Wisdom Under a Tree

We started our part of something special on Monday…it will be impactful, families who have suffered economically will get relief and throughout the contract period we will have done our part. Some would make the dollar amount of the effort the main story – the amount is not insignificant.

The real story played out under a tree, in the 103 degree Phoenix heat, with a cool breeze and standing on the historic grounds that bore witness to a brutal history levied against Native children and whose legacy were those gathered under the tree.

The real story is how a young, determined, compassionate leader’s first thought upon arrival to the event was to speak with those who had waited outside in the heat. Some had traveled halfway across the state, others had waited outdoors for as long as seven hours, most were unable to enter the building – it was overflowing. Some were able to find relief from the day’s heat, all were seeking relief from many days – generations – of economic hardship.

Some were anxious, others held anticipation, still others were somewhat angry and dismissive – all views were valid if not in the moment, then certainly for all that has occurred on those hallowed grounds. The sun was setting and a cooling breeze blew.

Our Naat’anii had just come from a meeting with corporate leaders whose companies were responsible for decades of devastation across the peoples’ distant homelands. The stolen water and natural resources powered the prosperity and opportunity for even more distant megapolitans. He could have echoed the anger, frustration, and rage of generations. He could have slipped into a numbed silence – the type that emerges from waiting too long for relief or the indignity of enduring one too many tragedies. Instead, our leader showed resolve, compassion, and shared a vision for a better future.

Love for the people, wisdom in the moment. That tree, those grounds will hold that moment too. It was a good day.

What comes next? Let’s answer that together.