Reflections of Speaking in DC during the Inauguration—Part 4

And what did happen next was one of the greatest honors of my life to date:

A lady came up to me and gave me a big hug, thanked me for my words and life’s experiences, and said she felt very challenged and yet encouraged that things can change in this culture war. As it turns out she then revealed to me that she was a representative from the Smithsonian Institution Museum in Washington DC! She then expanded and told me that my sermon touched her heart, and wanted to place and archive a copy of my speech in the museum.

Wow! Ok, an archived copy of my sermon in the Smithsonian? That sounds just fine with me!!!

So we talked a little more and she pulled out an official Smithsonian release sheet, which I signed. She then told me that she would be in touch with me soon to give me the full details of it’s placement in the museum. And here we are today—my sermon: Homophobia and Bridging from within the Evangelical Church will be placed in the Smithsonian! As soon as I’m given more info of when it will be in there and where it will be placed, I’ll be sure to let you all know.

I’m so humbled and truly blown away by all of these things in how the Lord has been blessing our bridge building vision (which is His vision). Look at what He’s doing, and we’re all in this thing together!

And then the rest of my night, and my trip to DC were over. I went back to my room (after hanging out with Rick Ufford-Chase—the former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church—and his lovely family), and I contently passed out.

The next morning, Inauguration morning, I took my time and headed to Reagan National Airport once again to catch my 12:45pm flight. As if in another parallel universe, I felt like I was in a ghost town from the moment I stepped into the cab until the moment I walked onto that plane. There were no cars or people on the streets, nobody in the airport (in fact, from my first step into the airport to boarding my plane, I counted a grand total of 53 people!), and I didn’t wonder where any of them were. All I had to do was peer at any TV screen—which were all tuned to CNN—to see for myself how an entire city, nation and world had gathered live in Washington DC (whether physically or virtually) to celebrate the Inauguration of a man many thought would never have a chance.

And for the rest of my life I can say that for just a little bit, I got to be there, experience, and participate in some small way in history. What a trip!

On my flight out the pilot took us right over the Capitol Building as the Inauguration was still commencing. Below is the picture I took from my seat.


History has been made, and now let’s see were the future will take us.

Much love.
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