Confessions of a 20 Something: Nobel Peace Promise
October 15, 2009 • By Ana Guthrie
"Hey did you hear? Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize.""Really. That's bananas. But...for what?"
Yeah...we thought the "Is Obama a qualified candidate versus a
wet-behind-the-ears media darling?" debate ceased after his
inauguration.
Nah.
Here we go again.
The chatter surrounding Obama's October 9th Nobel Peace Prize win
has ranged from celebration of this uncanny move to scorn for
"cheapening" the highly prestigious award through an unearned
appointment. Some responded with jubliee and noted that, although the
new kid on the block, Obama has done more for international relations
in a short span than most presidents did in their entire terms.
Others--like Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele--contend that Obama's "star power" is what drove the Nobel Peace Prize clinch.Then, there are folks like former President of Poland Lech Wałęsa, who received the prize in 1983 and said: "So soon? This is too soon. He has not yet made a real input."
Others--like Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele--contend that Obama's "star power" is what drove the Nobel Peace Prize clinch.Then, there are folks like former President of Poland Lech Wałęsa, who received the prize in 1983 and said: "So soon? This is too soon. He has not yet made a real input."
Meanwhile, the Nobel Peace Prize Committee defends its stance by
arguing that Obama deserved it "for his extraordinary efforts to
strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between
peoples." They essentially said, "we see his heart for peace."
Obama accepted the award and noted that "throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievements." He added, "It's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes. And that is why I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations to confront the common challenges of the 21st Century."
Obama accepted the award and noted that "throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievements." He added, "It's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes. And that is why I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations to confront the common challenges of the 21st Century."
I, for one, agree with the Nobel Peace Prize Committee.
Obama is not perfect, but he is just. He is contagiously hopeful and has a passion for reconciliation. I find it strange that there's so much chatter about a man being too young and too new. After all, there are several examples of Biblical heroes who received huge mantels when they were yet "too young" and "too new." Take a look at these three:
Obama is not perfect, but he is just. He is contagiously hopeful and has a passion for reconciliation. I find it strange that there's so much chatter about a man being too young and too new. After all, there are several examples of Biblical heroes who received huge mantels when they were yet "too young" and "too new." Take a look at these three:
David
He was the youngest of Jesse's son. He was a petite, teenage
shepherd boy. Oh yeah, he was also sensitive, artistic and a bit on the
emotional side. David was not your likely royal candidate but he was
chosen for his potential. After all, David had a heart after
God. Despite David's hangups and disqualifications, God
anointed David to replace Saul as King of Israel and equipped him to
be a great warrior and leader.
Gideon
A teen boy from the wrong side of the tracks became a national
leader. Gideon was from anunfavorable clan from the tribe of Manasseh.
He was also prone to nervousness and cowardice. Gideon was unsure of
himself and his God. Talk about not being ready for command! Still,
the Lord saw promise in Gideon and used him as a judge who led Israel
to triumph over the Middianites.
Esther
Born "Haddasah," she was a young orphan girl who was raised by her
older cousin, Mordecai. It's likely that she grew up very poor.
Although far from a queen, God groomed her to be a regal first lady.
When God saw Esther, He recognized possibility. Esther, along
with other young ladies, underwent six months of purifying treatments
followed by six months of beautifying regiments. Against all
odds--including her Jewish nationality--she was chosen as King Xerxes'
wife. Through humble influence, she helped spare the Israelites from
doom.
No doubt, if Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize it's because God allowed it. And, as the president and others have stated, the recognition is a responsibility, not a reward. Critics should allow Obama a chance to warm up to his Oval Office desk chair before picking him apart. You never know, Obama's Nobel Peace Prize may bring the credibility that's necessary to spark harmonious dialogue among torn nations in this broken world.
No doubt, if Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize it's because God allowed it. And, as the president and others have stated, the recognition is a responsibility, not a reward. Critics should allow Obama a chance to warm up to his Oval Office desk chair before picking him apart. You never know, Obama's Nobel Peace Prize may bring the credibility that's necessary to spark harmonious dialogue among torn nations in this broken world.
Ana
Guthrie is a super cool chick with a heart for God and love for youth
culture. She doubles as a not-so-naughty librarian and instructor at
Florida Memorial University in Miami, Florida.
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