"There's no question in my mind that he is the president who understands our issues and comes out of a background knowing what it's like to be discriminated against because of who you are.  I think for the first time in a very long time we'll have a friend in the White House."  Gene Robinson

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Perhaps this new administration will be one even Las Vegas won't bet on.  I am hearing Democrats and Republicans alike who are intrigued by Obama's choices and steps as he prepares to assume the Presidency.  It is good for us, I believe, not to have one so predictable.  It means we will have to work harder, all of us, to participate as citizens, for we will not be able to lock him into some political party stereotype.  We, with him, will be pushed to wrestle with complexities while not avoiding decisions and choosing paths.  It will require more of us, and it will lead us to a much healthier nation, a much healthier civic life.

I do detect some growing shadows under Obama's eyes and hope Alice Walker's Open Letter has been taped to his bathroom mirror.  Sitting in a meeting today with staff pondering the creation story from Genesis, Brian Cole said, "I hope we can find a way to convey the image of God resting; what does that look like?"  He is right on- we need to imagine that image and live it out if we are to live as does God.  It is a call for us as citizens of American and the globe, and us as citizens of God.  There is much work to be done, and much resting to be done as well.

Becky, Gina, Leah and I will be guests of family friends in their home on Capitol Hill during the Inauguration.  We will cram in with millions of folks making pilgrimage to our Nation's front yard, otherwise known as the National Mall.  We are going there not to see a political party's successful candidate.  We are going there to be with our fellow citizens, Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Socialist Party, Green Party and all sorts and conditions of voters, to say: we are hearing a calling to be faithful, responsible, respectful citizens; we are hearing a call to be a nation for all people, a nation who chooses to be in relationship with all nations.  Living as our President Elect is calling will not be easy.  It will not be predictable.  My guess and my hope is that it will be one heck of a ride.  Joseph Lowery, Rick Warren and Gene Robinson: buckle your seat belts.

On the Feast of Hillary, Bishop of Poitiers,

Todd Donatelli