Struggling

Black History Month.  A time that America attempts to review the challenges and celebrate the accomplishments of Black Americans in this country.

The word that keeps coming up during this review of history is the word, ”struggle“.  Whether it was enduring the inhumane conditions of slavery, the marginalization of the Jim Crow era, or the battle for human dignity during the Civil Rights movement, Black Americans have been perpetually engaged in struggle.

Yes, even in the shadow of having a viable Black Presidential candidate, I believe that we would all agree that a large percentage of Black Americans are still engaged in intense struggle. 

Look at the population of those in the criminal justice system.  Look at the conditions of our school systems.  Look at the issues of our inner cities.

I believe it is one thing to struggle with one’s internal issues, habits, and inadequacies.  We all have them, no matter what our ethnicity might be.  But I believe it is an additional challenge to struggle against the external, systemic issues that appear to have large groups of people locked in to a poor standard of living.

If you’ve read my stuff long enough, you would know that I’m all about personal responsibility–taking ownership of your life to be what you were destined to be.  At the same time, I’m believing more strongly than ever, that we all have the responsibility to fight against the unfair systems and policies that restrict the progress of any segment of our population.  As Dr. King once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Do you think there are some things that we should collectively be struggling against?

Love One Another

I hope you voted this morning.  If not, make sure you do at some point today.

And then tomorrow, I’d like you to continue with your civic duty: I want you to love your neighbor as yourself.

Voting, in my opinion, is a valuable exercise.  It is a opportunity for you, and the rest of your fellow citizens, to have your interests expressed in government.  Essentially, you are making your selection as to who you would like to best represent your interests in political decision-making.  And hopefully, the individual that is elected, properly represents you.

I believe we have a higher calling, though.  I believe we have the civic responsibility to treat our fellow citizens with concern, compassion, and fairness.  We are too quick to point fingers at our politicians, when our own “policies” are not always fair nor just.

For example, we “send aid” to those that we want to, and not always to the ones that need it most.  We provide “tax relief” to our inner circle, not to those struggling financially.  We often “declare war” with motives that self-serving, not for the protection and well-being of a defenseless people.

Don’t just vote.  Live a life–everyday–that includes concern and love for the least of these. 

What do you think?

If I Should Die, Before I Wake

Now I lay me down to sleep.  I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.

Do you remember that prayer as a child?

I need to take our discussion a little deeper today.

In just the last 2 days, I’ve heard the sad news of at least 3 individuals dying at very young ages–two of them in their sleep.  Early 40s.  Early 50s.  People with families…leaving children behind.  I realize that death is an inevitable part of life, but I don’t want it coming any sooner than it has to for me and mine. 

When I heard that one of the individuals that passed dealt with sleep apnea (learn more), my heart dropped!  Why?  Because that same morning, my wife got on my case about my poor sleeping. 

I work hard.  I do my best to provide for my family.  I’ll get up early and stay up late, if necessary.  And, I’m sad to say that I will often do this at the expense of my own health.  I’m sure I’m not the only one that refuses to get something checked out, or follow through with the procedure, or do the necessary exercises.  But here’s what I’m learning…

Failing to take care of your health is irresponsible!

Please engage in the necessary prevention, detection, and correction activities as it relates to your health.  You are going to die at some point, but don’t speed the process along by being irresponsible with your health.