Hope and Change

"Let me tell you something my friend. Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane." _ Red, "The Shawshank Redemption"

Today we begin a new chapter in the United States of America. Many have strong feelings about this. Some good, some bad, some hopeful, some fearful. And many people have strong feelings about the previous eight years. Some good, some bad, some wistful, some angry.

We endured one of the longest, most bitter elections in our history. And the two and a half months since that day have, essentially, been no different. But the decision has been made, the oaths of office administered, and we march on to the future.

Some feel President Obama was a great thing for our nation these past eight years. Others feel he was the worst President we've ever had. In the swell of emotion on this day, and with how close we are to his time in office, it's really impossible to tell. History will be the judge, and we likely won't have a good measure of the last eight years for some time.

I liken it to the race for Best Picture. In February of 1999, hundreds of voters felt that "Shakespeare in Love" was a better example of high-class filmmaking than "Saving Private Ryan." Now nearly 18 years later, we see that as absurd. Even those who voted for "Shakespeare in Love" would likely be ashamed. But at the time, in the swell of emotions, it was easy to be caught up in the campaigns.

So it is with our history. And so it is again today.

There are some that looked upon this day; this transfer of power, with fear and trepidation. They're convinced the next four years will be the worst and darkest in our nation's history. Others have looked to this day as a glimmer of hope, hope that the future will be better and brighter than the past. The truth is we don't know. Only God knows, and we have to trust that our future is in His loving and mighty hands.

It reminds me of "The Shawshank Redemption," and it's musing on hope. Red, a man who'd know suffering and loss for most of his life, saw hope as a futile and dangerous thing. But his friend Andy had a different take:

"Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." - Andy, "The Shawshank Redemption"

Eight years ago, President Obama swept into office promising Hope and Change. Some were jubilant. Some were fearful. All endured.

Today, President Trump sweeps into office promising change. Some are jubilant. Some are fearful. I have faith all will endure.

We can't control our world, our government, or our lives. All we can do is control our responses and what we contribute to the world. That's something to keep in mind always, no matter who sweeps into the White House.

And for those who fear today, remember: "The night is darkest just before the dawn. And I promise you, the dawn is coming."