother-in-law live in our home for more than twenty plus years. Our three children, now young adults, grew up believing it was only normal that at least one grandma was always around. I do not laugh at mother-in-law jokes. To honor our mothers and fathers is an investment in a better world.

It is true that world poverty, the quest for full employment and the end of racism seem to be intractable problems. The combination of prayer, human commitment and creative leadership not limited by notions of what has been, gives way to what can be. Health insurance and access to high quality health care for all citizens is a reality that we in the faith community must champion along with our elected officials.

Mr. President you are not alone. In fact you are never alone for the God who loves you beyond description will certainly grant you wisdom equal to your task. The 20th amendment states that the President and Vice-President’s term begin at noon on January 20th. And so as your journey begins know that you are being prayed for everyday. As you lead The United States of America I pray that you carve out time to do justice for your own soul. May you be unavailable when necessary so that you can be available when needed.

…and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Be Encouraged.