I join my congratulations with the rest of Americans to Sen. Obama for his victory, as well as pledge to pray for him and his family. May God richly bless him and his administration as they lead our nation.

As I watched his acceptance speech, something stirred in me. The camera panned a crowd of 200,000 - many were tearing up and several mouthed “amens”. It was truly an emotional moment for so many. And Obama’s victory was not only among black voters or women, or even just democrats. So many young people, my generation, who so fervently voted for George W Bush 4 years ago voted for Obama. And they weren’t voting for his healthcare program or for his tax reform. They were voting for change.

As someone who comes in and out of the US, I am privileged a more current perspective than most. What you might see as slight, gradual changes, I see as a shocking transformation (think seeing your old middle school friend 20 years later). And I must say, there has been a stunning change in the US over the last 5 years!

People my age are disillusioned. Many have overcrowded lives, most are discontent. The sense of purpose they had been seeking has not yet appeared. We all see dramatic problems in our marriages, children, economy, social morality - but cannot find the solutions. I think this is where Obama struck a chord. He says “We can change our country, we can change the World!”.

What a challenge, what an opportunity!

Church, are you hearing this? ARE YOU HEARING THE CRIES OF THE PEOPLE? The President cannot offer the change we need. He can change laws, but he will not be able to improve our marriages or discipline our children. He can help us find cheaper healthcare, but he cannot give us a reason to live! These are the role of the church. Remember, Bush was supposed to be our moral savior just 4 years ago. No, we cannot rely on our government for this.

The Church must rise up and offer the real solutions to our social and moral needs. The Church must offer Truth and Justice and Grace and Purpose. Right now, so many churches are not. Listen to America! We don’t want a pat on the back, we want change! We want real answers, we want solutions! And the Holy Spirit of Christ, through the hands, the feet, the brains and the smiles of the Church IS the Solution

Can we the Church offer real solutions to America’s problems? Yes we can!
Can we overcome the racism, hatred and stigmas of society? Yes we can!
Can we answer the hard questions of my generation with Real answers? Yes we can!
Can we change America? Yes we Can!

Can we change the World? Yes We Can!

Church, wake up!