CHANGE
GREATNESS
February 5, 2021
VOTE
February 5, 2021
The song by Sam Cooke (singer, songwriter, producer, music publisher), A Change Gonna Come, has been ringing in my ears for about a month now. I watched a documentary called “The Two Killings of Sam Cooke” on Netflix. It captures and expresses his soulful voice through his music and projects his passion for justice possibly laying the path to his death in 1964 at the age of 33.
While progress has been made, there is much to be done to sustainably shift the mindsets in this country and around the world for justice – racial, economic, health, education, or otherwise. Life teaches us that we cannot go back. We learn. We make course corrections. We move forward. And too, we learn from history that power, control, and money can be intoxicating aphrodisiacs. As such, humanitarianism can find itself wanting.
It is for this reason that we must remain focused and determined to affect change with our voices and our actions. It matters. If you believe in the power and persistence of voices and actions to make a difference, know that you matter. Each and every one of us matters. And while our actions may not always be popular, doing what is right by and for the people is.
Matthew 25:45 45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ Change requires courage, commitment, and confidence. It’s not often the easiest path to take for there will most often be those who hold onto a self-interest, blinded by the opportunity that he/she will be greatly rewarded for the long view over the mirage of the near-term gain.
Backbone, guts, grit, fortitude, spine are other adjectives that come to mind. Know that you have these characteristics whether you have faltered, fell short, or been denied access to what you believe you deserved. How do I know? You are still here. It’s a new moment.
Dust off, rub off, clean off all that seemingly stands clouding or blocking your way. You are better than anything that has knocked you down or caused you to stumble. Know that it only came to visit to make you stronger, to build you up, or to help you see clearer the possibilities in front of you. Think about those you admire, those who overcame, or those who believed there was no way. What kept them going? Believing. Knowing.
Doing – embracing “Good Trouble”.
What do you believe, truly believe?
What can you visualize or see with conviction?
What are you doing to affect the change you want to see in your world, the world, our world?
In the words of John Lewis, former United States Representative, what “good trouble” are you willing, able, and committed to make?
And in the final words of the song, “Man in the Mirror”, by Michael Jackson, Make That Change.
Much Love,
Sherrie
Vote or Support the Vote for Georgia U. S. Senate Seats:
https://electjon.com/ and https://warnockforgeorgia.com/
We must continue to fight for our democracy!
Reflection:
It’s been a year filled with stressors and silver-linings. We have had the opportunity to build and strengthen muscles we will require in the days, weeks, months and years to come.
I tend to focus on the silver-linings, what have I learned, what has made me better. That does not mean I don’t stress on occasion. I do. My visits are simply shorter as I grow and learn.
As Forrest Gump said, “… life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” So, for the girl from New Orleans, Louisiana, who was taught by her grandmother that she could be anything she wanted, I say to you during this most different holiday season, live your best life every day, and until your last day hold your head high knowing you did your best.
