by Craig Thompson
“Most revolutionaries do not really want change...they want exchange”
Vusumi Make, in Angelou, The Heart of a Woman
As we prepare ourselves for 2002, it is crucial that we reflect on the challenges and victories of 2001. The holiday season should provide us with a wonderful opportunity to think about and plan for a future, both individually and collectively. Unfortunately, many people become captured by the symbolism of the holidays, and lose sight of the powerful potential for change which exists during this time.
Individuals all around the world are given a period of time to recharge their spiritual, familial and social energies, and to create a strategy for the new year. Most important, we are offered an opportunity to bear witness to a model of success, and celebrate the birth and life of a true revolutionary. The example set by Jesus of Bethlehem clearly demonstrates the power of transformation, both spiritually and personally, which can strengthen any environment. I strongly believe that one of the most revolutionary things that we can do is be ourselves, and work against the images and forces which encourage us to be other than ourselves.
Revolution is defined, in part, as “a total or radical change; as, a revolution in one's circumstances or way of living.” Dictionary.Com. If we are sincere about improving the environment for ourselves and our progeny, we must do more than talk about justice, freedom, revolution and change - we must become the change by embracing the revolutionary idea of changing the way we do things. While preparing for the new year, consider the following suggestions, and get ready for the revolution!
Spiritual Awareness - Our confidence in ourselves and our success should be as natural as the flow of blood through our veins. Read the guidelines and principles of whatever spiritual text you rely upon with an eye toward understanding and application, not simply memorization. If we truly accept that nothing is impossible with faith even as small as a mustard seed, how can we possibly believe that we cannot change our immediate and surrounding circumstances?
Family Stability - For African Americans, the creation and maintenance of stable family units, regardless of the definition and composition, is indeed revolutionary. Consider the fact that a primary goal of the slavery system was to destroy the foundation of family, the core of personal and social growth. We must work toward reestablishing that foundation.
Financial Responsibility - Robert Woodson once stated, “there are two revolutions going on in America, an economic and political revolution. If you’re in the political revolution, that’s the one that’s televised. The economic one is not.... If you have economic power, you vote every day with your money. If you have political power, you vote only once every two years.” We give and take away power every day with our dollars. We must recognize and respect the true value and power of money, and use it wisely.
Educational Commitment - Rapper Ice Cube asked a simple but profound question, “why are more n----s in the Pen (penitentiary) than in college?” It should go without saying that educational attainment is one the most important factors in achieving success. Everything from a college degree to a great set of books can assist with the elevation of our minds and communities.
Emotional Restraint/ Discipline -Over-consumption of material and non-material things has created addictive personalities in our families and neighborhoods.
The desire to keep up with the “Joneses” has driven some of us into the throes of bankruptcy and forced many of us into deep despair. Many of these problems can be radically changed by working on establishing greater self discipline. Think very carefully before making purchases, engaging in certain activities and spending time with certain people. We must view our lives as individual communities, and ask if certain expenditures will add to or take away from the community (self). In addition, we must ask if certain activities or people will benefit or hurt the community. As simple as it sounds, it takes a great deal of work. Once mastered, we can achieve a number of goals.
Physical Well Being - AIDS, hypertension, cancer, depression and a host of other physical and psychological ailments are destroying our future. The greatest enemy of our physical well being has been us. If we want to start and maintain the revolution, we have to be here to see it through! We must think carefully about what we place in our bodies, as well as how we treat our bodies physically and sexually. Remember that we are descendants of those who endured and survived some of the most physically challenging external forces in history. Certainly we can refrain from stuffing ourselves with too many sweets, or recklessly sharing our bodies with people who may not have our total well being in mind.
The power we should receive from celebrations during the holiday season and the dawning of the new year cannot be taken lightly. It is my belief that the way we enter the year plays a key role in how the year will develop. Let’s be revolutionaries! Let’s change the way we do things, and work daily toward a very basic but necessary personal and community goal: success.
Craig Thompson is an attorney, lecturer, writer and host of weekly radio and television shows. At age 32, Craig is a highly sought after public speaker, addressing topics such as leadership, goal setting and self-esteem. He has spoken across the country at churches, schools, colleges and to civic organizations. He can be reached at cathompson42001@yahoo.com
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