Sunday Musings – October 29, 2017
As so often seems to happens on Sunday morning when I sit down to write I am overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude. As I think about the week and all those moments when minor nuisance issues made an appearance, I am aware of how easy it is to take the people and resources in my life for granted. Last night I was at the Gateway Medical Society annual gala in Pittsburgh. We gathered in a large room of people to honor a few of the African American doctors and other health care professionals while playing it forward to mentor and support aspiring high school, college and medical school students as they prepare to take their place in the healing community.
While driving to Pittsburgh I was listening to reports of gatherings and speeches of white nationalists – otherwise known as racists – groups who gathered in Tennessee and elsewhere to once again attempt to prove their worth at the expense of and on the backs of others. The artificial construct of race continues to be used as an excuse to attempt to cover insecurity with the sheet which has been temporarily bleached but which contains the fibers of our common ancestry.
At the gala, I was again reminded of the power of “we” – of acknowledging that when we allow ourselves to honor the fact that we are all a part of a universal whole we are stronger, kinder, and more powerful. Together we are more than we are individually. I was aware of those I personally know who had invited me to again be a part of this celebration. Their presence in my life allow me to be more compete and to, thus, to be more than I could be without them.
Many will celebrate this “we” today by the name of God, Higher Power, Elohim, the Buddha, and a host of other names. I do not think that we call this “we” – this I am – and what framework and rituals we use to celebrate and give thanks matters. Together we can claim the power to respond to the insecurity which lies beneath racism and other forms of hate with love. We can, as do all great teachers, embrace the Judas within ourselves and each other, smile and stand tall. We can together heal and thrive.
Written October 29, 2015
As so often seems to happens on Sunday morning when I sit down to write I am overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude. As I think about the week and all those moments when minor nuisance issues made an appearance, I am aware of how easy it is to take the people and resources in my life for granted. Last night I was at the Gateway Medical Society annual gala in Pittsburgh. We gathered in a large room of people to honor a few of the African American doctors and other health care professionals while playing it forward to mentor and support aspiring high school, college and medical school students as they prepare to take their place in the healing community.
While driving to Pittsburgh I was listening to reports of gatherings and speeches of white nationalists – otherwise known as racists – groups who gathered in Tennessee and elsewhere to once again attempt to prove their worth at the expense of and on the backs of others. The artificial construct of race continues to be used as an excuse to attempt to cover insecurity with the sheet which has been temporarily bleached but which contains the fibers of our common ancestry.
At the gala, I was again reminded of the power of “we” – of acknowledging that when we allow ourselves to honor the fact that we are all a part of a universal whole we are stronger, kinder, and more powerful. Together we are more than we are individually. I was aware of those I personally know who had invited me to again be a part of this celebration. Their presence in my life allow me to be more compete and to, thus, to be more than I could be without them.
Many will celebrate this “we” today by the name of God, Higher Power, Elohim, the Buddha, and a host of other names. I do not think that we call this “we” – this I am – and what framework and rituals we use to celebrate and give thanks matters. Together we can claim the power to respond to the insecurity which lies beneath racism and other forms of hate with love. We can, as do all great teachers, embrace the Judas within ourselves and each other, smile and stand tall. We can together heal and thrive.
Written October 29, 2015
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