To quote a brilliant lyricist, "It's the end of the world as we know it... and I feel fine." I can't explain it, but I have the weirdest sense of peace about this. I was perfectly calm last night and I've been pretty upbeat so far today. My overwhelming emotion today is relief. I am so glad that this is finally over and we can just move forward from here.

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If you didn't stay up to see Obama's acceptance speech, you need to go to You Tube and watch it in it's entirety. There can be no doubt that this man is a gifted speaker and has brought this nation to a place I've never witnessed in my lifetime. Watching last night was truly remarkable. I just sat in disbelief at the images of crowds gathering in Chicago, NYC, Washington DC, Seattle and all over the country as people celebrated Obama's victory with a jubilation usually saved for a winning sports team or, dare I say, a messiah? It was breathtaking and sobering all at once.

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While there were certainly parts of the speech that bothered me and felt foreboding of what is to come, there were moments I appreciated as well. President-elect Obama said, "As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too." The fact is, he will be our President and he deserves the respect that title holds, as well as our prayers. I believe that God has a purpose for His people in this. Let's not miss it.

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I know a lot of people in this country have great fear about an Obama administration. I have to say, the only time I've felt physically ill about the outcome was this morning when they began discussing the potential players in his cabinet and staff. The idea of John Kerry being the next Secretary of State causes bile to rise to the back of my throat even as I type the words. I can't even think about that right now, and I refuse to force myself unless or until it becomes a reality. But it's the arrogant Democrat leadership right now causing me an ulcer, far more so than Obama himself. But perhaps this is what it will take to cause the Republican party to head back to true Conservatism. Clearly, catering to the moderates didn't help John McCain too much. While he headed to the right in an attempt to win the race, a 32% Republican turnout showed that he was unable to erase the memories of a lot of people in the base and they just couldn't get excited, no matter how great his running mate was. I will miss her.

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As for the race issue, that was incredible to watch last night as well. If you can believe what you saw on TV, it seems that the black population of this country, in large part, feels vindicated now that they have a black president. I'm hoping that that will be a good thing for race relations in this country. In my view, the majority of racism over the past few decades has come from the African-American population still feeling like second-class citizens and holding grievances towards white people because of it. It was beautiful to hear a woman express her belief for the first time that her son could be anything he wants to be now, including President. And if this can get Jesse Jackson to chill out even for the short term, perhaps we can count that as a good thing.

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Overall, I know it is a disappointing loss. I know that things in this country are about to change dramatically. But there has been an inevitability about an Obama win that makes me believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has placed him in this position for such a time as this. And He promises to work all things together for good for those that love Him and are called according to His purpose. Even four to eight years of an Obama presidency.

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Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

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It's going to be okay. You are the same person today that you were yesterday, and God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Let's see what He has planned for us.