February Reflections

Moving Toward Beloved Community

One small step for African Americans...
One giant leap for all people toward beloved community.
When I was growing up as a privileged, white boy in the South, many people probably assumed that a man would walk on the moon before a black man would walk into the White House as President of the United States. Neither was likely or possible, and if a man was to walk on the moon it would surely be the more significant event in the history of Mankind. We were correct about timing but not necessarily about historic significance.

On January 20, 2009, the day that Barack Hussien Obama officially became President of the United States of America, one of the most difficult, impossible, and significant events to imagine in American and human history finally occurred. Acting on the sacrifice, suffering, and service of generations, enough people finally stood up and took action, and an incredible man of color and service stepped into leadership not just for America but for those of us who believe and struggle to live in Beloved Community.

The meaning and significance of the impossible made possible in our lifetimes could be seen and experienced in the faces and eyes of the millions of people of all colors, cultures, religions, and ages from all over the world who turned out, came together, flooded public spaces, shed tears, held hands and each other and honored these wondrous events. Many of us literally pinched ourselves to make sure we were not just dreaming!

For me the energy is not about President Obama being a savior or messiah, the energy of these historic days and changes is that more than ever before the people of America and the people of the planet have come together to embrace and make real a dream of a better life, a better America, a better world for all people. Another move, perhaps the biggest yet in human history toward equality, justice, and beloved community.

So as we move into February, Black History Month, here in the US, we can celebrate not only the history of the past but the history of the present, of today, of now!

Gratefully Seeking,
Stephan