A young woman, age 18, shares her story to a group of people touring the facilities of the Goodwill of Central Texas. Not a dry eye can be seen among this group of about twenty people.
The young woman is a new employee at Goodwill. She briefly shares her past, that she has a two year old son, and how blessed she is to have brought herself to Goodwill to put her life on a new track. And, how grateful she is for the people who have coached and mentored her to be where she is and for the hope she has of continuing her education to become a paralegal. Goodwill serves and encourages thousands of people like this young woman, every day.
Why Is America The Greatest Country?
The next day, a friend shared a video that challenges a question from another young woman to a panel of people for an answer to the question "Can you say why America is the greatest country in the world?" While all the answers carry some truth with them (and they are actors), the final response gets to the heart of the matter and grabs one's soul with a clear message that the time is now for the People of America to reclaim its greatness. To set aside our fears and embrace what it truly takes for America to once again become that leader in all aspects of humanity, family and community.
Where Do You Stand In Your Community?
I have a unique opportunity to witness this greatness in the making. From the young woman at Goodwill to various other community and church organizations offering a hand up versus a hand out. And, I am blessed to know many successful men and women who have the means and the time to also offer themselves as servants to encourage, coach, mentor, lead and work along side others like the young woman at Goodwill.
In spite of all the negative media, scare tactics of politicians and misguided pundits - there are people in all walks of life, no matter their race, beliefs, points of view or status, who are living and working together in ways that was only a dream a few decades ago.
While the media pundits parrot meaningless, divisive declarations and politicians rant, rave and blame others - We The People have been pursuing dreams and visions that have created the cornerstone for America to truly become the greatest nation on earth, once again. And, this is not about becoming the greatest. It's more about America being the model for servant leadership to the world.
This is happening deep within our communities. This cannot come from some new or revived government program. Government has its place, but it is not to be the caretaker for all people. Caretakers are for those who cannot care for themselves and those who are dying. Just the word "caretaker" clearly says that one is taking care of another or from this perspective "taking care away" from another. For America to become great again, people must feel and know the dignity of work and making things happen for themselves and others.
When the People thrive, families, schools, places of worship, the workplace and communities thrive. I clearly see and hear how young and old are coming together, setting aside tired, old rhetoric and prejudices in order to participate and work together to make a difference.
It is happening. Young men and women are listening and hearing the passionate words from the video referenced above. Such impassioned words and the acts of servant leadership they personally witness - give them the hope to believe it is truly possible for them to participate and realize what has been an impossible dream. How are you assisting others to dream and believe in themselves?
I see America's greatness growing by leaps and bounds each day. It is happening through the lives of thousands and thousands of individuals who each day choose to be a better person and pursue a better life for themselves, their families and communities.
Where Are You? Where Do You Want To Be?
Which community do you find yourself and what is your level of collaborative participation?
More about this infographic - Framing Common Sense. (download pdf)
Keep up the great works you are doing,
~Alan
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