Old South Election Celebration

11-5-08
Thank you Oprah, for today's election celebration!
I needed it so badly.
You see, I live in a town that is old South:
The thoughts, the ideas, and the hateful voices.

I celebrated with my husband on election night.
We both watched in awe and amazement at Obama's acceptance speech.
I was elated - I was proud - we got it right!

A beautiful moment, a defining moment!

I went into the world today and was met with anger when I mentioned Senator Obama.
I went into work today and was met with silence as if nothing had happened yesterday at all.
I was physically ill all morning and came home at lunch not knowing what was wrong - until I turned on the Oprah show.
As soon as your celebration started, I knew what was wrong.
I had been alone - no one to celebrate with - no one to share my excitement. What was I thinking?

I am white, was raised in the South, and though I was shaped by ways indicative of the South, I never felt I was prejudiced.
Some may disagree, if so, I never meant to be. I know ME.
My mother taught me early on that equality meant that I was 'less than no one' and 'no one was less than me'.

For years, the Holy Spirit has opened my eyes to a larger world. Through my husband, I have learned much about myself - and how the eyes of the nation view the South.
At first it angered me, as if we are all the same.
Ironic, how the prejudices of the South turn on itself.
As the South sees certain peoples all the same,
The world sees 'the South' as all the same.
We still have some changing to do.

I wanted celebration... and was met with anger.
I wanted celebration... and was met with silence.
These folks didn't change... I did.
How dare I, how dare I, hope to believe
That they had changed and grown, like me.