Dreams, action, and justice

There is not much that I feel like I can say right now. It has been a tough week, although I did have a birthday and I continue to ponder my Camino. Finding words to write about that is difficult, but on the other hand, maybe more important than ever now!

In any case, this song has been on my mind since Tuesday night, so I put it here to begin the week. Nothing is over really, in fact things have just begun.

Don’t dream it’s over because what’s past is past. Go forward in courage and hope, with action. Yes – action, social and political action. This is not about political parties in the end, it is about justice and the common good. Find a path and go forth.  One more thing, while the song uses the word “they,” I won’t do so. That keeps us stuck where we are.  No being stuck, go forth. I’m not as concerned about “they them us” as I am about justice.

Last night I read and reposted these words from a Facebook friend, Gawain de Leeuw, an Episcopal priest from White Plains, NY. They really resonated for me, and maybe will help you as well. Although the great organizer that he is speaking of is Saul Alinsky, I am reminded that the Great Organizer Jesus Christ showed us everything we need to know about power and its uses for good.

Years ago, a group of organized citizens were going to meet with some public officials about a jobs and public safety issue. They got to the room early, and there was a stage. On the stage were five seats, presumably for the public officials. In the audience were the twenty seats for the citizens.

The citizens decided to take the five seats on the stage.

The public officials were flummoxed when they arrived. They tried to rearrange the seats, and to gain control of the room. They couldn’t. The tables had literally been changed. They were forced to listen to the demands of the citizens, and experience their power.

The great organizer says: don’t let people take the power you do have away from you.

And remember the words that should guide our hearts, knowing that no matter how low, keep going high.  It is the only way. Don’t dream it’s over – let’s act to make things just.