As I sat warm and comfortable at the dining room table before a convenient television, I was overwhelmed of the occasion of the inauguration of Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger as the Commonwealth’s 75th and first female governor. The theme of the Inauguration of the 75th Governor of Virginia, “United for Virginia’s Future,” reflects the collective pride and common goals that will move the Commonwealth forward. The theme also expresses Governor-elect Spanberger’s commitment to serving as a thoughtful, pragmatic leader for all Virginians who brings their voices to the decision-making table and always puts Virginia first. On Saturday, Jan. 17, Spanberger was sworn in as the 75th governor of Virginia, along with Lieutenant Governor-elect Ghazala Hashmi and Attorney General-elect Jay Jones.
All media commentator had one them in common; never in the history of Virginia has there been witnessed such excitement, spirit and hope across every cultural, racial, age and socioeconomic divide. There appeared to be a release of centuries of pent-up innate emotions of love and unity awaiting the right time and circumstance for expression.
“The world in the past had been ruled by force and man has dominated over woman (and others) by reason of his more forceful and aggressive qualities both of body and mine,” state the Baha’i Holy Writings. But the balance is already shifting; force is losing its dominance and mental alertness, intuition and spiritual qualities of love and service, where woman is strong, are gaining ascendancy.
In various interviews before and after the inauguration, we hear much anticipation about what the new governmental team is expected to do for us. We must consider that the present abysmal state of Virginia inherited by our new government leaders did not materialize over night or under any particular administrative watch and no “quick fix’ can be expected. It is up to each of us to engage in the change of attitudes and actions required to more equitably shift the balance already in progress.
“As the black pupil gives sight to the eye, so shall the Black people give religious sight to the world,” state the Baha’i Holy writings.
Investigate!
