Visions and Warriors
21 January 2013
Good evening on this fine day of remembering Martin Luther King Jr. and not just his dying but more importantly his living. He was one of a very rare group of people who felt strongly enough about a vision to go after it and walked in a wisdom that far outdistanced his earthly years. I had the privilege of going on a spiritual retreat to Memphis last year in April and actualy walked the same earth as he did right before his untimely death. I got to see the temple where he gave his last speech and walk through the Civil Rights Museum that has absorbed the Lorraine Motel and it resonated deep within my sprit. I was just another young white rebel without any cause but what pleasured me back then and I wept as I walked through the museum and motel.I saw a special this evening on the Bobby Kennedy campaign and his speech in Indianapois the night that Martin Luther King Jr. was assasinated and saw within Kennedy that same intensity of vision that drives some people into greatness regardless of the cost. I started reminiscing and remembered Dawn speaking of a trans sister who had been very active here in Louisville until she moved to a western state. Dawn felt that this sister had abandoned her post within the local community. The sister was just ready to get on with her personal life and pass the baton to the next generation to carry. She didn't abandon her vision or this community but rather continued on her personal journey of life. As I sit here and consider all of activity within our community in the political and religious realms I can picture only a handful of people for almost any event. They are the Warriors who have laid hold of a vision worth both living and if neccesary dying for. THEY ARE ALL JUST NORMAL EVERYDAY PEOPLE WHO HAVE SOLD OUT TO A VISION! I have come to understand that though each vision may be focused on a small area individualy together they encompass the bigger vision of fairness, justice, equality and those God given rights we are all entitled to. I am a christian and my personal vision is to reach the entire church community with the knowledge that we are each created uniquely by God Himself and as brothers and sisters by our spiritual DNA we need to tear down walls and build bridges of communication and understanding. That is my vision but it is not the only vision, it is just one small facet of the greater vision. I have found myself going through a time of inner searching for who I am at the core, you know that place inside only you can get to. I have questioned whether my life of the past few years has been positive and productive, has been a true reflection of my personal vision. I must confess I have come up lacking unfortunately far to often but I have been encouraged to press on, to pick myself up, dust off and try again. I do not have the total abandon to my vision like Martin Luther King Jr., Bobby Kennedy or so many others had but I still have many days ahead of me to correct my committment to my vision and press on. I consider Gideon, King David, Joshua and Jesus who totally gave themselves to a greater calling and it encourages me to see the humble beginnings of these great warriors. I may never attain the place they have reached in history but I can create a legacy within in my own life and the life of others that may become a baton for somone else to pick up and pursue the vision closer to its' reality. Well the evening has slipped away and I believe I will retire now and in m prayers ask the Father for a new intensity to fill my spirit and cause me to press on anew to the vision and destiny that lays before me beckoning. Be Blessed in your endeavors and never forsake your dreams or visions.
Charlena Marie Andews
