The Election Heard Round the World

I'm deeply interested in listening and watching for two things in these weeks to come.

One is how the U.S. population processes and settles into the implications of yesterday's historic election of an African American president. How will the wounds and polarizing rifts from the rough and tumble campaign process be healed so we can tackle the tough issues before us, which will require sacrifice and hard work? Who will be the leaders in both parties who emphasize common ground rather than digging in the heels on differences?

Secondly, how will the rest of the world respond to this election and the new Obama administration? What differences will this make to collaboration, cooperation, war, peace, and serious global challenges like poverty, climate change, terrorism, human suffering, and disease?

Here are a few hints at how the rest of the world seems to be responding so far:

• Elation, Skepticism As World Reacts To Obama Win (NPR)
• What the World Expects (sixteen BBC Correspondents)
• Global Map of Responses (BBC, interactive map)
• Global Electoral College (Economist.com - how they woulda voted if they coulda)

 "The one who would become great among you would be your servant." - Jesus

I pray that Obama will be a servant leader.