“Is You the One?” January 21, 2009

Many years ago I was told a story of a heroic woman named Sojourner Truth. A black woman, born in 1797 as a slave in upstate New York, originally named Isabella changed the course of history. As I recall the story I find it remarkable on so many levels. Not only was she a slave who eventually found freedom, in later years she was both an abolitionist and a suffragist fighting for women’s rights.

As the story goes God would periodically speak to Isabella. One of the first things She told her was to change her name to Sojourner Truth. She traveling the Underground Railroad to the South leading runaway slaves to freedom. Every time she made another perilous trip she would pick up a new baby, raising it above her head to the heavens and ask, “Is you the one? Is you the one”…to lead us to freedom?

Well, it’s been one hundred twenty-six plus years since Sojourner’s death and in that time many African Americans have asked the question,  Who will lead us to the next chapter in our country’s history? When will we, as African Americans, be totally free in the eyes of this country and its citizens. We have had many, many civil rights, political, religious and spiritual leaders over the last century who helped us traverse the defeats, the challenges, the hatred, the discrimination, and the victories. There were the Martin Luther King’s and the Malcolm X’s, who had great exposure, and were well known for their contributions, but there were even more of the William Huffs who were little know, but made a big impact on many lives throughout the country in their own way. Each taking us a step forward in our quest for eqality.

Less than four years ago a young junior Senator for Illinois made a keynote speech for the Democratic National Convention and we all asked, “Who is this young man, Barack Obama?

Today Barack Obama was sworn in as our 44th president of these United States. He “Is the One” we have been waiting for. The one person who could not only unify the races, but unified a nation. This nation has had a celebration like no other. We have been able to elect a man for the “content of his character rather that the color of his skin…”, as described in Martin Luther King’s historic “I Had a Dream” speech.

This dream was not reached by any one person, but all of us,back to Sojourner Truth. He is the one, but all of us can also be “the one.” There is so much work to be done, by all of us. but at the end of this night we can all take a collective sigh and bast in the knowledge that we have found “the one”.

Namaste’

A Joyful Noise November 6, 2008

Almost 24 hours has passed since Barack Obama won the honor of serving as our 44th president of these United States. A majority of the world is celebrating with the millions of us who supported Obama. The laughter, the hugs and kisses, the singing, the celebrating, the phone calling and texting, and the flow of tears was amazing. The tears were of joy, jubilation disbelief, and relief. Knowing that the blood and sweat of our ancestors was not in vain healed many hearts. I personally believe that all of the souls that helped build this country found release. Their sacrifice was not in vain. In these moments, people of all races, religions and sexual orientation have come together for one united purpose, to change the course of our present and to provide promise for our tomorrows.

After almost two years of campaigning, the real work begins for the President-Elect. My concern is that our expectations may be too unrealistic for any man, regardless of how brilliant he may be. To paraphrase Obama, he is an imperfect man and he will be an imperfect president, but he will always keep us, his country, in the forefront of his mind and his heart. The road ahead is long, with many challenges and pitfalls; however, with OUR help, and OUR prayers, WE can make peace and prosperity a reality for ALL members of our global community.

Let’s enjoy each of these moments between now and January 20th, but let’s decide how WE will contribute toward our future. How do WE teach our children about beating the odds, and never giving up on their dreams? I believe it can best be done by setting examples for our children to follow.

Those in my generation and older “have been to the mountaintop.” The view is breathtaking, but its now time to come back to earth and plant the seeds for our future and cultivate the next generation of leaders to continue the work of John F. and Robert Kennedy, Malcolm X, and Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks and my {s}hero, Oprah Winfrey. I predict that when history has been written, Barack Obama’s name will be added to these, our great American heroes, along with Mother Teresa, Gandhi, and other world leaders.

Now BREATHE, take in the moment, and let’s get started!

Namaste’

D.Day November 4, 2008

Tomorrow is election day. If you haven’t voted already, today is the last opportunity to voice your opinion in this historic race. This has been a very long, emotionally charged presidential race. Regardless of who you support, I hope you will join me in praying for the best candidate to lead this country back to a position of respect, compassion, service, leadership and peace.

Neither candidate will be able to change the course of our country on a dime, but with steady leadership we can begin to see some much needed change. This change will require each of us to do our part. I challenge all of us to find a way to serve in our neighborhoods, our cities, our country, our planet. Only you can define how that service will look, but it is something that is not only doable, but necessary. It takes a village to raise a child and to save a planet.

When the election is over the real work begins. Peace be to all.

Namaste’

What Time Will You Take For Change? October 21, 2008

The ending of this historic election is FINALLY in sight. The race is too close to call, yet Barack Obama has the advantage, one that I hope and pray will increase in the next two weeks.

My involvement in Obama’s election is small. I’ve made some calls and made a financial contribution. Although in the scheme of things my input is pitifully small, but when you add my “little bit” with millions of others’ “little bit” we end up with a lot. At last count, Obama raised over $150 million in September alone. There are over 3.1 million donors, and the average donation was about $86 per person. Who said a little doesn’t matter. I believe that one of McCain’s errors (he has many, but one at a time!) was he underestimated what the poor and middle class could do for Obama. He didn’t need the money of the lobbyists, he just needed us, making a difference. The top donors are students and seniors. I’m now closer to a senior than an student, and I salute the diversity of involvement in this movement. My heart swells with love, pride, humility and gratitude. What a historic time we live in!

When I made some calls for the campaign, and added them with the other commited volunteers calling, walking, canvasing, driving, we are making a difference. Each one of us has experienced wonderful opportunities in making a difference in our communities.

Regardless of the outcome of the election, the same needs will still exist in our world, and the solutions remain with us. I challenge all those that contributed with fiances and/or time, continue with the idea of change by giving of ourselves. Only you know what your capacity for service is, but know that anything is better than nothing.

Together, lets make changes that will take us well into the next century. It’s for our children and grandchildren, and NOW isn’t too soon to begin.

Namaste

The Peaceful Warrior September 1, 2008

The Democratic Convention is now history. If you are old enough to remember the 1960s, the war in Viet Nam, civil rights demonstrations and Martin Luther King’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech, like I did, then you too were moved by this new chapter in our country’s history. Seeing Barack Obama, an African American, accept his party’s nomination as president of the U.S. was an incredible moment.

If you are too young, hopefully you have had enough exposure to our country’s history to know REGARDLESS of your political affiliation, that we were all witnesses to history. I, like many other African Americans shed tears for hope, dreams deferred, and promises of a brighter tomorrow. All those that went before us, to make changes in this county, did not do so in vain.

As a Lightworker, (One who feels called to help Earth and her inhabitants by way of using spiritual energy.) I feel compelled to assist the planet by using my spiritual power, and as a citizen of the world I also feel compelled to speak up for any injustices I see.

For some, a Lightworker should take a neutral stand in the political arena and ”hold the light” on any particular issue. I do hold the light on all that makes up our world by sending peace, compassion and hope out, but I feel I must also be a voice for those who do not have one. Some of us must speak up, I believe it is a duty for all citizens of the world.

With that in mind,  I will continue to write about topics in the news, hopefully with a slant on finding common ground so that we all have a chance to experience that which makes America great.

As Barack Obama said in his acceptance speech, we may disagree on the solutions for America’s issues that so many of us face, but we can find common ground where ”…the promise of a democracy where we can find the strength and grace to bridge divides and unite in common effort.”

This too is my prayer, that we can find the common ground where all of America’s citizens may live lives of peace, prosperity, compassion, hope, courage and freedom.

Namaste’

Around The World in Eight Days July 25, 2008

As we reach the end of Barack Obama’s seven countries in eight days I have been wondering what the world thinks of him. Outside looking in, I believe the trip was a success.

If nothing else, he has been showing through his actions that there is still room in our world for dialogue. I can’t for the life of me understand why this “war” we’re in has to be a ‘win or lose’ proposition. Especially when we were the ones that performed an act of war by invading Iraq. How much more do we have to lose before we win? How many more young men and women have to lose their lives or come back with major wounds and major emotional scaring? McCain says we must be victorious. Isn’t finding common ground between us a victory? Isn’t saving more of our brave soldiers lives a victory? Isn’t regaining the world’s respect a victory?

Obama’s last stop was in Germany with well over 200,000 people cheering him on. They, like the rest of us are ready for a change. The definition of insanity is to continue doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. The time of the ‘John Wayne’ school of diplomacy is over. Shoot now, shoot again, and ask questions later. What we have been doing (which is being the world’s bully in my opinion) hasn’t worked. How about trying something different like sitting down and talking. Wow, what a concept!

Obama, nor anyone else, can change the world or the world view of Americans in a year or two, but if we begin treating others with respect, maybe, just maybe we will gain more respect. If we can agree on the small things, mabe in time we can begin to agree on the big things.

For the record I agree with the General’s comment (I apologize for not remembering his name) that said, and I’m paraphrasing, just being a prisoner of war is not enough to make you a good president. Not to take away from McCain’s service and sacrifice for his country, however that was his choice, and most Americans want the war to stop and begin to take care of our people and our country. We are building up the infrastructure in Iraq as our infrastructure in the US is falling in on us. (Can we say levy’s in New Orleans for example?) McCain is ‘old school’ and Obama is a ‘new school’ picture of a promising tomorrow.

One of the biggest advantages Obama has over McCain (and one that he and his party can’t see) is that Obama is a man of color. Hello, more people in this country and around the world are people of color. What a concept to have someone that looks more like me in the White House making decisions for me.

I challenge all of us to decide what is important to us and vote. You have a voice, use it. It will be a while before we know to what extent Obama’s trip will impact his bid for the White House, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that it can only help.

We as Lightworkers, as citizens of the world, see life from the vantage point of the ‘Big Picture’. The ‘Big Picture’ being we as spiritual being having a human experience have the duty, the obligation to lead the way to an enlightened society. I envision this society has having good healthcare, prosperity, food, education, peace and unity for each and every citizen on this global community. What a concept!

Namaste’