Yes, this was very cultural. But, that does not mean it is alien to others that do not participate in the culture regularly. He was magnificent. The words by the elders standing behind him after the celebratory mass, was that they were concerned with the pause. They believed he was either overwhelmed by emotion and could not speak or he was lost in his papers.
The statements of Amazing Grace he stated at least twice and then paused, both the first syllable and his voice tone was an invitation to share the moment with understanding of the depth of the reality of grace. He wanted to emphasize the clear understanding God had granted grace to the country to bring about deeply needed change and welcome to that change.
It would be an injustice to the people of the country to simply state, this is blackness the president feels comfortable with. Granted, but, I can remember when he was within his blackness and without fear other than this moment. If is a mistake and a bit arrogant to simply state this is a cultural moment. It is more than that. It was patient invitation to find the same grace the church members were experiencing. That is my understanding and yes it was a pleasant surprise to realize how talented he was with an interesting introduction to the invitation. A talent beyond singing, but, grace itself.
The statements of Amazing Grace he stated at least twice and then paused, both the first syllable and his voice tone was an invitation to share the moment with understanding of the depth of the reality of grace. He wanted to emphasize the clear understanding God had granted grace to the country to bring about deeply needed change and welcome to that change.
It would be an injustice to the people of the country to simply state, this is blackness the president feels comfortable with. Granted, but, I can remember when he was within his blackness and without fear other than this moment. If is a mistake and a bit arrogant to simply state this is a cultural moment. It is more than that. It was patient invitation to find the same grace the church members were experiencing. That is my understanding and yes it was a pleasant surprise to realize how talented he was with an interesting introduction to the invitation. A talent beyond singing, but, grace itself.
