Re-reading Senator Obama's NAACP address got me thinking. I had lost sight of how young icons such as Martin Luther King Jr. were when they began to make their mark on the country through civil rights activism. Now, as I look at my children, ages 17, 15, 10 and 7, I am challenged as a parent...to ensure that I am exposing them to the right things, acting as the best role model that I can be, providing them with opportunities to learn and grow into individuals who think beyond themselves.
It can be overwhelming. But yet it is so straighforward.
To link one's self to the community at large, through volunteerism for example, takes time... a commodity of which I have so little. But I can no longer say, "That is not my child." For my child is linked to other children through friendships, clubs, sports. If I do not volunteer, it is both my child and your child that is shortchanged.
To feed and clothe the needy in my community, takes money...a commodity that I struggle to manage day to day and bill to bill. But I, at least, have some money to manage. There are so many who have none and each day is a desperate struggle to make it from morning until night. So I can no longer say, "It is not my problem." Because when these families struggle, my community struggles. And I have to answer my children's questions: Why didn't my friend and classmate have dinner tonight like I did?
To smile at those who disagree with me, whether on political views, social views, economics, whatever, and strive to understand their perspective takes patience...a commodity and virtue that I struggle and pray for on a daily basis. But this diversity is what makes our country great; an opportunity to view situations, struggles, and challenges from many viewpoints. And now we have the opportunity to elect a leader that shows the ability to capitalize on those multiple viewpoints and develop well-rounded solutions that will lead us to better tomorrows.
This is why I support Barack Obama. We need that connection to something bigger than we are.
So, is it just me? I am finding myself, on a daily basis, acting in a kinder and gentler way. This started one day as I was wearing my Obama t-shirt and I thought, "I am a representative of this campaign." I now carry that thought forward with me, whether I am dressed as a walking billboard or not, talking to a supporter or not. Frankly, it's a good feeling!
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