The audacity of hope (1)

I was very moved by the way President Barack Obama, in his inaugural address, spoke about the many problems - including loss of jobs, division and economic depression - affecting the US and the rest of the world.

It must be very difficult for him to take over the US Presidency in these hard times, but what struck me most of all is that he reflected and radiated courage and hope, wisdom and humility.

In the face of all these hardships and trials he knew just what to say to uplift the nation and that together "we can do it" and they shall, by God's grace.

That is, if they pull the same rope and support each other and not take advantage of the poor, homeless and jobless but be hands-on at all times and give and be sensitive to those less fortunate.

Mr Obama's speech is an eye-opener for us Maltese too, since by nature we tend to complain and criticise the good that others try to do and try to discredit the positive proposals and decisions that our government is taking during these challenging times. Our country has not suffered as badly as the rest of the world but everyone feels the crunch and financial slump.

If we all pool together with a will and determination to support in love and humility, we too can help by acknowledging what is happening and by encouraging one another.

This will help us get through the stormy weather, because these hard times will not last for long and soon things will improve and flourish again. We should all chin up and think positively at all times.