The past two weeks have been crazy in the news. When tragic tragedy occurs other places and cities, we stop and pause. It is heartwrenching and makes you wonder about life and who are these people. Then you go on with life.
When violence comes in your own front yard, climbs on your porch – it changes you. For me it is a ripping at the fabric of my heart. Our leaders responded quickly setting an example to us all of humility and of determination. A gathering of hundreds in the heart of the city brought some great messages.
Mayor Mike Rawlings said “We as a city, as a state and as a nation are struggling with racial issues, they continue to divide us. We’ve got to change.”
“Is this what it takes for us to come together? Does it take tragedy? Does it take murder?” Imam Omar Suleiman asked. “Hatred is not an appropriate response to hatred.”
“We are being tested down to the core, to see not only if we will survive the atrocities of last night, but if we will rebound and become a better city,” Bishop T.D. Jakes said, “Enough is enough. Let that which unites us be greater than that which divides us.”
We in Dallas have seen the end of the path that hate speeches and violence, and taking sides will take us and have said “NO, not in our city!” And the biggest cry has been a call for action. This event is unacceptable and we have to make a change.
Not just expecting someone else to do it. Not pointing fingers, not taking sides. While I appreciate our leaders for setting an example, I can’t expect them to do it all. It is going to take all of us showing up each and every day.
It is going to take me standing firm and asking, “How can I be the change I wish to see in the world?”
I have seen this in effect on the streets and in churches and organizations. Many have asked this question. I see this in individuals at the store of all races raise their heads and make eye contact, giving smiles and greetings and hugs. The outpouring of support for our fallen officers has been monumental as well as support for those officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. People are taking a stand and action.
Police Chief Brown puts out an opportunity, “We are hiring, put in an application.” While a good idea for some, this would not work for this grandma, way past the hiring age. So where does that leave me, still asking the question. In another blog I will maybe outline my process for this discovery, but for now I will simply say, “I have to look at what I have, who I am, what are my gifts and abilities. How can I stretch and grow and share who I am and be the change?”
Sooo. I have a blog. I can write. I also have some great information on communication. Practical and down to earth. How can we really listen to our spouses, children, neighbors, friends and enemies? How can we listen to ourselves and respect our beliefs and open lines of communication, celebrating the differences in others? How can we communicate our desires and needs effectively? Very often, it is not what you say, but how you say it.
In the next few weeks, I will use my blog to speak out on some great communication strategies that will help you in all areas of life. I would love to join with you and discover how we can make a difference in this world. In our own way. With our own unique gifts. In our own corner of the world.
I would also love to hear your views. How are you dealing with the current situation in our world? We can all learn from each other as we stand together and say- “ENOUGH”
It will take us all. Every One of us!
Sonja
Sing - a - Sonja 