“God gives nothing to those who keep their arms crossed”

- African Proverb

I randomly googled “Obama + Mt. Rushmore” due to my random fascination of WHAT “symbolic perks” Obama would get should he capture the throne on Pennsylvania Avenue.  Like an Olympian winning an endorsement with “Wheaties,” I figured there is no greater honor for a president than being etched into the Grand Canyon (in second place was having a coin with your face on it).  For some odd reason, upon seeing this random computer generated image of Obama with the likes of Washington and Lincoln, I mentally digressed to the Sermon on the Mount, the Biblical recording of Jesus’ verbal instruction on morality in its purest sense.  Set in the Gospel of Matthew, the teaching spans three chapters (Matthew 5-7) and from it mankind is gifted with the Beatitudes and the Lord’s Prayer.  Studied by individuals of all faiths–from Ghandi to Martin Luther King, Jr.–the Sermon represents the epitome of selfless living and pacifist existence.

The Sermon on the Mount, which represented Mt. Zion, is viewed by many as the antitype of the proclamation of the Old Covenant made by Moses on Mt. Sinai.  I am now seeing a furtherance of the Sermon on the Mt.–>an actual application–> that could land Obama’s face as a symbol of the power of ‘restraint’ and “higher” living.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Many are astonished as to how Obama has gotten this far.  Even now, there are calls for him to get “fired up” and become “outraged” in order to show the people that he is just as angry as they are.  To be meek, however, shows a sense of control, that is respected and honestly, sometimes hard to watch!  I mean, look at the primaries!  I don’t know about any of you, but there were times where I wanted Obama to step out of the race so that (my secret desire) Michelle could really say what was on her mind–so that the world would really get to know the Obama’s.  But what would it have gotten him?  Momentary satisfaction, perhaps.  A sense of “I told them this time.”  But the long-term effect is that he would have lost.  Bottom line.  His inheritance would have been cut-off from a clouded, heated, and very understandable–though short-sighted definition of “success.”  Being “meek” often times looks pathetic and pitiful.  Doubts creep in the minds of supporters–questioning what leader is this that does not defend himself?  This criticism is not only present in the secular world.  There are also many theological critics of the application of a “meek” spirit, some relating it to slavery, others to powerlessness, and others to lack of the will to strive.  Yet, I would like to think that Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon’s interpretation of the Beatitudes, found in the book “Resident Aliens” applies–the Beautitudes”produce a shock within our imaginations…to see life…in a radical new way.”  And that is what Obama did–he showed us how even in the world of politics, one can rise above the ego-exchange.  For why should one fight for what they have already conquered?

You are the Salt of the Earth.

As many a religious enthusiasts knows, the discussion of “salt” can go on forever!  I mean, it could mean the Rabbinic metaphor for wisdom, or, as most commonly interpretated, as a preservative and the obligation to preserve the purity of the world.  But what IS salt?  “NaCl” (I excelled in chemistry) is an extremely stable compound and cannot lose its flavor.  Thus, salt that loses its flavor is technically not salt at all.  My point: regardless of what interpretation applies, Obama has presented a flavor that is genuine–one that cannot be void of influence, importance, and integrity.  One that will never be mixed with “Old Washington” that promised salt–but never was salt to begin with.  He is stable–he has flavor–and his importance supercedes any election in the future. 

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? …First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

You know why Obama can talk about change?  Because he has changed!  And..he went a step further by letting the world know of his transformation by writing The Audacity of Hope.  Before even running for presidency, he told us of his trials–issues with esteem, substance abuse, and and his struggles with society.  He stripped himself before he was stripped.  And though many would look at this as probably the most effective (and underrrated) strategy of his eventual campaign, it cannot be understated that there is more liberty in criticizing when you have already exposed yourself! But even more important to the soul is that through introspection, it is easier to digest others’ shortcomings–realizing that on any given day, you could have committed the most disturbing acts.  Obama does not seek to expose others–but to remove others–which is actually more merciful.  There is a problem in Washington, and Obama is not compromising with those who want things to be the same–even if it means disagreements with members in his own party.  He has mastered the art of revelation and his testimony decreases the impact of those who wage personal attacks–and on the other hand it softens hearts to be receptive to the suggestion of hope and a different tomorrow.

This was a very abstract piece–I know.  And I am not sure that Obama is even consciously aware that his demeanor is an outlier to the political status quo.  I am merely content that he portrays an example of living above “human” expectations.  Mt. Rushmore isn’t high enough…