Wishing you and yours a very blessed holiday!

Just a little something reminiscent of a more innocent and magical time gone by.

I remember those days …..

How do we change the heart and soul of America? Do we start by changing the cultural identity of what it means to be American? Is it even possible for us to become “one nation” accepting diversity and its varied manifestations which makes “US” distinctly “US”. These are the questions I’ve pondered since the election of president elect Biden and vice president Harris. Clearly a “reset” of sorts is needed because we have “unveiled” something too monstrous and toxic to not be dealt with now. Something has been said for sure!!!

“Today is a good day. It’s easier to be a parent this morning. It’s easier to be a dad. It’s easier to tell your kids character matters. It matters. Tell them trUth matters. Being a good person matters. It’s easier for a whole lot of people. If you’re Muslim in this country, you don’t have to worry if the president doesn’t want you here. If you’re an immigrant, you don’t have to worry if the president is going to be happy to have babies snatched away or to send Dreamers back for no reason

Van Jones, Political Commentator

Who may have the answers to the American dilemma with half the country seemingly focussed more on self-interest than the plight of humanity? With every thing we’ve experienced as a collective, it is still a little stunning and unbelievable the lack of empathy and compassion for “others.” Perhaps, knowing something is not the same thing as accepting what you see and hear. Yet, only the willfully foolish, naive, ignorant, mentally ill or dare I say evil are even capable of ignoring what has transpired in 2020. In the 80’s, our society exploded with the mantra supporting the notion that both power and greed are good to this country’s demise. We oscillated from our core beliefs about the importance of character to a low vibration where people are making an honest living being hypocritical, ratched, toxic, and inhumane. Money and exterior appearance matter more than the human soul. America doesn’t like blacks, old people, children, poor people, immigrants. Did I miss anyone? All of this hate and fear has been illuminated under the banner of “self interest” which has made some to look the other way as “others” suffer. This just can’t be how it all ends for “US.” Our individual self interest need not supersede the well being of “others” and  humanity. We can coexist – – right?

When greed was good …..

Recently, I’ve been hearing media pundits, business leaders, politicians and globalists calling for a “Great Reset” following our COVID-19 experience. Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, for example, recently called the Covid-19 pandemic a perfect “opportunity” to initiate the “Great Reset”. For some, conspiracy theories abound as the “Great Reset” is taking on a negative connotation signaling the ultimate plan to control the world economy with the formation of a cashless society and mass control of human behavior with restrictive lockdowns and forced mask mandates. Even in the face of a public health crisis, we still can’t seem to accept that some changes in behavior are necessary and warranted without allowing fear and hate to cloud our better judgements.

“You have been trained to be numb to life. You have been desensitized beyond your comprehension so you can’t use words like emotions when you don’t have them. You’d rather be dumb for money than brilliant for legacy.”

Jaguar Wright, Singer, Provocatuer, Empress

Yet, I can still see evidence of a Nu Amẹríkà trying to birth possibilities and hope for the future. Beyond the collective fear and narcissism, movement is taking place within communities as people begin to reevaluate their recent choices and experiences. A mentor once stressed to me that when YOU change, all your relationships, including to self and others, has to change as well. This is why the mental state and mindset of individuals must be the starting point for making any type of American trans-form-ation. Illumination must begin within the hearts and soul of  “US” and enough of “US” would also have to be wiling to strip away a lot of what we thought we knew about self, others and this country. We would have to be willing to admit that some of what we’ve been taught was either partially or completely b$llshit and relearn life again. This is the type of “Great Reset” I am hoping for (a kind of “do over” after making a terrible error in judgement or wrong turn in Albuquerque, NM).

Allophilia is having a positive attitude towards outgroup members. The outgroup members can be anyone who possesses characteristics that are different from one’s own, such as people of different races, religions, cultures, etc. It is a framework for understanding effective intergroup leadership and is conceptualized as a measurable state of mind with tangible consequences.

The word was coined in 2006 by Harvard professor Todd L. Pittinsky after he was unable to find an antonym for prejudice in any dictionary.The term  is derived from Greek words meaning “liking or love of the other.”

Wikipedia

Sometimes the trUth is gritty and hard& black no chaser but it is still the trUth no matter who says or reviews it. It also doesn’t have to to convince everyone especially those who willfully choose to remain blind. Authentic change is often like this as well. It most definitely isn’t easy either as one confronts mistakes  striving to make progressive, measurable improvements. But, we can do it with strategic planning along with hard work, energy and effort. And, those who can’t embrace the changes now may one day see the illumination within their own hearts (maybe via something magical or divine prompting  – – ישוע). So, I’m dreaming of a more perfect union this Thanksgiving… one nation under a distinctly American groove fulfilling the promises made so long ago. 

Hypocrisy is rampant in today’s society. The do what I say and not what I do mantra seems to be the accepted behavior in our modern day culture (at last until one’s actions are “unveiled”). As a spiritual person by nature, I have also struggled, at times, to remain principled in all my actions. Matching one’s words and deeds can be quite daunting forcing us all to confront our own humanity with humility (the good, bad and the ugly). But, we all put on an outer “suit” signifying who we might be and what we profess to believe whether done with intention or not. As a fashion lover knows, the idea of using one’s outer appearance to “signal” one’s affluence, personality or interests can also serve as a false mask (fake it until you make it kind of thing). It should also be noted that signaling need not be limited to simply physical appearance or clothing but can include material possessions, occupation, life style, etc.

This rambling introduction came as a result of me musing about some recent events related to sex, religion and the fall of a prestigious organization. Most would agree that sex can be a “hell of a drug” for some and a “thirst trap” for many indeed. But it has its time, place and appropriate circumstances in which most social scientists profess as acceptable within human evolution and dynamics. It need not be shameful as long as the individuals are living and loving in their trUth. Many have questioned why some religions teach that certain relationships and acts are evil yet the creator, has allowed humans to procreate and participate in sexual activities with a range of proclivities since the beginning of time. The only thing that comes to my mind is that the universe makes no mistakes. It is above my pay grade to even begin to judge with whom one should or should not love or experience a sexual act that I could not interject my opinion either way other than to support the freedom of my fellow brethren as long as the acts do not hurt, violate or demean the young, innocent or non-consenting. Our world would be a lot less colorful and wonderful without our diverse tribes of lovers. 

So, I must confess being a little surprised when Pope Francis recently advocated for same-sex civil unions which is a major departure from the position held by the Vatican’s doctrinal office. The Church has finally started to catch up with the times definitely ushering in a welcomed sentiment. But, how many of you find this strange? There is no doubt the range and influence of the Catholic Church globally. Just the meer sight of a priest or minister in full religious garb generates compliance and reverence. Yet, we have all been made painfully aware of the “down low” sexual abuse of children within the church that has also come under scrutiny. Perhaps this reckoning ignited a sea change from within the ministry forcing divine judgement as well as an acknowledgement that religion need not police the bedroom of others – – at least not until it gets its own house in order. 

We also have non-traditional religious leaders coming under scrutiny for misdeeds including Justin Bieber’s Pastor, Carl Lentz from the mega-church Hillsong. He was fired for “moral failures” after an alleged affair with a consenting adult woman. What I found most interesting about this story was not the affair but the appearance of the minister who one might view as a “millennial hipster” with a certain “swagger“. Nontraditional in his religious garb and teachings, his followers still held the same reverence and respect for him as a religious leader. Yet, in looking at him, I wonder how many would have dismissed him outright simply on his appearance alone. Many of his followers have stated that he did a lot of wonderful things within his community and for his parishioners.

Trusted organizations like the Boy Scouts of America are also coming under scrutiny where at least 92,000 men have filed sex abuse claims against them. This story was heartbreaking especially after speaking with a fellow tribe member and former boy scout. There was no sexual abuse involving him just memories about misogynistic teachings that helped to influence him as a young child. I couldn’t help but picture the Boy Scout uniforms, pressed and clean, signifying a safe place for young boys to explore masculinity. Perhaps, the uniform nulled everyone into complacency without realizing that even within its walls, wolves in sheep’s clothing often lurk as well. I have empathy for the boys but I hope they will find justice and peace while also healing from past trauma and unlearning any form of toxic masculinity that may have been instilled by its leadership.

ישוע

Besides the obvious reaction of outrage or compassion, what else can possibly be inferred from the stories above? For me, we are experiencing a kind of internal angst in America in many areas related to equal rights and protections, not just for some, but for all of our citizenry. The issues involving sexual abuse and misconduct are intertwined within the very fiber of our society forcing an assessment within every indoctrination system. We’ve also learning the hard lessons that you cannot judge people by appearances alone. Those who have been violated and oppressed have stated their case publicly before the world but it is the support of the “others” that can make all the difference. MEN supporting women’s right to choose, freedom from sexual harassment and rape, and equal pay and opportunity. HETEROSEXUALS supporting homosexual rights to love whomever they choose without discrimination with the opportunity for marriage. NON-BLACKS supporting black lives to live without oppression and fear just like their sons and daughters. And, ADULTS standing up for the safety and the well-being of children is always needed. 

We have to also learn to embrace both our similarities and differences as humans too, including our feminine and masculine sides, in order to not fear these energetic frequencies in others. This would go beyond outer appearances which can often be deceiving. A radical kind of unconditional acceptance of “others” is revolutionary. The collective agenda for humanity and our planet has to mean more than the individual self interest, even though one’s SELF interest still matters. It is only through this type of thinking that we really secure the precious gift of freedom that we’ve been bestowed. Perhaps, one day our external “suits” will more closely match the better angels of the human heart.

As the 2020 election closed, I wondered like others what drama awaits. This is not a pessimistic statement in the least. As poet Maya Angelou once surmised, I simply believe people when they show me who and what they are (inside and out). So it should come as no surprise the behavior we see exhibited by our current leadership, specifically “45 and crew”. It is still discouraging and even heartbreaking to witness the potentially dangerous theater from the sidelines. I only wish my grandfather could have gotten an opportunity to see this moment. He would know what to say using simply and poetic prose even if it only made you laugh so that you did not cry. Perhaps, he would say, “a hit dog will holla” or the bible quote Peter:2:22, “A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.” Something would’ve been said for sure to sum up the current state of our union. No matter what happens, however, a moment like this will go down in his-tory as an extraordinarily low point for the United States of America.

So today, I find myself exploring the idea of accountability leading to repentance. To be accountable means to take responsibility for one’s actions, whether in success or failure. It is a sign of maturity, integrity and honor to stand in your own circumstances especially after a win or defeat. Your conduct is a reflection of your authentic self (not a persona brilliantly constructed to a mask the real you). Depending on how one responds, both grace and forgiveness can lie beneath the “veil” when you can demonstrate the important characteristic traits of high moral fortitude. These times have exposed a huge character void in the populous not just for “45 and crew” but within humanity itself as we witness a spiritual struggle between our darker impulses and the better angels of the human spirit.

“I made decisions. I accept the ramifications of those decisions. No one forced me to take that person as my accountant; no one forced me to take that person as my lawyer. No one forced me to believe what they were saying. That was on me,” he said. “I don’t have time to sit back and say I was wronged and recapture all that was lost.”

Wesley Snipes, Actor

Coincidentally, I stumbled upon a story about actor, Wesley Snipes, commenting on his release from a two and a half year stint in prison for tax evasion. Although I am not a huge fan, I was impressed with his response reflecting both humility and accountability. If you ever wondered what it sounds like when someone finally takes responsibility, this is it on a silver platter. His response signaled that he learned a valuable life lesson. He fully repented for his past mistakes which is all one can do after a human error or fall from grace even if not entirely due to your own actions. The actor professed to becoming a “better person” while gaining “20/20  vision” in hindsight. It will remain to be seen if he will uphold this commitment since everyone seems to find “Jesus” or ישוע when their freedom, health or life style is in jeopardy. 

As harsh as this may sound, this is why we often need challenges to trigger radical change. Pain and suffering can have a healing effect for those who have been broken, corrected and molded by its harsh judgement. Trust me, I speak from personal experience caused by the many mistakes (hard&black trUth) in my own life (personal and professional) that permanently changed my beliefs and actions triggering a desire to be and do better in the future. One can teeter on becoming bitter at first as the karmic wheels go round and round, illuminating the issues but eventually we all learn to do what we have to do to change our circumstances – – or not.

As we’re all made to look at the transition theater leading to the new Biden/Harris administration, we must try not to despair or fret as the political drama unfolds. Everything is happening as it should to correct “US” as a collective. Unfortunately, it may get a little more embarrassing, hurtful and even potentially dangerous as the rhetoric escalates. If we would have addressed the difficult issues within our country prior to now, perhaps the current angst would not be necessary. But, we resisted the call for healing (systemic racism, poverty, violence against women, child abuse, etc). We resisted the alarm to change our indoctrination systems. We resisted the trumpets telling us to think differently about each other and our world. What may come next could be surprising and disconcerting but a Nu thing is being done. The process for manifesting an extraordinary love affair or work of art is quite intense, taking time and energy to produce a thing of such beauty. The call to create “a more perfect union” will require no less effort if we really want to get it right (ok maybe not perfect …. just a little bit better) – – next time.