a prayer?

"Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around ... when yellow will be mellow ... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen."

These were the final words of the Inaugural Benediction, given by Rev. Joseph Lowery.

Up until this moment the prayer had been really inspiring.. Talk of unifying and strength and helping the leaders with their duties to make this nation great. Helping America heal from the lows that we are experiencing. Talk of oneness and unity and strength and charity and faith. A blessing on The President and his family, a blessing that we can heal as a country. It was actually quite good.

Then he dropped that turkey at the end... Chuckling through it. The crowd chuckling...DURING A PRAYER.

I take prayer very seriously. Prayer is communication between us and God.  Maybe I need to lighten up, but I do not think that prayer should be silly. Or racist.

Maybe he was joking, trying to lighten the mood. But prayer should be a solemn and sincere act of desire and faith...not a nightclub comedy act.

Tell me to lighten up, thats fine. You have your opinion, but to me prayer is a sacred thing.

No matter your religion, creed, faith etc Prayer is an essential part of communicating with God.

and to throw in that last racist verse just really closed it in a negative light for me.

Did I take it wrong?? Perhaps.

But a first impression, once made, can never be taken back.  

And maybe he didnt mean to be racist., but then again maybe he did.

  Of course the media will gloss over it, barely making mention of it, or treating it as a huge joke and "oh wasnt it funny!!"

Had it been at McCains inauguration those old whores on The View would have had a field day with it...for the next 4 years.

This historic moment, the first African-american president, Hope won...marred by one final verse of a prayer. He just had to throw it in, couldnt contain himself. 

In my opinion, Obama needs to be careful who he decides to surround himself with,.

My parents always told me "You are judged by those you chose to surround yourself with".

Amen.