I woke up this morning with these words burning inside of me:
Remember who you are.
In a world that’s apparently gone insane. In a world that’s filled with fear and anger and injustice and oppression.
Do not get sucked in. Do not get pulled off course.
Yes, you are angry – you have every right to be.
Yes, you are bone-weary and exhausted – you have every right to be.
Yes, you are ready to explode with the injustice of it all.
But wait…
Whether you like it or not, whether you welcome the responsibility or would rather run away –
You are leader.
There are eyes on you.
People look up to you.
People hold you up as an example, as a role model.
As a leader.
And they are right to do so.
Because, my friend, despite your rage and your tears and your despair –
Remember who you are.
You are full of integrity.
You are honest. You are kind. You are fair. You are just. And you do not lash out in at the nearest easy target or join or lead an angry mob.
You take a wiser path. You seek counsel from those who know more.
You act for the greater good, not for personal gain or in the interests of a tiny elite.
Remember who you are.
You are someone who cannot accept “collateral damage.”
You do not incite violence.
You incite peace,
❤️You incite love.❤️
You incite acts of kindness.
That is the ultimate sign of strength, of wisdom and integrity.
It is in fact the most dangerous weapon in times of unrest and anger.
Remember who you are.
Remember who your enemy is.
We are one.
We are united in our humanity.
We are the same.
Even when we are angry with one another, we are one people.
One people.
We have the same blood. We share the same dreams and goals and wishes – to be free, to be safe, to live in dignity and peace.
To have enough to eat, a roof over our heads.
To be able to send children to school, and to have ways to make a living that enable us to protect our families, build a better future and save enough to be able to weather future setbacks.
Remember who you are.
You are kind.
Acts of kindness are far more dangerous than acts of violence.
Acts of kindness are disarming. They break the cycle of violence and anger. They can break through.
They can create and share that thing we all yearn for most of all: peace.
Remember who you are.
You are a peacemaker.
How can you make peace today?
How can you help leaders, help followers, help people to put their anger aside and listen to other people’s views and grievances, without leaping into anger and retaliation and perceived slights and criticism?
Remember who you are.
You are here to make a difference.
You believe in fairness, in justice, in human rights.
You know how to help people confidence, skills, and networks to improve their economic and social standing.
Here’s how:
- You do not look for shortcuts.
- You do not look to grab what you can when no one is looking.
- You look for sustainability.
- You conserve your energy for what matters.
- You focus on the long term, even when your short term needs make you want to scream.
You only have one life.
You may only have one day. Or one hour.
To change the course of your life, of other’s lives –
To change the world.
Choose wisely.
And always, always –
Remember who you are.
#Zimbabwe #RippleEffect #MLKDay
“Injustice anywhere is threat to justice everywhere” – Martin Luther King
PS: If you want support in leading social change, let’s talk!