07/08/2016
Many of you have heard the news of the many deaths, in the US and abroad, this week alone. And we know they are part of larger trends that are diminishing our humanity and robbing us of one another. They are a source of grief and pain and an expression of deep discord, mistrust, and long-term abuse. They are the symptoms of deep disease, and the disease as a whole, not the symptoms, must be our focus.
You my fellow leaders, those seeking live a meaningful purposeful life must step into leadership around these issues. I want to leave you with some questions as you consider your response to all these events:
How can I love and show compassion to those farthest from me on this debate?
What are the motives of my actions/messages? Who do they respect and protect?
Who has been shown love by my messages and actions? Who hasn't?
What is my part in all of this?
Who do I want to be? How can I best express that?
How can I honor the inherent dignity and worth of each and every human being in my actions and words?
What is really needed? (note, not what would be easy, or what would feel good to me)
What am I avoiding?
Where do I need to not speak, so the long silenced voices can be heard?
These questions are relevant to white and black, republican and democratic, to all. If you stop and take a look inward and really examine who you are and where you are coming from, you may dramatically change your approach or stance, or find courage to finally step up, or courage to learn, or let yourself grieve and care. For those who are currently living in fear, I hope these questions being you to a place of radical self care, if nothing else. What would happen if we were all in touch with the answers to these questions?