President Barack Obama, Abraham's Bible and History

Barack Obama has reserved his niche in history as our next and first African-American Commander- in- Chief. No one knows if he will take his place beside Abraham Lincoln or FDR, but one thing we know for certain, history will regard his election as a time when we came together to elect a man to lead us through stormy waters.

A historical event is a brief moment in time by those whose eye's witnessed and whose hands recorded for those yet unborn. What was done right or wrong and why it mattered. Lessons learned, passed on as a reference or guide to help explain a road that was taken and mistakes, hopefully, not to be repeated.

American history isn't just about memorizing dates, names and places. It's about real people whose footsteps we now walk in. It's about ghosts from our past that haunt us today, helping us to grow and prosper as a nation. Shared dreams of happiness and family. Leaving our children a better way of life.

We learn from the past how to move forward to a more perfect union. Patriots fought and died to pass on a concept of freedom and equality for all who call America their home. Men of vision recorded their fight so we would know about sacrifice, patriotism, fortitude, courage and the iron will of freedom. Men with dreams inspired all who listened and believed our nation could overcome any obstacle and emerge as one nation. People united in a belief that a democratic republic could stand the test of time and anything would be possible for future generations. We too, preserve those same dreams and beliefs.

The possibility of our nation was reaffirmed as Barack Obama took the oath of office as our 44^th president of the United States of America. His left hand rested on the same bible Abraham Lincoln used as he took his oath so many years ago. Black and white alike stood side by side. Tears and smiles on excited faces huddled together in crowds that filled the area from the Washington Monument to the balcony where President Obama stood.

Every now and then, an awakening opens new possibilities, new attitudes and fresh beginnings. This is our brief moment in time. The election of a man who reminds us all of the diversity of our people. Yes. He is the first African-American elected to the presidency, but he's much more than that. He is a man of vision and dreams who is not afraid of the path ahead. Someone who sees endless possibilities for everyone and knows we can get there if we all work together. He has given a confused and worried people hope that all is not lost. We are inspired to look into the eyes of our neighbors and help ourselves by helping each other.

No one can deny the state of our nation is teetering on a cliff and the road forward is going to get bumpier before it begins to even out. We are not unlike the late 1920's and 1930's when the economy flat lined into a crisis that threatened those who lived through the Great Depression. Some would argue Franklin D Roosevelt's New Deal hindered rather than helped the country pull out of that moment in history.

We, the people of the United States, are charged with handing the reins of power to the person we feel has a vision and is intelligent enough to learn from mistakes of past leaders. Hope is essential to tackle the big challenges we will face in the months ahead. We have to hit the ground with eyes wide open and a belief that this president will put the good of the country ahead of himself. I think he will.

Like millions of other Americans who couldn't be in Washington DC for the swearing in ceremony, I watched from my living room couch. Has a new dawn emerged? I don't know, but it does feel like something is in the air. I was proud of this moment in time as photographers snapped still pictures and videos recorded this day for our account of history to be read and watched by those yet unborn. Our future is still unknown and yet to be written. Looking into our new president's eyes, one does get a sense of greatness we've yet to see. His confidence and persistence can carry us through the storm if we let it rub off on us. I for one will give President Obama what he asks of us and try to do my part as those who came before us did theirs.