I hate that I need to preface this blog with the following
disclaimer; however, first impressions can sometimes cloud the intent of the
message. With that, I want to start with the statement that God is tremendous.
There, now that I have shared that cathartic moment, let me explain.
Last night I finished a blog post that I have yet to post.
Though the post articulates the point to my satisfaction, it is the theme and
tone of the blog that I am struggling with. It has not escaped me that many of
my posts are predicated on serious or contentious issues. And the reality is
that these are the stories that resonate most with me and inspire me to
comment. But there is a negative energy that comes from this type of writing,
one which can be taxing to the spirit. So, after I finished the
blog posts, I sat in my chair and stared at the computer screen for a few
minutes. I found myself in an internal struggle, one side pushing me to post
the entry and the other feeling somewhat reluctant.
Once again I had been compelled to address a contentious
issue that I felt had an impact on me and the community around me. I was filled
with a frenetic energy and needed to comment on an article I read titled “Being
White in Philly”. The article elicited a visceral response, as many of them do,
resulting in the confluence of the exact words and tone needed to dispel the
energy pulsating inside. As I edited my effort, meticulously trying to ensure I
got my point across, I could slowly feel myself return to a state homeostasis.
And it was at the point that I was able to sit back and contemplate what I had
written and realize I felt devoid of satisfaction. My spirit was unfulfilled, drained
by the expulsion of emotions and words needed to assuage my desire to challenge
a perceived inequity. And that is when I asked God in a simple prayer to show
me something good. I asked him to show me how good humanity is and can be. I
wanted to celebrate something and praise it for reaffirming the inherent
goodness of mankind. I needed some positive energy to recharge my spirit and
give me the opportunity to exhale.
And then…
The morning dawned and the moment I craved was nearly missed. It was right in front of me and I glazed over it, only half consciously
viewing the story. I was perusing the news, looking at all of the stories of
war torn nations, political vitriol, and other moral turpitude littering the national
news Web site. Out of curiosity I clicked on a promoted video about a child
choking. I watched the video and then allowed the video player to move to the
next selection. It wasn’t until I clicked to exit the news site and start
something else that I fully realized what I had just seen.
The video lacked audio, yet the humanity and compassion were
palpable. In the brief moments the video played the inherent goodness of
mankind was affirmed. In a time of crisis people worked together for the common
good and well-being of another. What was even more remarkable was the diversity
of the partners. There were black people, as well as white people. There
were people seemingly in good physical shape, while others would likely be labeled
obese. There were women and there were men. But most importantly there was a
child, a child in distress.
The mother, presumably in a state of panic, brings her
unresponsive daughter to the checkout section of a grocery store purportedly
asking for help. The response from the other patrons was immediate and
decisive. There were no questions of race, gender, ability, or socioeconomic
status. No one cared what the child was wearing, or not wearing for that
matter. And no one seemed to care who helped the child as long as someone did.
The result was a community coming together to save a life…not a black child, white child, fat child; not a skinny child, gay child or a straight child...just THE child in danger -- as it should be!
I am not disillusioned by this video to believe that all is
right with the world. I am energized though, knowing that we as a species can
still come to the rescue and can still be good. I am sure I will be right back
at the keyboard tomorrow firing off a commentary about one thing or another
that has ruffled my feathers. But today I can lean back in my chair, close my
eyes, smile, and exhale; taking comfort in the fact that it ain’t all bad!
Watch the video and smile with me:
Peace
S. McGill
One of the most powerful things in the world can be obtained and used liberally by anyone who chooses to use it. "If" can be the beginning of something great or the acquiescence to defeat. How will you use your "if"?
S. McGill
One of the most powerful things in the world can be obtained and used liberally by anyone who chooses to use it. "If" can be the beginning of something great or the acquiescence to defeat. How will you use your "if"?
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