CHANGE STARTS HERE!

Change has been central to my existence, since I can remember. I am clear that the same is true for each of us. Whether we are activators or bi-products of that change is perhaps a choice.

Born in Mississippi, very early and instinctively, I knew that positive change would not come for me, an African American child born in the 60’s, unless I dared to be a change agent. So, in my own ways, I’ve advocated for transformative difference, change, inherently knowing that progress has its price, but it is a necessary down payment for a hopeful and egalitarian tomorrow.

Theologically educated, and denominationally unfulfilled, I tremendously respect but tend not to focus intently on religiosity, but rather spirituality, as I have observed that Spirit is present and vested in each living thing and every human condition. Painfully, religiosity, in my experience, is not.

Despite my theological and philosophical undergirdings and deep familiarity with adjustments, transitions, and revisions in life, the change of the present day is gripping me in unsettling and disconcerting ways; and then I look around and see others caught up in a whirlwind of life-bending and disheartening dilemmas and requisites. Change. Change, so that they can be back together again with those they miss. Change, so they can have life as they once enjoyed it. Change, so they can get their jobs back and their money back. change, so they can get back to sporting events; so they can finally and safely get the children back to schools… so they can get back to the movie theater. Even change, so they can get back to the job they love or hate, because — one way or the other — it means they can change the depravity of their lives or situation. A change in having more money would help them put food on their tables; help them catch up on the bills, and keep a roof over their heads. Change in eradicating the Corona Virus, perhaps, would help them begin to heal! It would mean they could get back to partying with friends, and hanging out with those they care for and love without worrying about whether their good times and closeness would actually find them laughing themselves to death!

For some, change would mean they could get back to their places of worship in their temples, synagogues, and churches! They could skip their Zoom and Facebook services and begin to…