Learning

By bjaybrooks on
Frost-covered tree branches and fern leaves in a winter woodland
Frost-covered branches glow softly against a blurred winter woodland at dawn.

The first frost will be this Saturday. The Holidays are here. Meaningful change has come. Few times in life is change needed or wanted more than now. Fear has gripped our hearts. Not the fear of the unknown…the fear of the demonstrated cruelty to our fellow human family. The cruelty is one terrible layer…the rejoicing in and approval of the cruelty is the scary reality of our times.

Christ kneels beside an elderly woman in a candlelit stone village surrounded by villagers.
Christ kneels compassionately beside an elderly woman as villagers gather with food and concern.

No political party has the corner on faith. Progressive Christians are people of faith. Denominational people of faith are apparent in the recent lights…Christianity was never hijacked…it was never coopted…Christ message is not locked in by rhetorical meanness.

Comic-style march at the Capitol with signs reading “THE FAITHFUL MARCH,” “WE MARCH!,” “PROGRESSIVE CHRISTIANS FOR JUSTICE,” “LOVE THY NEIGHBOR,” “FAITH & ACTION,” “FAITH, NOT HATE,” “COMPASSION OVER POLITICS,” and “TO THE PEOPLE’S HOUSE!”
A diverse crowd marches toward the Capitol carrying messages of faith, justice, love, and compassion.

Most of us regardless of political party do not accept hate and cruelty as part of doing business in today’s society. We can learn…we can be better. I have known important folks with some power and influence. They were class acts. Considerate and kind. Examples of aspirational goals. Politics should not be a blood sport nor the life we lead. There are things more important than money.

Laughing man imagines leaders and diverse families with compassion and unity messages
A laughing man imagines a colorful scene celebrating compassion, unity, and care for all Americans.

I think about reality and how we each perceive it. After seeing the recent documentary regarding Elizabeth Holmes I left the theatre believing she held fast to her reality that Theranos was legitimate. Certainly the idea of it was captivating…the realization of it was that the Edison machine designed to test over 200 blood samples from a nano container of blood did not function when she said that it did. Many powerful people wanted Elizabeth to succeed. Her company was worth 10 billion dollars. The only problem was Ms. Holmes reality was not the reality of the investors and the trusting people that received incorrect blood tests.

I have worked around leaders who slowly lost touch with reality. It is not a pretty sight. Usually their reality centered on what was best for them. Their leadership…thinking…was insular. They thought little or none about how their actions affected those they lead. This phenomenon happens at all levels of leadership. Often leaders who cannot find their peace…want to affect your peace.

Comic panel reading "NARCISSISTIC LEADERS... THINK OF THEMSELVES AS ALL IMPORTANT..." showing a leader admiring himself while people ask, "WE NEED FOOD," "THE PLAN?" and "MY JOB?"
A self-absorbed leader admires his reflection while the people behind him struggle with basic needs.
Posted in: Uncategorized

Leave a Reply