How To Change “The Way Things Are”

Several months ago I sat down to write, moved by the injustice and chaos I was seeing all around me. 2020 seems to be the year for that — chaos, I mean. 

In an effort to be "slow to speak, slow to anger, and quick to listen," I postponed sharing what I wrote to make sure I still believed it and wanted others to read it.

What I wrote was a vision — a vision of a better future. In order to adjust the present trajectory, we must have something we’re aiming at. Simply being upset at "the way things are" changes nothing, except for your blood pressure. Emotional responses lead to action, but those actions may not be the best way forward. What we need are people willing to pause, reflect, and repaint the future — and it starts with vision.

A Vision for the Future

I see a world where people are not judged by their political opinions or ethnicities, but by the dignity of their humanity.

I see a world where people are not guilty until proven innocent but are innocent until proven guilty.

I see a community that does not gawk at a man because he is black, but admires him for his strength and character.

I see communities and neighborhoods that are lifted out of poverty by the generosity and care of our brothers and sisters.

I see cities that do not wait for policies that legislate doing "right," but instead step forth in courage to do what is right in spite of policy. 

I see a world where doing what is honorable is more important than doing what is profitable.

I see a world where whether you're white, black, brown, or any color in between, you have the exact same status and opportunity as everyone else. 

I see systems of racism and injustice being torn down by caring, loving, and kind individuals who come together to form systems of support.

I see leaders of ALL ages doing everything in their power to serve and lead well for the betterment of all people. 

I see our elder leaders instructing and guiding our younger leaders to harness their energy, creativity, and passion for the arduous road ahead of correcting injustice.

I see our young leaders pursuing elder leaders for wisdom and insight to know how best to be helpful instead of harmful; how to build bridges of trust instead of abetting vessels of violence; to know when to speak and when to listen.

I see our society and systems being properly held accountable by the people.

I see police being rewarded, not for how many tickets or arrests they make, but for how many people they serve and help.

I see a world where white people choose to trust black people, and black people choose to trust white people - simply because we're people.

This is my vision and I'd love to know yours. I will work hard at seeing this vision come to fruition. I have more questions than answers, but I have something I'm aiming at. This is not a perfect picture. It has holes and missing pieces, but it’s something I can move towards (and clarity comes with movement).

Love Over Fear

Do not let fear cloud your vision. Fear will almost always lead you down the wrong path. Choose love, it dismantles fear.

And while you're choosing love, choose joy as well. It does the body good.