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Jan 21, 2009 9:37 pm US/Central
T.D. Jakes Shares His Inauguration Experience
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
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President Barack Obama takes the oath as the 44th President of the United States at the inauguration ceremonies on Jan. 20, 2009.
CBS
When it comes to getting advice, President Barack Obama is following the same path as the two men who came before him.
He's leaning on Bishop T. D. Jakes of the Potter's House in Dallas.
The bishop returned from Washington Wednesday afternoon.
"It was an amazing experience," Jakes said. He summed up the entire day in one word, "Unity."
"Republicans and Democrats, young and old were coming together in a sense that was mind boggling."
Inauguration day started with church service at Washington, D.C.'s St. John's Episcopal Church.
At the request of President Obama, Bishop Jakes delivered the sermon.
"It was very much a worship service, filled with music from the Episcopal choir, which did a phenomenal job of some Negro spirituals," said Jakes. "Yolanda Adams sang. I ministered and did a sermon that day. It was incredible."
Jakes preached of hope, healing, future unity and progress.
While he was just feet away from the president at the inauguration, he also attended the Obama Home States Ball.
In addition, Jakes was called upon by former President Bush on Inauguration Day. Jakes said they met and talked at length.
"He seemed looking forward to and going back to being a normal citizen," he said. "He seemed anxious to be around his friends and family and seemed to really enjoy the inaugural service and to wish our new president well."
Bishop Jakes has long-maintained a close relationship with our 43rd president, a relationship also shared with the 42nd.
"I was there with him at various moments of challenge in his life and during his career."
Jakes says the presidential/pastoral tradition continues with number 44.
"I met him when he was a senator, been through several meetings and had prayer with him on the phone at the death of his grandmother," said Jakes. "And I will continue to be available and serve in any way I can."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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