Frank Newsome explores his struggle with finding some unity in diversity. In this politically divided time is their a chance at claiming each other’s basic humanity?
The Soul Cafe ‘where life is served-up freshly brewed’. As always to get our minds and hearts to open up we might just need a Rude Awakeing (by Della Mae and permission by Della Mae and Concord Music). Wake us up Della Mae!
Are we not all struggling right now? People on both sides of the fence yelling at each other and yelling at ourselves—yes, we are a divided people. Now we are not calling for some kind of blind unity (Kum ba Yah) that means absolutely nothing—maybe we need to figure out some ways to get around the table—-and listen to each other—to sense each other’s humanity—lots of listening.
Getting around the table—starting with basic humanity. We quote a little from the book SAVING GRACE—Speak Your Truth, Stay Centered, and Learn to Coexist with People Who Drive you Nuts by Kirsten Powers. We talk a little about famous odd couples of differing political and other persuasions—and how they found common humanity.
Bell Hooks said “How do we hold people accountable for wrongdoing and yet at the same time remain in touch with their capacity to be transformed”.
We pause to ponder having Room at the Table for everyone by listening with permission from singer-songwriter Carrrie Newcomers song—ROOM AT THE TABLE. “but there is room at the table for everyone—-so pull up a chair”
Then we focus a little on Frank’s wife Jill’s new buisness in retirement—BEANS AND SPROUTS—beanssprouts.com —one way of making room for everyone is justice—-selling fair trade and organic coffee where the farmers around the world are getting a fair wage and helping to transform their communites—Drink Coffee and Be the Change. And selling local organically grown herbs and plants. Also selling Sweet Justice products by (Deans Beans) organic and fair trade dark chocolate disc and hot cocoa mix—giving 10% of the sales to a local agency named—Benevolence Farm near Graham, NC helping formerly incarcerated women to have room at the table.
Frank then switches gears slightly by pointing out that this whole struggle is not about opposing sides not standing for anything—as the Dali Lama says, “if you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion” which leads us even among division to declare humanity for all—-so………………………..
VOTE AS IF
Your skin is not white
Your parents need medical care
Your spouse is an immigrant
Your land is on fire
Your child is transgender
Your house is flooded
Your sister is a victim of gun violence
Your brother is gay
Your water is unsafe
Because Privilege has no place in an Election, But Empathy Does!
Winding down today….an Armenian American writer William Saroyan penned these words in his breakthrough article “The Daring Young Man on the flying Trapeze”, published in 1934. You might say this is a rousing piece of advice that reads like a rallying cry to live life to its fullest: “Try to learn to breathe deeply, really to taste the food when you eat, and when you sleep really sleep. Try as much as possible to be wholly alive, with all your might, and when you laugh, laugh like hell. And when you get angry, get good and angry. Try to be alive.”
Yes, it is almost Halloween—crazy how for some that even divides people—but I say get out there—let your bones rattle—pull out the witches—strobe lights—fog machine—-and laugh with the whole neighborhood—we are in this together—and be ready for some good ole gratitude humanity as Thanksgiving approaches.
We head off into nature—as Della Mae sings—For the Sake of My Heart———just maybe the table needs to be outside—all humanity breathing the same air—watching the change of seasons
The Soul Cafe—the table is large enough for all—-see you next time.