Dear President-elect Obama:
Congratulations to you, Michelle, Malia, and Sasha. Your victory is indeed theirs as they have chosen to share you with the nation and the world. The nation thanks them for their willingness to share their husband and father.
May you love God and your family in ways that nurture both you and them. Cherish your family as the great gift they are to you.
In this ever-changing and increasingly globalized world, you have modeled a diverse leadership for the 21st century. Challenge the world to encourage a global mosaic leadership that is representative of God's creative diversity.
As many decisions will demand immediate attention, pray for God's wisdom to never mistake the urgency of now for the arrogance of the moment.
Be a leader who clearly sees the least, the infirm, the forgotten, and the invisible. In seeing the least of these you also see the face of God.
May you lead in ways that transcend the divisive and too often vitriolic discourse that harms this nation. Love deeply, forgive broadly, lead courageously.
When the world and the pressures of presidency continue to press in on you, remember that God is always present to hear your prayers, concerns, and needs. God's love for you is unconditional.
And may the God of love keep you and guide you now and forever.
Rev. Gabriel Salguero is the pastor of the Lamb's Church of the Nazarene in New York City, a Ph.D. candidate at Union Theological Seminary, and the director of the Hispanic Leadership Program at Princeton Theological Seminary. He is also a Sojourners board member.
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