Take the steps

Fear holds us captive

We have an obligation to make our world a better place, developing better circumstances for humanity. We must stop looking for heroes/heroines and leaders to do the work for us literally requiring them to grab us by hand dragging us while showing the way. We have had a ton of heroes/heroines and leaders blaze trails, shine lights, paint visions, and espouse clear dreams for us to aspire towards. Yet, we wait. Waiting upon what? The sacrifices have already been made.

It is time my friend to be about that work. We’ve been stubborn, stiff neck and rebellious, standing upon shorelines of change, refusing to take one step forward and embrace the whirlwind of change. Indecisive, looking for someone to strike a staff of truth opening pathways through seas of lies, falsehoods and deceptions. Reality, educating ourselves through critical thinking, research, inspecting mission statements, plans, and calls to arise to the occasions are all vested. There are no more martyrs. The time is now, for each one of us to do our part to make sorely needed changes as individuals, collectively, and as a Nation, to advance to advance the mission for authentic and inclusive democracy.

Our current sojourn calls to mind the story of Preacher Man. Preacher Man claimed faithful service to the cause, always advocating the power of inner connection to divine spirituality had how it manifested in the work in our world. As with all great claims of “faith”; we shall be tested. Same is true for our commitment to liberate our hearts and minds from ignorance, hatred, racism, and oppression.

Preacher Man.

A terrible storm with flood waters was forecast to directly impact the town Preacher Man lived in. Authorities went about the business of notifying residents on preparedness measures for evacuation. When Authorities arrived at Preacher Man’s home to make sure he was notified, as well as taking steps in preparation for evacuation. Preacher Man pronounced in an exalted tone, “My God will protect and delivery Me”. The authorities looked at one another knowing that they wouldn’t be able to sway Preacher Man in his stance.

As the storm began to materialize, dark clouds, high winds and hard rains battered the small town. Authorities traversed town in an Off-Road vehicle checking homes to ensure everyone had evacuated. To no surprise of the Authorities Preacher Man stood on the front porch of his home. Authorities waved him over. Again, Preacher Man announced, “My God will protect and delivery Me”.

Waters started to rapidly flood the town, filling all streets and roads. Authorities came through in a boat checking the community for people who were trapped, to evacuate. Yet again, they went by Preacher Man’s home hoping to reason with him on necessity to leave. Once more, Preacher Man announced, “My God will protect and delivery Me”.

The storm escalated. Authorities came through the community one last time in a helicopter in an effort to save Preacher Man. The flood waters had engulfed the entire town. Authorities saw Preacher Man stranded upon the roof of his home. The Authorities flew overhead, using a megaphone calling down to Preacher Man imploring him to depart with them. Preacher Man stood up bracing himself against the chimney, looking up fighting high winds. Preacher Man, began to say, “My God will protect and….’ But was cut short by a torrential wave that arched high over Preacher Man’s home sweeping him away. The Authorities heads fell low, realizing in these weather conditions they had no chance of finding Preacher Man.

A few eternal moments later, Preacher Man found himself in an intensely bright lit space waiting in line. Preacher Man was highly agitated and anxious. Preacher Man saw a being that seemed to be overseeing the flow of the line and directing people to chambers at the head of it. Preacher Man stopped the being and started to introduce himself. The Being that seemed to radiate light as it spoke said we know who you are Preacher Man. Preacher Man said I need to get to the head of the line; I have been a faithful servant and I am really perplexed why I am here.

The Being’s energy seemed to nod along in a reassuring way. Then it said of course Preacher Man, we’ll get you in immediately. The Being escorted Preacher Man into a very large chamber. Preacher Man paced back and forth. Then suddenly the chamber seemed to fill with light, darkness and energy that flowed throughout with an intensity point at its center. Preacher Man heard his name echo through the chamber. Preacher Man stood erect shoulders back and began to express his frustration. Preacher Man accounted all the years of faithful service to mission and cause through advocacy. The Voice responded with energy that seem to flow through the entire room all at once. “Yes, Preacher Man, all true”.

Preacher Man went on. Then I just don’t understand it. Why when this storm came, why didn’t you “Protect and delivery Me”? There was a long-extended silence, the energy in the room seem to ebb and flow, ebb and flow, intensely bright and dark at the same time. Then as if all at once from all points at once, the Voice pronounced, Preacher Man, who do you think sent the Authorities to your Home? Then the Off-Road vehicle? The Boat? And finally, the Helicopter? Preacher Man, in all your faith you came to a point of expectation that deliverance required no effort what so ever of You. So, as we endeavored to “Protect and delivery All of Humanity”. You refused to take minimal steps necessary to secure that Protection and Deliverance by way of work and serve at the most difficult hour. Then the room fell silent, and the energy departed.

End scene.

This story’s point, and principle, all of us are Preacher Man. We as individuals, as a people and Nation have had many heroes/heroines and leaders sent unto us, standing before us calling us towards higher ideals than circumstances of time, imploring us to take up the work to change our world for a better Humanity. And, we have refused to take two steps forward, in effort and service, working adversity to make a different in the world. We have arrogantly turned away, exclaiming it’s someone else’s responsibility to protect and deliver us. And, as we stand before opportunities and efforts to deliver us. We refuse, are dismissive and turn away from the very tools sent unto us in the face of persecution, oppression, and captive state of ignorance.

So, what shall take my friends? A final mighty wave of Hate, Ignorance, and Racism to come along and sweep Us away? Or will embrace the mission that is been long advocated to advance true inclusive democracy for the entire human family through positive disruption, progressive change, social justice, equitable access to resources, while developing a sense of belonging throughout communities? We can constructively improve people’s lives, our larger society, future generations, and the world by mobilizing around “good trouble”.

Take care.