First, congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama. This campaign has been long and arduous and he has competed with grace and honor. America has clearly spoken and made their choice.

Regardless of our political views – whether we disagree with Obama’s policy positions or not – now is not the time for further bitter political divisiveness. As Americans, we should come together and celebrate what makes our country great: a successful democracy.

Sen. John McCain reminded us in his speech Tuesday night, “Let there be no reason now for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on earth.”

The ability to vote is one of our prized duties as citizens; to be bitter at the results is to be bitter about a central tenant of American democracy. Win or lose, we are blessed as citizens of a country that pursues life, liberty, and happiness.

As McCain said, “I call on all Americans, as I have often in this campaign, to not despair of our present difficulties, but to believe, always, in the promise and greatness of America.”

Over the past several weeks, Democrat club leader Athena Fleming and I have written articles about why we believe our candidate is the better choice for America. These weeks have been enjoyable for me and hopefully helpful to you. Over the next two months, there will be yet another transition of power in the White House, but we need to remember God’s continual power over all the earth. He exalts and humbles kings. While we may be disappointed in specific results, God’s plan is certain. While we may live on earth, we need to remember that our true allegiance lays with Christ our Lord, not with earthly powers.