Please Read and Watch ONLY if you believe in change: Earlier this month I facilitated a positive pyschology course. On the fourth night of training we had a class get-together. During that get-together I had the pleasure of meeting a blind couple who were in town helping organize and execute a forum regarding American’s with Disability Act and Rights. I asked if they’d be willing to spend some time with me and some of the students (who happen to be Soldiers) at the training, and they were excited to oblige. It’s hard to put into words just how special the time we spent with them was. I learned a lot about love, human essence, and connection. For about 90 minutes they shared their life, perspective, experiences, and spiritual wisdom with those of us who gathered around them. Shannon, the husband left us with the following message (which I’ve paraphrased) before they retired to their room: “ I thank God everyday for allowing me to live in this great country where I have the right to grow, thrive, and prosper like any other able-bodied human. There are places on this earth where communities throw their disabled children and people on the streets, or tuck them away in dismal conditions, or altogether kill them because they’re considered weak and a nuisance. I have been blessed to live in the United States where we experience Rights, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” With palpable passion in his voice he finished by saying: “I want to thank each of you Soldiers, and all our military men and women, for volunteering the way you do, to ensure that these rights are mine to enjoy, and are here for future generations!” Having a son with a disability, I wept at the thought of what Shannon made known to the students. I’ve always known that what he said was true, but it’s not a pleasant thought. It’s easy to turn a blind eye to facts like these. It’s easy to say it’s not my problem and keep on trucking with life as I know it. In the grand scheme of things, what can you do? The following is a vow of sorts and my best attempt to answer the aforementioned: I will thank our Creator, my God daily for the time I have with Marcus, and for this country I serve. I will continue to serve this Country, our community, and my neighbors in the most selfless manner I can muster. I will hug my beautiful family daily, and remember to cherish the time I have with them, and the memories we build. I will pray daily to the Lord, that there be a way to bless those in this world who are “forgotten” , thrown-out, or “sequestered” out of dark and selfish intent and altogether put an end to the evil. I will choose to be happy and appreciative of what I have, and the life I live. I will be a positive influence on others. I will ensure this list grows, by being aware of the facts shared in this message, and open to ways I can influence change and help make this world a better place and more love-filled experience for all. There are so many reasons to be thankful for what we have and the Country we have built. This is intended to be a message of perspective. I venture to say that many of you who’ve read this post have not thought about this perspective before. I challenge each reader to ask yourself what you can do. This world has been changed time and time again by many people doing just a little bit more than they knew possible before the attempt. A common cause, shared by many, thousands, millions, or even a world makes difference a reality. Feelings to thoughts, thoughts to words, words to action, action to influence………. Let the change begin! Comment on the video: This is not just a Serbia problem, it happens all around the world! youtube/watch?v=q1kbayAdlgg
Posted on: Thu, 29 Aug 2013 15:20:12 +0000
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