Where Do We Go From Here?

It been a long hot summer already and with a few more weeks to go... it is our hope and prayers that it’s does not get any hotter.  And in the light of recent events, it is clear that Milwaukee is just like so many other major cities in America that needs a lot of attention and its needed it now.  From what has already occurred it is clear that a lot of elected officials are not in tune, plugged-in or connected as they should be to what is happening on the grass root level.  Those of us, who work, live and play on the grass root level, it’s a different ballgame.  We are keenly aware of what happening, who’s who, what’s what and what’s going down. 

Sadly, what too often is missing in grass root communities are the people who serve as connectors, organizers and advocates.  They speak the language and know firsthand of the pain, suffering and trauma that goes on each and every day.  They know people by their first names, their families and history.  In addition, they make themselves available when called upon, to fill gaps and to listen to those who have no voice.  They are people persons and are proud to be called a neighbor and friend.

When unique moments of tension, unrest and riots arise in communities, they serve as a wake-up call.  More importantly they provide an opportunity in which to connect or reconnect with others for a greater cause.  With each of these events, regardless of specifics; helps us to pause, to take a step back and reevaluate what happen, why it happen and to find ways to keep it from happening in the near future.  Each occurrence also provide us with a window of opportunity to begin a new dialog, to share our stories of faith, hope, and peace and to demonstrate some goodwill.   

     

During these unsettling times, it is not easy to look beyond what has happen and to see the bigger picture of what is possible.  These times are filled with pain, confusion, fear and uncertainty.  But these times are also filled with our ability to rise above our limitations and to overcome our weaknesses.  It is also a time to build some new bridges of understanding and to allow our belief in the common good of all people to shine through.