This week, our nation once again will perform a ritual which is in many ways unique in the world: the peaceful transfer of power from two widely diverse parties. After a hard fought campaign, during which radically different visions for the future were debated, the results were published, the post-mortems took place and when the dust cleared, America did what she does best. She committed once again to the values and core beliefs that made her great and moved ahead.

Another celebration will take place this week. We will as a nation remember a minister. He was the lightning rod, the voice, the preacher. His speech on the Capitol steps remains one of the most forceful utterances in the history of the English language. "I have a dream," he thundered, "that one day my children will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

Dr. Martin Luther King would be in awe, as another black man�s daughters move into their new house on Pennsylvania Avenue. This week can and should be a clarion call to all that is good in us.

We face daunting circumstances. The world is not a safe place; injustices and evil are rampant. However, bracing against the cold and getting out into the workplace, we will grab our coffees, dig down deep and get at it again. We will do it in a place that is free, a place that holds the possibilities of greatness, a place called America.

I personally am grateful for the faithful stewardship and courageous leadership of President George W. Bush. I will never forget September 11th and all that happened afterwards. He made choices that he knew would cost him dearly. He stayed faithful to his wife and to his calling.

For President Elect Obama, I pray for favor, wisdom and godly counsel. May he and his family remain safe and may his administration succeed in a way that pleases our God.

God Bless America!