Tino W Smith

The Reproach is Lifted: Barack Obama Presidency Tino W Smith

Publisher Marketing: Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States of America. Alongside the many thousands of spectators and with tears flowing down my cheeks, I asked God, "What does this all mean?" The Bible instructs us that "with all thy getting, get an understanding." I needed to know. I have always felt that when something historical takes place --as in this election-- then something must also occur in the spiritual. My brother Hugh, while the Holy Spirit was speaking through him began to share with me that "the reproach has been lifted from the African American people." I knew at that moment that my way of contributing to the healing that President-elect Obama mentioned in his victory speech in Chicago was to write the inspiring book "The Reproach is Lifted." Obama stated, "This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice. So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other." I told my mother when I phoned her from the plane that on this day "I've been born again."