Bridge Over Troubled Waters

I had a conference call this morning with a couple of international leaders in their respective professional spaces. One of the gentlemen on the call was an ex-pat who, out of the pure angst he is feeling, felt compelled to tell me how anxious he and his wife have been given what's happening in our society right now. They presently live in the US, but have lived all over the world. We shared our collective concerns, not from a political perspective, but from a person-to-person perspective, both of us so sad to see this nation struggling so much. It was an unusual conversation given the professional context in which the call started. The gentleman asked me: do you think we'll see this generation's MLK? At which point, others on the call joined the conference and our one-on-one conversation was cut short. However, given how our discussion abruptly ended, I didn't want to leave this person's question hanging without further consideration so I felt compelled to send him a follow-up email. Now, more than ever, our society requires that we function with "heart," even in the professional context. I copy that email below and end this post with the same closing sentiments.

I just wanted to follow up after our call this morning. I could hear the concern in your voice, both at a personal and business level, and I share that concern. Notwithstanding all of our professional obligations, it was actually refreshing to hear your own struggle with what’s going on particularly since we don’t really know each other. No part of our lives is untouched by what is happening in this nation. These are unprecedented and deeply troubling times with two different viruses afflicting humanity. You had queried whether we will see this generation’s MLK rise and come to the national forefront. Perhaps we will see one like him. Ordinary people become heroes in times like these. I’m inclined to believe that we will see community leaders become heroes, more local or regional leaders who will step forward and provide the voice of calm, logic, hope and healing that our society needs. We can each be part of the chorus of voices that insist upon change; and we each, in our own way, can be part of the uncomfortable struggle that we must endure in order for change to happen for the betterment of society as a whole. We all have a part to play and I firmly believe that this nation can and will rise to the occasion one day at a time.

Wishing you and yours safekeeping and good health.