Election Reflections from Abroad

I think as Americans we take for granted just how much influence our nation has in the world. Sure, we brag about how great our country is, boast of its economic strength and its military might. But do we truly understand just how much influence we wield? Here’s a question: Can you name one African head of state? Probably not. I’m doing good to know Niger’s, and I live here. But two weeks ago, every shop I went into I was asked whom I wanted to win the election, Obama or McCain. I talked about economic policy with the guards and about foreign policy with the locksmith (who made a copy of my key by hand in less than a minute, by the way). Each person had an opinion on the direction America should go. Let me just reiterate that. In the remote regions of the world’s poorest country, everyone knew about America’s election, and everyone anxiously awaited the results.

Here is another question we will all answer someday: Where were you when you found out the first African-American President of the United States was elected? I guess technically, I was in America, or at least on American soil. I watched the results early Wednesday morning at the home of the American Ambassador. I gathered around the television with Nigerien diplomats, NGO workers and Peace Corp volunteers to watch as more and more states turned blue. When it became apparent who the winner would be, every African present was so excited they began to eagerly congratulate any America they could find. From the American Ambassador down to the shabbily dressed 20-something missionary, they shook our hands and expressed their gratitude for choosing a black president. My French teacher, a Cameroonais man, called and excitedly congratulated me, telling me I should celebrate with a round of cold Cokes. Everywhere I went that day people were excited to see an American to whom they could give their thanks and best wishes.

So with the excitement of the election gone and past, what happens next? I can tell you this much, the eyes of the world will not start to wander. They will not tire with America and look toward the next big world event. No, I think the world audience is leaning forward in their seat, as if it were at a film that just started to get interesting. The whole world is holding their breath, and on that bated breath is a prayer. Republicans may be praying that Obama’s political agenda would either be blocked or, at least, not be too radical. Democrats may be praying that he have favor as he submits his plans to congress and issues executive orders. I can guarantee the rest of the world is praying, too. They are praying that this new leader will wield America’s sword of influence with care. You and I should join in the prayers.

So right now Father, I pray for Barack Obama. I pray, God, that you will bless America’s new leader. I ask that you give him wisdom and humility as he prepares to lead a large and mighty nation. May your love be his standard and your truth his aim. Under his guidance let America learn to love her neighbors as herself, rather than elevate her to a global pedestal. Surround him with counselors that honestly pursue truth, not their own profit. I pray that you would guard his ears from the tickling tongues of selfish politicians and corrupt bureaucrats. May he only lend his ear to sound advice and wise counsel. Fill his cabinet with modern day Joshuas, Samuels, Josephs, and Daniels. But, may you, Father, be his greatest counselor. Guard his steps against those who wish to make him stumble. May he and his family continue to be upright and above reproach. May those who wish to trap him fall into their own snares. I pray that America would flourish under his watch, and that America would in turn be a blessing to rest of the world. I ask all these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.