I don't know what happened, but the accompanying music never began as Carrie Underwood stood to sing the hymn "America the Beautiful" at the inauguration ceremony.
Did you catch it?
At that moment, Carrie invited the audience to join her in singing a capella. What could have been an awkward silence transformed into a beautiful act of unity. It was a profound reminder that America's true majesty lies not just in its awe-inspiring landscapes but in its people—joined together in purpose, hope, and a vision for a brighter tomorrow.
Living with purpose means being intentional about serving others. It's in offering a kind word, volunteering at a local organization, or simply being present for someone who feels alone. These acts may seem small, but they carry the power to transform lives and reveal the best of who we are. Through service and compassion, we embody the essence of unity and inspire hope in the world around us.
The collective response of that audience echoed the hymn's timeless message: a nation finds its strength not in division but in community—overcoming challenges with grace, solidarity, and perseverance. On this MLK Day, we are reminded to recommit ourselves to these values. Dr. King's dream of unity, equity, and justice calls us to a higher standard of faith in action.
As people of God, we pray for our leaders and nation, trusting God is our steadfast foundation. Now more than ever, the world needs to see the light of Christ reflected in our lives. Let us be beacons of peace, compassion, and truth, demonstrating His love in every interaction.
On this special day, let's honor Dr. King's legacy by embodying the values of faith, unity, and love. May our lives shine as a testament to the hope and promise of a brighter future—one built on the firm foundation of Christ and strengthened by our collective commitment to serving one another.
Pastor Jamey
Great comments. I love the Carrie story. Says a lot about her.