My Worst Fear
November 17, 2008
I am certain that the
two men pictured above have a high degree of recognition with just about
everyone. Further someone reading this entry may already be
drawing conclusions with regard to my topic above. That being the
case they may not be wrong, but hear me out!
I have supported two Democratic
Presidential Candidates in my lifetime and for the same reasons.
First, their ability to stir my heart with the eloquence of their speaking.
Second, it’s the words, words that communicate optimism with regard to
our country and the greatness of our opportunities. Third, there
is a rhythm to those words and their symmetry and pattern evoke emotions
that pessimism buried for who knows how long! Fourth and last, the
theme is all about being positive and that collectively we can only be
great with a contribution from every citizen.
My worst fear (which you
may have already surmised) is that the second man will meet the same fate
as the first. I recall vividly (like many others of my generation)
exactly where I was and what I was doing on that fateful 22nd day of November
in 1963. It was forty five years ago and that moment remains fresh
as ever.
I wish there were words
to describe the grief I felt that day and since. Through this experience
I think I have learned that closure never comes when someone stirs your
heart to action. I have been a captive of my very own cynicism for
over four decades and I have reluctantly dared to dream that the United
States I dreamed of in my twenties could truly exist.
Throughout this just ended
Presidential campaign my emotions have flooded over me very often.
It happens each time I am lifted up by the sound of the words and again
stirred by the memories of the once prematurely ended grand vision I shared
with that first man.
A few weeks ago two white
supremacists were arrested for plotting to assassinate our new President-Elect
and my fears flooded over me. Now comes MSN.com and the foreboding
is renewed, because apparently the US Secret Service has been flooded with
threats (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27724965).
So then today’s topic
“My Worst Fear” may be closer than any of us think. As traumatic
as the first event was, the aftermath of a possible second may be catastrophic.
Please pray with me that our beloved country and this young man might be
spared from history repeating itself!
