What Matters

What Matters

Winding along the path

Unsure of my direction

Open and aware, I keep my head up

Opportunities arise to show me even more

To see these young men contemplating the world

“Aren’t you nervous?” my friends ask, as if they are predators

I recognize that fear well

It is unnecessary, I know

Stereotypes are shattered, I cannot tell them apart from myself

“What is wrong with the world?” I ask them.

Disconnection, competition, hierarchy, we agree

Disconnected from one other, disconnected from our purpose

“What is right with the world?” I ask them.

Underneath the problems we have created, lie connection and unity

We are each a cell in the human body of humanity

But still social injustice is alive

The issues of our day, our responsibility

The great chasm between white and black

The empathy within me pricks at my deepest nerve

Telling me to pay attention

God made me for a purpose, a profound one I learn

Will I put my power to use?

Will I be courageous enough to use my gifts now that I can see them?

Will I recognize my responsibility to this world?

Openness brought me knowledge

Knowledge brought me awareness

Awareness has shown me the system needs to change

The power of one

I am concerned and eager

I am passionate and ready

I’ll keep listening and seeking

For clear direction, I am ever so grateful

Because these are the things that matter in life

~Amanda Strang, Spring 2014