There are those who warn us that we are setting ourselves up for a fall; that we should not be celebrating or anticipating great changes since that is “unrealistic.” After all, the nation faces unprecedented problems, including a hollowed out infrastructure.

Yet, as I sit here at my keyboard on the eve of this historical inauguration of president-elect Barack Obama, my heart is content. And so should we all accept these moments of joy.

Yes, there may be hard times ahead, wrongs to be undone and scars to be healed. Yes, you and I are being called to think clearly and act nobly and be better, smarter and more caring people than perhaps we thought we could be.

Yet, look at what we have done. We have, collectively, not only turned away from racism, but clearly idolize this man of color. Dr. King’s vision has become reality. America has judged Barack Obama on the content of his character. 

Here is a video of Congressional Representative John Lewis explaining what this moment means to him. He came to Washington in 1961, the year Barack Obama was born. At that time it was illegal for blacks and whites to travel together on the same bus to Washington and illegal for blacks in the South to try and register to vote.

How brave he and all those who worked for civil rights were. So many died paving the way for this moment. God help us all be as brave in answering Barack Obama’s call to help create a better world.