The Star Will Always Shine

The inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris brought tears to many. Some rejoiced over this historic inauguration--we finally have the first woman as Vice President of the US! But she is also the child of immigrants, black and Asian! To immigrants,  Vice President Kamala Harris is the testament of America--the land where history is made by our common ideals. We will always defend these ideals as we strive for a better America.

But others saw it as the testament of betrayal--they still find it sinful to call Joe as the 46th President of the United States. Millions cannot come to terms with a woman Vice President, let alone her name, Kamala! But this is what makes America beautiful--we agree to disagree. It is the painful joy of the democratic project.

This democratic project was watched across the globe as the world came to terms with American democracy. The very steps of Capitol Hill and the White House that gave birth to the violence of shame, hatred, and deaths were brightened by flags of hope, joy, and admiration as the light of America spoke again. 

The darkness of the moment is not the extinguisher of the light that we carry in our hearts. But this light is vulnerable and fragile--it can be put off at any moment. The good news is, it is the light of countless stars of Americans. Unlike the sun or the moon, the beauty of stars is in their uniqueness. So it is with us; we may be unique but are surely interconnected. Together we make America beautiful.

The historic inauguration is over, but the COVID pandemic is raging. The vaccines bring smiles to our masked faces; there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

To over 400,000 Americans and their hurting families, sadly, the vaccines came too late. We will surely look back to these days and ask, how did we make it? We did it together, I believe, will be our answer. My conviction is based on our history. Friends, the stars of America will shine again! You - and I mean you - you are the powerful star that darkness cannot kill.

Stars are above the clouds for a reason; clouds can block the stars from shining, but never will they extinguish them. Like the stars, the only power that cannot be defeated is you! Use your power--live your power and let your light shine. Not even COVID-19 will overpower you! Like American democracy, darkness makes stars shine in pride. Go on and Shine, for you are the light of the world!

Please join us for the Annual Meeting this Sunday, January 24, 2021. 

-Rev. Kapya Kaoma