Thursday; October 3

In an era when we like to pigeon-hole people based upon superficial characteristics Condoleezza Rice gives us problems.  She was raised in Alabama and educated at Notre Dame.  She is an African-American Republican who served as the Secretary of State under President George Bush.  In a sense, she is kind of a breath of fresh air in the modern world of preconceptions.  Now, the reason I bring her up isn’t about what she has done, rather it is because of what she said.  The other day I read a quote where she observed, “What has always made our country special is that it doesn't matter where you come from; it matters where you're going. Our job is to make certain the pathways are open to both our boys and our girls.”.  Folks, I grew up in a time and place where we were told that anyone could grow up and become president.  While I don’t believe that is 100% accurate, I do believe that Ms. Rice hits the nail on the head when she says that our society will be at its best when we open up avenues for all of our young people to be successful.  Yes, there is value in learning our history; but only when it allows us to improve our future.  Are there dark places in our past – absolutely – but, what matters from here on out is providing people with the chance to become all they can be. 
What are we doing to help our young people be successful?  Are we supplying them with tools that will prepare them for true success?  Are we giving them the education and social skills necessary to help them reach their potential?  The reason this question is important is because we aren’t just talking about schools, this is a responsibility for all of us.  As parents, neighbors, community members, mentors, teachers, coaches and leaders we have a chance to help grow the next generation one person at a time.  Are we up to the task?  Not only does their future rely on our being invested in them, so does our legacy.
         Think About It!

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