This time of year always brings me to thoughts of renewal. It invites us to re-evaluate and take stock in the greater possibilities that come with us coming together as people with a resolute conviction to use the best of individual leadership and unique differences to influence some positive contribution in our world.
The Very Reverend Alan Jones, Dean of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, a well-known sanctuary for civic dialogue with doors open to all traditions, shared these options in a recent message that transcend society and business. He wrote, "There are three things that all people of goodwill can do:
- Bond together in gratitude before the gift of life on this planet,
- unite in service of humankind and this generous host of an earth, and
- move wondrously and amicably into the future with hope.
He affirms this message is an inclusive one as he affirms these to-dos with an excerpt from poet Adrienne Rich:
"I have to cast my lot with those who age after age, perversely, with
no extraordinary power, reconstitute the world."
What I've always loved about Dean Alan Jones perspective is how he draws us all together. In my book, Putting Our Differences to Work, he shares a personal story. He offers,
"... Each of us matters, and each of us is here to make a difference in the world. In the not-for-profit sector of society, particularly the church, we work to help people learn to accept themselves. Perhaps this work is not so different in a business, school, or community. On some level, we are all trying to help people learn to trust in themselves enough to serve others in some important way.
Diversity and inclusion are about the solidarity of the human experience where everyone has a unique place in what I call the divine ecology. No one is dispensable. What would it take to challenge and overcome our sexism, our racism, our homophobia, and our biases against newcomers toward those who don’t speak our language? There is a lot of talk about family values—a good thing, depending on how generous one’s vision is of this family. From my faith perspective, there is but one human family. We are all in a community where everyone—without exception—is respected. The message is, You are invited to participate, whoever you are. You matter and can make a difference in the world around you."
What contribution will you make?
What's your point of view?
Best...
Debbe
Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
author, Putting Our Differences to Work
new book!
Putting Our Differences to Work
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership and High Performance
by Debbe Kennedy ▪ Berrett-Koehler ▪ May 2008 – Hardcover
PRE-ORDER a copy at AMAZON.COM
Foreword by Joel A. Barker, futurist, filmmaker and author
Paradigms: The Business of Discovering the Future
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