Over the years I have dreamed about being much more involved in my community; feeding the hungry and helping young people connect the dots to their future. Sadly, this remained a desire without much action to bring it to fruition. I've watched and admired people being passionate about serving and it seemed to just be in their DNA. How irritating to be too darn lazy to serve others; which can help heal you of loneliness, depression and give you a better quality of life. However, the other day I had an AHA MOMENT!
I attended a great panel discussion at Eastern Michigan University, "Redefining Our Identity: I Am A Black Man". This forum was a free event and open to the public hosted by some very bright future leaders and community changers. I came in a little late, rushing there straight from work. I took a seat near the back, just in case it did not hold my attention and I wanted to duck out real quiet like (I mean one must be prepared..right?). As I settled in and listened, I was somewhat surprised at the overwhelming amount of EMU students(young ladies and young men) who felt this was important enough to attend. They actually had to bring in more chairs a few times because it was standing room only. The energy was positive, the speaker was engaging, the questions and comments were thought provoking and funny. I felt such a sense of pride in these young people!! All the negative comments and imagery that is portrayed in the media can be very disheartening. If only the world could be healed of the racial viruses that have plagued us for far too long; perhaps then they could see, truly hear and appreciate THIS wonderful dialogue and we could collectively be the CHANGE WE WISH TO SEE.
As i greeted them after it was over, shook hands and such, I was spiritually full and so very glad I had decided to come. Driving home is when that AHA MOMENT occurred. As I reflected on those students discussing a range of topics from Michael Brown and Trayvon Martin (both young men far too close in age to those sitting all around me) to the fear of not wanting to die and being harrassed by law enforcement. And in spite of the fear, pain and even anger...they still hope and with extreme clarity, spoke of wanting harmony, a better understanding between the diverse people in our country, more love displayed and support given among each other. It was a powerful discussion and it made me realize that this is truly what it means TO SERVE.
As i greeted them after it was over, shook hands and such, I was spiritually full and so very glad I had decided to come. Driving home is when that AHA MOMENT occurred. As I reflected on those students discussing a range of topics from Michael Brown and Trayvon Martin (both young men far too close in age to those sitting all around me) to the fear of not wanting to die and being harrassed by law enforcement. And in spite of the fear, pain and even anger...they still hope and with extreme clarity, spoke of wanting harmony, a better understanding between the diverse people in our country, more love displayed and support given among each other. It was a powerful discussion and it made me realize that this is truly what it means TO SERVE.
Many want to be large and in charge
yet don't have a heart to serve
We Serve to help
We Serve to heal
We Serve to give hope
We Serve to learn
We Serve to strengthen, encourage and uplift others
We Serve to enhance and pour much needed love into our communities
We Serve, so that we may one day know how to Effectively Lead!
