perspectives

RISE UP! Reflections on Iraqis voting

by Debbe Kennedy

A few years back, a large pine tree in my yard, beautifully wind-swept into a living sculpture from years of seaside gusts, was taken by a storm of beetles and died. For years, it was the tree that was in view out my window as I’ve worked every day. I won’t be maudlin and say I had a deep emotional attachment to the tree itself, but it had been a welcoming refuge countless times, when I found myself a prisoner of creative block and blank computer screen. To save the other trees, the majestic old pine had to go. Watching it be cut down and chopped up was sad. It left a gaping void in the soul of the neighborhood. Neighbors slowed as they passed in their cars, taking in the unexpected change and loss. Some even stopped by to question why? and what happened?

Six months has passed. We planted a new cypress tree in its place. It was hardly a substitute. A short while later, I stopped, before going into the house one evening, to see how the new cypress tree was doing. The real miracle was in discovering that two new little pine trees had sprung
up all on their own. They had made their way up through all the might of the rocky soil pressing heavy on them---responding to Life’s Calling to rise up. Today, they are standing two very proud feet high. They made the choice not to give up---to accept responsibility for their own destiny. The same calling that comes to each of us when we stand at a crossroads that we didn't perhaps expect.

Today amidst all the risk and hype, I couldn't help see this same determination in the faces of Iraqi voters as their pictures flashed across the screen. There is a beauty in courage---responding to Life's Calling to rise up!

May they be blessed with peace. May we all be blessed with this kind of courage in our own lives.

Debbe
http://www.debbekennedy.com
http://www.globaldialoguecenter.com
Adapted from After a Storm the Birds Sing by Debbe Kennedy
Copyright 2002 Debbe Kennedy

The Power of One

Recently I ran across a message that Anne Frank left behind. It showed up on my desk this morning when it seems the whole world needs it most. She said,

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."

So I commit myself to taking another positive step forward today in my relatively small realm of influence. Imagine the power if all of teamed up with the same notion.

I'm asking that question of myself...and now I ask you...

What contribution will you make today? Any inspiring ideas?

Debbe
http://www.globaldialoguecenter.com

Thoughts on the eve of the Iraqi elections

The Iraqi elections are on my mind. It is hard to overlook the reality of the fear that must be held in the hearts of so many about this day in Iraq as it begins to unfold, regardless of the mainstream news hype that is spreading the word that it is all is so exciting. One can understand that voting for the first time is exciting for those in safe places outside of Iraq, but you can almost feel the deep sorrow and fear crying out across the world from those sitting the in the rubble and risk that started with the first Bush bomb.

• I ache for the children and all the innocent.
• I cheer for those who find a ray of hope in their vote amidst the destruction of life and country.
• I pray for the soldiers and civilians who will bravely sacrifice their lives for an ill-conceived, poorly managed war they did not ask to fight.

I want to believe in the good, but today my heart is heavy. I pray for peace. Will you?

Debbe

Recommended reading:
Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins
This book is a wake-up call for us all. Learn more about what others are saying and join in the conversation. http://www.globaldialoguecenter.com/24-7-conversations.html

A new beginning

Life begins each morning. It always comes---flowing, moving, changing---to ask more of us. Today I hear a new calling as I start this On a Woman's Path blog. It is asking for still another commitment to think, question, explore, pay attention, connect with others and be in constant dialogue with my own thoughts and with others. I dedicate this ongoing conversation to the missteps, milestones and miracles that arrive on my path and I assume yours too. As I think about them, I am reminded of Maya Angela's wisdom, "I note the obvious differences between each sort and type, but we are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike."

I start writing with a sense of gratitude about this powerful virtual medium that makes it possible for us to reach across time and distance. Rumi was so right, "There is a place between voice and presence where information flows...". I hope mine will flow to you...and yours to me.

Debbe
http://www.globaldialoguecenter.com