The First 100 Days: I Will Not Be Afraid
Photo of Franklin D. Roosevelt, public domain via Wikimedia Commons; Photo of Mariann E. Budde by NASA/Paul Alers via Wikimedia Commons
President Franklin D. Roosevelt (left); The Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, bishop of Washington D.C. (right)
President Franklin D. Roosevelt is credited with initiating the concept of The First 100 Days during his radio address to the nation on July 24, 1933, as he announced the New Deal (“The First 100 Days: Franklin Roosevelt Pioneered the 100-Day Concept,” U.S. News & World Report, 2009-02-12).
Roosevelt took office during the Great Depression. He began his inaugural address on March 4, 1933, with the recognition that the nation was suffering and with the bold promise to the nation that he would act to improve conditions quickly. Roosevelt used the government to restore confidence in America.
Well, from where I sit, most of America is experiencing the opposite right now. From Day 1 of the second Trump administration, the nation has been bombarded with executive orders that are creating havoc and fear, and promoting injustice. There is a lesson we can take from these words of Roosevelt:
“This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself – nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”
I am grateful that on Day 2 of the Trump presidency there was a grace-filled display of courage as Bishop Mariann Budde, practicing what she preaches, spoke truth to power and challenged the president “to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”
I was so inspired by her sermon that I went online to learn more about her. I purchased her most recent book, “How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith.” The bishop shares the story of many moments in her life that prepared her to do things beyond her imagination. She notes that humans have the capacity “to envision possibilities beyond our sight and move toward them.” In acknowledging her desire to be a leader with the ability to make a real difference in people’s lives and the direction of the country, she recognized the need for daily intentionality over long periods of time (page 51). She says only when brave individuals persevere does society change.
There will be a need for vigilance and a willingness to act courageously as the actions of this administration for 100 days and beyond threaten to destroy the fabric of our democracy. In keeping with my word for the year, “intentionality,” I will pray and work and speak out for justice every time I find or make an opportunity. I will not be afraid.