This morning I was honored to offer the benediction at the North Carolina Great Seal Ceremony where Governor Josh Stein was sworn in as our 76th North Carolina Governor.

At the dawn of a new year, we welcome the dawn of our 76^th NC Governor, Josh Stein.  From our diversity of backgrounds and faiths, we come together as one to celebrate this historic moment. 

 The sages of Judaism loved to debate. They ask themselves, “What is the most important moment in history?”  

Was it the parting of the sea that led to liberation?  Was it the receiving of revelation – the texts of wisdom transmitted from one generation to the next?  “No,” the sages conclude, “The most important moment in history is right here, right now.” 

Holy one of blessing, source of all life, as we stand in this historic building to take part in this historic rite of passage marking the peaceful transfer of power from one North Carolina Governor to the next, we offer an ancient prayer of gratitude, for Governor Cooper who has just departed this office and for Governor Stein who has just entered, and for all of us who are witness to and part of this sacred ritual. Blessed are you, O God, the source of all, who has given us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this moment.  

On the seal that Governor Stein now holds are symbols representing our state, which we pray will continue to be manifest. 

• Liberty – may we know freedom 

• Wheat and a cornucopia  – may our harvest be abundant 

• A three masted ship – may our commerce thrive and may the travelers who pass through our land both leave enriched and leave our state stronger because they were here. 

•  Mountain and sea – may the natural beauty of our state from the Appalachian mountains to the Eastern beaches to the Piedmont in between be blessed and continue to inspire awe. 

Our State motto on the Great Seal is “to be rather than to seem.”  

Governor Stein, may you be blessed with the ability to actualize your vision, to be that authentic leader, of the people, who leads us to a better place. 

Governor Stein, as you grasp hold of the NC Seal of leadership, literally and metaphorically, we pray:  May God bless you with a mind of wisdom to govern well. May God bless you with a heart of compassion for every soul who resides in our state. May God bless you with a voice of strength, that can speak compellingly to advocate well for what is right and just for all.   May God bless you and your family with health and with joy and with many sacred times of celebration amidst your monumental role of responsibility.  

The scholars of Judaism taught long ago: “A community is too heavy to carry alone,” 

Governor Josh Stein, we pray that all of us here today will be worthy partners to support you. And we pray that you will be blessed with abundant partners who work together to fulfill our collective dreams for our state’s success. 

The Psalmist once said, “Zeh hayom asah Adonai nagilah v’nismecha vo. This is day that God has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

This is a day that God has made and in which we shall rejoice, knowing that tomorrow, we all have a lot of work to do…  to support the fallen, to lift up the needy, to rebuild what has been broken, and to make North Carolina the best it can be for us and for all.  Amen. 

 Click here to view the NC Great Seal Ceremony