Teaching the Children: Inauguration Day
For the second time in United States history, a President will serve for two non-consecutive terms. It is only the third time Inauguration Day and MLK Day coincide (the second inaugurations of presidents Bill Clinton in 1997 and Barack Obama in 2013 being the other two occasions).
Homeschooling allows me to learn with my children. Sometimes, that means refreshing my knowledge, while other times it means gaining new information. When my son expressed interest in government and politics this school year, I had to up my game to keep up with him. He asks deep and insightful questions, makes keen observations, and expresses himself well. His closest friends are between 38-86 years old.
In preparation for the day’s events, I looked up the history of Inauguration Day and associated traditions. One of the richest parts of the ceremony is the President’s speech. From past Inauguration Days, we have gems like “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” from JFK in 1961 and “Much has been given us, and much will rightfully be expected from us. We have duties to others and duties to ourselves, and we can shirk neither.” from Teddy Roosevelt in 1905. Even FDR’s “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself” came from an Inaugural Address in 1933.
In his 1985 Inaugural Address, Ronald Reagan said, “[The American sound] is hopeful, big-hearted, idealistic, daring, decent, and fair. That’s our heritage, that’s our song. We sing it still.” In 2001, George W. Bush echoed this idea saying, “Americans are generous and strong and decent, not because we believe in ourselves but because we hold beliefs beyond ourselves.”
From the opening of the ceremony with the Battle Hymn of the Republic to an impromptu a capella singing of America the Beautiful, to a benediction tribute to MLK, I felt every bit of those American ideals past presidents highlighted. When President Trump spoke, he reminded us of the American dream. He has enormous goals for the next four years but focused much of his speech on the identity of America. “Americans are explorers, builders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and pioneers. The spirit of the frontier is written into our hearts. The call of the next great adventure resounds from within our souls.” To naysayers or opposition, he said, “In America, the impossible is what we do best.”
No matter what your political persuasion, the office of the President commands a certain amount of respect. Liking the person in office is not a prerequisite to being a “good American” or even a good person. In both Romans 13:1 and 1 Peter 2:13, the Apostles Paul and Peter encourage readers to submit to governing authorities. God places people in positions of authority, nothing happens without His knowledge. He can (and does) work everything together for His purpose, whether we can see it or not, and sometimes even despite our interference.
As I teach my children, I also pray with gratitude that no matter who is President, God is still Sovereign and Jesus is still King. I pray in every circumstance that I prepare my children to follow His will in all situations, for such a time as this.