“Barack and Hillary have walked a trail blazed by Shirley Chisholm, Reverends Jackson and Sharpton, Alan Keyes, and Pat Schroeder. This time a woman and an African American are on the center of that well-worn trail and one is going to be nominated for President of the United States. How cool is that? What a milestone for our country. I don’t think this moment would have come so soon (granted it’s 220 years since the Constitution’s passage) had it not been for Dr. King’s leadership in throwing open the doors to equal opportunity. Although he led for African Americans, he and those who marched along side him opened doors for everyone.”

I like how you explained that. Very helpful. Thanks.

Your comments brought up two thoughts to me - going to where “others” are is very incarnational. It’s the approach we take with kids in Young Life. We go to kids first, and enter their world - often times being the only adult among the kids. This practice comes straight from Jesus - who came to us.

Second, I love the quote from James Newman - who was the person that came up with the idea of the “comfort zone” - in his book, Release Your Brakes, “Adventure is the dilberate volitional movement out of your comfort zone.”

Thanks again for your thoughts.

Thanks for your insights!

Doreen

Obadiah was African-American though then, 1962, we had hardly begun to shift from “Colored” to “Black.” Dr. King had not yet made his Dream speech. I have wondered since then if Obie had a “dream.” I think he started one in me.

I didn’t stay long, but it was a long time until I found my home again. When I think of “home,” I hope I will always be able to say, “Come stay with us if you need.”

Thanks, Dan, for the reminder.

Thanks for a fresh perspective.

Tressa.

All of the previous comments show what authentic, good-heated and THINKING people are reading and responding to your newsletter. In many of my past leadership roles I have been the lone woman in the room, at the board meeting, etc. and so am able to talk in “shorthand” with other women in such roles about the many ways,(suble and not-so-subtle) things are “different” for them. (And, that more often than not, men are not even aware of.)

I too am thrilled that wa are finally this close to having either an african-american or a woman as president. They represent great hope and powerful change for our country.
To all readers: keep thinking, praying, hoping. Let’s keep that dream alive!

Best,
Lisa Pasbjerg, DCSW
CEO/FOCUSED COACHING

Thanks for opening the page wider and making some connections. Our life together in North America has been quite narrow, in spite of all the opportunities we’ve had to expand our circles.

May your call for stretching our tents touch our hearts and move us into action. That way, the future will be different!

Tarianne

You bring a breath of refreshing air each Monday morning to my U.P. world … and speaking as a Native born Detroiter that means alot! I am aware each and every day of our differences, and work to overcome innate prejudices in my daily life. Gender bias, racism, religious differences, fat bias, and the common denomimator of wealth (or should I say, lack thereof?) as I work with the poor through St. Vincent de Paul. I love your weekly positive messages, and today I felt motivated enought to click on your link and order your book as you challenge so many of us … to lead with our best selves!

Thank you!

Renee Deroche

As a gay man, I would only add to your reflection that if Martin Luther King were still alive, I believe he would be preaching the same message in regard to our society’s attitude’s towards my community. I would suggest that prejudice against gay and lesbian persons continues to be an acceptable position.

Given the times, King could not address that issue while alive. Today, however, he would have addressed it. And his assassination might very have been the price paid for that position.

Gratefully,
TL Michael Auman, OFM Cap.