Faithful People  

Coming Monday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m.:  the launch of Faithful People, a radio show about religion and politics.  What does it mean to be faithful people in the public sector? 

On the inaugural show, we'll talk about World AIDS Day, Advent, and other things on your mind.  Call in!

As I listened to President-Elect Obama's words on election night, simultaneously wishing I were in Grant Park and thankful to be able to go straight to bed after a long day of getting out the vote, I was struck by how he seemed almost somber.  Sure, he smiled and waved, but by his tone, the weight of his new responsibilities suddenly came to bear on me.  I am so hopeful for his leadership and believe so strongly in his abilities to build coalitions to accomplish great things, yet with such great challenges in the present and near future, will he succeed?

Towards the end of his remarks, Obama fell into a cadence that had a familiar feel:  an historical event experienced by 106-year-old Ann Nixon Cooper and a highlight of history, followed by the exhortation, "Yes we can."  As he listed victories and advancements--women's suffrage, coming through the Great Depression, destructing the Berlin Wall--my hope for Obama's presidency was bolstered.  Much has been accomplished in the past; much will be accomplished in the future.  Our future is bright, I thought.

Obama's repetition of his campaign slogan was reminiscent of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous call to "let freedom ring" from all corners of the nation, even those most resistant to allowing freedom for people of color.  Though this address was given before my time, I imagine King's exhortation engendered great hope for supportive listeners as well, similar to my response to my president-elect's statement of belief:  "Yes we can."

There is a difference, however, between "let freedom ring" and "yes we can."  It demonstrates the social shifts of the past 40 years, what has been done and what has been left undone.  "Let freedom ring" is a call to the universe, a prayer to God, a demand on those in power to allow justice to "roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream."  In contrast, "yes we can" is addressed to me, a twenty-something full-time parent in Cincinnati.  "Yes we can" is hope placed in our own efforts, divinely inspired still, I believe, yet inclusive of all citizens' actions.  "Yes we can" places the onus for success on me, my family, my community.

The question becomes, then, not will President Obama succeed, but will we?

So many people talk.  In fact, most of the six billion on the planet talk.  We use words, sentences, paragraphs, pages to identify ourselves, voice our opinions, express emotion, build up and tear down.  So many words.  So much noise.

I admire those who listen.  I admire those who lead lives so serene that they do not need to hear their own voices, and so, when they do choose to speak, their words are precious because they are rare and often wise because...well, I don't know why, but when thoughtful, rarely-spoken people speak, their words feel wise to me.  I have a hunch there is a connection between wisdom and listening.

My admiration is due to stark contrast:  I am not serenely quiet.  I am not a thoughtful listener most of the time.  I am a SPEAKER.  I am capable of listening, and some have even said I have listening skills.  It's just not my natural posture.  One of the earliest stories told of me is, as a toddler, waking up my parents at 3:00 a.m. saying, "Let's talk!" 

But does the world need more conversation?  Do we need more people talking on internet radio broadcasts?  Do we need another forum for discussion of religion, society, and politics?

I think the world does need this.  I believe the kingdom of God needs our participation.  I think the world needs all our voices and all our ears involved in conversations for justice and understanding, and if this format allows us to have one more conversation, I believe that is a good thing. 

This is not THE conversation, so I do not need to welcome you.  You are already in conversation.  I invite you to share your conversation-in-progress with me.  I look forward to our speaking and listening.