A Season To Remember

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…”

This is the open line of a very popular song that we all hear each year.  It highlights and captures the essence of the holiday season and yet it reminds many of us of how the commercialization of Christmas has evolved on the years.  This song along brings to light many of the aspects of the holidays and its meaning.   

As all of us know, the sights and sounds of this Christmas season are everywhere.  It is a time… with colors, the foods, the lights, the deserts, the caroling, the travel, the family, the friendship, the shopping and especially those… half off sales. This time of the year that puts a lot of people in a great spirit of sharing.  This includes participating in food, toy and clothing drives, volunteering and gift giving and let not forget the egg nog.  For many of us, we look forward to this time of the year.  Even with the worldwide commercialization of Christmas, it real meaning and origin is from the bible.  

On the other hand, this time of year is also full of people, for various reasons that see and experience this holiday season differently. Some of them carry an indifference spirit and some the “O humbug spirit” or “nonsense attitude.” They have become the symbols of “Ebenezer Scrooge” and “how the Grinch stole Christmas”. They enjoy blaming others and to talk about something positive in a negative way.  They look at the poor and those who depend on government assistance as being just too lazy to do better.           

However, it is also a time to remember those who are less fortunate then we are and those who are struggling to make ends meet, lack of food, inadequate shelter, no employment, and underemployment, those with health care challenges, the disable and more.  This time of year, regardless of the struggle and situation is to remember how bless many of us are, to live in a country, where many things we take for granted and do not exist in other countries.  It is to be aware, that what we have and our abilities to work hard to obtained what we desire.  It is a time to enjoy family, friends, neighbors, seniors, orphans, veterans, and the wounded warriors to just name a few on my list.  It is to remember to not waste, to be frugal and to be mindful that this season is not about us, but Christ… and that includes us.      

Standing Tall - Nelson Mandela

“We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.”

Those were the words of Nelson Mandela, (1918-2013), who became the first black South African to become President of South Africa.  His journey to the Presidency and his life long struggle for equality for all South African is truly noteworthy and is a standard to live by.  His work included dismantling the legacy of apartheid, tacking institutionalized racism, poverty and fostering a national racial reconciliation. 

Mandela, who attended the Fort Hare University and the University of Witwatersrand, studied law.  He rose to prominence in the African National Congress (ANC) and participated in various campaigns to stand again the oppressive apartheid government.  In 1962, he was arrested and convicted of conspiracy to overthrow the state government and was sentenced to life imprisonment.  After serving 27 years in various prisons, including Robben Island, Pollsmoor  and Victor Verster, he was release in 1990.  His release came in part to the growing international campaign that lobbied for his release as well as the effects of international sanctions.  

Under his remarkable leadership, he was able to usher in a new age for South Africa and the world.  During his one term as President he promulgated a new national constitution, created the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate past human rights abuses, land reform, combat poverty, unemployment and expand healthcare services.  As a result of his leadership he was able to lift the international sanctions and restore the county status as part of the League of Nations. 

Even through much of his live, Mandela was considered a controversial figure, he gained international acclaim for his activism and philanthropy.  In all he received over 250 honors as well as the Nobel Peace Prize, the US Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Soviet Order of Lenin and the Bharat Ratna from India.  His impact continues to shape and reshape the focus of how people of various backgrounds can live together in peace and with respect.  This also means to find ways to move forward and a willingness to work together for the common good of all people.  His legacy has affected us all in more than one way or another, perhaps this week and during this holiday season, all of us will take time out to reflect upon a life lived in harmony with real human values.             

The Things We Play

The Checkered Game of Life was created in the winter of 1860 by a young man named Milton Bradley; he was 24 at the time.  By the next year, in 1861, over 45,000 copies of the game were sold.  The game was created with a focus on a person’s life from poverty to wealth. Over the time the original game was undated to reflect the changing of times and culture.  At the beginning a total of two to six players could participate in a game at a time, however with newer versions of the game a total of eight to ten players could enjoy the game. 

By 1960, a modern version of the game was introduced as “The Game of Life,” with a focus on a person’s travel throughout their life, from college to retirement, jobs, marriage, and possible children along the way.  Today, the game is simply known as LIFE.  From its humble beginnings to the present, the game continues to be played by individuals, family and friends alike who simply enjoy the game to past the time away and sharing some special moments with those they love and care about.   In addition, the game continues to be popular; a card game was created, as well as an express version and even one called WiiWare.    

Milton Bradley is credited by many with launching the board game industry in America through his Milton Bradley Company.  With a mechanical draftsmen and patent agent background, he when on to create several other games, rules, coloring books and inventions.  Over the years, the Milton Bradley Company has created numerous well known games including Battleship, Connect Four, Twister, and Yahtzee.  From my viewpoint, I see each of these games as a way to bring people, community, families and friends together.  It is a way to participate and share something with common beliefs and simple rules that are easy to understand. 

Amazing isn’t it, that a game that began nearly 150 years ago, still continues to impact our lives in various ways today and yet it allows us to take the time to play with some simple rules to see life from another perspective.  It is a game that continues to capture our imagination with what is possible, to make decisions, to take risks, experience failure and success.  The ultimate result of playing the game of LIFE is that each player can finish... they made it.  Through the good, bad and indifference the game comes to an end and it perhaps makes you wonder about your own life…in a way… and then you realize that I am playing my LIFE for real.    

 

The Things We Do

Many people often wonder how those who are in the positions of leadership in public service and private business take the news when reports come to light that things are not getting better and that some outcomes are having a negative effect upon others and the community at large.  It is assumed that people in leadership will do the right thing, act ethically, make positive changes to improve the quality of life of those they serve.  It is assumed that these leaders and managers have what it takes, the skills and talent to keep things headed in the right direction.  It is also assumed that when it comes to ensuring that the people they represent or lead will always have their voices heard regardless of the situation.  But that is expected.

What really happens?  Can a person in leadership do something that is beyond their belief system, heart, faith or conscience?  Is there a separation between what is right and wrong, church and state or does a person give in to what is in their best interest?  What is in it for me, myself and I… or better yet, how can I get the most out of this situation that benefits my future ambitions.  Oddly and strangely enough these and more are the questions that continue to beset our society even in the 21^st century. 

However, there is not a day that goes by or even a moment that we find people struggling to keep their heads above water, homeless, hungry and alone.  There are so many people in our society that are hurting, hearts broken and crushed by the weight of policies and regulations that benefit only a few and not the many.   It is not that all of them have lost their way, bad choices, their lot in life, but also there continue to be many people who can help… who don’t.    

The story of the Good Samaritan in the bible provides the best insights to helping those in need, especially when the question is asked… Who is my neighbor?  We must remember that there are no limitations on who can make a difference in another person’s life.  And with that in mind during this holiday season, let us answer the question not only through our words, but through our actions.                

A Matrix of New Leadership

As the 21^st century continues to unfold, we are witnessing an end of an era in which many topics that were once though as being untouchable are now being reconsidered.  This is also a time in our society when a number of subjects that were taboo, off limits and the rule of law are being challenged. Some of our most recent controversies include marriage equality, immigration, mental health, gender issues, equal pay, voting rights, health insurance, union membership, drug treatment and the right to bear arms.   Some of the changes have been well received and a huge burden has been lifted, while on others… the verdict is still out.

With each passing day, more and more issues are coming up that once set the cultural norms for our cities, communities and society in general.  On one hand it is a good thing to take a fresh look at policies and practices that were applicable for one generation, but now may be outdated and obsolete.  We need to keep in mind that a lot of things need to reviewed, altered, and disappear from the books.  In addition, there are some things that are not dying out fast enough.   

On another hand, ...and this is no laughing matter, we are also witnessing a time period in which people are trying to reintroduce ideas from our distance past and even from the pages of history as some new relevant, moral or conservative belief.  Many of those ideas reflect segregation, greed, prejudice, suppression of voting rights and human rights.   

This era is requiring the emergence of new kind of leadership to address the mounting list of issues facing communities and the nation.   Some of the major challenges include the retirement of the baby boomer generation, social security, diversity, climate change, racism, socioeconomics, gun violence, poverty, education, future workforce, sustainably of natural resources and globalization.  This new leadership must shift from competition, division, and control; but focus on building partnerships, collaboration, fostering connections and common ground.  This new leadership must not be afraid of the past, but must learn from it and build upon its true values and equal rights.   Now, that is not too much to ask for? 

Standing The Watch

Throughout history and all across the globe, countless nations, neighborhoods, communities, towns, and cities have adopted various forms of what is called the “watch.”  The term and concept have been used with a number of professions, careers and the military.  To have the “watch,” has come to symbolize an effort to be on guard or on the lookout for things occurring that may affect us all.  

In more recent times, the “watch” has become a systematic approach to local vigilance by residents of a particular neighborhood to discourage crime and to promote safety.  This watch is referred to as the “Neighborhood Watch.”  Even most large companies, corporations and manufactures have security details that list positions as being the night watch.  During the colonial days of our nation, there were those who were employed as the town or city watchmen. 

In the Navy, the “watch” is a vital part of everyday standard operation and procedure.  On shore or at sea, the watch is critical at every level and includes all ranks.  Even when there is a retirement from the Navy, there is a poem that pays tribute to those who have served and “stood the watch.”   The poem goes on to say, “while some of us were in our beds at night, this sailor stood the watch; while some of us were at school or work, this sailor stood the watch; even before some of us were born into this world, this sailor stood the watch; when the storm clouds of war were brewing, this sailor stood the watch…. However, the most stunning part of that poem comes toward the end … “this sailor stood the watch for a number of years, so that all Americans could sleep safety, each and every night, secure because this sailor stood the watch…   

Truly remarkable … what a wonderful thing to say to those men and women who have served their country well and now find themselves at the end of their military career.  And to finally say to them, … “we are here to pay our respects as it is said for the final time… you stand relieved… relieved by those you have trained, guided, and led.  Sailor you stand relieved of duty, we have the watch.”    

Charting A New Course

It becomes quite frustrating to learn that so many people can’t get on the same page these days; even with the growing mountain of issues facing those living in Urban America… you can’t miss any of them.  Beside the need for affordable housing, there is gun violence, high unemployment, health care, quality education, health insurance, crime, equal treatment and poverty.  And these are just some of the top vote getters.

It is also hard to believe that people can grow up in the same neighborhoods; attended similar schools; work in the community and yet be so different in terms of what they know is needed to make the community and schools better.  How can it be, that even with so much in common, backgrounds, religious beliefs, best in education and upbringing, things continue to turn out the same way?    

The portrait of urban America all across our great nation is not a good picture.  More cities are facing a steady decline in the quality of services, resources, jobs, safety, and reinvestments.  Each day the task is becoming more and more challenging to keep things up and going…as the way thing were.   It is especially difficult, when most people are expecting different results while doing the same things over and over again.  Of course there are some pockets of success in every city, but there are the other sides of the city no one wants to really talk about.   

All of us have heard the saying… “you don’t have to reinvent the wheel…” in order to make a change.  That may be true, but perhaps the wheel just needs some more air in it, or realignment.  May be…just maybe… what is needed is that we need to chart a new course for urban America…to boldly go into uncharted territory, a new frontier, a new direction and perhaps to envision something greater.   So, I suggest that we stop assuming what our urban communities needs and start with the people who live in those neighborhoods and get their view of what is needed… and thereby assume nothing.   Let’s see where that take us!