Through all the lies, corruption, and barbarism, I didn’t cry. But to watch this simple constitutional ceremony—now suddenly a sacred recommitment to principles of justice, truth, human decency and solidarity--was overwhelming. Like breathing again.

After years when biblical faith was cynically exploited for the sake of power, to foment division, in service of nationalism and white supremacy, to hear instead prophetic faith invoked in the spirit of healing, justice, hope, and compassion, was like rain after a long drought.

There is much work to be done--reckoning, repair, and renewal--but as I listened to the songs, speeches, and the extraordinary poem of Amanda Gorman, on--I felt the beginning of healing in my own heart, and hope for the country and the work that lies ahead.

Perhaps some are so coarsened and calloused by the past 4 yrs that they can’t respond to the opportunity of this moment or tell the difference between fake and real patriotism. But perhaps for others it was a reminder....