From my living room television, I watched a who’s who roster of speakers and performers during the Inauguration celebration weekend.  But of all the breathtaking messages and expressions, I thought Dr. Lowery’s words and delivery was the best!  It was historically contextual, challenging, truthful and witty!  And it was delivered profoundly, linking both classical religious rhetoric with common-man poetry and the ended with the traditional black church call and response of “AMEN.”

FACT: Here are some of quotes and excerpts from the speech:

“Because we know you have the whole world in your hands, we pray for not only our nation but for the community of nations.”

“Lord, you’re able and you’re willing to work through faithful leadership to restore stability, mend our brokenness, heal our wounds and deliver us from the exploitation of the poor, or the least of these, and from favoritism toward the rich, the elite of these.”

“YES WE CAN. . .  work together to form a more perfect union . . ”

“In the complex arena of human relations, help us to make choices on the side of love, not hate, on the side of inclusion, not exclusion, tolerance, not intolerance.”

“And as we leave this mountain top, help us to hold on to the spirit of fellowship and the oneness of our family; let us take that power back to our homes, our workplaces, our churches, our temples, our mosques or wherever we seek your will.”

“We ask you to help us work for that day where black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead man, and the white will embrace what is right.”

“Let all those who will do justice and love mercy, say Amen, and Amen and AMEN.”