Awaken the KING in YOU!

Two years ago, our nation and the world witnessed the historic event of the inauguration of President Barack Obama. With this trust came great opportunity, responsibility and challenges. From the near collapse of major financial institutions, and automotive companies that required Federal bail-out money, to the housing industry and double-digit unemployment, which left many Americans homeless and jobless, President Obama took office at the peak of the Great Recession. In the face of brutal realities, President Obama persuaded Americans to trust that his leadership would usher in "CHANGE, WE CAN BELIEVE"! Throughout his campaign for the Presidency, he referred often to what "WE" can do together to create the change so many of us longed for. Two years later, President Obama continues to demonstrate an unwavering resolve to stay the course of creating positive change, in the face of great challenges and opposition. What about you? Edmund Burks stated, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing".

What actions are you taking to contribute solutions to the vast array of challenges faced by your neighborhood, state and nation? Are you engaged in activities that are creating a positive impact OR are you standing on the sidelines, complaining about what hasn't change, what's not right, what's not happening and who isn't doing enough? Can we continue to approach our present level of challenges with the mindset of "business as usual" and expect to experience progress in our neighborhood's and in our nation? Einstein stated, the "problems we face today cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them."

As citizens of the great United States of America, we have a responsibility to take an active role in the governing of our nation and the quality of life we experience. We cannot rest on our laurels or leave our destiny solely in the hands of elected officials, business and community leaders. We have to nurture and sustain at the grass-roots level a spirit of collaboration. It is critical to our individual and collective progress that we consistently leverage our ideas, knowledge and experiences with open dialogue. The diversity of people that color the landscape of our nation is our strength. Within our diversity, we have a wellspring of potential which collectively we've failed to maximize in the best interest of our neighborhoods and nation. To move beyond our present challenges, we have to engage the vehicles in our respective cities and states, that will bring about sustainable growth and progress. We have to be willing to adapt and be flexible to our changing realities. We have to converse with those beyond our comfort zone for the sake of a greater purpose; the progress of our families, neighborhoods and nation. We have to make difficult decisions. Times such as this, defines a generation. What will be the legacy we create as a result of our response to the Great Recession?

Will the history books tell how we rebuilt our country on timeless principles; unwavering faith and persistence in a spirit of collaboration or will they read that we allowed political bickering, religious intolerance, racism and sexism prevent us from stepping up to the challenge with "ALL" hands on deck? This is our moment in time. This is our time of reckoning. Now is the time to awaken the KING in YOU! Martin Luther King Jr. stated, "each of us can be great because each of us can serve."

In the book, The 8th Habit, written by Stephen Covey, he writes, "...this new reality requires us to build on and reach beyond effectiveness. The call and need of this new era is for greatness". This dimension can be accomplished through the nurturing and development of The 8th Habit which is to Find Your Voice and Inspire Others to Find Theirs. Covey further explains, "It is the voice of the human spirit-full of hope and intelligence, resilient by nature, boundless in its potential to serve the common good. This voice...will survive, thrive and profoundly impact the future of the world". Our voice defined by Covey is "the unique personal significance that is revealed as we face our greatest challenges and which make us equal to them".

When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bounds. Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every directions, and you find yourself, in a new, great and wonderful world. -The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali-

When we remember Martin Luther King Jr., its his significant contribution to the Civil Rights Movement, which eventually lead to the realization of the Civil Rights Act that created his legacy of greatness. Dr. King's famous speech, I Have a Dream, prophetically spoke of our nation as one in which the character of a person would have more bearing on his or her opportunities versus the color of his or her race. He spoke of America at its best. The election of President Barack Obama is a moment in time in which America manifested its best self.

With a history of unwavering faith, passionate persistence and enterprising efforts, as a nation we have demonstrated time and again that collectively we are capable of overcoming insurmountable obstacles, defy odd to win in the end. This positive aspect of our nation indicated that when we set our minds towards a unified purpose, we'll not settle for "what is" when "what can be" is possible.

The time is now to Awaken the King that dwells within us, individually and collectively. In a unity of spirit, mind and body, we can usher in Change We Can Believe In. By becoming agents of change, we'll become the much needed catalyst to stimulate growth and progress in our families, neighborhoods and nation. Empowered by mountain moving faith, organized knowledge and effort, sincere concern for the betterment of one another, and our Nation, we can harness the power of our voice to inspire others to find theirs. The significance of our collective contributions will profoundly impact the legacy of our generation and the progress of our family, neighborhood, nation and world. In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, "The future is literally in our hands to mold as we like. But we cannot wait until tomorrow. Tomorrow is NOW".

It's Your Move~Aspire Higher