OLD WOUNDS, NEW TIMES - 2008 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

By: Sandi Stewart

In discussion about a class project with my daughter, now a college freshman, we revisited and reanalyzed a movie we had seen some time ago, Rosewood.  As we took another look at this movie, what also resurfaced were the buried emotions - the anger, rage, disgust and certainly the mistrust - that stirred during the course of viewing this film.  Like so many who may have justified suppressing these very real feelings, as opposed to dealing with them head on, I was able to rationalize my denial of these feelings by telling myself, 'that was another time, things are different now'. 

This is the dilemma we as Americans are faced with as the presidential election of 2008 plays out.  For a very long time, we have deluded ourselves into believing we have evolved as a nation; that we have long since 'buried the hatchet', and all is well between the races.  In light of this being 2008, we have concluded this as a truth.  In 2008, aren't people of color and any other minority, as long as income permits, allowed to live in whatever community they desire?  With academic achievements in hand, aren't minorities now possessing positions and careers based on sheer talent and ability without the stigma of having acquired such through affirmative action?  Yet certainly the most persuasive argument that speaks to our maturing as a people, is the number of interracial marriages and/or relationships that make up our census reports; shouldn't this be the litmus test?  But contrary to what we have believed about ourselves as a nation thus far, we have come face to face with the man in the mirror.  With heated debates of racial issues being dialogued on both sides of the fence, it is time for America to take off the 'rose-colored glasses'.  

I believe God has used this campaign as a platform to give us the opportunity to once and for all fix the huge crack in our foundation.  Our actions and beliefs that are rising to the top during this election are diametrically opposed to the statement in the pledge of allegiance that states "one nation under God'.  The United States of America has promoted herself as the leader of the free world, yet what is  playing out on stage before the entire planet, is a nation not willing to admit the depth of the wound that racism has inflicted on us.  We have allowed this infectious disease to go untreated for so long that generations have been infected with the hatred that is rotting away the moral fiber of what we were called to be.  

We as a nation are a land of endless opportunities, and as such can we really afford not to take this divine opportunity to 'get it right'?  Even more than this being the 2008 presidential election, this is our time and season to emerge victorious because we choose to seize our destiny and mandate as "one nation under God indivisible". 

We as a people are now at a crossroads.  This is not based on who we as individuals choose to vote for, but as a people comprised of many races and nationalities that make up the scope of the citizens of the USA, to examine ourselves and heal wholly.  At this unprecedented time in the history of our beloved nation, each of us must decide how we will proceed forward, and what will be the legacy we leave the generations yet born.  

We have to ask ourselves the 'hard' questions -- did I do my part to maximize the sheer and unbridled potential of where this nation could go, if we were to eradicate this beast of racism? Or will you choose to instead remain stuck in the quicksand of hatred?  These are questions to be addressed by members of every race, as the racism that exists is perpetuated by all.  So let us examine ourselves "for as he thinks in his heart, so is he".  So the charge - ARISE, AMERICA, ARISE!   

Synchronicity in and of itself, is a level. To dissect this concept is a task, but let’s give a try. 

Synchronicity basically defined is random events happening, with seemingly no connection whatsoever, but actually being connected AND giving the clue to the next step in order to move forward. 

The secret to synchronicity is being present enough in our lives to recognize them as ‘breadcrumbs along the path’. 

The next step is much harder than recognizing the clues but trusting the path they lead you down. This is extremely hard and daunting as most of us have our own plans, dreams and aspirations. Yet in having our own ideas about our lives, we negate the scripture that says 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

At the end of the day, once we truly trust the process and allow the nudging of synchronistic events guide us along the way, we’ll begin to notice the strategic placing of the people around us, people who need to give themselves permission as well… 

Bottom line, follow the signs and trust the process. But most of all, enjoy the ride!