WHAT MIGHT MLK SAY TODAY ...

Within five years of his Lincoln Memorial speech, proclaiming “thank God Almighty I’m free at last!” Martin Luther King Jr. would become the victim of an assassination. The eerie parallels of notoriety in their generations apart and in common positions, both billowing out famous words that would play over and over in a repetitive history that deems them worth repeating, their assassinations of two who become ‘greats’ in the annals of revolutionaries, and then MLK having as his backdrop a statute of Lincoln to now there too is a statute of MLK! As he went about his life addressing ‘the majority’ MLK created iconic moments so that “free at last, free at last” to this day necessarily perpetuates. His task was probably known to be a grand cause, as indicated by other now famous words he spoke - not so long ago attesting to character instead of color as another one example. I wonder if today MLK would be pleased about the changes he and others have forged and the changes that others have assumed since his passing. For all of the 2019 glass ceilings that have ethnic correlations – and - for all of those same ceilings that appear to have been broken – what might MLK say in looking at a city such as this? In looking at a country such as this? Ethnic disparities across various cohorts remain. Also, arguments over whose fault “it” is - remain. Likely the forgone admonition of MLK would be his same call for today: “We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.” Today sir, you are honored. #talkifuwant Photo Credit: Jeronimo Bernot on Unsplash.

What waiting might be and what it might do …

Waiting can be seen as inaction, except for those who experience it.   The wait can be favorable and it can be unfavorable depending on the view.  Looking forward and seeing some future–these create waiting - a place where patience can grow and where it is tested. To advance a fear, to create a joy, to see a sadness, to recognize a beginning or to behold an ending, to be in movement toward hellos and even goodbyes, to foresee an angst, to prospect a cooperation, reminiscing too, wanting to get inside or maybe to get out, and even hoping to accomplish --  it is all about the wait.  Looking forward and looking back begins with a view.  The view that dreams or believes must first be seen; if it is not your own, then the waiting requires consideration for another’s view.  It is in the mind’s eye that the action of waiting begins!  It all takes time – and it is in time where waiting lies.  To intentionally wait is to be aware, it is to be conscious – and for a brain – it is hardly simple! PHOTO CREDIT: Unsplash

Welcome 2019!

New years is here and with it another annual holiday takes center stage, carrying with it symbolisms, traditions, celebrations and iconic moments.  And so it begins, with more get togethers, more parties, more social media posts - with laughter, recalls, and anticipations.  Maybe the New Year event is just for fun, or it is about making memories and building hope.  Certain cities will spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to blast away fireworks at the midnight toll, and others will go about it in media hype with milliions watching.  The counting down with ball dropping, queen swinging, dancing the night away yells ... 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 ... and HOORAY it'll be 2019!  The 'year in review' reminds the masses of significant moments that captured passions as preferred by dedicated viewers.  At midnights end there will have been new years everything - having appeared for well over 7 or 8 days, beginning the morning after the last big holiday.  The gym, healthclub, wellness, and addiction commercials will air taking advantage of holiday indiscretions and indulgences.  End of year closeouts and last chance moments will be everywhere too...and resolution making will abound!  New Years is the roll over of a calendar date at an exacting hour made big by the people who wish it so.  For what 2018 brought, in positives and negatives, in amazing gains and amazing losses, in breakthroughs and in tragedies - the year is over.  Hello 2019; and for today-welcome!  Photo Credit: Unsplash.com and R. Hennessy.

Holidays, celebrations & connections

The variations of what people celebrate this time of year are not all summarized in "Christmas" time.  The masses who celebrate in exchanges, get togethers, food festivities and in common greetings is quite remarkable - especially for those who are not similarly inclined - yet even they engage!  Santa and reindeer, stars and mangers, or maybe  jolly good times - whatever the reason for taking time off from work, the wrapping of gifts and baking treats, traveling afar and hosting many - it brings "families" and communities together.  As imperfect as people may be - in a culturally and overwhelming holiday such as this one,  the years and the differences of "us" are inited in "happy holidays."  Whether grand or small, abundant or frugal, treasures or practicalities, overflowing or critically necessary - gifts are every where.  December, 2018!